Employee Relations

HR Buzz: Professional Growth Opportunities

Posted on by Renee Boelcke

Growth happens in many forms. Here are a few upcoming opportunities at K. Many colleagues have already reserved their spots. Please join us if you can.

Navigating Difficult Conversations with Skill and Grace

Reserve Your Spot

Wednesday, January 24, 2024
11am – noon
Olmsted Room, Mandelle Hall
Facilitator: Renee Boelcke

Refresh the key principles for effective communication while learning techniques and preparation tips to navigate difficult conversations.

Mental Health First Aid

Two sessions of the same content are offered in two different contexts.

Learn More and
Reserve Your Spot

Virtual

Friday, February 16, 2024
9:00am – 3:30pm (Includes 30-minute break)
Registration closes on January 26

In-Person

Thursday, April 11, 2024
9:00am – 3:30pm (Includes 30-minute break)
Library, Room 213
Registration closes on March 28

Questions may be directed to Renee Boelcke at renee.boelcke@kzoo.edu.

Act Fast! Free shoes for elementary students

Posted on by Renee Boelcke

Elementary students who attend public school in Kalamazoo County are eligible for a free pair of athletic shoes through First Day Shoe Fund.

First Day Shoe Fund distributes brand new athletic shoes through local school districts each fall. During the first two months of each new school year, they distribute shoes to students in need at all Kalamazoo County Public Elementary Schools. First Day Shoe Fund continues to help students in urgent need throughout the school year whenever possible. They distributed 5,291 shoes in 2021. First Day Shoe Fund (FDSF) is a 501(c)(3) organization out of Portage, MI.

Order Shoes

When does online ordering close?

Online ordering is open through September 9, 2022.

Who Is Eligible For New Shoes?

Students in Pre-K through 5th grade at any Kalamazoo County public elementary school. 

Thank you… and an invitation

Posted on by Renee Boelcke

THANK YOU for your role in rejuvenating the community feel of our wonderful College. It is so heart-warming to see so many colleagues enjoy the presence of others. All of these moments take planning and commitment. THANK YOU!

The past few months have been a lot of fun. Let’s look back at some of our activities.

  • Enjoyed delicious popcorn from Kalamazoo Kettle Corn.
  • Summer hours – two weeks longer than in past years without the need to “make up” for shorter hours.
  • FANTASTIC Friday food – 11 open houses hosted by 17 different units, including the final open house on Friday, August 26, and hosted by Facilities Management.
  • Cooled off with ice cream and the smooth sounds of a Bluegrass band.
  • Created lasting memories at the Karnival. Check out the first dunk and photos on the Karnival site.
  • Various celebrations such as Juneteenth, Black Joy Week, retreats, picnics, and plenty of various gatherings.

It is so much fun to collaborate with creative colleagues. Please be invited to share your ideas for future community-building activities in the comments below or by connecting with Renee Boelcke.

Colleagues playing basketball
Colleagues playing basketball
Colleagues enjoying popcorn and talking
Colleagues discussing technology
while enjoying popcorn
Jenga tournament
Colleagues engaged in an intense
Jenga tournament
Colleagues enjoying waffles
Colleagues connecting while enjoying waffles
People listening to music and eating ice cream
Colleagues listening to bluegrass music and enjoying ice cream
MJ after dunk
Mj post-dunk

Michigan Festivals and Fairs

Posted on by Renee Boelcke

Summertime is a great time in Michigan for all sort of activities, including festivals and fairs. Whether you are into food, art, music, or the obscure, there is something for you in the mitten state. Visit event links for more information.

What is missing? Add a favorite event in the comments.

June Events
Date(s)LocationEvent
11LocalVicksburgFreeVicksburg Old Car Festival
11-12LocalStatewideFreeFishing and off-road vehicle (ORV) weekend
12-18MarionMarion Fair
17LocalKalamazooFreeQueer the Block Presented by Drue
18-19LocalKalamazooMac & Cheese Fest
20LocalKalamazoo CollegeFreeJuneteenth Celebration Picnic
24LocalPortageFreeMovies in the Park: Jumanji: The Next Level
25LocalPortageFreeSummer STEAM Day – Engineering
25-26CharlevoixCharlevoix Summer Art Show
July Events
Date(s)LocationEvent
1LocalRichlandFreeLive Dance Performance
1-2Bay CityFreeBay City Firework Festival
2LocalKalamazooFreeJerico Maker Faire!
2-9Traverse CityNational Cherry Festival
8LocalKalamazooFreeArt Hop
8LocalKalamazooFreeHistoric Walks: Edison Neighborhood
9-10CharlevoixFreeCharlevoix Arts & Craft Festival
16LocalHickory CornersSymphony in the Summer: Gershwin + Dvorak’s New World
21-24Ann ArborAnn Arbor Art Fair
23LocalKalamazooFree3-on-3 Basketball Tournament
23LocalPortageFreeSummer STEAM Day – Space
August Events
Date(s)LocationEvent
5LocalKalamazooFreeArt Hop
6LocalHickory CornersRed Barns Spectacular Car Show and Swap Meet
9-13LudingtonWestern Michigan Fair
11-14South HavenFreeNational Blueberry Festival
13LocalKalamazooFreeVintage in the Zoo
20-21LocalStatewideFreeOff-Road Vehicle (ORV) Weekend
26LocalKalamazooFreeHistoric Walks: Libraries in Kalamazoo
28LocalKalamazooFreeOshtemo Music in the Park
September Events
Date(s)LocationEvent
1-5NoviMichigan State Fair
5LocalKalamazooFreeArt Hop
5Mackinaw CityFreeLabor Day Bridge Walk
9-17LocalAlleganAllegan County Fair
16- Oct 3Grand RapidsFreeArt Prize
18LocalPortageFreeFall Festival
23-25Lake OrionMade in Michigan Festival

HR Buzz: Did you know?

Posted on by Renee Boelcke

Did you know that there are plenty of resources located on the Employee Relations page of the HR site? These resources are intended to support each of us as a whole person, both inside and outside of the workplace.

Examples of available resources include:

  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP). The EAP is a free, confidential service available to help with life’s matters including child/elder care, financial services, wills and directives, and access to counseling services.
  • Paid time off. Information about vacation, bereavement, holidays, and more. By the way, the 2021-22 holiday calendar is posted.
  • Ambrose Prize. Submit a nomination for a staff colleague for this prestigious award. Nominations are accepted through Friday, April 2.
  • Family and Life. Explore the region, locate childcare resources, and other items of possible interest.

If you have a resource suggestion for our colleagues, please contact Renee Boelcke at renee.boelcke@kzoo.edu.