MISSION STATEMENT Kalamazoo Valley Community College creates innovative and equitable
opportunities that empower all to learn, grow and thrive.
July 31, 2025
Greetings!
August can be an in-between month. Some of us are in between summer gatherings and preparing for fall semester. Some are in between wrapping up chores related to outdoor projects and preparing for the change of seasons. Some of you are about to send a family member off to college. Many of us are waiting in anticipation for the new school year.
I invite you think deeply about your future during this in-between time. Use this time to consider how you will prepare for something new. That could mean deciding to pursue additional professional development opportunities or finally completing an advanced degree or additional certifications. Maybe you would like to adopt new habits that help you feel healthy and happy. Maybe it is time to find a cause or activity you really care about in which you can invest your time and effort.
My advice is to take advantage of in-between times. Imagine what you want to accomplish and work to make it happen!
Sincerely,
L. Marshall Washington, Ph.D.
President
Ready to fuel your mind while you feed your appetite? Join us for our lunch and learn events � dynamic and fun events designed exclusively for our employees. These sessions are all about bringing us together to learn, grow and thrive.
Join us to experience:
New ideas and perspectives shared as you gather with friends and colleagues
Inspiring speakers who spark growth
Tools and tips to help you thrive professionally and personally
August 2025 Event Breaking Down Barriers Over Lunch | Tuesday, Aug. 19 | Noon - 1 p.m. | Room 1330 | Click here to register
Pull up a chair and join us for an impactful lunch and learn where we will provide an introduction that will help you explore how the language we use can either build bridges or reinforce barriers � especially when talking about disabilities. Whether you're just starting your inclusion journey or looking to fine-tune your vocabulary, you'll leave with tangible insights and renewed purpose. Join us to, also, gain insight into ways in which we can all help connect students and colleagues who have disabilities with helpful resources in our community. Let�s come together to learn, unlearn and speak with intention.
Can�t attend the event in person? No problem. You can join remotely via Zoom from your office or phone for the entire event. Click here 10 minutes before the event to join on Zoom.
Note: As with all lunch and learn events and professional development, please check with your supervisor to be sure your work schedule allows you to attend. Also, please plan to bring your own lunch to lunch and learn events.
If you have any questions, please contact Kimberly Dupree, training and development coordinator.
How to Handle Suspicious Emails Learning how to handle suspicious emails is essential to keep the college safe from cybercriminals. If you don�t correctly handle a suspicious email, you could fall victim to a phishing attack. Follow the tips below to make sure you correctly handle suspicious emails.
Don't Reply to the Email
If you receive a suspicious email that appears to come from someone you know, you may be tempted to reply to the email to learn more. However, if you reply to the email, you may increase the security risk. If an email account has been compromised, the person who replies to you probably won�t be who you expect. You could be communicating with a cybercriminal.
Don't Forward the Email
The best practice is to never click a link or open an attachment that you were not expecting. However, if you are fooled by a phishing email and you click a malicious link or open a malicious attachment, you may find that the link or attachment will not behave as expected. For example, if you open a suspicious image attachment, the file may actually open an installation window. Or, if you click a malicious link, the link may redirect you to a fake login page. If you click on a link or open an attachment, consider any unusual behavior as a red flag.
If the link or attachment is suspicious, you may think about forwarding the email to a coworker or IT for help. However, forwarding the email to a coworker or IT could increase the risk. Never forward unusual or suspicious emails to other users. If you forward a phishing email, you increase the risk of a security breach because your coworker may click the phishing link as well.
Don't Mark the Email as Spam
Spam emails are typically unwanted advertisements. While spam emails may be annoying, they are usually harmless. However, a phishing attack is a malicious email designed to look like a legitimate message. Phishing emails typically include a call to action, such as clicking a link, opening an attachment or even transferring money. If you mark a suspicious email as spam, the email will be moved to a different folder along with any other emails from the same sender. So, if you move the suspicious email to a spam folder, the email will be hidden. However, the problem will not be resolved.
Tips to Stay Safe
The best way to handle a suspicious email is to report the email by right-clicking it and choosing Report� Report Phishing. If you report the email, your IT team can assess and mitigate the threat. If you�re not sure whether an email is spam or a phishing attack, report the email as phishing and your IT team will handle the situation.
In Summary
Never reply to suspected phishing emails.
Never forward suspected phishing emails.
Never click a link or open an attachment that you were not expecting.
Don�t mark suspected phishing emails as spam. Mark them as phishing.
What Students Told Us at the Student Success Breakfast Tests, college procedures, social situations, housing, scholarships and grades are the top causes of anxiety for Kalamazoo Valley Community College students, in that order, according to the attendees at the college�s inaugural Student Success Breakfast held June 19 at the Texas Township Campus. Created to provide a safe space for students to share their experiences at Valley, the breakfast utilized large- and small-group discussions, coupled with an online survey, to collect feedback.
Several students gave the college high marks: �great experience,� an �uplift,� �filled with patience, forgiveness and grace� and �really good.� But suggestions were also brought forth: Offer daycare or youth learning center, better advertise office hours, have advisors check in with students at the start and end of each term, continue to embrace a friendly culture and host more college-sponsored field trips. Asked to define �belonging,� students frequently cited time with family and friends, comfortable and safe environment, welcoming and kind staff, connection to peers, inclusion, and involvement in hobbies. The things that most give students joy? Those present said free food, helping people, being around family and friends, doing something they�re passionate about, vacations, good grades, faith/religion and hobbies.
Watch for details for the next Student Success Breakfast in early October, this time at both the Texas Township Campus and at Anna Whitten Hall in downtown Kalamazoo. Until then, students can still complete the student survey!
Volunteers Needed We're looking for volunteers for our way-finding stations! Way-finding stations are one of the college's ways of welcoming new and returning students to campus at the start of the semester and assisting them with locating their classes and services on campus. We are seeking enthusiastic volunteers who are excited about the opportunity to engage in this student experience. Please sign up for one or more time slots to help our students navigate the start of the semester smoothly. Spots are available Sept. 3, 4, 8 and 9. You can also help by spreading the word to your fellow coworkers and encourage them to volunteer with you.
If you have any questions, please contact Miranda McDowell, coordinator of student onboarding and organizations, at mmcdowell@kvcc.edu.
Volunteers are also needed at a number of festivals and events this summer in an effort to recruit students for the fall semester. Upcoming events include:
Beyond the Backpack | Aug. 9 | 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. | Bronson Park
Kalamazoo Farmers Market | Aug. 16 | 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. | Bank Street
Kalamazoo Farmers Market | Sept. 20 | 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. | Bank Street
Employee Benefits Employee Assistance Program
Did you know that all employees at Kalamazoo Valley have access to our Employee Assistance Program? This is a confidential work-based program that offers resources to employees. For more information, click here.
You Are Not Alone �Community Resources Available
Some of our students, co-workers, friends, relatives or even ourselves may need assistance from time to time. The college has a list of community resources on our website. Click here. We encourage you to share the list with others.
College Savings Plan (529) What is it?
This is a tax-advantaged savings plan designed to encourage saving for future education costs. Learn more about this by attending a webinar for more information. Click here for more information or to sign up for a webinar.
Retirement Services and Voya
For those who have a MPSERS and/or a Voya account, Voya offers one-on-one virtual appointments and webinars. To sign up for a session or to view dates and times, click here.
TIAA
Do you have an account with TIAA? A listing of webinars for July, August and September 2025 can be found by clicking here. Would you like to schedule to meet with a TIAA financial consultant? Participants can use the one-on-one meeting linkto schedule their meeting.
Essentials by TIAA is a reimagined financial education program to empower you, the employee, with practical insights for confident financial planning.
Would you like to save more for retirement? A supplemental retirement plan gives you the opportunity to continue to save towards retirement. Kalamazoo Valley Community College offers three plans through TIAA. The deduction can either be a percentage of your check or a fixed dollar amount. To learn more about the different plans, click here. These options are for employee only contributions.
The Pool App
Is your healthcare coverage through Kalamazoo Valley Community College? Have you downloaded the app for The Pool? On the app, you will have access to pain management, diabetes management, health management, diabetes and heart health and virtual second opinions. To learn more, click here.
Mental Health
Balancing work and family are important. Your mental health is as important as your physical health. That support is just a click or call away. As a member of The Pool, you have access to a variety of resources for support:
Behavioral health �On the back of your BCBSM ID, you�ll find the number for a mental health line. This is 24/7 help that will connect you with a professional that will assist you in finding the right support.
Virtual care � From the comfort of your home through Virtual Care, access mental health services like therapy sessions and consultations with board-certified psychiatrists.
Blue Cross well-being� Browse through your various online tools that offer personalized health assessments, trackers and content to support your overall well-being, all for free. Learn more here.
Maven � Maternity and Postpartum Support
Employees who are covered under the Kalamazoo Valley Community College medical plan now have additional support. Whether you�re an expectant parent or excited partner, Maven can support you in answering questions, connect you with qualified professionals and more. Maven support includes: ?
News from the Libraries Need Help Now? Ask a Librarian
Librarians can answer your questions about research and citation. Visit us, schedule ahead or use our 24/7 chat service.
Getting started with research
Finding scholarly or peer reviewed articles or books
Citing sources in MLA or APA
Citation Guide
For questions about paper formatting and citation � MLA and APA � check out our online Citation Guide.
Summer Reading Challenge
Read five books from five categories by the end of the summer for a chance to win a prize! Stop by the libraries for a Summer Reading Challenge bookmark to track your progress, plus check out ourbook display online or in person for recommendations on what to read. Return your completed bookmark to the Summer Reading Challenge drop box to enter the prize drawing and earn a summer reading pin.
Study in the Library!
Did you know that the Kalamazoo Valley Libraries are the perfect place to study?
Student Spotlight: Rayna Sorrentino Meet Rayna Sorrentino. Sorrentino is a current Kalamazoo Valley Accelerated Associate Program (KVAAP) student and is also in Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), the international honor society for two-year colleges. In May, she was named to the PTK All-Michigan Academic Team for her contributions to the organization. She has a 3.979 GPA and is finishing her degree in Fall 2025 for studio art.
Sorrentino appreciates the supportive environment KVAAP provides. "I'm extremely grateful for the opportunities KVAAP has given me,� she said. �The community is welcoming and supportive, and I don't think I could've made it this far without my advisor. I'm so close to completing my degree, and I'm glad to have had KVAAP there every step of the way."
Upcoming KVAAP Info Sessions 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 registerhere.
Wednesday, Aug. 6 | 10 - 10:30 a.m.
Tuesday, Aug. 12 | 5:30 - 6 p.m.
July Special! 40% Off Hydro Flask Water Bottles! Get 40% off any Hydro Flask water bottle at the Texas Township Campus Bookstore for the entire month of July! Stay hydrated this summer with a new Hydro Flask water bottle � healthy for you AND the planet. Shop in store or online at bookstore.kvcc.edu. No promo code needed.
Time for 20% Off Tuesday on July 29 at the Bookstore! Don't miss the great deal in the Bookstore on Tuesday, July 29! Get 20% OFF! It�s a STANDING discount on the LAST Tuesday of every month at the Texas Township Campus Bookstore. Have your eye on something? Now�s the time to buy it! Promotion excludes electronics, food and course materials. Discount applies to in-store purchases only.
Shop the Summer Yard Sale Aug. 4 - 6 It�s a BOOKSTORE SUMMER YARD SALE! Grab great deals while they last! Three days ONLY! Monday, Aug. 4 - Wednesday, Aug. 6! Discounts await you on select spring jackets, jewelry, snacks, plus school and drafting supplies! This special in-person shopping experience takes place outside the Kalamazoo Valley Texas Township Campus Bookstore. The Bookstore will be open Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., starting the week of the promotion.
Summer Book Buyback Planned for Aug. 18 - 22 Earn cash for your used Summer 2025 books at Book Buyback! Book Buyback will be held Aug. 18, 19, 20, 21 and 22, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., at our Texas Township Campus Bookstore. Check out what we are buying back and for what amount at the Bookstore website at bookstore.kvcc.edu. Questions? Call 269.488.4030.
Bookstore Begins Accepting Fall Financial Aid on Aug. 25 Aug. 25 is the first day that students could start using fall financial aid to make purchases at the Texas Township Bookstore. Both in-store and online purchases are eligible. Shop in person or online at bookstore.kvcc.edu. Online orders may be picked up at Texas Township Campus or the Anna Whitten Hall Library at the Arcadia Commons Campus in downtown Kalamazoo, or shipped for $5.
Closing Soon: Wallace & Gromit and Shaun the Sheep Exhibit Aug. 31 is the last day to visit the museum�s new traveling exhibit, �Wallace & Gromit� and Shaun the Sheep�: Shear Genius!� Designed for children ages three through nine, the exhibit brings to life the beloved claymation characters from the TV, film and book series. It encourages playfully solving STEM-based and social-emotional problems in fun and engaging ways. Kids explore the characters� contraptions, antics and escapades through dramatic play and interactive opportunities. Find more details at kalamazoomuseum.org. Watch the exhibit promo video here.
Innovative Group Sketching Events Held at the Museum this Summer! Calling all artists and those who desire to be! The Kalamazoo Valley Museum is hosting a series of group sketching events like none other on Friday afternoons this summer � all for free! No registration or ticket is needed. The last �Illustrated Muse(ings)� session takes place Friday, Aug. 1, from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Bring your sketchbook or drawing tablet for an energizing hour of drawing musicians or dancers, and sometimes both! The program will be led by the artists of Kalamazoo Valley Community College�s Center for New Media and the Kalamazoo Valley Museum. Seating will be on a first come, first served basis, as space is limited in the museum�s Mary Jane Stryker Theater. Learn more at kalamazoomuseum.org.
New! QR Codes Allow Museum Visitors to Enjoy Music, Poetry at Exhibits Kalamazoo Valley Museum patrons can now hear original music and poetry custom tailored for first-floor exhibits thanks to an exciting partnership with the local arts community! Simply scan the QR codes at each exhibit with your personal device to enjoy works inspired by objects in the installation on display. �The Ripple Effect� project is a collaboration with the Friends of Poetry, Connecting Chords Music Festival and the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo. Visit kalamazoomuseum.org and search �The Ripple Effect� for more information. Admission is free to the exhibits and the museum.
Enjoy Free RainGardenTours Wednesdays and Saturdays Take a free guided tour of the Kalamazoo Valley Museum�s rain garden to learn how such gardens play a vital role in improving water quality and supporting local wildlife. From now until Aug. 30, tours will take place every Saturday at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., and every Wednesday at the same times. These family-friendly tours last about 20 to 25 minutes. Register now online at kalamazoomuseum.org, or sign up on the day of at the front desk.
