Category Archives: Events

Free STEM Event for Students – Meet Former Rocket Scientist Shayla Rivera

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headshot of shayla riversCentral Piedmont will partner with the BFB Foundation to host aerospace engineer Shayla Rivera in Central Piedmont’s Halton Theater on April 9 at 10am.

Rivera is a former rocket scientist with NASA turned salesperson, corporate trainer, and now international keynote speaker, TEDx speaker, TV and HBO comedy special. She is currently the director of the ENGR[x] program and professor of practice with the College of Engineering at Texas A&M University.

Please join us for this free event to learn about Rivera’s journey and vision of how our potential can be realized through education and science! Students, STEM educators, and student groups can reserve free tickets in advance. Don’t wait – register today!

“Navigating Jim Crow: The Green Book and Oasis Spaces in North Carolina” Traveling Exhibit Begins February 28

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Join Central Piedmont Libraries for, “Navigating Jim Crow: The Green Book and Oasis Spaces in North Carolina” Traveling Exhibit between February 28- May 6, 2022.

Created by the North Carolina African American Heritage Commission (AAHC), a division of the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resource, this traveling exhibit features impactful stories from oral histories and showcases sites important to, and personal memories about, American travel during the “Jim Crow” era of legal segregation. “The Negro Motorist Green Book,” published between 1936 and 1966, was both a guide and a tool of resistance designed to confront the realities of racial discrimination in the United States and beyond. The book listed more than 300 North Carolina businesses—from restaurants and hotels, to tourist homes, nightclubs and beauty salons—in the three decades that is was published. The exhibit highlights a complex statewide network of business owners and Green Book sites that allowed African American communities to thrive, and that created “oasis spaces” for a variety of African-American travelers.

Library Host Sites:

  • Central Campus Library:  February 28-May 6, 2022
  • Cato Campus: February 28-March 11, 2022
  • Harper: March 14-March 25, 2022
  • Harris: March 28- April 8, 2022
  • Levine: April 11 -April 22
  • Merancas: April 25- May 6, 2022

Eight vibrant panels form the traveling exhibit, showcasing images of business owners, travelers, and historic and present-day images of North Carolina Green Book sites. The words of African-American travelers and descendants of Green Book site owners are featured prominently in the exhibit.

Don’t Miss 2022 Young Professionals Day on March 19

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students sitting in classPBS Charlotte and the Young Leaders Council are proud to host the 2022 Young Professionals Day on March 19 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. for local area students. Come and learn important skills such as where to find the job that you want, writing an outstanding resume, and how to stand out from the crowd in an interview.
Don’t miss out on this great opportunity to learn valuable job hunting tips and tricks – register for this free event today!

Community Partners Encourage Students to Speak Up

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four panelists sitting on stage in front of a projector screenIn celebration of Black History Month, the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Council at Central Piedmont Community College hosted a virtual panel discussion today featuring prominent leaders from some of its key partner organizations in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg community. The panel was comprised of:

  • Kieth Cockrell, president, Bank of America Charlotte
  • Chiquitha Lloyd, director of diversity and inclusion, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools
  • Dr. Dana McDonald, vice president of talent development, Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont
  • Fernando Little, vice president and chief diversity officer, Atrium Health

During the event, Central Piedmont employees and students had the opportunity to hear the group discuss their personal stories as they relate to equity, diversity, and inclusion; and most importantly, learn about each individual’s professional experiences with actively advocating for and promoting opportunity, access, and fairness within their organizations and in the community-at-large.

“I’d encourage all of you, no matter how you classify yourself or what you think about this campus, to speak up,” said Cockrell during the event. “We all have a voice and we all need to show a willingness to make things better.”

Be on the lookout for upcoming events and learning opportunities that support your success both personally and professionally. Check the college event calendar often to see what exciting things are happening on campus – both online and in-person.

Listen to a recording of the event here. (Central Piedmont credentials required to access audio file.)

100 Days Until Graduation

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The countdown begins! In just 100 days, Central Piedmont is excited to hold our spring 2022 commencement ceremonies at Bojangles’ Coliseum on Thursday, May 12 to celebrate our graduates. This venue will provide space for faculty, graduates, and their guests to safely gather and celebrate. Graduates will attend either the morning or afternoon ceremony, depending on what that best fits their schedule. Central Piedmont’s graduation ceremonies are scheduled for May 12, 2022, at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., at Bojangles’ Coliseum.

In addition, Central Piedmont will host our first fall graduation ceremony on Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2022, at 10 a.m., at Bojangles’ Coliseum. The addition of a fall ceremony will allow summer and fall graduates to be honored in the same timely way as our spring graduates.

The majority of this year’s graduates completed most of their studies during the pandemic, and we are excited to celebrate all students have overcome! Graduation is always a joyous occasion and Central Piedmont can’t wait to share in the celebration of this important moment in our students’ lives.

MAN UP Program Information Session

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Are you interested in being apart of an inclusive, supportive community at Central Piedmont? Are you looking for leadership opportunities, a mentor, or maybe just a group of peers to connect with at the college?
Then come join the Man Up program today! Man Up helps connect students to the resources they need to be successful at Central Piedmont. Learn more about the program at the MAN-UP Information Session on February 7th at 1pm. (Read on for meeting details below.)
Send questions via email william.crandall@cpcc.edu. We can’t wait to see you there!

Want to learn more but can’t join? Complete an interest form today.

Black History Month: “Fates Intertwined” Panel Discussion on February 16

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photo of all black students dancing at Queen's Dance in 1963Carver College began as a junior college with a mission to serve as the counterpart of Charlotte College for African-Americans. Opened Sept. 1949 by the Charlotte City School Board, Carver College operated out of a basement of a Second Ward High School and offered courses in liberal arts, business, vocational studies, and an accelerated high school program. In 1957 the General Assembly passed the North Carolina Community College Act. Under this act, the Board of Trustees of the Charlotte Community College System gained control of Carver College which marked the first in a strong of changes.

In 1961, the board changed the name of the institution to Mecklenburg College and by 1962, construction for a new campus was underway. Mecklenburg College combined with the Industrial Education Center to create Central Piedmont Community College in 1963. “Fates Intertwined” follows the creation of Carver College and its metamorphosis into Central Piedmont Community College, and examines the interconnectedness of UNC Charlotte and Central Piedmont. Central Piedmont Archivist Erin Allsop will serve as a panelist during the free event on Wednesday, Feb. 16 from 4 – 5:30 p.m.

Register for Fates Intertwined today!   The event will be recorded if you are unable to attend.

Central Piedmont Hosts Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Panel with Community Leaders

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two students sitting in auditoriumIn celebration of Black History Month, the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Council at Central Piedmont is hosting a virtual panel with prominent leaders from partner organizations in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg community. Central Piedmont students and employees don’t want to miss this opportunity to hear personal and professional experiences of how some of our top community leaders advocate for opportunity, access, and fairness within their organizations. 

The panelists: 

  • Kieth Cockrell, president, Bank of America Charlotte
  • Chiquitha Lloyd, director of diversity and inclusion, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools
  • Dr. Dana McDonald, vice president of talent development, Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont
  • Fernando Little, vice president and chief diversity officer, Atrium Health
Students and employees can join the event on February 2, from 1:00 -2:30pm online. (Link will be made live the day of the event. Currently it goes to the Central Piedmont homepage.)

2022 Young Professionals Day on March 19 – Learn to Land the Job You Want

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student engaging in an interviewPBS Charlotte and the Young Leaders Council are proud to host the 2022 Young Professionals Day on March 19 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. for local area students. Come and learn important skills such as where to find the job that you want, writing an outstanding resume, and how to stand out from the crowd in an interview.
Don’t miss out on this great opportunity to learn valuable job hunting tips and tricks – register for this free event today!

Bring Your “A” Game Program Starts January 20

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The Office of Mentoring and Bridge is offering its ‘Bring Your “A” Game’ program to the entire campus! Bring Your “A” Game is a bi-weekly program where students get together to talk about issues going on that affect students. If you are looking for a group of peers to talk with this is the perfect opportunity for you.
We can’t wait to see you there. Contact mentoring.bridge@cpcc.edu with any questions.

Central Piedmont Overcash Art Gallery presents ‘A Fall From Grace,’ an exhibition beginning Jan. 11

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Zaire McPhearson brings “A Fall From GraceNorth Carolina artist Zaire McPhearson brings “A Fall From Grace,’” to Central Piedmont Community College’s Overcash Art Gallery, located on the college’s Central Campus. The  exhibition tells the story of a charismatic movement known as the “Prayer Band,” through the voices of the African American women who experienced it firsthand. This movement evolved from a traditional Christian-based organization, The First Church of God in Christ, but soon the woman leading a noonday prayer meeting reshaped the group and formed her own ministry, calling herself the Queen of the South. She considered herself to be the voice of God and a direct intermediary between God and the women in the “Prayer Band.”

McPhearson’s exhibition gives a voice to the women silenced by mental, physical, and emotional abuse and tells of their long recovery back to their faith. McPhearson, who has a personal relationship with these incredible women, expertly portrays their complex stories through her photography, painting, sculptures, and stained glass works.

  • WHEN: Jan. 11 – March 10, 2022; Monday – Thursday, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., or by appointment
  • Opening Reception: Feb. 23; 5 p.m.
  •  WHERE: Central Piedmont Central Campus, Overcash Center, Overcash Art Gallery, 1206 Elizabeth Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204
  •  Artist Lecture: Feb. 23; 3 p.m. (Virtual and In Person), Central Campus, North Classroom Building, Auditorium 1123, 1320 Sam Ryburn Walk, Charlotte, NC 28204
  • For more information, please contact Amelia Zytka at amelia.zytka@cpcc.edu. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook at Central Piedmont Arts and our blog at http://blogs.cpcc.edu/cpccartgalleries/

Central Piedmont Ross Art Gallery presents ‘Floating Blue’ by Thomas Pickarski, an exhibition beginning Jan. 11, 2022

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‘Floating Blue’ by Thomas Pickarski Multi-media visual and performance artist Thomas Pickarski will bring his exhibition to the Central Piedmont Community College Overcash Art Gallery, located on the college’s Central Campus, to take visitors on his journey through the fragile arctic landscape with a series of photographs depicting the eternal beauty of icebergs. Intrigued by the happenstance of abstracted forms in nature, Thomas Pickarski found himself drawn to the sculptural magnificence of icebergs and the otherworldliness of the landscape in which they exist.

Pickarski waited till late in August before making his journey through the arctic ice to better capture the quality of soft light that occurs in the last hours of twilight, known as The Blue Hour. In The Blue Hour, he is able to photograph deep shades of blue that portray the ethereal beauty of icebergs. Students and visitors to the gallery can experience the splendor of these natural sculptures through Pickarski’s expert photography.

  • WHEN:  Jan. 11 – March 10, 2022, Monday – Thursday, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., or by appointment 
  • WHERE: Central Piedmont Central Campus, Overcash Center, Ross Art Gallery, first floor, 1206 Elizabeth Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204
  • ARTIST LECTURE: Virtual lecture on Feb. 2, 2022, at 2 p.m.
  • For more information, please contact Amelia Zytka at amelia.zytka@cpcc.edu. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook at Central Piedmont Arts and our blog at http://blogs.cpcc.edu/cpccartgalleries/

Information Tables During the First Week of Class

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Student receiving financial assistance

Our Central Piedmont Student Engagment team is here to help! Information tables will be set up at all six campuses during the first week of spring classes should you need help finding classes or getting questions answered. 

Please download the Central Piedmont app as soon as possible to stay informed, have access to your schedule, campus maps, and know about all the fun things happening on our campuses for students. 

At Central Campus, the information table will be located on Elizabeth Avenue in front of Parking Deck 3.

  • Monday (Jan 10) from 7:45 a.m.- 2:00 p.m. and 5-6:00 p.m.
  • Tuesday (Jan 11) from 7:45 a.m.- 2:00 p.m. and 5-6:00 p.m.

At all other campuses, tables will be set up in main entry points on campus. Look for our staff and faculty to assist you with any questions you might have.

We look forward to serving you on campus in the upcoming weeks!

Brightspace Orientation Available for all Students

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Nervous about taking your first online course in Brightspace, Central Piedmont’s new Learning Management System?

We can help! Our one hour, virtual instructional sessions will give you hands-on experience with Brightspace.

masked female student looking at laptop

These sessions will demonstrate how to:

  • navigate Brightspace
  • turn on notifications
  • download the Brightspace Pulse app
  • take quizzes
  • upload assignments
  • post discussions
  • complete an Enrollment Verification Activity 

These sessions are open to all students. We think you should strongly consider signing up for this additional help if you: 

  • are new to Central Piedmont
  • are an English as a Foreign Language student
  • do not feel comfortable with technology

We also encourage you to use the Brightspace Resource Guide for extra help if needed.

Our goal is to make sure you are comfortable with the tools you need to be successful in class. We can’t wait to see you there!

View the Brightspace practice sessions schedule and register today. 

Free Tax Services for Eligible Students

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tutoring session with student and teacher reviewing book materialFor the 2022 tax season, Single Stop has partnered with the Central Piedmont Accounting & Finance Program to offer VITA Free Tax Services to eligible students and individuals in the Central Piedmont community. If your household income in 2021 was $72,000 or less, you could qualify to have your taxes prepared and submitted through the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program for free. 

Mark your calendars! Starting January 24th, 2022 through April 14th, 2022, you can take advantage of this FREE tax preparation service. Appointments will take place in-person in the Overcash Building, Room 232 on the Central Campus. Walk-ins will be accepted based on availability.

Please monitor the Single Stop webpage this month for available hours and the calendar link to schedule your appointment!

Questions? Call 704-330-6435.

Career Services Helps You Build Your Network

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student engaging in an interviewDespite social distancing, the end of the year is still a great opportunity to build connections that elevate your career.  With so many people working and attending school virtually, people are easier to contact online than ever before.  Check out this short video to learn quick tips like these:

  • Put together a nice holiday/New Year’s message to touch base with your network, like former instructors, coworkers, and supervisors

  • Ask your network for names of people you should know

  • Develop your LinkedIn profile (see page 8 in the Career Guide) and find us at Central Piedmont Career Services

  • Reach out to professionals doing what interests you for a virtual informational interview or brief chat about their career journey

Want to know more?

  • Central Piedmont Career Services Career Guide features information about building connections in the “Introducing You” section beginning on page 5.

  • Read a quick article with holiday networking tips.

  • Watch our 3-minute video for more expert tips!

  • Meet with a career counselor.  We will be open until December 23.  Get in touch with us. Career Services helps you elevate your career!

VITA Free Tax Services Coming in January

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counselor sitting alongside student while looking together at a computer screenFor the 2022 tax season, Single Stop has partnered with the Central Piedmont Accounting & Finance Program to offer VITA Free Tax Services to eligible students and individuals in the Central Piedmont community. If your household income in 2021 was $72,000 or less, you could qualify to have your taxes prepared and submitted through the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program for free. 

Mark your calendars! Starting January 24th, 2022 through April 14th, 2022, you can take advantage of this FREE tax preparation service. Appointments will take place in-person in the Overcash Building, Room 232 on the Central Campus. Walk-ins will be accepted based on availability.

Please monitor the Single Stop webpage in early January 2022 for available hours and the calendar link to schedule your appointment!

Questions? Call 704-330-6435.

Congratulations to the Newest Members of Phi Theta Kappa!

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student walking across stage for diploma

Congratulations to the newest members of the Phi Lambda Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa international honor society. Our Phi Lambda chapter at Central Piedmont held an in-person Induction Ceremony on Monday, Nov. 22 in the Halton Theater at Central Campus.

We were thrilled to celebrate with the students who joined us to cross the stage. The ceremony included new members from the fall 2021 induction class, as well as students from previous semesters who had been recognized with Spring 2021 Phi Theta Kappa Induction Ceremony videos during COVID considerations.

Students who are eligible for membership with Phi Theta Kappa have completed at least 12 curriculum credit hours at Central Piedmont and maintain a minimum 3.5 cumulative GPA. To date, 233 students have become new members of the Phi Lambda chapter for the fall 2021 semester. Members who joined by Nov. 21 were included in the printed program linked below. Students who are eligible to join Phi Theta Kappa this semester may continue to accept membership through Dec. 31, 2021. The Phi Lambda chapter will invite eligible students into membership again starting in February 2022.

Thank you to Dr. Heather Hill and Dr. Tracy Moore for joining chapter advisors Dr. Beau Bowers and Jennifer Conway on stage to help celebrate our inductees. We appreciate that we were able to livestream the ceremony for family and guests to watch socially distanced. Students who were able to attend crossed the stage, signed their name in our record book, and were given a scroll and commemorative pen.

View the live stream of the Phi Theta Kappa Induction Ceremony (40 minutes, audio improves at the 1:30 minute mark)

International Education Week

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students holding international flags on the steps of OvercashJoin Central Piedmont’s Global Learning office as we celebrate International Education Week.

International Education Week is an opportunity to celebrate the benefits of international education and exchange worldwide. This joint initiative of the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education is part of our efforts to promote programs that prepare students for a global environment.

Don’t miss out on the fun and free events taking place Tuesday, Nov. 16 through –Friday, Nov 19.

Learn about event details today! 

Business and Accounting Student Leadership Series

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woman standing in front of a projector screen presentingWould you like to learn more about great careers in the area’s most popular industry sectors? Would you like to talk directly to professionals in careers that interest you? Join us each month at the Business and Accounting Student Leadership Series to learn real-world experiences and success stories from industry partners and professionals.

Different programs and featured guests will share their experiences and answer questions. Central Piedmont Career Services professionals will also share tips on how to land the top jobs in the industry. This is an exciting opportunity to learn, network, and become a leader in your chosen career field.

Learn more today!