Dream Big: A Journey Into Top 20 Schools

Four smiling students in Central Piedmont caps and gownsAre you thinking about transferring to a four-year institution after Central Piedmont?
Central Piedmont alumnus Roger Villarreal ’21 encourages you to dream big and consider transfer opportunities into top colleges and universities. Listen to Roger’s story, and learn how you can prepare for your own transfer journey.

Healing from Unhealthy Relationships

Please join the Office of Counseling Services and the Student Equity Council for the “Healing From Unhealthy Relationships” event at Central Campus.

Recognize. Report. Prevent.

 

This event will provide you with information about the differences between healthy and unhealthy relationships and allow you to interact with others and share your experiences. This event is tailored specifically for women and is for Central Piedmont students only. Women of color, LGBTQIA+, and disabled women encouraged to attend.
  • Thursday, Oct. 26
  • 2 – 3:30 p.m.
Join us for games, crafts and a hot chocolate bar. Snacks and refreshments will be provided by the Student Equity Council.
Registration is required: Sign up through the Google form.

Coping Skills workshop at Cato

Counseling Services talks around an inviting table.Have you ever felt stressed, anxious or depressed and didn’t know what to do to feel better?

Join Counseling Services to learn more about healthy coping skills and how to find ones that work for you. You will also have the opportunity to create your own coping kit to take with you.

Supplies and snacks will be provided!

  • Wednesday, Nov. 8
  • 2 – 3:15 p.m.
  • Cato Campus, Cato III, First Floor Lobby

National Disability Employment Awareness Month Event

Join Career Services for Disability & Disclosure-Navigating the Employment Process, featuring Marty Musser, Advocacy Director from Disability Rights and Resources. This event aims to educate students with disabilities on:

  • your rights during the employment application process
  • how to navigate the process effectively
  • how to advocate for reasonable accommodations while on the job

The virtual event is scheduled for:

Contact career.services@cpcc.edu if you have any questions.

50 Shades of Pink for Breast Cancer

Cosmetology students put on nail polish.

Come get pink nail polish or pink hair tinsel for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Central Piedmont’s cosmetology and natural hair students are participating in the “50 Shades of Pink” campaign to help raise money for the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Awareness Foundation. Their goal is raise $500 through the month of October.

You can donate (cash, Venmo or Zelle) to the good cause and get your polish or hair tinsel at these locations and times:

  • City View Center, Tuesdays-Fridays, through Oct. 31, 8:30 a.m. – 1p.m.
  • Harris Campus (Harris I Lobby), Monday Oct. 16, 11 a.m. – 1p.m.

Learn more about all of our salon services. 

Protecting Yourself through Cybersecurity

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, and Information Technology Services reminds us that cybersecurity is everyone’s responsibility.

A student works on their laptop.Protect your digital world just like you would your physical one: passwords are like keys to your door, and you wouldn’t invite just anyone in. Here are some reminders to help keep your information safe:

  • Phones, tablets, or laptop devices: Install antivirus software, keep operating systems current with updates, and activate firewalls.
  • Strong passwords: Use complex passwords and don’t reuse a password across multiple accounts. Use multi-factor authentication.
  • Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date with cybersecurity news and when there are critical updates to software– even apps.
  • Safe Browsing: Use secure networks and avoid public Wi-Fi for sensitive transactions. Consider using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) when off-campus.
  • Think Before You Click: Verify email sources and be cautious with attachments.
  • Regular Backups: Consider backing up your data to the cloud or an external drive.
  • Limit Sharing: Be mindful of the personal information you post online.
  • Monitor Accounts: Regularly check financial statements and online profiles for irregularities.
  • Educate Others: Share security tips with your circle. Collective security is stronger.

You’re invited to Business & Accounting Week, Oct. 17-21

Students at a business and career fair talk with employers.You’re invited to participate in a week of exciting events designed to educate, empower, and engage students for success in the classroom and in the workplace. Plus, meet and mingle with industry experts through panel discussions, participate in Q&A sessions, and learn about unique internship opportunities.

Live events are being held daily on Central Campus and virtually on WebEx:

Fall Break is Oct. 9-13

The fall view at Cato Campus. with leaves turning colors.

The fall view at Cato Campus.

The fall view at Cato Campus.

Central Piedmont students, we hope you enjoy your week-long fall break!

This is a reminder that no classes will be held Oct. 9-13.

Our campuses will remain open during fall break, but some offices and services may operate on different schedules for the break.

Food service will close or hours will change for the week, and campus libraries will be open on shortened schedules.

It’s not too late to register— second session (8-week) classes will begin on Monday, Oct. 16.  Any new classes you’re starting will be available in Brightspace beginning that day. Also, if you picked up additional classes, please check your balance in MyCollege to see if you still need to pay your bill. Review the payment due dates.

What the Tech? Join Tech Week events Oct. 16-20

3 students program 3D printers.Central Piedmont is celebrating Tech Week Oct. 16-20, with in-person events in a variety of technology topics.

Join us for any (or all!) of these sessions at Central Campus:

  • What the Tech is…Broadcasting: What’s going on, on the Radio
    Monday, Oct. 16 – 1p.m., Center for Arts Technology, Room 101
  • What the Tech is….Hardware: PC Guts and Stuff
    Monday, Oct. 16 – 3 p.m., Levine Technology Building, Room 5135 
  • What the Tech is….3D Modeling: 3D, 3D, 3D
    Tuesday, Oct. 17 – 3 p.m., Levine Technology Building, Room 1116 
  • What the Tech is…Artificial Intelligence (AI) : AI Wonderland!
    Wednesday, Oct. 18 – 3 p.m., Levine Technology Building, Room 1118 
  • What the Tech is…Project Management: Projects, Tasks, and Scrum
    Thursday, Oct. 19 – 1 p.m., Levine Technology Building, Room 5124 
  • What the Tech is…Programming: Coding and more Coding
    Thursday, Oct. 19 – 3 p.m., Levine Technology Building, Room 5123
  • What the Tech is…Virtual Reality (VR): We are who, VR!
    Friday, Oct. 20 – 3 p.m., Levine Technology Building, Room 1118

December Grads: You could be the Graduation Speaker

A student graduation speaker gives a speech at the podium.You 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 the December 2023 commencement celebration.

Ideally, you would share a pride in your educational journey, a passion for Central Piedmont, and would be willing and able to share your experience and wisdom during the graduation celebration on Thursday, Dec. 14.

Nominations will be accepted until October 31, through the student speaker nomination form. Check out the remarks to the graduating class from ReDeja Sawyer, a previous student speaker.

Students selected for an interview will be asked to prepare a sample of your speech through a brief written reflection of your college experience. Interviews and selection will conclude by November 10. The selected graduate will receive guidance, rehearsal, and support to prepare your official remarks.

Questions? Email amanda.capobianchi@cpcc.edu

Business, Technology and Engineering Open House, Oct. 21

A student works on a computer aided machining press to cut metal.Still undecided on a program of study? Join us Saturday, October 21 at our business, technology, and engineering open house to explore our state-of-the-art business, technology, and engineering programs.

  • Saturday, October 21
  • 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
  • Central Campus, Levine Technology Building

You’ll have an opportunity to:

  • discover our business, technology, and engineering academic programs
  • meet inspiring faculty
  • immerse yourself in real-world experiences
  • tour the business, information technology, and engineering buildings and classrooms on Central Campus
  • learn more about scholarships and financial aid
  • discuss transfer opportunities
  • meet with recruiters from local and global corporations

Please complete this form to register for our open house.
We can’t wait to see you there!

Domestic Violence Awareness Month events

Domestic Violence Awareness Months #Every1KnowsSome1 Everyone knows someone who has been impacted by domestic violence. October is Domestic Violence Awareness month, and several Central Piedmont departments have teamed up for a series of events to shine light on this issue.

Panel discussion on power and control in relationships
Tuesday, Oct. 24, 9:30-10:45 a.m.

Survivor Stories Banner Rotation Schedule:

  • Sept. 29 – Oct. 13, Cato Campus, Cato I and Cato III lobbies
  • Oct. 13 – 20, Merancas Campus, Merancas IV, lobby
  • Oct. 20 – 27, Central Campus, Parr Center, Hagemeyer Library (Level 1)
  • Oct. 27 – Nov. 3, Levine Campus, Levine IV, lobby
  • Nov. 3 – 10, Harper Campus, Harper IV, lobby
  • Nov. 10 – 17, Harris Campus, Harris I, lobby
  • Nov. 17 – 21, CityView Center, lobby

Breast Cancer Walk at Levine, Oct. 4

Breast Cancer AwarenessJoin the Breast Cancer Awareness Walk/Run: Stride for a Cause, in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

  • Wednesday, Oct. 4
  • 12 – 1:30 p.m.
  • Levine Campus, outside at the Pond

Lace up your sneakers and join us for a meaningful and invigorating event as we stride for a cause at the Breast Cancer Awareness Walk/Run. Let’s unite in the fight against breast cancer and promote physical activity.

  • Walk or Run: Choose your pace and complete the route around the pond at the back of campus.
  • Wear Pink: Show your support by wearing pink attire or accessories.
  • Freebies: Receive a breast cancer awareness headband and wristband.

 

Podcasting Panel Oct. 3

Podcasting PanelDo you love sharing ideas and information or are curious about how to start your own podcast?

Join us for an engaging and enlightening panel discussion with Central Piedmont faculty and staff who have their own podcast shows. During this session, our featured podcasters will share how they got started, how they develop their content, lessons learned and more.

Podcasting to Find Your Voice

October Career Services Events

As the holiday season approaches, there are many seasonal hiring opportunities, providing not only some extra cash, but great resume building opportunities too.

You can search for seasonal jobs:

  • On Handshake. You can also use Handshake to find full- and part-time positions, paid internships, and more. On Handshake, select Jobs to get started and then search Seasonal.

All Work-It Wednesday events are 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Have questions? Contact Career Services or make an appointment with a Career Counselor.

Digital Inclusion Week Events Oct. 2-5

Digital Inclusion WeekThe Central Piedmont Library and Digital Learning Space are hosting a series of events to celebrate digital equity in higher education with Digital Inclusion Week, from Oct. 2-5.

Review the Library’s LibGuide for details on the activities for Digital Inclusion Week.

Learn more about the Digital Literacy Learning Space.

Fall Fests help you find a Volunteer Opportunity

Student Engagement wants to help you find your next volunteer opportunity at Fall Fests, at all campuses. You could discover your next passion, or build experience for your résumé.

How do you get experience before you get a job? You volunteer!

Attend an event to meet with local community partners and learn about volunteer opportunities in our community. You can also enjoy festive fall games, music and fun!

  • Wednesday, Sept. 27, 11 a.m.- 1p.m.
    Levine Campus, atrium
  • Thursday, Oct. 5, 11 a.m.- 1 p.m.
    Central Campus, Quad
  • Tuesday, Oct. 17, 11 a.m.- 1 p.m.
    Merancas Campus
  • Tuesday, Oct. 24, 11:30 a.m.- 1:30 p.m.
    Harris Campus, outside
  • Wednesday, Oct. 25, 11:30 a.m.- 1:30 p.m.
    Harper Campus, Harper IV courtyard
  • Monday, Oct. 30, 11:30 a.m.- 1:30 p.m.
    Cato Campus

Student Story: Mandy Watson

Mandy Watson is a remarkable May 2023 graduate of the Baking and Pastry program at Central Piedmont. Her passion and unstoppable determination drove her to gain acceptance into Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society, obtain an internship with Executive Pastry Chef April Franqueza of High Hampton Resort in Cashiers, NC, and graduate with honors.

Mandy’s decision to attend Central Piedmont wasn’t solely about academics; it was about turning a passion into a career. “I chose Central Piedmont because of its exceptional culinary program with American Culinary Federation Certification and affordability,” Mandy shares.

Scholarships have notably helped Mandy pursue excellence. The NC Education Lottery Scholarship and the NC Community College Grant have played a crucial role in easing her financial burden. As an adult student with an existing small business and familial responsibilities, these scholarships have enabled Mandy to focus on her studies and plans without the added stress of financial constraints.

Mandy’s journey has been illuminated by mentors who doubled as instructors. “Chef Tanya, Chef Jenn, Chef Sandy, and Chef Tessia have been more than just instructors.” Mandy reveals, “Chef Tessia’s encouragement pushed me to explore new flavors and techniques that have helped expand my pallet and make my dreams a reality.” Mandy’s advice for other Central Piedmont students: “Utilize your instructors. Ask questions and keep an open mind when they critique your creations and ideas. Instructors are there to help you be the best you can be.”

So what should we expect to see from Mandy in the future? “Food should be an experience. I dream of owning a food truck that brings moments of joy to my customers and allows them to discover flavors they haven’t experienced before.”

Mandy is set to open Wicked Provisions Bakehouse, a new European-style bakery in Hickory, NC, in October 2023. Check it out on Instagram: @wicked.provisions.bakehouse