MISSION STATEMENT Kalamazoo Valley Community College creates innovative and equitable
opportunities that empower all to learn, grow and thrive.
Sept. 2, 2025
Greetings!
Welcome to the fall semester! I hope you enjoyed the Fall 2025 Summit as much as I did. I appreciate the excitement I felt in the air as we all anticipate the return of our students. This year will be especially impactful because 2025-26 is the year of the Valley Dream! Our college has been accepted to join the Achieving the Dream network, a network of over 300 community colleges nationwide that will help us accelerate the work that you have already been doing. It�s built on your dedication, your innovation and your unwavering commitment to our students and community. The Valley Dream is not a new initiative, but an intensification of the work that you care about. We will be applying tools from Achieving the Dream to amplify your efforts to serve students holistically, to transform into a student-ready institution, to invest in our staff and faculty and to create community connections that inspire lifelong learning.
As I mentioned at the Summit, the Valley Dream will help us move into the Community College 3.0 era, where we put more emphasis on considering our graduates� upward economic mobility and we highlight how our college is crucial for creating a vibrant community. The original mission of community colleges was to offer open doors to everyone, especially those left behind by traditional post-secondary education. In the 2000s, in a shift to Community College version 2.0, we strengthened our mission by not only bringing students in the doors, but also by providing them with Guided Pathways, deeper engagement and innovative support to complete their credentials. Now, in the era of Community College 3.0, we will keep our doors open wide and support students through completion, but we will also be thinking beyond completion. We will be using data to determine whether our graduates are better off when they finish at Valley and will be showcasing how our graduates strengthen our communities.
The Valley Dream will help us achieve our dreams for our students through these Community College 3.0 tactics:
Skills-based experiences that meet real workforce needs
Clear career pathways that connect education to opportunity
Holistic supports that address the whole student
Technology integration, including AI, to enhance learning, and
Strategic partnerships that multiply our impact
Our students, their families and the communities we serve are counting on us, so let's start Valley Dreaming! Have a great semester!
Sincerely,
L. Marshall Washington, Ph.D.
President
Input Needed Thank you for participating in last week's Summit. See pictures from the Summit here. In the spirit of continuous improvement, please provide your feedback here.
Meet our Valley Dream Coaches As recently announced, Kalamazoo Valley Community College joined the network of Achieving the Dream (ATD), a national organization committed to advancing community colleges as accessible hubs of learning, credentialing and economic mobility.
As one of nine institutions joining the organization as part of its 2025 cohort, Kalamazoo Valley has entered into ATD's Foundations of Transformation core engagement, an intensive three-year program designed to build essential institutional capacities and accelerate student success. Learn more from our Valley Dream coaches in this short video.
Managing Disruptive Behavior in the Classroom If a student in your class is distracting others, using profane language, appearing aggressive or presenting escalating behaviors, there are steps you can take to ensure safety for your classroom.
Be familiar with the RED SILENT public safety alert button on your media cart.
Include specific expectations and consequences for student behavior during the first day introduction and in your syllabus.
Do not put yourself in a position where you could be injured or attempt to separate disruption.
Contact the Department of Public Safety immediately at x4911 from any college phone or 911.
For more information, please refer to your yellow safety book located in your classroom or click here. For information on how to help a student in distress clickhere.
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.
September 2025 Events From Surviving to Thriving - Touring Eight Dimensions of Wellness
Monday, Sept. 22 | 11 a.m. - noon | Register | Room 3250 (TTC) or Zoom
Join us for an engaging midday break as we dive into the eight dimensions of wellness - from financial wellness to emotional balance and everything in between. Enjoy your lunch while exploring how to thrive in every area of life - body, mind and spirit.
An Introduction to Tools for Everyday Peace
Wednesday, Sept. 24 | noon - 1 p.m. | Register | Room 3250 (TTC) or Zoom
Step away from the hustle of your work day and join us for a rejuvenating lunch and learn. We�ll be focused on mindfulness, meditation and yoga. No experience needed � just an open mind and a willingness to start being present in each moment.
Wellness Workshop
Monday, Sept. 29 | noon - 1 p.m. | Register | Room 4380 (TTC) or Zoom
Welcome to an inspiring space to discuss real-life wellness tools that we want to build into our plan to thrive. Start by watching two or more of the YouTube videos below, then bring your ideas, questions and energy to our interactive lunch and learn event.
Unlocking Excellence � One Short Training at a Time
We�ve assembled a series of brief video trainings you can access on your own timeline to gain extra clarity on wellness: �Do You Really Need to Take 10,000 Steps a Day?�[5:26] A look at the many positive mental and physical effects of walking. �10 Strategies for Managing Time Well� [11:49] Reduce stress while staying more on top of your work responsibilities, the time you need for personal growth and reserved time for stress-reducing activities. �Prescribing Nature for Health� [17:47] Personal and scientific reflections showing the positive impact nature can/does have on mental and physical dimensions of wellness. �How to Challenge Your Negative Self-Talk� [11:46] Insights and strategies revealing the habits and effects of talking yourself out of opportunities. Don�t forget: you can also sign up for the Wellness Workshop (above) centered 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.
Lead with Your Strengths Our strengths-based journey continues. We are committed to helping every team member explore and leverage his or her unique talents through the CliftonStrengths assessment, developed by Gallup. Whether you are new to the assessment or simply looking to revisit your results, now is a great time to engage. These sessions are open to everyone, not just our newest employees.
Haven�t taken the assessment yet? Join us to discover your Top 5, and other reports, to learn how to invest in your strengths.
Already have your Top 5 report and still curious about your full 34? Let�s explore.
Just want a refresher or to re-engage with your strengths? You are welcome to join as well.
Wherever you are on your strengths journey, these sessions are designed to help you focus on what you do best.Sign up today and keep leading with your strengths. Here is how to get started:
With supervisor approval, register to attend one of the Explore Your Strengths sessions below:
Then, if needed, you will receive a code from one of the Strengths coaches before the session. This code will allow you to complete the CliftonStrengths assessment. The assessment will take approximately 45 minutes.
Next, attend the session to learn more about how to read your report, dive into your top strengths and truly invest in your strengths.
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.
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 a 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.
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.
Flu Season
It�s that time of year again and we are planning ahead. Watch for more information about onsite immunization clinics coming in September.
Open Enrollment
The time to make changes to your benefit elections will be Nov. 1-15. Please be thinking about your needs and discussing options with your family members.
News from the Libraries Request Library Instruction
Bring your students to the library for research instruction or assignment-based exploration. Or, invite a librarian to visit your classroom to introduce information literacy concepts. We are ready to collaborate with instructors to meet the unique needs of your students. Ready to schedule or need more information? Contact Mark Walters, director of libraries at x4326 or mwalters@kvcc.edu.
Reserve Textbooks
Textbooks and other course materials are placed on reserve each semester at the request of faculty and students. Instructors may submit personal copies for the reserve collection, or request a library purchase for reserve. Most reserve requests for library purchase are approved.To check if an item is already on reserve, search the library catalog. Check out our course reserves page for more information. To reserve materials for your course, contact Ashley Bergkamp, assistant director of library access services at x4313 or abergkamp@kvcc.edu.
Technology Loan Students can borrow a laptop computer, WiFi hot spot and/or a graphing calculator. Technology is available on a first come, first served basis; a Valley ID is required for checkout. Borrowing begins on the first day of classes. All laptops have webcams and microphones, and access to Canvas, Zoom, Microsoft Office and Respondus Lockdown Browser.
KV Libraries� First Summer Reading Challenge Has Wrapped! We�d like to give a big thank you to all of our library staff for helping coordinate the program.
We would also like to give a big congratulations to our winners: Lindsey Hart, Nancy Clemmens, Jonathan Clark, Villo Denke-Zomer, Karin Denman, Carlos Salinas, Korina Christensen and Julia Lancaster. Cougar Cafe Returns to Regular Hours Cougar Cafe is now 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.
This week�s menu includes:
Tuesday | Sept. 2 | Chicken noodle soup; grill station selections
Wednesday | Sept. 3 | Chicken noodle soup; mac and cheese bake with toppings
Thursday | Sept. 4 | Chicken noodle soup; stir fry with rice and egg rolls
Electronic Textbooks and Courseware Available for Classes Please share this information with students. Did they know they automatically get electronic versions of textbooks and other course materials for their classes? It's called Ready Day One. The cost is charged to their tuition bill. E-books tend to be at least 50 percent cheaper than hardcover and paperback textbooks. Please note that electronic materials are ONLY available in classes where the instructor selected the option for the course and many do.
What students need to know:
Within 24 hours of registering for a class with the electronic materials option, Kalamazoo Valley Community College�s Texas Township Campus Bookstore sends an email indicating that they are enrolled in Ready Day One and that e-course materials will be available in their Canvas account on the first day of class. It�s important to watch for the email.
If they wish to opt out and remove the Ready Day One charge from their tuition bill (it will be itemized there), they must act within two weeks from the first day of class. They have three options for doing so: Complete the transaction via their Canvas account, email the Bookstore at bookstore.kvcc.edu or call the Bookstore at x4030.
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, effective now. 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.
Bookstore Selling Uniforms for Fall Semester Classes
Students can purchase the exact uniforms their program requires at the Texas Township Campus Bookstore. The Bookstore works with faculty and vendors to get them the best value, and they can use your financial Aid. Shop in person, or order online at bookstore.kvcc.edu. We also have class kits and relevant supplies such as stethoscopes, penlights, study aids and more.
NEW! Bookstore Sells Cold Drinks and Snacks Need something to eat or drink after the cafeteria closes? The Texas Township Bookstore now carries refrigerated items, including yogurt, overnight oats, Gatorade and soda.
Get Excited for the Fall Semester with Cool Cougar Gear Before you know it, classes will begin � the perfect time to pick up some new Cougar swag! From T-shirts to hoodies, decals to water bottles, the Kalamazoo Valley Texas Township Campus Bookstore has tons of Cougar items to choose from.
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.
Thursday | Aug. 21 | 3:30 - 4 p.m.
Monday | Aug. 25 | 1:30 - 2 p.m.
Friday | Aug. 29 | 2 - 2:30 p.m.
Wednesday | Sept. 3 | 10 - 10:30 a.m.
Free Volleyball Games 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 at the college�s Texas Township Campus. The Lady Cougars will have their first home match on Thursday, Sept. 4 at 6:30 p.m. against Grace Christian University. Come out and wear your college apparel! Below are the rest of the home games in September:
6:30 p.m. | Tuesday | Sept. 9 vs. Jackson Community College
6:30 p.m. | Thursday | Sept. 18 vs. Kellogg Community College *
6:30 p.m. | Tuesday | Sept. 30 vs. Marian University's Ancilla College
* Note that the first home conference match is Sept. 18 against Kellogg Community College. Click here for the full schedule that includes both home and away games. Follow the team on Instagram and Facebook at @kvccvb.
Did You Know Admission is Free to the Kalamazoo Valley Museum? Visit kalamazoomuseum.org anytime for the Kalamazoo Valley Museum�s latest exhibits, musical performances, lectures, films, hands-on activities and outdoor programs. The museum is operated by Kalamazoo Valley Community College at 230 N. Rose St. in downtown Kalamazoo. It is open Tuesday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday, noon to 4 p.m. (closed on Mondays). The planetarium is currently under renovation. Check the website for the latest information on showtimes. Click herefor the show schedule.
Fall Honorable Lecture Series Starts Sept. 23 Enjoy weekly talks this fall examining ways we restore the tenets of reciprocity with the natural world as a community and as individuals. Organized by Kalamazoo Valley Community College�s ValleyHub in partnership with the museum, the sessions are held every Tuesday, from Sept. 23 to Nov. 18, from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. This drop-in lecture series takes place at the college�s Marilyn J. Schlack Culinary and Allied Health building, located at 418 E. Walnut St. in downtown Kalamazoo. View the list of topics at valleyhub.kvcc.edu/events.
