Author Archives: Jennifer Conway

November is Native American Heritage Month

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National Native American Heritage Month is celebrated each year in November. It is a time to celebrate the traditions, languages and stories of Native American, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, and affiliated Island communities and ensure their rich histories and contributions continue to thrive with each passing generation.

This November and every month, we celebrate the culture and heritage of these remarkable Americans who deeply enrich the quality and character of our nation.

If you are a Native-identifying student, we would love to hear from you! Please reach out to us at socialmedia@cpcc.edu.

To learn more, explore the Central Piedmont Library LibGuide for Native American Heritage Month.

 

Student Story: Alicja Glapiak

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Alicja, smiling and wearing a Central Piedmont t-shirt.Meet Alicja Glapiak, an international student from Poland on a journey at Central Piedmont Community College. “I chose Central Piedmont because of the standards it presents in the Charlotte community and of the standards of the Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program,” Alicja says.

The Central Piedmont campus for her, became a place where inspiration thrives. Alicja decided on a career she envisions as a means to connect and motivate people: “I chose the PTA field because I want to be the spark in people’s well-being, encouraging them to nurture their minds and bodies.” Central Piedmont provided more than classrooms; it offered Alicja a supportive community, vital for an international student: “I was given a safe community space, which for an international student might be difficult to find, and opportunities to learn hands-on skills to grow as a Healthcare Professional,” Alicja expresses.

“Something unique in my college journey is the inspiration I draw from my instructors. Their educational competence, humor, and real-world experience make me impatient and excited for my future as a Physical Therapist Assistant,” Alicja recalls. Conquering Possibility, for Alicja, is about embracing challenges and celebrating every step you take, towards the best version of yourself!

Advice to future Central Piedmont students: “Be mindful in your college experience, ask questions, explore new skills, and seek for your purpose in your future career.”

Central Piedmont Reads!

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Students in the Hagemeyer Library at Central Campus.

In recognition of Native American Heritage Month, the Central Piedmont Library, in partnership with the English department, will host “Central Piedmont Reads!”

These discussions, led by faculty and staff, highlight Native American authors and the culture and history of Native American and Indigenous people.

Read the book, bring your lunch, and join us for a campus discussion session through the month of November:

  • Central Campus: “Crazy Brave: A Memoir,” by Joy Harjo
  • Merancas Campus: “Berry Song,” by by Michaela Goade and Gaawin Gindaaswin Ndaawsii; and  “I Am Not a Number,” by Jenny Kay Dupuis
  • Cato Campus: “Dog Flowers: A Memoir, An Archive,” by Danielle Geller
  • Levine Campus: “Firekeeper’s Daughter” by Angeline Boulley

Review the event page for the dates and details of each book discussion, hosted by library staff and English instructors.

Public Safety & Automotive Open House

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A student works on a large engine.Still undecided on a program of study? Join us Wednesday, November 15 at our Public Safety and Automotive Open House to explore our programs. You’ll have an opportunity to:

  • discover our public safety and automotive academic programs
  • meet inspiring faculty
  • immerse yourself in real-world experiences such as learning how to drive in a police car simulator or exploring how electric vehicles work
  • tour the classrooms and labs on Merancas Campus
  • learn more about scholarships and financial aid

We can’t wait to see you there:

  • Wednesday, November 15
  • 4 -7 p.m.
  • Location: Merancas Campus, Merancas IV

Registration: Please complete this form to register for our open house.

MLA Formatting workshop

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Students work at laptops in a library

It’s essay writing season! Correct citations in your essays are important, and MLA formatting can be tricky.

If you need to brush up on your skills, or if you’re using MLA for the first time, attend the Academic Learning Center’s “MLA Boot Camp” workshop:

Questions? Email mary.keller@cpcc.edu

 

First Generation College Celebration

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I am First Gen with the Central Piedmont logo.Are you a first-generation college student? First-generation college students are students whose parents (mothers/fathers) did not receive a 4-year college/university degree.

All students, faculty, staff and alumni are invited to join us next week, November 7-10, to celebrate National First Generation College Student Week.

Revew the schedule of events on the First Gen event page.

Mario Kart Tourney Nov. 17

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Ignite your engines and unleash your inner racing champion! We are thrilled to invite you to the Central Piedmont Mario Kart Tournament. Get your banana peels ready for a heart-pounding event tailored for students who love the Mario Kart adrenaline rush!

Mario Kart 8 tournament logo with Mario in a kart being chased by Bowser in a Kart.

  • Friday, Nov. 17
  • 3 – 7 p.m.
  • Central Campus, Overcash Building, Tate Hall

Pre-registration and ticket information (Google form).

Join us for high-speed thrills and fierce competition. Whether you’re a Mario Kart pro or just love a good race, this tournament is tailored for gamers of all levels.

International Education Week, Nov. 10-17

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TheGroup of about 30 smiling students standing staggered on the steps of Overcash Building at Central Campus holding full size flags from around the world. Office of Global Learning is celebrating International Education Week Nov. 10-17, and you’re invited!

There is something for everyone with events on multiple campuses, engaging virtual experiences from around the world (like a Japanese Tea Ceremony), and some off-campus events like an opportunity to tour the Mint Museum on Randolph Road, and a meet-up at the People’s Market.

Explore the 2023 International Education Week schedule and we’ll see you there!

Career Development Week, Nov. 14-16

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An employer speaks with a student after a panel.

An employer speaks with a student after a panel discussion.

Mark your calendars for Career Development Week! Workshops will take place Tuesday, November 14 – Thursday, November 16.

Review all the events and register to attend.

You will have opportunities to engage with employers from various industries during professional development workshops, including LinkedIn, resume development, mock interviews, employer panels, and a meet and greet.

Employers will also speak about current employment opportunities at their companies and discuss the skills necessary to be successful in this current job market.

Career Development Week is hosted by the Office of Mentoring and Coaching in conjunction with Career Services.

Congratulations to the Typing Contest Winners

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The Central Piedmont Library and the Digital Literacy Learning space hosted a typing contest during Digital Inclusion Week at the beginning of October.

Many students rose to the keyboard challenge and let their fingers fly in this fun game, and the top three scores have been tallied.

We are announcing the winners of the ZType game (which, if you missed out, is free to play, and some quick addictive fun).

Congratulations to:

Three students show off their certificates.

  • First place: Patricia DeLaCruz
  • Second place: Mark Squires
  • Third place: Sergio Ordonez

Scholarships for Spring and Summer 2024

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Happy graduates smiling for a selfie photo.The Central Piedmont Foundation student scholarship portal is open  Nov. 1- Dec. 17 to apply for scholarships for spring and summer of 2024. If you have not yet submitted a scholarship application for the 2023-2024 academic year then don’t miss out on this opportunity!

If you already submitted an application but have not yet received an award, you will automatically be considered for spring and summer 2024. You do not need to resubmit your application unless something has changed, or if you want to make updates to your already submitted application.

The deadline to apply is midnight on December 17. If you are awarded a scholarship for spring or summer 2024, you will be notified by email to your student account on or by December 18.

If you have questions about the scholarship application process, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions page.

Pro tip: be sure to answer all questions as fully as you can. Don’t be afraid to give examples and talk about your experiences, accomplishments and needs. Great answers will help you set yourself apart from other applicants.

Healing Circles for Veterans Week

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Student Veteran stands by the flagpole and military

Veterans Day is Saturday November 11. In honor of our military veterans and family members, Central Piedmont’s Military Families and Veterans Services will host a Veterans Week.

The Student Equity Council has partnered with Military Families and Veterans Services to host healing circles, followed by lunch at Central Piedmont’s Cato, Central, Harper, Harris, and Levine campuses.

Attend a Healing Circle:

Learn more about the Healing Circles on the Veterans Week event page. 

You don’t have to struggle- get help for your classes

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Struggle no more! Central Piedmont wants to help provide all the tools you need to be successful in your classes. The Academic Learning Center (ALC) provides so many different ways to help you study and learn the material from your classes, outside of your instructor and the class.

Learn how to access all the Academic Learning Center support (directions).

Use these links to learn more about how to:

‘Reflexions’ art show by student Itala Flores

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Dresses made from upcycled materials. Reflexions by Itala Flores.Central Piedmont student and Venezuelan artist Itala Flores brings a black tie affair to the Dove gallery as it transforms into a world of high class fashion. The exhibit is open now, and the reception will be held November 15 at 5 p.m. in Dove Gallery.

Flores uses her meticulous sense of design and creative use of materials to create formal dresses made from recycled materials such as; paper plates and discarded theater tickets. This new exhibition by Flores showcases the best of her sculptural and fashionista abilities.

Where others see refuse Flores see a world full of creative possibilities. In Flores’ hands small bits of discarded paper or forgotten fliers and photographs take on a new life and purpose. No longer scraps, they become part of a larger element, playing a role in the formation of upscale evening dresses.

Flores’ exhibition demonstrates that you do not need the finest, or most expensive materials to create art. Instead through a keen eye and intricate assemblage practices, Flores creates art from readily available materials.

Visit the exhibit:

  • October 23 – December 7
  • Central Campus, Parr Center, Dove Gallery

Trick or Trivia

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Campus Activities Board (CAB) at Central Campus invites you to “Trick or Trivia.”

Come by yourself and meet some new friends, or gather a team to throw down the gauntlet and challenge others for some Halloween-themed trivia.

Both events will be held at Central Campus, Parr Center, Room 0060:

  • Thursday, Oct. 26, 3 – 4 p.m.
  • Monday, Oct. 30, 1 – 2 p.m.

Cosmetology raises money for breast cancer

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Pink hair tinsel is being added by a cosmetology student and another pair is painting nails.During the month of October, students in Central Piedmont’s cosmetology program have held events to paint pink nail polish and add pink hair for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. They set a goal to collect at least $500 in donations to support the Susan G. Komen foundation, and they have surpassed their goal!

It’s not too late to visit the City View Center and get your nails done! The donation event continues through Tuesday, Oct. 31, from 8:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. each day.

Thanks to everyone who has already donated or participated, and thank you for helping to raise money and awareness for breast cancer.

Attend Smithsonian panel: “Reckoning with our Racial Past”

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Smithsonian logo, "Reckoning with our racial past: conversations for our shared future."Join the special event “Reckoning with our Racial Past: Conversations for our Shared Future,” a panel discussion sponsored by the Smithsonian, and hosted at Central Piedmont’s Central Campus.

Lonnie G. Bunch III, Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, and Brian Moynihan, Chair & CEO, Bank of America, along with other local leaders, will discuss how access to critical resources can shape communities across the nation–including right here in Charlotte.

The panel will be moderated by award-winning journalist Soledad O’Brien.

  • Monday Nov. 6
  • 6:30 – 8  p.m.
  • Central Campus, Parr Center, Theater

Registration is required, RSVP on the event page.

Priority Registration for Spring 2024 begins Oct. 20

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A teacher presents to a table of students in a chemistry classroom.

Jump to the front of the line for choosing classes! Priority registration for spring 2024 classes begins Friday, Oct. 20, depending on the number of credits you have completed. Make sure you have consulted with your academic advisor and are prepared with which classes you should take. Spring open registration will begin Oct. 30. (Registration for fall and the winter session is ongoing for classes that have not yet started.)

If you owe more than $200 in tuition for a term, the new Tuition Payment Plan will help spread out your bill into smaller payments.

Need help with anything? Email navigate@cpcc.edu (en Español: ayuda@cpcc.edu) or call 704.330.2722.

Student Story: Teren Wallace

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Teren Wallace smiling and wearing a Central Piedmont shirt.Central Piedmont Community College student Teren Wallace, a passionate and resilient individual fueled by self-belief and determination. Teren, a native of Omaha, Nebraska, found his calling in the world of Information Technology, a passion nurtured from childhood. His story is one of overcoming obstacles, embracing his uniqueness, and finding a supportive community at Central Piedmont.

From a young age, Teren had a knack for technology. “I learned how to install educational computer games when I was just six.  Working with electronics was my passion,” he shares. This passion led him to Central Piedmont, where he found a welcoming community that fostered his growth. “I’ve enjoyed meeting new people, making new friends. “I enjoy seeing how the college evolves and changes, and recalling what it was like when I first joined,” says Teren.
Teren’s journey was not without challenges. Diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome at the age of 9, he faced difficulties in socializing and communicating. “I felt my disability would hinder me from being able to socialize effectively with people and make friends,” he states. However, Central Piedmont became a transformative space for Teren. “I met so many people who were friendly, kind, and willing to help me despite my struggles with communication,” he says. Through the support of his advisor and mentor, Iris Grady, and the warm Central Piedmont community, Teren found his voice and confidence.

His time at Central Piedmont not only honed his technical skills but also instilled a powerful lesson. “Keep reaching for your goals. Don’t let others around you turn you sour because of their coldness… Believe in yourself and the true people in your life that want to help you and you can never go wrong,” he advises future students.