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MISSION STATEMENT
Kalamazoo Valley Community College creates innovative and equitable
opportunities that empower all to learn, grow and thrive.

Oct. 1, 2025

Greetings!

Thank you for all you are doing to make the Fall 2025 semester great for our students! As I travel to our four campus locations, I see your dedication to helping our students achieve their educational goals. Your work is appreciated.

With so many of our students relying on scholarships to attend Kalamazoo Valley, it was wonderful to see so many of you at the recent Opportunities for Education fundraising event. It was a fantastic event with great food featuring some of our own culinary students and chefs. The event raised more than $107,000 for student scholarships.

Activity continues this month with a number of events for you and those in our community to enjoy. 

The college will host the Greater Kalamazoo Area College Night on Oct. 6 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Please encourage anyone you know who is thinking about going to college to stop by.

The Honorable Harvest series is underway. Come to Taps on Tuesday at the Marilyn J. Schlack Culinary and Allied Health Building and then stay for the Honorable Harvest lecture from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. On Oct. 7, presenters Liis Lahti, JoAnne Mundy, Ph.D. and Manuel Bernal Carmona will present "A Practice Toward Dignity Through Transformative Values."

The Kalamazoo Valley Museum has opened a new exhibit: "Dancing with Life: Mexican Masks," which explores the festival culture of Mexico through historic and contemporary masks. It features bilingual Spanish and English interviews of the mask makers and dancers themselves.

Information about these events and many others can be found on the college calendar and within this newsletter.

I know that your schedules are busy! Thank you to those who are able to attend these and other important and varied college-related events. Please remain resilient and positive. Our work is very important to our students, their families and all the communities we serve.

Sincerely,

L. Marshall Washington, Ph.D.
President
Time for Winter 2026 Summit Proposals
Proposals are now being accepted for the Winter 2026 Summit. Everyone at the college is invited to submit one. Has your department embraced new practices or procedures that others could benefit from knowing? Do you have a skill, talent or activity that others might enjoy? The deadline to submit proposals is Friday, Oct. 24. To submit a proposal, click here. Winter Summit 2026 will take place on Thursday, Jan. 8. Save the date!

Higher Learning Commission FAQs — Data & Documentation 
Q: What kind of evidence do we need to provide for HLC?
A: As part of the 10-year reaccreditation process, Kalamazoo Valley will compile an Assurance Argument, which is a narrative that reflects our commitment to excellence. This argument is supported by diverse, purposeful evidence which illustrates how we carefully document our efforts and clearly demonstrates the impact we provide in our community. Through this process, we affirm that we not only meet but consistently exceed the Criteria for Accreditation and Federal Compliance Requirements.
 
Q: What does our "evidence file" contain?
A: Our evidence includes student achievement data, financial information, documentation of continuous improvement efforts and examples of how we fulfill our mission in daily practice.
 
Q: How do we track and report student success?
A: Kalamazoo Valley publicly provides information about student achievement, including retention and completion rates, post-graduation outcomes and metrics like licensure exam pass rates. This data showcases how our strategies translate into meaningful success for our students.
 
Q: What financial information is required for our evidence file?
A: We maintain annual financial information, including prepared budgets and external financial audits, to demonstrate responsible fiscal management and our capacity to support ongoing operations.
 
Q: How do we show continuous improvement through the evidence we provide?
A: Kalamazoo Valley leverages both quantitative data, such as student retention, persistence and completion metrics, and qualitative insights, such as student exit survey data, to drive continuous improvement. This integrated approach informs program enhancements and underscores our commitment to fulfilling our mission with excellence and integrity.
 
Q: How can I contribute evidence for our HLC review?
A: Across every area of Kalamazoo Valley, meaningful evidence reflects the strength of our shared commitment to excellence. In the coming days, many of you will receive email invitations to contribute documentation of our efforts. These contributions will help shape a narrative that highlights Valley's dedication, impact and ongoing pursuit of improvement.
 
Click here to explore each of the four HLC criteria and see sample evidence we aim to collect.
 
Look for more HLC FAQs in upcoming newsletters or visit the webpage.
Wellness Event: Massages for Employees
Take a moment to prioritize your self-care and enjoy a 15-minute relaxing massage at the Texas Township Campus on Monday, Oct. 13, from 1 - 5 p.m., AND Tuesday, Oct. 21, from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Please email hr@kvcc.edu to sign up. Spaces are limited and first preference will be given to those who have not already participated. The event is being made possible thanks to a gift from the Stryker Johnston Foundation to support the wellness and engagement of all employees.
Early Registration for Employees
Employee registration for the Winter 2026 semester will be Oct. 3-5. Full and part-time employees may request access to online registration for themselves and/or their dependents through 4 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 3.

To request access:
  1. Send a message from your Kalamazoo Valley employee account to arr@kvcc.edu. Enter "Employee Registration" as the subject so we can easily find your request for early access to registration among all of the emails we receive from students. It must be from a "@kvcc.edu" address.
  2. List the name and Valley number or birth date for each admitted person who will be registering.
  3. We will add authorization to each person's record and reply to confirm.
  4. Beginning Oct. 3, each authorized individual may log into MyValley, select "Register or Drop Classes" from My Links and register.
If you miss this opportunity, you may still register following the standard registration schedule for all students beginning Monday, Oct. 6. Please email the Admissions, Registration and Records office at arr@kvcc.edu, or call x4281, if you have questions.

 
You're Invited to a Wellness-Packed Lunch and Learn Series
Take a mindful moment in your day to recharge, reflect and grow. Join us for a refreshing series of talks focused on positivity, wellness and personal growth.
 
October 2025 Events
Igniting Awareness: Fire Safety Training
Thursday, Oct. 9 | Noon - 1 p.m. | Register | Room 4380 (TTC) or Zoom
We are empowering staff and faculty with practical fire safety knowledge and awareness concerning ways to prevent and move safely away from fire-related emergencies. From mastering evacuation routes to the essentials of extinguishing flames, this training will equip you with the tools and confidence to respond swiftly and smartly in a fire emergency. Safety starts with you, and this is your chance to lead the way through fire safety training.
 
KVCC Emergency Procedures
Friday, Oct. 24 | 11 a.m. - Noon | Register | Room 1320 (TTC) or Zoom
In an effort to strengthen our workplace readiness and resilience, all are invited to take part in an interactive emergency procedures training designed to equip you with critical response skills. This impactful session will dive into key topics such as:
  • Severe weather protocols
  • Lockdown procedures and
  • Communication strategies during crises
Through this event, you will learn skills to stay calm, act decisively and support one another during emergencies.
 
The Emergency-Ready Workshop
Monday, Oct. 27 | 2 - 3 p.m. | Register | Room 4380 (TTC) or Zoom
Get ready to take preparedness to the next level. This interactive workshop invites you to kick off your training by watching at least TWO of the October training videos below. After viewing, join our engaging event where we'll unpack real-world strategies and practical tools for staying safe — whether you're navigating an emergency at home or at work. This session is all about developing tools to anticipate emergency situations at home and at work before they happen.
 
Level Up in Minutes: Short Videos for your Busy Schedule
We've assembled a series of brief video trainings you can access on your own timeline to brush up or dive into something new. Each clip delivers thought-provoking, practical tips that lead to action.
 
"The Bystander Effect (Examples + Experiments)" [5:26] A definition of the bystander effect, why and when it happens, and actions to take to help prevent it.
"What to Do in an Emergency!" [17:18] Ways to anticipate and prepare/rehearse how to react if a crisis occurs.
"The First Responder Mindset" [11:57] How to adopt a first-responder mindset so you are prepared to survive and help others survive until first responders reach the scene.
"Be More Than a Bystander" [7:56] Proactive community involvement and personal responsibilities in disaster readiness.
  • Don't forget: you can also sign up for the Emergency-Ready Workshop (above) focused on strategies outlined in these videos.
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.
  

Chosen First Name Process
Kalamazoo Valley Community College supports the use of chosen first names for students and employees who prefer a name different from their legal one. Kalamazoo Valley allows the use of chosen first names in college communications, records and systems — except where legal names are required by law. Get an update on the new process for setting up a "Chosen First Name" (formerly "used name") and how to support students, staff and faculty who wish to make a change. 
Click here to register for an in-person session below (or choose the Zoom option):

Oct. 15 | Room 207 (AWH) & Zoom | 2:30 - 3:30 p.m.
Oct. 29 | Room 4380 (TTC) & Zoom | noon - 1 p.m.
 

Employee Benefits
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.

The Search Committee Process Training
Are you new to your role as a hiring manager? Would you like to serve on a search committee? The Search Committee Process Training is required for all staff and faculty wishing to serve on a search committee. Participants will explore the basics of serving on a search committee and gain insight into how implicit or unconscious bias can influence the decision-making process. To sign up, click on the registration link below for your desired session.
 
Oct. 2 | 10 a.m. | Room 3330, TTC | Register here
Nov. 12 | 2:30 p.m. | Room 207, AWH | Register here

Employee Benefit Meetings
Human Resources is excited to invite benefit-eligible employees to an informational meeting in late October. This is a conversation you won't want to miss. Stay tuned for the exact date, time and place. Leslie Nowaczyk and Beth Minard with their combined expertise will talk on:
  • Plan changes
  • Premiums
  • Ancillary benefits (Omanda, Hinge Health, 2nd MD)
Aflac Whole Life with Chronic Care Survey
Kalamazoo Valley Community College is exploring opportunities to share more information about Aflac's Whole Life with Chronic Care insurance options. To help us determine interest, please click here to take to answer a one-question survey. The survey will close on Oct. 6. It is intended for full-time eligible employees.

Flu Season
The last on-site flu clinic for employees this fall is Monday, Oct. 6, from 9 to 11 a.m. and from 2 to 4 p.m., in Room 3330 on the Texas Township Campus. Click here to sign up. Employees should bring a copy of their insurance card to the appointment. Contact Becky Craft in Human Resources at rcraft@kvcc.edu with questions.

Open Enrollment
The time to make changes to your benefit elections will be Nov. 1-15. Please think about your needs and discuss options with your family members. 

News from the Libraries
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 or request an individual appointment. Or, consider scheduling a library instruction session for your class. For more information about instruction, visit our Information for Instructors web page. 

Schedule a Research Appointment with a Librarian
Students can meet one-on-one with a librarian in person, by phone or over Zoom. Get Help in Person
Students can ask a friendly librarian for help at the Reference Desk during our open hours.

Chat Online with a Librarian
Students can receive live 24/7 chat assistance from an academic librarian. Visit our Ask a Librarian web page to start a chat session today!

Hours and Contact Information


What's for Lunch?
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.

The menu includes:
Wednesday | Oct. 1 | White chicken chili; meatloaf, mashed potatoes and vegetables
Thursday | Oct. 2 | White chicken chili; alfredo pasta bake
Monday | Oct. 6 | Corn chowder; grill station selections
Tuesday | Oct. 7 | Corn chowder; grill station selections
Wednesday | Oct. 8 | Corn chowder; chicken parmesan
Thursday | Oct. 9 | Corn chowder; taco casserole


 



Upcoming KVAAP 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 register here.
  • Wednesday, Oct. 1 | 10 - 10:30 a.m.
  • Tuesday, Oct. 14 | 5:30 - 6 p.m.
  • Thursday, Oct. 16 | 3:30 - 4 p.m.
Note: The Oct. 1 information session is the last information session students can attend to be considered for KVAAP for Fall 2025 acceptance. Students attending information sessions held after the Oct. 1 session will be considered for the Winter 2026 semester. 

Bookstore Now Accepting Fall Financial Aid for School Supplies
Please spread the word to students that fall financial aid can be used to make purchases at the Texas Township Bookstore. Both in-store and online purchases are eligible. They can 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.

Did You Know the Bookstore Sells Cold Drinks and Snacks? 
The Texas Township Bookstore has got you covered if you need something to eat or drink after the cafeteria closes. It  now carries refrigerated items, including yogurt, overnight oats, Gatorade and soda. 


Enjoy Free Home Volleyball Games in October! 
Volleyball season is underway at Kalamazoo Valley Community College! You're invited to drop in at any time at the home games, which are always free in the main gym at the college's Texas Township Campus. Bring friends and family! Below are the home games in the month of October:
  • 6:30 p.m. | Tuesday | OCT. 7 vs. Glen Oaks Community College
  • 6:30 p.m. | Thursday | OCT. 9 vs. Lansing Community College 
  • 6:30 p.m. | Thursday | OCT. 16 vs. Southwestern Michigan College
  • 6:30 p.m. | Tuesday | OCT. 28 vs. Lake Michigan College
Click here for the full schedule of both home and away games, and read a story about the season here. For regular team updates, be sure to follow them on Instagram and Facebook @kvccvb.


‘Dancing With Life: Mexican Masks' Exhibit Now Open
Explore the rich festival culture of Mexico through historic and contemporary masks at the "Dancing With Life: Mexican Masks" traveling exhibit coming to the Kalamazoo Valley Museum, from Sept. 27 through Jan. 4. The exhibition centers around the work of the mask makers and dancers themselves through written and recorded interviews, including bilingual Spanish and English texts.
 

'Am I An American or Am I Not?' Exhibit Debuts Oct. 12
A thought-provoking new traveling exhibition opens Oct. 12 at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum. "Am I An American or Am I Not?" 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. The free exhibit will be on display through Jan. 4, 2026.


Bring the Kids to Chemistry Day on Oct. 18
It's Chemistry Day time at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum! Explore the chemistry of spices through fun experiments on Saturday, Oct. 18, from noon to 4 p.m. Free seeds will be given away, so you can continue the joy of the science of spices in your own garden! The event is free, and pre-registration is not required. Visit kalamazoomuseum.org for details.
  
Kalamazoo Valley Community College
6767 West O Avenue
Kalamazoo, MI 49003-4070






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Kalamazoo Valley Community College · 6767 W O Ave · Kalamazoo, MI 49009 · USA