Dear Bruins,
Take a moment to pause and be still. You’ve earned a little break. You’re two-thirds of the way through the fall semester at Kellogg Community College, which means you’re in the home stretch of one of the most unusual semesters in KCC history.
After unprecedented campus closures from March through June, we started the fall with a mix of face-to-face and online instruction. Then, as the COVID-19 pandemic surged again in October, we opted to transition most of our in-person activity to online as we head into winter and prepare for the spring semester, which starts in January. Our campus, typically abuzz with activity, has been quiet with no large events of any kind.
But, like the dedicated Bruins that you are, you have continued to adapt to changing circumstances while remaining focused on your coursework and educational goals. Your instructors have adapted, too, and they have not wavered in their commitment to teaching you and helping you grow, even in the midst of a pandemic. Thank you for your patience and dedication during this historic period that continues to weigh on us all.
Congratulations on your success so far. And please read through the rest of this message, organized by topic, so you are aware of resources and opportunities available to you. After a well-deserved winter break, we sincerely hope you’ll join us again when classes begin in the new year.
With Bruin Pride,
Eric J. Greene
Vice President for Strategy, Relations and Communications
Registration for Spring 2021 Classes
Registration for KCC classes offered during the Spring 2021 semester is open now and can be completed online. Student registration information, including links to registration instructions, policies, tuition and fees and other information, is available at www.kellogg.edu/registration. Specific courses offered at KCC during the spring semester can be viewed by visiting www.kellogg.edu, clicking on “Class Schedules” at the top of the page and filtering results by semester. Don’t delay. Classes start as early as Jan. 19, which will be here sooner than you think.
Futures for Frontliners
If you are working in an essential job while the pandemic continues to do its thing, we wish to say a heartfelt thank you. Also, KCC is fully supportive of the Futures for Frontliners program announced recently by the State of Michigan. Futures for Frontliners offers Michiganders who worked in essential industries during the April 1 through June 30 period – but who do not have a college degree – free resident-rate tuition to their local community college to pursue an associate degree or a skills certificate on a full-time or part-time basis while they continue to work. Even if you are already enrolled at KCC, you may qualify for this benefit. To apply and learn more about Futures for Frontliners, visit our Futures for Frontliners web page. Act quickly; the deadline to submit your form to the state is Dec. 31.
KCC Tuition Rate Versus State Universities
Did you know that KCC’s tuition rate is about 33% of the average tuition rate at public universities in Michigan? A full-time student can save about $9,000 per year by attending KCC rather than a state university. Just sayin’.
Bruin Bookstore Remains Open
Looking for textbooks and supplies? The Bruin Bookstore is still open with limited occupancy due to state restrictions. Online ordering, free shipping and curbside pickup are available now. Spring 2021 textbooks will start to become available on Jan. 5, 2021. Check the Bruin Bookstore web page for store hours and ordering information.
Bruin Basket Survey, Chance to Win $25 Gift Card
Have you seen or heard about the free snacks at the Bruin Basket locations at KCC? Even if you haven’t, we’d like to hear from you on how we can better provide for students’ food-related needs. The College’s Food Insecurity Task Force is asking students to respond to a quick survey before Dec. 4. KCC will use the survey results to assess how well this program is fulfilling needs. All who complete the survey will be entered into a random drawing for a $25 gift card to use at the Bruin Bookstore. Take the survey!
Virtual Services
The well-being of our Bruin community remains our top priority, especially during a pandemic when everything seems to be changing at once. To maximize your safety while also ensuring you have access to the support you need, we’ve made a number of adjustments to the way we’re delivering our services. Keeping track of it all can be a little overwhelming. Recently, most of our student services moved to a virtual format, with the exception of academic and placement testing, which are available in-person and by appointment only. We’ve created a handy Virtual Services chart online with links, forms and phone numbers so you can contact or schedule time with any of the following offices:
- Academic Advising
- Admissions
- Bruin Bookstore
- Career and Employment Services
- Counseling
- Disability Services
- Financial Aid
- Morris Library
- New Student Orientation
- Placement Testing
- Records/Registration
- Regional Centers
- Tutoring
COVID-19 Response
The College continues to respond to the pandemic with a safety-first mindset while providing education and services to all of our Bruins. Because of a recent surge in cases within KCC’s student and employee population and in response to new State of Michigan orders, the College has further reduced in-person instructional activities and restricted access to campus buildings. To see the College’s announcements, case data and campus reopening plan, please visit our coronavirus web page, which is updated at least once a week. Stay safe, Bruins.
Have questions? Need help? Try the online chat window on the KCC website or call us at 269-965-3931!