Dear Bruins,
The first six weeks of the spring semester are nearly complete, which means you’ll soon begin to see signs of warmer weather, dry roads and the fruits of your academic labors thanks to your perseverance so far in 2021.
At KCC, we know these past months haven’t been easy for you, our Bruins, who are showing admirable resilience with the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, remote learning and a seemingly endless stream of virtual meetings.
But the pandemic won’t last forever. And opportunities continue to abound, which is why we’ve incorporated “Make it a Comeback” as one of our advertising slogans this year. We hope our students – current and future – will be inspired by the message and aim for a strong comeback, whatever that means to you individually, after a season of endurance.
As KCC student Payton Espolon recently told the Board of Trustees, life as a college student has been difficult lately, but there is hope on the horizon.
Hang in there!
The remainder of this message is filled with links and timely information you need to know as you get into the groove of the semester and plan your next steps at KCC.
Always a Bruin,
Eric J. Greene
Vice President for Strategy, Relations and Communications
Campus Preparedness
KCC students, staff and faculty continue to take appropriate steps, including wearing masks and using hand sanitizer, to contribute to the community’s declining numbers and the College’s manageable numbers of COVID-19. The College also continues to enhance its campus safety measures, including air filtering and health screening. In short, the KCC family is doing its part! As a result, some of KCC’s hybrid classes have already begun increasing their face-to-face instruction this semester.
Send Nominations for Faculty Excellence Award
Would you like to nominate someone for a KCC Faculty Excellence Award? If you have a current or past faculty member, adjunct faculty member, counselor or librarian that you think is deserving of a Faculty Excellence Award, we invite you to submit nominations no later than March 31.
Money!
Who doesn’t love cash grants, refunds and fee waivers? If you haven’t already heard – or seen the money in your bank accounts – KCC has decided to use federal stimulus funding to provide emergency grants and waive or refund online course fees ($35 per credit hour) to students.
Free Tuition Program
Speaking of money, you’ve heard about the Michigan Reconnect program, right? Free tuition for eligible Michigan residents.
Be Heard!
KCC continues to prepare for a site visit in October 2021 from the Higher Learning Commission, a regional accrediting body that will evaluate whether the College continues to meet rigorous standards for quality assurance and improvement. As part of our preparation, we would appreciate hearing from students to help us understand how well you think we’re doing as an institution. Take a look at the College’s “Assurance Argument” and provide feedback by March 26 by sending comments to hlcaccreditation@kellogg.edu.
KCC Commencement Is May 13
KCC will celebrate its 2021 graduates on May 13 with a drive-through “Cruisin’ Commencement” ceremony in the large parking lot at the North Avenue campus. As a reminder, graduates have until today, March 1, to apply for graduation. Look for the “Graduation Overview” link in the Bruin Portal.
Virtual Service, Real Help
The well-being of all of our Bruins remains our top priority. For those who can’t or don’t want to be on campus during the pandemic, many of KCC’s services for students offer a virtual option. This includes Academic Advising, Counseling, Disability Services, Financial Aid, the Morris Library, Placement Testing and more. For a full list of virtual services and how to make appointments remotely, visit our Virtual Services web page.
Looking for KCC Swag?
If you’re looking for that perfect KCC jacket, travel mug or notepad for yourself, the Bruin Bookstore has it.
Let’s Roll, Play Ball
KCC’s baseball and bowling teams have begun their seasons. KCC Baseball began competitive play this past weekend and KCC Bowling (men’s bowling and women’s bowling teams) began in mid-February. Go Bruins!
Celebrate KCC Music and Theatre
KCC’s Performing Arts students and faculty are planning a virtual gala on April 27, featuring the talents of KCC choirs, theatre troupes, alumni and faculty. Stay tuned for details on how to watch this exciting event online!
Summer Semester
Because it’s never too early to plan ahead, please know that class schedules for Summer 2021 will be viewable online as of March 8 and summer course registration opens on April 12.
Got more questions? Need help? Try the online chat window on the KCC website or call us at 269-965-3931!