Academic Advising
Advisors are academic mentors who notice what is happening to their advisees, pay attention to their academic progress, and help them work towards completing their degrees while identifying and fulfilling their goals. Academic advising at Kalamazoo College helps students develop plans compatible with their interests, abilities, and goals; design a course of on- and off-campus study; meet degree requirements; grow intellectually and personally; and make the most of their undergraduate education. All students must meet with their advisors before they are allowed to register for classes for the upcoming term. New students are assigned to an advisor whom they will begin working with during orientation. Students typically stay with their first advisor until they declare a major sophomore year, when they may opt to change to an advisor in their major department. Departmental Student Advisors (DSAs) provide a student perspective on majors, minors, and concentrations.
Early Alert
Kalamazoo College has had an Early Alert system in place since 1996. If faculty or advisors have concerns about a student’s academic progress or engagement, they are asked to use the Early Alert system. Academic advisors are notified immediately of any reports regarding their advisees. The Early Alert Committee, a group of academic and student development administrators, meets regularly each term to review the reports and make plans for follow-up.
Student Health Center
The Kalamazoo College Student Health Center welcomes all students and is staffed by physician assistants, registered nurses, and an office coordinator. Services include acute medical care, diagnosis and treatment of illness and injury, travel consultation and immunizations, gynecological care, and limited diagnostic testing. If necessary, referrals are provided to outside medical care centers and specialist physicians. Medical supervision and after hours on call advice is offered by Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine Family Practice Residency program, located at the Family Health Center. There is no fee for most services at the Student Health Center. Students are charged for in-house diagnostic tests, physical exams, some individual pre-travel consultations, immunizations, annual gynecology exams, some medications, supplies, nutritional counseling, and some treatments. The Student Health Center bills the College Insurance Plan directly. For all other insurances, we offer an insurance ready receipt for you to submit to your insurance carrier. Student Health Services does not provide medical excuses for missed classes, exams, or assignments since medical conditions are confidential.
Counseling Center
The Counseling Center provides a confidential setting where mental health professionals and interns help students understand and work through personal concerns. Our services include individual counseling, therapy and support groups, educational workshops, and referral to off-campus mental health professionals.
Students with Disabilities
In compliance with section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as Amended, and with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), Kalamazoo College recognizes that qualified students who have diagnosed or identified learning, physical, and emotional disabilities are entitled to the same benefits from the educational programs of the College. Kalamazoo College is committed to making every effort to providing reasonable accommodations, unless it that imposes an undue hardship or burden on the College. The Associate Dean of Students and the student will work together to negotiate and ensure appropriate accommodations that will work for the student. Cost associated with diagnosis, evaluation, and testing is the responsibility of the student, except in cases of severe financial need demonstrated to, and upon recommendation of, the Associate Dean of Students. The office also makes assistance available to students experiencing short-term illness or physical injury.