Be the Face of Central Piedmont: Join the Social Media Student Ambassador Team

social media ambassadorHey, Central Piedmont students! Ready to turn your passion for social media into something epic? We’re looking for Social Media Student Ambassadors to join our squad.

Dive into campus life, create viral content, and let your imagination run wild. Whether you’re a camera pro or a storytelling genius, this gig showcases what makes Central Piedmont Community College buzz with energy. Get in on the action!!

View the job description!

Email us at socialmedia@cpcc.edu to submit your name and set up a meeting with our social media manager.

Spring 2024 Graduation Information

Commencement December 2023Important Deadlines

  • March 12, 2024 – Last day for students to apply to be included in the May Graduation Ceremony printed program.
    *Important note: Students must apply and be found eligible for graduation before or by this date in order for their names to be included in the printed program.*
  • April 13, 2024 – Last day to register for the May Graduation Ceremony. You will receive an email through the Marching Order website. Registration emails will come from noreply@marching.com.
    *Important note: You must be found eligible for graduation in order to receive a registration email.* If you do not receive a registration email and believe you are eligible for graduation, please contact your advisor or graduation@cpcc.edu.
  • April 23-25, 2024 – The Graduation Fair will be held on these dates at the Central Campus Store. This will be your first opportunity to pick up your caps and gowns for the Graduation Ceremony.
    • Time:
      10 a.m. – 6 p.m. each day
    • Address:
      1112 Charlottetowne Ave
      Charlotte, NC 28204
    • If you are not able to pick up your cap and gown at the Graduation Fair, they will be available at the bookstore through Wednesday, May 8, 2024, during normal business hours.
  • May 9, 2024 – Graduation Ceremony at Bojangles Coliseum. The start time is 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., and check-in will begin an hour and fifteen minutes before the ceremony’s start time.

Ruth G. Shaw Center for Academic Success & Excellence is Here to Help Students

tutoringThe Ruth G. Shaw Center for Academic Success & Excellence welcomes you to the spring 2024 semester. We are excited to help you experience success at the highest level. Here are a few updates to assist you in navigating our unit for support.

  • Access to Academic Support – Access the ASC Academic Support platform and make appointments through Brightspace! Our updated ASC website provides simple & clear instructions on how to make appointments, access online virtual sessions, use Brainfuse, view the ASC calendar, and more.
  • In-Person Appointments – Make an in-person appointment with an ASC tutor on campus (Central, Cato, or Levine.)
  • Virtual ASC Appointments – Make a virtual appointment with an ASC tutor today.
  • Brainfuse Online Appointments – Utilize Brainfuse. Each curriculum-enrolled student receives 200 minutes of time to use Brainfuse for after-hours and weekend academic support.
  • Additional Faculty Tutors – There are additional faculty providing outside tutoring from class time at various campuses. Availability varies. Click here to view the list of those offering additional academic support this upcoming spring 2024 semester. 

You can find step-by-step links and guides on how to use each part of the academic support platform.

Please contact our office for any additional assistance: (704) 330-6474 or asc@cpcc.edu.

Free Tax Preparation Available for Eligible Students

Central High SchoolSingle Stop has partnered with the Central Piedmont accounting and finance program for the current tax season to offer free Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) on Central Campus. You could qualify for this free tax preparation resource if your household income in 2023 was $80,000 or less.

  • Students, staff, and faculty (including immediate family members) can receive free tax preparation.

From Jan. 29 to April 12, tax preparation appointments will occur in person at Central High 101 on Central Campus. Walk-ins will be accepted based on availability.

Please visit the Single Stop web page for available hours and to schedule your appointment.

Did You Know That You Can Get Support from The Library?

library helpAll libraries feature a diverse staff at the service desks who are here to assist you.
We are available via online chat and texts for research assistance, citation help, and digital technology assistance, including Brightspace help.

 

May 2024 Graduates: Nominate Yourself to Speak at Graduation

Evelyn-HillYou have a story – and it’s worth telling! Central Piedmont’s Graduation Committee is now accepting nominations of student graduates to serve as the student speaker at commencement. Nominated students would share pride in their educational journey and a passion for Central Piedmont and be willing to share their experience and wisdom during the celebration.

Nominations will be accepted until February 29, 2024, via the student speaker nomination form, and interviews and selection will conclude by March 15. Students selected for an interview will be asked to prepare their speech through a brief written reflection on their college experience. The selected graduate will receive guidance, rehearsal, and support for their official remarks.

Check out the remarks to the graduating class from Evelyn Hill, a previous student speaker. Only students graduating in Fall 2023 or Spring 2024 are eligible to participate in the May 2024 graduation ceremony.

Any questions regarding nominations can be forwarded to Jesse Bennett, jesse.bennett@cpcc.edu.

Parr Arts and Humanities Series present Kat Vellos, “The Secret to Cultivating Better Friendships”

kat vellosKat Vellos
“The Secret to Cultivating Better Friendships”
February 8, 2024
7 p.m.
Parr Theater, Central Campus

What is “social health,” and why is it better for you than eating broccoli and doing pushups? Why do 61% of Americans report feeling lonely on a regular basis, even though they have 15,237 notifications buzzing on their phone? Why is making friends as an adult harder than trying to file your taxes during a heavy metal concert?

Kat Vellos, author of We Should Get Together: The Secret to Cultivating Better Friendships, will share solutions to these and many more connection conundrums on February 8, 2024, at Central Piedmont Community College. In this engaging, educational, and humorous presentation, you’ll learn why connection in the digital age can be so tough (it’s not just in your head!), and you’ll walk away with clear, exciting action steps for creating more fruitful friendships in your life, no matter your age or life stage.

Free tickets for students with a valid student ID
Use code: FREE

TRIO Student Support Services

TRIO support servicesCentral Piedmont is an incredible college with much to offer, but have you heard of TRIO Student Support Services?

TRIO Student Support Services (TRIO SSS) is a federally funded program providing students with:

  • academic and career coaching
  • tutoring
  • financial literacy education
  • transfer assistance
  • college tours
  • cultural excursions

My name is Shania Johnson, and I am a TRIO SSS Scholar. I’ve had the opportunity to build connections with other TRIO SSS scholars, develop my academic and personal goals, and enjoy outings to UNCC and Breakout Charlotte. TRIO SSS provides flexibility, allowing students to choose the activities to participate in while offering virtual opportunities. So what’s stopping you?

Join TRIO SSS TODAY! Visit TRIO SSS  to apply or stop by Central Campus, Central High Building, Room 322.

Interested in joining? Attend one of our upcoming virtual information sessions. The next session is scheduled for Mon., Feb. 19, at 7 p.m.

Spring 2024 Short Session Start Dates

register for classesDid you know that in addition to full semester (16-week) courses, Central Piedmont offers 12-week, 8-week, and 4-week sessions to provide students with a variety of course lengths and start times? Learn more about these shorter options and register before classes begin.

Spring 2024 short session start dates:

  • Second 12-week session – Feb. 5
  • Second 4-week session – Feb. 5
  • Second 8-week session  – Mar. 11
  • Third 4-week session – Mar. 11
  • Fourth 4-week session – April 8

Student Story: Meet Sakinah Harris-James

Meet Sakinah Harris-James, a proud Vance High School and Central Piedmont Community College alum. Reflecting on her journey, Sakinah shares, “I chose Central Piedmont’s teacher licensure program for its excellent reputation and strong curriculum. The program’s practical approach to teacher training has further prepared me on this teaching journey.”

Driven by a passion for education, Sakinah aspires to make a positive impact. “Teaching allows me to share my knowledge, inspire young minds, and contribute to shaping the future generations,” she says. She highlights Central Piedmont’s supportive community: “The opportunity to interact with diverse faculty and students has enriched my educational experience. The college promotes inclusion and encourages collaboration, creating meaningful relationships and important networking skills.”

Looking ahead, Sakinah envisions a career filled with diverse experiences. “My goal is to become a highly effective and compassionate teacher who can adapt to students’ individual needs,” she explains. Beyond teaching, she dreams of opening a tutoring center in Charlotte. “I want to establish an inclusive and supportive learning environment, where everyone, regardless of their educational challenges, would feel welcome and empowered to excel.”

As she prepares to graduate, Sakinah advises future Central Piedmont students: “Actively engage in the college community, participate in clubs, and utilize resources for a fulfilling experience.” For her, Central Piedmont has been more than an institution; it’s been a supportive environment where obstacles were conquered and goals were achieved.

Sakinah’s journey took a unique turn from dreaming of pediatric nursing to pursuing teaching, inspired by the transformative experience of motherhood. “Becoming a parent opened my eyes to the importance of education and its impact on shaping a child’s future,” she shares. Now, with a clear vision of a tutoring center, Sakinah is determined to make a lasting difference, addressing academic but also social and emotional needs to empower students to succeed.

Central Piedmont Launches Application Cycle for Coca-Cola Consolidated Apprenticeship Program

coca-cola apprenticeship

Students can now apply for the Coca-Cola Consolidated Apprenticeship Program. This hands-on learning opportunity is designed to “earn and learn,” providing paid apprenticeships to

 stimulate interest in high-demand manufacturing, equipment repair, and logistics positions.

Application Cycle Now Open:

Central Piedmont is accepting interest inquiries for the program, which begins in Summer 2024 and spans 12 months.

During the program, apprentices will work approximately 20 hours weekly while completing three to four college courses each semester. Apprentices will transition to full-time positions upon successful completion of the program.

Program Details
Eligible applicants will gain paid experience through part-time roles at Coca-Cola Consolidated and its transportation subsidiary Red Classic Transportation, alongside financial support for career certificates, preparing them for positions such as:

The fundamental requirement for these apprenticeships is a high school diploma or an equivalent qualification.

Information Sessions:
Central Piedmont invites prospective candidates to attend an Information Session.

In-person and virtual attendance options:

Virtual only:

For complete program information, visit cpcc.edu/coke.

For the Love of the Game – The History of Athletics at Central Piedmont Community College

for the love of the game exhibitEver wonder about the history of our sports teams? What about the origins of our Tiger mascot? The latest exhibition from the Central Piedmont Archives is officially open to the public!

“For the Love of the Game – The History of Athletics at Central Piedmont Community College” explores the various intercollegiate and intramural sports previously offered at the college, specifically basketball, cheerleading, soccer, and football. Artifacts on display were accumulated over the years from public donations and internal donations from Student Life, Student Engagement, and Facilities Services. 

To view this exhibition in person, please visit the “History Hallway” on the third floor of the Hagemeyer Library, around the corner from the Archives Department. Viewers can also access the digital exhibition. 

This exhibition will be on display through December 2024. We hope you enjoy this display and the school spirit it embodies!

Blood Drive Coming to All Campuses

one blood bus

Did you know that one blood donation can save up to three lives? You have greater powers than you know! Please consider donating blood at the upcoming blood drive on your designated campus this week and next week. Campus-specific drives are listed below. All donors will receive a $20 eGift Card, a OneBlood long-sleeve t-shirt, and a Wellness checkup.

Appointments are strongly encouraged by signing up in advance using the links below. To donate blood, a student must be 16 and over. Students 16 years of age will need a consent form signed by a guardian. Students 17 years of age do not need a consent form.

  • Central Campus – Jan. 17 | Overcash Circle, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
    Register here
  • Harris Campus – Jan. 18 | Harris I Circle, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
    Register here
  • Merancas Campus – Jan. 19 | Claytor Driveway/Pad, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
    Register here
  • Levine Campus – Jan. 22 | Levine I Fountain Circle, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
    Register here
  • Harper Campus – Jan. 23 | Harper I Lot B, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
    Register here
  • Cato Campus – Jan. 26 | Front of Cato III, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
    Register here

Career Services Open House

open houseNeed help choosing your program or study or applying for jobs? Career Services is here to help! Join us for the Career Center Open House on Tuesday, January 23, 10am-1pm, in Central High 206. Pizza will be provided.

Need help before then? The Career Center will be open for drop-in appointments Monday through Friday, 10am-1pm. The new Career Center is located on Central Campus in Central High 206. You can also make Career Services appointments with Career Counselors at all campuses or virtually on Handshake (https://cpcc.joinhandshake.com/).

The Hammer Open for Student Literature Submissions

HammersThe Hammer, Central Piedmont’s annual student arts & literature magazine, is now accepting student literature submissions for the 2024 publication.

Submissions are due by midnight on Sunday, March 31, for Poetry, Short Fiction, and Flash Fiction.

Genre Guidelines 

  • Poetry: max 64 lines
  • Short Fiction: max 3,500 words
  • Flash Fiction: ~ 250 to 500 words

The best and brightest submissions will be published in the 2024 edition of The Hammer (in print & online).

Send submissions or questions to colin.hickey@cpcc.edu

Entrants must be currently enrolled as students at Central Piedmont.

(Line/word maximums due to spatial limitations, & are only guidelines.)

Spring Welcome Fest – Save the Date

welcome festDo you know everything Central Piedmont has to offer? Find out at Student Engagement’s Spring Welcome Fest! Meet Student Affairs representatives and learn what we can do for you!

Free food, activities, and Central Piedmont swag provided.

Save the Date:

  • Levine Campus – Monday, January 22nd (11:30 am – 1:30 pm)
  • Central Campus – Wednesday, January 24th (11:30 am – 1:30 pm)
  • Harris Campus – Monday, January 29th (12:30 am – 2:30 pm)
  • Harper Campus – Wednesday, January 31st (11:30 am – 1:30 pm)
  • Cato Campus – Tuesday, February 6th (11:30 am – 1:30 pm)
  • Merancas Campus – Wednesday, February 7th (11:30 am – 1:30 pm)

See you there!

Campus Stores Special January Hours

image of bookstore entranceCampus Stores Special January Hours:

  • January 2 – 5, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  • January 6, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
  • January 8-12, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
  • January 13, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
  • January 15 – Closed
  • Beginning January 16, regular store hours will be 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

2024 MLK Celebration & Brunch

MLK CelebrationThe 2024 MLK Celebration & Brunch will take place on Wednesday, January 17, 2024, to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Program highlights include spoken word performances, musical selections, and a motivational guest speaker. Following the program, we invite all attendees to enjoy a catered brunch together.

This event is open to any Central Piedmont student, faculty, or staff member.

Students attending the event will receive 2 hours of service, provided they stay for the duration of the program.

Date: January 17, 2024
Time: 10am-12pm
Location: Overcash Building, Tate Hall

Secure your spot by registering HERE.

For any inquiries or to learn more, please contact Whitney Williams at whitney.williams@cpcc.edu or call 704.330.6745.

Intangible Words by Marge Loudon Moody

Marge Loudon MoodyThe Bill and Patty Gorelick Galleries at Central Piedmont Community College are pleased to announce a new exhibition by Marge Loudon Moody. Moody is a Professor Emerita of Winthrop University in Rock Hill, SC, where she taught for over 30 years. Widely exhibited both nationally and internationally, Moody’s work exists in private and public collections worldwide.

‘Intangible Words’ broadly investigates environments inspired by Moody’s travels and imagination. Through the use of bright colors, abstract forms, and continuous reworking of the composition, Moody creates the “essential” feeling of certain environments. Non-representational imagery utilizes the “essential” nature in order to illuminate the unseen or intangible spirit of the subject. “Subject matter may serve as a metaphor for intangible ideas. The work examines boundaries, addresses the fragility of existence, of presence, of absence, and of memory,” says Moody.

Moody will also serve as this year’s Juror for Central Piedmont’s ‘2024 Annual Juried Student Art Show.’

WHEN: Traveling Exhibition Dates
Levine Campus (Levine 2): January 1 – May 7
Central Campus (North Classroom Building): May 13 – July 2
Cato Campus (Cato 3): August 5 – December 31

WHERE:
Cato Campus: Cato 3, First Floor, 8121 Grier Road, Charlotte, NC 28215
Levine Campus: Levine 2, Ground Floor, 2800 Campus Ridge Rd, Matthews, NC 28105
Central Campus: North Classroom Building, First Floor, 1320 Sam Ryburn Walk, Charlotte, NC 28204

Fragments by Tina Alberni

Tina Alberni Home ShelterThe Bill and Patty Gorelick Galleries will travel a special exhibition of Tina Alberni’s artwork between Central, Cato, and Levine Campuses for the 2024 academic year.

Alberni derived this series of works from the impact of climate change and the harm created by aspects of technological development and progress. With a deep belief that all living things possess an intrinsic value and are not simply human beings, Alberni challenges the viewer to consider topics such as how natural disasters, war, and social disparity contribute to the endangerment and physical displacement of all living things.

Alberni uses her new exhibition ‘Fragments’ to illustrate the narrative of fragmented lives and irreversible damage both visually and physically. In contrast to the hopeless narrative of destruction, Alberni seeks to use her artwork to create a positive, hopeful spirit for the future. Alberni assembles objects and layers in her work in a brightly colored, harmonious fashion, which invites the viewer in for a deeper contemplation of each composition.

Alberni’s work will be on display at Central Piedmont for 2024 and will be part of the Gorelick Gallery’s traveling artwork series.

WHEN: Traveling Exhibition Dates
Central Campus (North Classroom): January 1 – May 7
Cato Campus (Cato 3): May 13 – July 2
Levine Campus (Levine 2): August 5 – December 31

WHERE:
Central Campus: North Classroom Building
First Floor, 1320 Sam Ryburn Walk, Charlotte, NC 28204

Cato Campus: Cato 3
First Floor, 8121 Grier Road, Charlotte, NC 28215

Levine Campus: Levine 2
Ground Floor, 2800 Campus Ridge Rd, Matthews, NC 28105