MISSION STATEMENT Kalamazoo Valley Community College creates innovative and equitable
opportunities that empower all to learn, grow and thrive.
Dec. 1, 2025
Greetings,
Celebrating student success is one of the great joys of our work at Kalamazoo Valley! We will commemorate student success in a big way during Commencement on Sunday, Dec. 14. We expect great participation from our graduates and a large crowd of family members and friends at Miller Auditorium beginning at 2 p.m.
I am looking forward to hearing from student speaker Alexander Taylor, a leader in our Phi Theta Kappa chapter, who will be receiving his associate of applied science in law enforcement and criminal justice. English instructor John Abbott will provide inspiring faculty remarks and the campus band is returning for the celebration. I hope that you will be able to make time in your schedule to volunteer behind the scenes or to attend this important occasion as an audience member.
Soon, we all will be celebrating the end of the fall semester. Thank you for all that you have done to support our students and to lead them to this happy moment!
Sincerely,
L. Marshall Washington, Ph.D.
President
KV Circle Center Celebrated Opening with a Soft Launch on Nov. 24 Thank you to everyone who attended the unveiling of the new KV Circle Center! The center will offer students essential resources, including food and clothing. Stay tuned for updates. We look forward to serving our students! Thank you to our partners, Advia Credit Union, Kalamazoo County Health and Human Services and Care Collective. For more information, contact Monteze Morales, director of well-being and thriving, at mmorales@kvcc.edu. See more photos here.
Be on Alert for New Malware Scheme We want to make you aware of yet another active social-engineering attack campaign designed to trick Windows users into installing malware. Attackers are displaying a full-screen fake Windowsupdate page, imitating a legitimate system update. This campaign encourages users to press keyboard combinations that silently paste and execute malicious commands.
Never paste or type commands into Run, PowerShell or Command Prompt because onscreen instructions direct you to do so
Close any full-screen "update" or "security check" immediately andreport it to IT
Updated: Training Video on IT Help Ticket System Help us make the IT help ticketing system a system used by all Kalamazoo Valley employees. The process is easy and outlined in this updated training video here. The video will help you locate the IT help ticket system form and see the steps to fill out a help ticket request. Questions? Contact Kimberly Dupree, training and development coordinator, at kdupree@kvcc.edu. Kalamazoo Valley Employee Reimbursement Quick Guide Our employee reimbursement is now fully digital. Need a quick refresher on how to submit an employee reimbursement? Here are the basics. (Watch a step-by-step, how-to video here.)
Meal Reimbursement
No receipts are needed for meals or mileage. Receipts are required for all other expenses. Regular commuting miles cannot be reimbursed.
Nonreimbursable costs
Alcohol, entertainment, late submissions (over 60 days), undocumented expenses, companion travel, laundry for trips under four days, personal items and any traffic or parking fines.
Think FAST
File receipts (except per diems/mileage)
Apply the correct per diem
Submit within 60 days
Track what's reimbursable
How to Access the Form
Go to "MyValley"
Under "Workplace Resources," click on "Etrieve Forms"
Select "Forms," then choose "Employee Reimbursement" under "Business Services"
Reminder: Upcoming Payroll Due Dates Due to the upcoming winter recess, we wanted to send a friendly reminder of the due dates for payroll so you have time to make any necessary adjustments to ensure your reports are properly completed and approved in a timely manner.
Dec. 15, 2025 Payroll:
Employee time sheets are due Friday, Dec. 12
Manager approval of time sheets is due Monday, Dec. 15
Jan. 15, 2026 Payroll:
Employee time sheet submission due date is MONDAY, Jan. 5, 2026
Manager approval of time sheets is due TUESDAY,Jan. 6, 2026
This pay period is a three-week pay and covers the period 12/14/25-1/3/26;full-time hourly employees should enter TOP (time off paid) for the college holidays of Dec. 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31 and Jan. 1, 2.
If you will not be on campus when time sheets are due, please ensure that your time sheet is completed and submitted prior to leaving campus. If you normally approve time sheets and will not be on campus on the due date, please ensure you have a proxy set up to approve your time sheets or approve your time sheets before you leave campus. Alternatively, if you are off campus and have internet access, you can log in to your MyValley account by going to www.kvcc.edu to access the Banner Self Service application to submit and/or approve time sheets.
Please contact the Payroll Department with questions. You may call Anita Gonzales at ext. 4872 or Megan Collins at ext. 4898 or send an email to payroll@kvcc.edu. Higher Learning Commission (HLC) Reaccreditation - Website Lockdown As part of the institution's Higher Learning Commission review, Kalamazoo Valley will be locking down the college's website and all official web pages associated with the college in order to limit changes made prior to Valley's HLC review and visit. The date chosen for this closed access period begins on Dec. 1, 2025. A special IT helpdesk ticketing system must be used by employees who need to request an update to any Valley webpage (a short instructional video showing how to access the helpdesk ticketing system is located here).
After Dec. 1, a special review team comprised of IT personnel and HLC leaders will review and document each change made from this lockdown date through the college's HLC visit on March 16-17, 2026. The college thanks you in advance for using the IT ticketing system, which helps make this process smoother. What does this mean for employees?
Prior to Dec. 1, 2025, employees are encouraged to make timely updates and changes to their web pages. After Dec. 1, employees must use the IT help-ticket system to submit changes that need to be made to Valley websites. Any request made after Dec. 1 outside of the IT ticketing system will not be reviewed nor considered.
Why should you have made changes to department/team web pages prior to Dec. 1?
It is good practice to keep information up-to-date so our students and community members are accessing current and correct information. After Dec. 1, a special review team comprised of IT personnel and HLC leaders will review and document each change made from this lockdown date through our HLC visit on March 16-17, 2026. The college thanks you in advance for using the IT ticketing system, which helps make this process smoother. If you are not familiar with the IT help-ticket system, please click here for a short video training on this process.
HLC FAQs - Criteria for Reaccreditation (Criterion No. 3) Q: What is the main area of focus for Criterion 3 in the reaccreditation process? A: This specific criterion ensures that the institution is accountable for the quality and effectiveness of its educational programs, learning environments and student support services. It confirms that academic rigor and student success are prioritized consistently across all modalities of learning and at all of Kalamazoo Valley's campus locations.
Q: How does the college demonstrate academic rigor across different programs and course formats? A: Kalamazoo Valley maintains clearly defined learning outcomes for each program that aligns with college-level expectations. These outcomes are regularly reviewed and assessed to ensure consistency in rigor, whether courses are delivered online, in person or through a blended learning environment.
Q: What role do faculty and staff play in meeting Criterion 3? A: Faculty and staff are key in the college's delivery of high-quality education and student support services. Criterion 3 emphasizes having sufficient, qualified personnel to ensure effective teaching, advising and student support across all programs.
Q: How does the college show that the institution's "programs engage students in collecting, analyzing and communicating information" as part of Criterion 3? A: This means students are actively involved in research, data interpretation and presenting findings, whether through written reports, presentations or digital media. These skills are foundational across disciplines and prepare students for real-world problem-solving.
Q: How does the college show that it fosters an environment where students are encouraged to practice intellectual inquiry and creative work? A: Students in classes at Kalamazoo Valley engage in critical thinking, the exploration of ideas and creative expression through coursework, projects and experiential learning. This includes activities like scientific experimentation, artistic creation and collaborative problem-solving.
Look for more HLC FAQs in upcoming newsletters or visit thewebpage.
Upcoming Employee Wellness and Engagement Events
Get ready to relax, laugh and connect - all for FREE!
Scan the QR code below to register for a variety of engagement and wellness eventshappening now through February, or click here.
From massagestomovie nights tobowling fun with food, there is something for everyone! Don't miss out - spots are filling up fast.
Let's make wellness and fun a priority together!
Learn more athttps://www.kvcc.edu/engagementandwellness/. These wellness events are being brought to you by the generous wellness grant from the Stryker Johnston Foundation.
Employee Benefits Thank you to everyone who was able to complete their open enrollment. If you were not able to complete it, your current benefits will roll forward into calendar 2026 with the exception of FSA and/or DCFSA. Those two benefits will not roll forward.
Employee Assistance Program Need better sleep? Interested in tools to improve your focus and productivity? Do your managerial skills need polishing? Want help with legal documents like estate planning? Kalamazoo Valley's Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a confidential work-based program that offers more resources than you might think. For more information, click here.
Use access code: worklife
Or call 800.386.7055 anytime
You Are Not Alone -Community Resources Available
Some of our students, coworkers, friends, relatives or even ourselves may need assistance from time to time. The college has a list of community resources on our website. We encourage you to share the list with others.
Retirement Services
Would you like tips for working with a financial professional? Click hereto register for this or other upcoming webcast sessions offered for TIAA members.
It's giving season at Kalamazoo Valley! Kalamazoo Valley Community College's annual campaign for the United Way of South Central Michigan kicks off today, Monday, Dec. 1. All employees will receive an email from UPIC (the agency handling United Way online donations) on Dec. 1. When you receive your email with the donation link, your username will be your work email address and your password will be LiveUnited. Once you log on, you can change your password.
The college offers this United Way campaign because it provides a way for the entire community to pool together their gifts to give sizable grants to local nonprofits. United Way helps our local partners - including grassroots organizations - so that they can focus on delivering services rather than on fundraising. Many of these services have supported our students and our employees. Visit United Way's websiteto see how it invests our donations in local nonprofits.
The last day to submit an online pledge form is Friday, Dec. 12. If you opt for payroll deductions when you give to United Way, deductions will begin with the first January pay date and will continue over 24 pay periods.
If you prefer to give with cash or check, please bring your donation to the Foundation office to Vicki Warkoczeski at ext. 4539 or email vwarkoczesk@kvcc.edu. Emergency Response Procedures Trainings To strengthen our workplace readiness and resilience, all are invited to take part in an emergency procedures training designed to equip you with critical response skills. Register below for one of our two Emergency Response trainings:
December 2025 Events Advance registration is required for the sessions below. This month, continue to sharpen your skills with strategies to prevent workplace conflict and elevate communication. Also, learn all about student organizations in a fun session designed to help you be active with student groups at Kalamazoo Valley.
Workshop - From Tension to Clarity
Thursday, Dec. 4 | 11 a.m. - Noon | Register| TTC, Room 4240 or Zoom
Unlock the power of transformative communication in this interactive workshop. Through discussion of practical strategies noted in the four training videos below, employees will explore how to motivate behavior change, have better conversations and engage in dialogue that promotes innovation across all levels of the college.
All About Student Orgs Friday, Dec. 12 | 11 a.m. - Noon | Register| TTC, Room 4380 orZoom
Student organizations at Kalamazoo Valley wouldn't exist if wasn't for the hard work of student leadership, faculty/staff guidance as advisors and resources that allow clubs to flourish. Join everyone for a fun and informative session which covers:
The process to become an advisor
Ways you can support and engage with student groups
Boost Your Development in Small Doses Below is a series of short training videos designed to strengthen workplace communication. Learn how you can improve collaboration or turn challenges into creative solutions: "The Science Behind Dramatically Better Conversations" [11:47] Find out why the key to connecting better to others is about more than just talking - it's about asking the right kinds of questions. "Addressing Conflict with Care: Simon Sinek's Approach to Workplace Negativity" [3:14] Understand how and why negativity can serve a purpose in the workplace and how to have constructive conversations around it that create opportunities for innovation. "How to Motivate Yourself to Change Your Behavior" [16:48] Hear about three key ingredients you need to do better things for yourself. Learn about how emotion, motivation and social factors influence your expectations and decisions. "The Dos & Don'ts of Workplace Conflict" [6:23] Establish an intentional team culture of navigating conflict smoothly at work with six essentials to do and six key behaviors to avoid in a moment of conflict.
Note: Please check with your supervisor to be sure your work schedule allows you to attend. Also, please plan to bring your own lunch. Questions? Contact Kimberly Dupree, training and development coordinator at kdupree@kvcc.edu.
Enjoy Free Kalamazoo Valley Campus Band Performance Dec. 3 You're invited to the Kalamazoo Valley Campus Band's free winter concert on Wednesday, Dec. 3 at 7 p.m. in the Dale B. Lake Auditorium on the Texas Township Campus. The theme is "A Celebration of Antonio Vivaldi's The Four Seasons."
Dec. 5 Art Hop Features Three Kalamazoo Valley Locations Stroll through three Kalamazoo Valley Community College downtown Kalamazoo venues at the December Art Hop on Friday, Dec. 5! Enjoy a live performance by the Kalamazoo Mandolin and Guitar Orchestra at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum, with free performances at 6 and 7:15 p.m. Next door at Anna Whitten Hall, hear true stories on stage at the first annual Valley Voices Story Hour at 6 p.m. with special musical guest, Hopie Jo. From 5:30 to 8 p.m., check out the opening night of the High School Art & Design exhibit at the nearby Center for New Media. It's Time to Register for the Winter 100 Employee Cardio Challenge! To sign up, use the QR code above or visit this linkon the Wellness and Fitness Center webpage. This wellness activity is sponsored by the Employee Engagement and Wellness Committee and the Wellness & Fitness Center.
Last Chance for Yoga and Pilates Classes Start those New Year's resolutions early. Take advantage of FREE drop-in yoga and Pilates classes held Tuesdays and Thursdays in the Fitness Center through Dec. 11, from 12:05 to 12:45 pm. Check in at the front desk with your Kalamazoo Valley I.D. and enjoy!
Wellness and Fitness Center Adjusted Hours The Wellness and Fitness Center, including the free weight room, will follow the college's adjusted building hours from Dec. 15 - 23, closing early at 5 p.m., and will be closed during the winter recess. It will reopen Jan. 5, with adjusted hours of 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. until classes begin Monday Jan. 12. Note that the pool will remain open through Dec. 19, with adjusted evening hours. Hours are Monday to Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and Monday to Thursday, 3 to 5 p.m. Visit the Wellness and Fitness Center web page for more or call ext. 4184 with questions.
Commencement Speaker Overcame Obstacles to Achieve Success Kalamazoo Valley Community College will celebrate its 93rd commencement ceremony Sunday, Dec. 14 at 2 p.m. at Western Michigan University's Miller Auditorium, located at 2200 Auditorium Drive in Kalamazoo. Board Chairperson Lucinda Stinson will speak along with English instructor John Abbott and student Alexander Taylor, who is graduating with an associate of applied science in law enforcement and criminal justice.
Taylor was inducted into the college's chapter of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), the international honor society for two-year colleges, and led as the chapter's vice president of scholarship for the 2024-2025 academic year. He later continued to serve the student organization as a PTK Michigan regional officer. Taylor overcame several obstacles leading up to his time at Kalamazoo Valley. He says his difficult childhood helped inspire him to pursue his degree.
"They say children become products of their environment, and I was almost a part of that cycle. By the age of 12, I had already gotten in trouble with the law," he said. "I know the value of the system and how it helped me to become a better person, so I wanted to be able to give back in whatever way possible." Read more. Student Spotlight: Nick Talamantez Nick Talamantez is a Kalamazoo Valley Community College nursing student and Kalamazoo Valley Accelerated Associate Program (KVAAP) recipient. He started classes fall of 2024 in the hopes of finding a career and skills to help others. Nick was admitted to the nursing program for the Fall 2025 semester and is excited to learn and apply the skills he learns in his clinical experiences and current work at the hospital. "The program is challenging and rewarding," he said. "Our staff and instructors have a lot of knowledge and encouragement to share. It is clear they care about our success."
Like many students, Nick has a lot to balance. He works and attends classes weekly, trying to make both grades and a budget look good. "It isn't easy right now, costs are high and it is a real challenge to decide if I should use my time to study or pick up extra work hours," he said. This program helps cover the cost of attendance for students in order for them to finish their associate's program on track and on time. "If it weren't for KVAAP, I don't think I could even be in school right now," he added. "It is a blessing that will actually help me get to a better place in life." KVAAP has ongoing enrollment so students may apply to join the program even if they didn't start Kalamazoo Valley as a part of it.
The degree track for the nursing program consists of prerequisite courses followed by a strict two-year schedule that prepares these students to be new nurses shortly after graduation. With staff and students working together for success in both KVAAP and Valley's nursing department, support systems are in place for students' success. "I feel welcomed and supported in both of these programs," Nick said. "There are people looking out for me and rooting for my success. Any student would be lucky to have that."
Upcoming KVAAP Sessions We will continue to accept students for the Winter 2026 semester until Dec. 18! Students can attend these information sessions via a Zoom meeting link that will be sent to them upon signing up. These sessions will explain how KVAAP can assist students with achieving their educational goals. Interested students can register here.
Wednesday, Dec. 3 | 10 - 10:30 a.m.
Tuesday, Dec. 9 | 5:30 - 6 p.m.
Thursday, Dec. 18 | 3:30 - 4 p.m.
Kalamazoo Valley Faculty and Staff Showcase Spotlighted Everyday Creativity The Kalamazoo Valley faculty and staff exhibition at the Center for New Media's Arcus Gallery showcased a wide range of creative talent across the college. Jadon Hawkins, food and beverage coordinator and director or Cougar Catering, presented an edible culinary-inspired piece for the show. Read more about the show here.
News from the Libraries Students Study in the Library!
Did you know that the Kalamazoo Valley Libraries are the perfect place to study?
Encourage your students to check out the:
Peaceful atmosphere
Excellent views
Individual and group study furniture
Computers and printers
Help from librarians
Access to books and electronic databases
Study rooms (TTC)
Need Help Now? Ask a Librarian! Librarians can help Kalamazoo Valley students with questions about research and citation. Encourage your students to visit the Libraries.
Visit us in person during our open hours (including evenings and Saturdays)
Time to Buy Commencement Caps, Gowns, Honors Regalia December graduates can buy commencement regalia up until 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12 at the Bookstore on the Texas Township Campus. The graduation ceremony is Sunday, Dec. 14 at 2 p.m. at Miller Auditorium at Western Michigan University. Students can also shop online. Online orders may be picked up at TTC or the Anna Whitten Hall Library at the Arcadia Commons Campus in downtown Kalamazoo, or shipped for $5.
Get $10-Off Commencement Attire Coupon at Gradfest Encourage December graduates to attend Gradfest to pick up the Campus Bookstore's $10-off coupon for commencement attire. Gradfest is Wednesday, Dec. 3, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Anna Whitten Hall in downtown Kalamazoo in the main lobby, and Thursday, Dec. 4, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Texas Township Campus Cafeteria, where students can RSVP for commencement, pick up graduation tickets, decorate their graduation caps, get professional headshots, enjoy food and more. At the Anna Whitten Hall Gradfest, caps and gowns will be available for on-site sales. No worries if they can't make that. Commencement attire can be bought anytime at the Texas Township Campus Bookstore during business hours, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., or online. Note that coupons can only be used for in-person commencement attire purchases.
What's for Lunch at the Texas Township Campus? Cougar Cafe is open Mondays through Thursdays from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The Coffee Den is open Mondays through Thursdays from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Next week's menu includes:
Monday | Dec. 1 | Black bean soup; grill station selections
Tuesday | Dec. 2 | Black bean soup; grill station selections
Wednesday | Dec. 3 | Black bean soup; pulled pork sliders
Thursday | Dec. 4 | Black bean soup; mac-n-cheese bowl
Free Basketball Home Games Planned in December! The men's basketball season officially begins Jan. 10, but you can see the players in action now at their non-conference home games in December in the main gym at the Texas Township Campus - and admission is always FREE! See the dates below. Click herefor the full schedule of home and away games.
MEN'S TEAM
Wednesday, Dec. 10 | 7:30 p.m. | vs. St. Clair County Community College
Wednesday, Dec. 17 | 7:30 p.m. | vs. Wayne County Community College
Saturday, Dec. 20 | 3 p.m. | vs. Kirtland Community College
Women's Basketball Season Canceled The 2025-2026 women's basketball season has been canceled. Please contact Athletic Director Russ Panico at rpanico@kvcc.edu or 269.488.4393 for more information.
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Closing Soon: Dancing With Life: Mexican Masks' Exhibit Explore the rich festival culture of Mexico through historic and contemporary masks at the "Dancing With Life: Mexican Masks" traveling exhibit at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum, now through Jan. 4. Watch the promo video here! The museum is the first in the nation to show the exhibit. It centers around the work of the mask makers and dancers themselves through written and recorded interviews, including bilingual Spanish and English texts.
Have You Seen the 'Am I An American or Am I Not?' Exhibit? The thought-provoking "Am I An American or Am I Not?" traveling historical exhibit will be on display at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum through Jan. 4. It asks visitors to think about examples of unfair treatment from our country's past and present in order to protect the American promises of life, liberty and justice for all. It is named after a quote from Fred Korematsu, who famously challenged the mass imprisonment of 125,000 Japanese Americans during WWII.
It's Time to Register for the Winter 100 Employee Cardio Challenge!
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