Welcome to Kalamazoo Valley
The measure of Kalamazoo Valley is you - each and every student. The faculty, staff, facilities, programs, and services exist for your success. Success comes with an educational plan, a positive attitude, sustained motivation, and using all available resources.
This catalog, along with the Student Handbook, can acquaint you with the rules, regulations, and resources that can lead to your success. It contains what you as a student should know about your rights, your responsibilities, and what you can do to guarantee a quality learning environment.
It can also direct you to the programs, services, and activities that are available to you at the Texas Township Campus; the Bronson Healthy Living Campus which includes the Culinary and Allied Health Building and the Food Innovation Center; the Groves Center; and the Arcadia Commons Campus which includes Anna Whitten Hall, the Center for New Media, and the Kalamazoo Valley Museum.
The college's website provides information about Student Success Services, libraries, the Honors Program, intercollegiate athletics, international studies, the college’s choral and band programs, the Kalamazoo Valley Museum, bus service, tailored services for veterans, the Wellness and Fitness Center, student clubs, and so much more.
So, what is a student? You are a student if you are enrolled in one or more classes during a semester and have paid the appropriate tuition and fees. You are a student if you are enrolled in training or workforce-development programs as a prerequisite for passing licensing examinations in your chosen profession or vocation, or as part of your on-the-job professional development.
You remain a student unless you withdraw from all classes and are no longer actively engaged in any program of study. When you receive your diploma, one-year certificate, or your certificate of achievement, you join the ranks of the alumni. Congratulations.
History of Kalamazoo Valley
Kalamazoo Valley Community College was established in 1966 by the overwhelming approval of voters in nine local school districts. It is a comprehensive, fully accredited, public, two-year college with enrollment of about 10,000 students. Kalamazoo Valley offers certificate programs in more than 20 areas of study and associate degrees in 25 others. In addition to associate degree and certificate programs in art and new media, business, education/human service/social science, English/humanities/liberal arts, health careers, industrial trades, public service, science and engineering, and sustainable food systems, the college also provides a quality experience for students preparing to transfer to four-year institutions following graduation.
Currently, Kalamazoo Valley has four campuses:
- Texas Township Campus
- Arcadia Commons Campus
- The Groves Campus
- Bronson Healthy Living Campus
Designed by Alden B. Dow, a student of Frank Lloyd Wright, the Texas Township Campus is located near the I-94 and U.S. 131 interchange on 185 acres of rolling woodland west of Kalamazoo. Expanded several times over the last 45 years, the 430,000-square-foot complex features modern classrooms, comprehensive library and computer capabilities, two gymnasiums, a swimming pool, ball fields, tennis courts, a running track, an auditorium, food services, free parking in expansive lots, and fully equipped labs for science, industrial, and manufacturing technologies.
Located in downtown Kalamazoo, the Arcadia Commons Campus includes Anna Whitten Hall (built in 1994), the Kalamazoo Valley Museum, and the Center for New Media. The campus serves as a hub for a community, business, and education partnership that renovated and revitalized a significant portion of the historic downtown area.
The Kalamazoo Valley Museum, which spotlights the history, culture, science, and technology of Southwest Michigan, was opened in February 1996 and recently celebrated its 2 millionth visitor. Its construction was financed entirely by $20 million in private contributions. Governed by the college, the museum houses an interactive planetarium, the Mary Jane Stryker Theater for films and performances, a Children's Landscape for preschoolers, hands-on exhibits, and the best available nationally traveling exhibits. The museum's history gallery, “Kalamazoo Direct to You,” was dedicated in December 2011 and a new science-focused Innovation Gallery opened in 2017. The museum provides a unique learning environment for students of Kalamazoo Valley Community College, as well as the general public.
The Center for New Media is located in the historic W. S. Dewing Building in the heart of the city. It offers career-based, industry-standard instruction for all aspects of digital media. Three floors of state-of-the art classrooms, two drawing studios, a photography studio, and five art galleries comprise this innovative and exciting building.
Creating an educated workforce skilled to meet the demands of a changing economy is the focus at The Groves Center on Kalamazoo Valley Community College’s third campus, The Groves Campus. Originally opened in 2001 as one of 18 M-TEC facilities across the state, the Groves Center was financed by a $5 million grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, plus $6 million in matching funds provided by area companies and foundations.
The Groves offers fast-track training programs that are designed with input from local employers. Available career academies include the wind turbine technician academy, which was initially launched in 2009 and has quickly earned a reputation as the premier training source for wind industry professionals. Other career academies offered at The Groves include cell tower technician academy, corrections officer academy, CNC operator academy, mechatronic systems technician academy, patient care academy, phlebotomy academy, and the police academy.
The Groves also offers customized workforce development training for area employers. Staff there works closely with businesses to ensure that services align with the employment needs of the region. Business and community leaders turn to the Groves Center for state-of-the-art education and training.
In cooperation with Bronson Healthcare and Kalamazoo Community Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, Kalamazoo Valley developed a campus focused on wellness and food sustainability.
The Bronson Healthy Living Campus opened in 2016 and is located on 13.3 acres of land donated by Bronson Healthcare, where Kalamazoo Valley has expanded its curriculum to include brewing and training in culinary arts, sustainable food production and safety; all part of the college’s efforts to increase community understanding of and access to healthy food and nutrition.
Many special services and programs are available on all of the college's campuses -- a thriving Honors Program; comprehensive learning, tutoring, and testing centers that offer one-on-one assistance; and the International Studies Program that includes more than 130 courses emphasizing the global aspects of everything from accounting to wellness.
Mission Statement
We are committed to enriching the lives of our students and communities through quality educational programs and services. To accomplish these ends, we will:
- Support student goal achievement through access to learning experiences and assessment.
- Support a balance between a comprehensive curricular base and innovations in education, personal development and technology by strategically utilizing resources.
- Provide curriculum and supportive services relevant to the needs of individuals, enterprise and government.
- Maintain a learning environment built upon the inclusivity of ideas of all cultures and ethnic backgrounds.
- Support economic vitality and stability through development of a skilled local workforce.
- Integrate the components of campus-based instruction, The Groves and the Kalamazoo Valley Museum to support student and community needs.
Adopted: June 14, 1994
Modified: October 9, 2001, October 12, 2004, December 13, 2016
Non-Discrimination Statement
Americans with Disabilities Act
Web Accessibility Policy
It is the policy of Kalamazoo Valley Community College not to discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, height, weight, familial status, veteran status, or marital status in its programs, services, employment or activities. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies: Executive Vice President for Enrollment and Campus Operations, 6767 West O Avenue, P.O. Box 4070, Kalamazoo, Michigan 49003 – 4070; 269.488.4434.
Kalamazoo Valley Community College believes that inclusivity encompasses, but is not limited to race, color, gender, weight, height, marital status, veteran status, disability, national origin, handicap, gender identification, sexual orientation, age, political affiliation, economic circumstance, physical or mental ability, physical or mental characteristic. It does not discriminate on the aforementioned or any other characteristic protected by law.
Kalamazoo Valley is recognized as an institution qualified and equipped to furnish education at the collegiate level to eligible veterans, their dependents, and survivors. Rules, regulations, standards and procedures are available by contacting the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or the Kalamazoo Valley Financial Aid Office. Application for veterans’ benefits should be made well in advance of college registration.
Kalamazoo Valley provides a drug-free campus and workplace, and operates within the guidelines established by the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989. Thus it prohibits the unlawful possession, use, distribution, dispensing, or manufacturing of illicit drugs or other substances and alcoholic beverages. Criminal prosecution is possible.