session 2
Breakout Session Two []
Staff and faculty - Register for one session.
Inclusive Access in the Classroom
Gena Mead & Joe Brady
TTC 2540
Gena Mead, along with Joe Brady and other faculty who utilize Inclusive Access, will show what it looks like at the student level. There will be time for Q&A after the demo.
(Register)
Music Listening Room: Like a Sonic Storytime for Grown-Ups
Jim Ratliff
Dale B. Lake Auditorium
Join Jim Ratliff to hear 6 songs he really thinks you should give a close listening to, because:
- Music is another kind of literacy - and at least 5 of these tracks are certified non-terrible by Jim's internal review board.
- He's already emotionally committed to them and needs validation.
- We'll have fun building community around music.
Curriculum 101: Everything You Need to Know About the New Curriculum Process
Kelly Naatjes
TTC 2550
Need to update a course prerequisite, title or learning outcomes? Tweak that program description in the catalog and revise the approved electives while you're at it? Have an idea for a brand new course or program but aren't sure where to start? This session will provide a comprehensive overview of the curriculum development process, now in its second year. We'll discuss all the steps from the initial proposal to the final approval, including collaboration with various stakeholders, what forms are required, deadlines for submission, preparing proposal presentations for approval and timeline to implementation. Attendees are encouraged to come with questions and potential curriculum change requests (no matter how big or small), as we'll have time for Q&A and a chance to test drive online request forms.
(Register)
A Lesson in Happiness
Misti Mahon
TTC 4520
Come complete an introspective, individual exercise with a Certified Happiness Life Coach.
(Register)
It Takes a Village - Mom to Mom Round Table
Megan Osetek
TTC 5110
It is well documented that human brains make significant changes during pregnancy through postpartum. These changes are commonly misrepresented as "mommy brain." Every day brings another challenge, from scheduling AND remembering the next doctor's appointment to simply putting shoes on your toddler before getting in the car on the way to drop off (hides face in embarrassment). Join Megan Osetek, who recently returned from her second maternity leave here at Valley to share, listen and build community with other working moms in the same season of life. Bring nothing but yourself, as you are, because we're all in it together.
(Register)
Verbal De-Escalation and Service
Nkenge Bergan
TTC 3250
Customer service and holistic student support are important to our work at Kalamazoo Valley, and this session seeks to maximize our interactions with both internal and external partners. Participants will learn ways to use non-verbal and verbal skills to de-escalate high stress interactions while serving our students and community.
(Register)
Explore Your Strengths
Amy Reynolds & Renee Martin
TTC 1330
What are your strengths, and how can they help you thrive at Kalamazoo Valley and beyond? In this introductory session, employees will explore their natural talents through the CliftonStrengths framework and learn how to apply them for personal and professional growth. Before attending, you'll complete the assessment and bring your results. This is a great step toward a strengths-based approach to success at Kalamazoo Valley!
(Register)
Fitness Center Basics
Renea Peruski & Devon Lozano
TTC 6060
(Wellness and Fitness Center)
Do you want to feel more energized? Are you in need of some stress relief? Being physically active at the Wellness and Fitness Center (WFC) may be the answer for you! Come join us in the WFC and learn about all of the resources available to you. Enjoy an opportunity to complete your orientation, get a locker, tour the facilities, ask questions and try out the equipment with trained staff.
(Register)
Acquainted with the Night: the Planetarium at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum
Steve Crawford, Josh Holderbaum & Charissa Sedor
TTC 4530
Over ten thousand people visit the planetarium at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum each year to learn about the night sky, our place in space and the origins of the universe. Join the planetarium staff to hear more about what we do, including a brief history of the planetarium, a look at the technology we use and programs and events at the planetarium; then, enjoy a tour of the winter sky in Kalamazoo.
(Register)
Christmas Markets on the Danube River
Stephanie Willoughby
TTC 4540
Step aboard a winter river cruise and journey with me down the Danube to experience the magic of Europe's Christmas markets. From Vienna's glittering Rathausplatz to the storybook charm of smaller towns, each stop offered its own unique traditions, flavors and festive atmosphere. I'll share stories of wandering cobblestone streets filled with music and discovering handmade treasures at the market stalls. Along the way, I'll reflect on the joy of travel during the holiday season and the sense of wonder these centuries-old markets inspire. Join me for a cozy, photo-filled presentation that captures the beauty, culture and holiday spirit of celebrating Christmas along Europe's most famous river.
(Register)
Sorry for My Broken English
Villo Denke-Zomer & Natalia Carvalho-Pinto
TTC 4230
We have a good number of non-native English speaker students and they struggle sometimes. As a non-native English speaker, I share some of their experiences and I feel for them. How do you perceive non-native English speaker students? How do you understand where they are at in their learning and life journey? How could you assist them to be successful in their studies at Kalamazoo Valley?
(Register)
Procurement to Payment: Best Practices Bootcamp
Antionette Goggans
TTC 1320
Join us for Procurement to Payment: Best Practices Bootcamp, an interactive training designed to strengthen your understanding of the entire P2P (Procure-to-Pay) process - from purchase requisition to final payment. This session will explore how purchasing and accounts payable work together to drive efficiency, compliance and cost savings across the college. Whether you're new to the P2P process or looking to refine your expertise, this bootcamp will equip you with actionable best practices.
(Register)
Introducing Data Concepts
Dan Mondoux
TTC 1350
Are you ready to strengthen your understanding of data and how it drives decision-making at KVCC? Join us for a talk aligned with our strategic goal of increasing data fluency across the college.
We'll explore key topics including: what we mean by "data" and other key terms, types of data and how they're used, indicators and key college metrics and practical ways to utilize data in your role.
Let's build a shared language around data and empower ourselves to make informed, confident decisions. Don't miss this opportunity to grow your skills and contribute to KVCC's data-driven future.
(Register)
The Impact of Career Engagement - the Role of Faculty and Staff
Mary McConnell, Jenny Buysse & LaSonda Wells
TTC 2530
According to an Inside Higher Ed article, a recent Student Voices survey revealed that only 41% of students engage with their college's career center. Data also shows that students who use at least one career service receive an average of 1.24 job offers, with each additional service increasing their offers by 0.05 - compared to just 1 job offer for those who do not use career services. Join us to explore how you can help students succeed by promoting the wide range of career resources our college provides.
(Register)
IT Q&A
Aaron Snead & Mason Claussen
TTC 1310
General IT questions and discussion
(Register)
VOYA: Retirement Ready
Outside Presenter: Michael Bronson (VOYA)
TTC 2570
This presentation will build upon New Employee Orientation and will discuss the Personal Healthcare Fund, the DC plan, Pension Plus and Pension Plus 2 plans. Topics covered will include the difference between the 401k and 457 plans, contribution limits, investment options and payout options. VOYA is connecting workplace benefits and savings, simplifying the experience and helping make a more secure financial future possible.
(Register)
TIAA Presents: 529 College Savings Plan
Outside Presenter: Jon Scott (TIAA)
TTC 2560
Open doors to the future: Learn how to invest in a 529 college savings plan, a state-sponsored plan that provides tax-advantaged savings for college costs.
(Register)
Gallagher Benefit Review
Outside Presenter: Leslie Nowaczyk (Gallagher)
TTC 2580
Our agent of record, Gallagher, will offer an employee benefit review. They will touch on Blue Cross Blue Shield and Delta Dental. There will be a Q&A at the end if time permits.
(Register)
Your Employee Benefits: Did You Know?
Becky Craft & Michelle DeMeritt
TTC 2590
Join us for an insightful session on understanding your employee benefits package. Learn about the various components of your benefits, including healthcare, retirement plans and other perks and how to make the most of each one.
(Register)
