Central Piedmont along with community blood center, One Blood, will host a blood drive on August 20 from 9:00 a.m – 3 p.m., in the driveway in front of the Overcash building. Space is limited in order to social distance and appointments are required. All donors will receive a FREE OneBlood Tote Bag, as well as a free wellness check (blood pressure, pulse, temperature, pulse, iron count and cholesterol check). Reserve an appointment (use sponsor code #44503) or contact Jesse.Bennett@cpcc.edu with questions.
Category Archives: Events
Get Connected to Student Life!
You’ve got your schedule, you’ve logged into Blackboard and your Central Piedmont email. What’s next on your list? GET INVOLVED!
Student Life has spent the summer designing fun virtual student experiences and we look forward to a year of social spaces, plenty of opportunity to build personal and professional skills, and ways that you can connect with other students who share your interests and goals. We might be at a distance from one other, but connection still matters (and it helps you be a better student).
Here’s what you can look forward to:
- Welcome Week: Some fun, including trivia, games and a virtual student club fair!
- E-Sports: New for 2020! We know lots of you are gamers, and we think this will be a popular addition!
- Civic Engagement: 2020 has been an important year for our country and community. Find ways to connect to voting, volunteering, important issues, and more!
- Leadership Development: You can learn more about your talents, developing skills for your career. Our Summer Leadership Academy was popular, and we’ll have new opportunities for brand new and returning student leaders.
- Current issues: Look for programs and conversations about racial justice, inclusion, making change, and asking tough questions.
- Wellness: These days can be difficult for everyone, so learning healthy strategies for managing stress and anxiety are important skills.
- Student Clubs: Virtual organizations are possible! Look for our club fair Aug. 20 and club interest meetings on the calendar soon.
How can you keep posted on what we’re doing? Three easy steps!
- Follow @cpccstudentlife on Instagram! The best way to see what we’re all about!
- Download the Central Piedmont app (you need it anyhow!) and you can find our Student Life Events Calendar there.
- Click here to check out our website and see our events calendar there.
Top Things to Know Before Starting Classes
We are here to help you, and we are ready to help you reach your academic goals! Familiarize yourself with the college’s Student Support Services which are available to support you this semester.
Check out these links for help in getting started at Central Piedmont this fall.
Drive-Thru Graduation Ceremonies Celebrate Class of 2020
In celebration of its Class of 2020, Central Piedmont hosted drive-thru graduation ceremonies July 29 and 30 on its Cato Campus, located in northeast Charlotte. More than 440 Central Piedmont 2020 graduates participated in the two-day event, which included ceremonies for the college’s traditional undergraduate programs, as well as its College and Career Readiness programs (high school completion, Accelerated Career Training, and NCWorks Next Gen).
Central Piedmont’s graduation committee designed the college’s drive-thru graduation ceremonies with the health and well-being of its faculty/staff, students, and their family and friends in mind. As a result, all event volunteers and graduates were asked to wear face coverings, and social distancing and state guidelines were followed during the ceremonies.
“It was important we recognize our 2020 graduates’ accomplishments, especially during this unprecedented time, when so many of them had to overcome multiple obstacles to achieve their educational goals this year,” said Kandi Deitemeyer, president of Central Piedmont, who was on-site both days to personally congratulate graduates. “The Class of 2020 is a resilient group of individuals. I look forward to hearing their many success stories and wish them all the best in their future endeavors.”
The college offers nearly 300 programs to get students real-world ready. Affordable and flexible Central Piedmont classes can help students earn the skills to fast track into a career pathway or lay the foundation for a four-year degree. Registration for the fall 2020 term is open. The college looks forward to welcoming new and returning students on Aug. 10.
View the graduation event photo gallery or watch the ceremony live-streams on Facebook.
Live Stream the 2020 Drive-Thru Program Ceremonies Today and Tomorrow
We’re so excited Central Piedmont students will have their graduation day! We encourage family, friends, and Central Piedmont faculty and staff to cheer on our graduates by watching the live stream of the ceremony on Facebook and YouTube.
As a reminder, the 2020 Commencement will be celebrated on the Cato Campus as a drive-thru ceremony on Wednesday, July 29, and Thursday, July 30. The ceremony takes place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on both days, with graduates arriving at an assigned window of time according to their academic program.
Our graduates deserve recognition for the dedication and resilience they’ve shown in their journey toward earning a degree, diploma, or certificate.
Several changes have been made to this year’s ceremony to ensure our graduates are properly honored for their hard work while making every effort to promote a safe and healthy experience. Additional details about the 2020 drive-thru graduation are available on the website, including information about the ceremony process, safety protocols, and program timeslots.
Join us via livestream on Facebook and YouTube today and tomorrow to celebrate and cheer on Central Piedmont’s Class of 2020!
Central Piedmont’s Overcash Art Gallery to present ‘The Faculty Art Show’ beginning August 10
Central Piedmont’s Overcash Art Gallery is pleased to present “The Faculty Art Show,” August 10 – October 2. This group show features Central Piedmont’s talented art staff and is curated by Amelia Zytka.
“The Faculty Art Show” incorporates artwork from multiple disciplines, including drawing, painting, photography and ceramics. While the college’s art instructors excel at helping students succeed in their budding art careers, many of them are accomplished artists as well.
This exhibition not only gives Central Piedmont’s Overcash Art Gallery an opportunity to display faculty work, but also affords students the chance to see their instructors’ artwork in a gallery setting. This show is a must-see for anyone on campus and provides an enjoyable diversion. Central Piedmont’s Overcash Art Gallery is enthusiastic about the opportunity to kick start the college’s fall semester with this exciting, new exhibition.
Virtual Disability Services: Q & A Sessions
Disability Services continues to work remotely to assist all students. Do you have questions about accommodations in online learning? Or how to register for disability services?
Join a virtual session with a Disability Services professional to have these and other questions answered. Sessions cover a range of topics and dates.
DISABILITY SERVICES 101
Learn about the benefits of Disability Services and how to register for services. Ask questions about processes and procedures of the office.
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July 27, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
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Aug. 3, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
GET CONNECTED
Learn about technology and how it could assist you in online courses.
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July 28, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
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Aug. 4, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
INTERPRETING IN THE CLASSROOM
Ask questions about how Interpreting will take place in online courses.
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July 29, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
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Aug. 5, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
ACADEMIC ACCOMMODATIONS
Learn about various academic accommodations (e.g. extended time, due date extension, notetaker, etc) that may be available to you.
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July 30, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
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Aug. 6, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Virtual Summer Theatre Presents Final Showing on July 25
Central Piedmont Summer Theatre will present a final evening of Virtual Summer Theatre Concerts on Saturday July 25th at 7:00pm. The event will live stream on Central Piedmont Arts Facebook page and on the Central Piedmont Theatre YouTube channel.
Summer Theatre All-stars and the stars of tomorrow will be performing the Best of Broadway during the evening. We have special guests from our alumni over the years who have gone on from Summer Theatre to appear on Broadway, in national tours, television and film in such shows as Wicked, Jersey Boys, Beautiful, Waitress, Once, Bandstand and many more. Joining our alumni will be current students honing their skills as they to prepare to hit the boards across the world.
Join us for an exciting evening of song that will also include a look backstage with the creative teams that will bring you Something Rotten in Summer 2021. Set your calendars now for July 25th when the Summer Theatre stars will come out.
For more information visit Central Piedmont Arts on Facebook, blogs.cpcc.edu/theatre or tix.cpcc.edu. All Virtual Summer Theatre concerts are FREE!
Summer Theatre Presents An Evening of Broadway Music on July 11
Central Piedmont Summer Theatre presents the third Virtual Summer Theatre Concert on July 11th at 7:00pm on the Central Piedmont Arts Facebook page and Central Piedmont Theatre YouTube channelWe have an array of talent from Summer Theatre past and present performing the best of Broadway for you in a live stream from their homes across the country.
In addition to the performances, we will take a look backstage at Summer Theatre through interviews with the Creative Team behind Summer Theatre’s production of Footloose which will presented in the Summer of 2021.
Join us for an evening of song and information as Summer Theatre goes Virtual. For more info visit Central Piedmont Arts on Facebook, or check out tix.cpcc.edu. All Virtual Summer Theatre events are FREE!
Join the Conversation: Race 101 – What is it?
Race, equality, prejudice, bias, justice…
While some find it very easy to discuss these concepts, others are put on guard when these words become the topic of discussion. Most, however, recognize that sustained dialogues help people transform relationships and influence processes around the world.
What is Race?
Race is a socially constructed category of difference based on physical characteristics. “Socially constructed” means the racial categories we use today (like White, Black, and Arab) have no basis in biology and change throughout history. American culture has attached value judgments, prejudicial ideas, and stereotypes onto each race. Though race may be a social construction, it has huge, very real outcomes in today’s world.
Service-Learning invites students to join this conversation on Wednesday, June 17 at 5 p.m. as we kick off our first dinner dialogue discussion, “Race 101 – What is it?”.
Grab dinner and head to your computer as we dialogue together to address the causes of deep-rooted human conflict. Groups will be small and facilitated by a moderator that will ask questions of the group to get the dialogue started.
All sessions are online at 5 p.m. on Wednesday. Here are the upcoming sessions:
- June 24: Whiteness and White Privilege
- July 1: Race 201 — Interpersonal Racism and Racial Bias
- July 8: Race 301 — Institutional Racism
- July 15: Race 401 — Racial Profiling
REGISTER
Register now to receive the session Zoom links.
Contact jesse.bennett@cpcc.edu with any questions.
Virtual Career Services: “It’s a Major Decision” Workshop
Having trouble selecting your program of study? Need assistance figuring out which major is right for you? Attend Career Services’ “It’s a ‘Major’ Decision Workshop” – these informative, virtual workshops will be offered on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons between June 23-July 29, 2020. Sign up for a virtual session now. See you there!
Racial Justice Dinner Dialogue Series
Service-Learning invites students and employees to our virtual Sustained Dialogue Series. Recent events, starting with the brutal murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery, have again brought attention to that the rectification of racial injustice is long overdue and something that must be dealt with immediately as a society.
Grab dinner and head to your computer as we dialogue together to probe into and address causes of deep-rooted human conflict.
Sustained Dialogues help people to transform relationships and design change processes around the world. We define dialogue as “listening deeply enough to be changed by what you learn.” Groups will be small and facilitated by a moderator that will ask questions of the group to get the dialogue started.
All sessions are online at 5 p.m. on Wednesday:
- June 17: Race 101 — What is It?
- June 24: Whiteness and White Privilege
- July 1: Race 201 — Interpersonal Racism and Racial Bias
- July 8: Race 301 — Institutional Racism
- July 15: Race 401 — Racial Profiling
REGISTER
Register now to receive the session Zoom links.
Contact jesse.bennett@cpcc.edu with any questions.
Student Writer’s Work Featured in Teen Vogue
Central Piedmont student Michael-Michelle Pratt, a student in the college’s Associate in Arts degree program, recently had an op-ed piece featured in the June issue of Teen Vogue called, “Growing Up Black Between Trayvon Martin and George Floyd Has My Generation at a Boiling Point.”
When Pratt began sharing her thoughts on systemic racism and the Black Lives Matter movement on Twitter earlier this year, she had no idea her comments would attract the attention of the political editor at Teen Vogue, who began following her online.
In her online musings, Pratt discussed that while the recent death of George Floyd was causing a resurgence in the Black Lives Matter movement, no one was talking about how the tragedy had impacted her generation — Generation Z, a segment of the population that had largely grown up between the deaths of Trayvon Martin in 2012 and George Floyd in 2020. She pitched the article topic to the editor at Teen Vogue, and they accepted.
“I wanted my article to explain to readers that the events of Trayvon Martin, George Floyd, and others are not isolated incidents that happened in a bubble,” said Pratt. “I wanted to explain that everything that is happening today is a combination of past and present frustration — that it has all built up to this critical moment, a boiling point that we’re about to see spill over.”
In the op-ed, Pratt discusses first learning about the Trayvon Martin shooting; the impact it had on her adolescence/family; how the incident inspired her to begin following strong female, African-American writers (Toni Morrison, Audre Lorde, Alice Walker); and how it propelled her to seek out leadership opportunities that would allow her to not only fight back against oppression, but to also find her voice.
Thankfully, Pratt has discovered an outlet for her voice at Central Piedmont’s Levine Campus in Matthews, NC, where she participates in the campus’s Student Writers Assembles Guild (SWAG), a student creative writing club formed in 2016 that provides individuals with a creative space to write poetry, short stories, articles, screenplays, and more.
“Michael-Michelle is a talented writer and poet,” said Elizabeth West, an associate instructor and faculty advisor for Central Piedmont’s SWAG.“She has a strong voice and is brave enough to use it to enact change in our community. She has a sweet, quiet demeanor in person, but her words ring loud and strong on the page. She is a wonderful SWAG member and we are all so proud of her accomplishments.”
Pratt plans to graduate from Central Piedmont in August 2021 and pursue a career in journalism or film to become a director/screenwriter. “While I love being able to discuss my opinions on the cultural climate in which we all live, I love being able to create my own world in a screenplay,” said Pratt.
Learn more about Central Piedmont’s Associate in Arts program. For information on the college’s Student Writers Assembles Guild (SWAG), please email elizabeth.west@cpcc.edu.
Spend Your Summer with SWAG
Do you enjoy writing and sharing ideas? Need a creative space for expression? The Student Writers Assembled Guild (SWAG), a creative writing club on Levine Campus, has extended virtual meetings throughout the summer term.
Through student-led writing prompts, SWAG members write about a variety of topics in different genres such as fiction, creative nonfiction, and poetry. Weekly meetings also serve as a positive release during these challenging times. Recent topics have included anxieties related to the COVID-19 pandemic and inequality and social issues.
SWAG is a community safe-space to receive positive and constructive feedback. Central Piedmont alumni, currently studying at North Carolina State University, East Carolina University, Appalachian State University, Queens and Wingate Universities, return to club meetings to share their experiences with current students.
Students write poetry, short stories, and screenplays while focusing on several skills such as voice, perspective, and dialogue development.
Members are also encouraged to develop works for publication. SWAG member and current student, Michael-Michelle Pratt recently published an article for Teen Vogue, titled Growing Up Black Between Trayvon Martin and George Floyd Has My Generation at a Boiling Point. Other members are actively submitting their work for publications as well.
Meetings are held every Thursday at 4 p.m. via Zoom. Students, faculty, or staff members interested in joining SWAG for the summer are encouraged to contact Elizabeth West at elizabeth.west@cpcc.edu.
Managing Stress Through Mindfulness with Counseling Services
Have you been looking for a way to cope with the daily stressors of being a student? Join Counseling Services online to learn about managing stress with mindfulness.
Research shows that practicing mindfulness is beneficial in many areas, including:
- Better sleep
- Lower stress levels
- Improved attention
- Dealing with depression and anxiety
Through practice and discussion, we will strengthen our ability to “begin again” in the present moment. Counseling Services will be hosting Mindfulness & Meditation sessions on:
- June 11 10:30-11:00am: Getting Started with Mindfulness: The Basics
- June 25 10:30-11:30am: Be Right Where you Are; Mindfulness for the moment
Please email Stephanie.Boyd@cpcc.edu to register for an upcoming session.
Central Piedmont to Host STEM Prep Courses June 22, Registration Now Open
Central Piedmont Community College will begin hosting a virtual STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) Prep, an academic enrichment program that helps prepare current Central Piedmont students and high school 11th and 12 graders for college-level STEM classes, on June 22. Students interested in participating in the program can visit cpcc.edu/ncsa.
STEM Prep is being made possible through a $1.5-million grant from the National Science Foundation to develop programs that boost the number of under-represented minority students pursuing associate and baccalaureate degrees in STEM subject areas.
Central Piedmont secured the grant funding in spring 2015 and is currently leading the North Carolina STEM Alliance (NCSA) with partners Forsyth Technical Community College (FTCC) and Guilford Technical Community College (GTCC) with the goal of enrolling increased numbers of high school students in community college associate-degree STEM programs and seeing those students continue their studies in bachelor-degree STEM programs. Each college wants to increase its number of under-represented minority STEM students by 50 percent. The grant period runs through June 2021.
During STEM Prep, students will gain increased familiarity with current practices in STEM fields, be able to illustrate preparedness for a successful transition into STEM studies at the college level and participate in a coordinated exploration of careers in one of the following STEM Prep courses:
STEM Prep – Science: Students will be introduced to biological concepts, including molecular biology. Students will use this knowledge, as well as the scientific method and their critical thinking skills, to design an experiment where they will analyze a segment of their own DNA.
STEM Prep – Information Technology: Students will be introduced to basic fundamentals of computer science and application development by developing small applications using an Integrated Development Environment. Upon completion of the course, students will have an understanding of basic programming design, debugging, sequence, selection and repetition.
STEM Prep – Engineering: Students will learn how to design, build and analyze projects using 21stcentury engineering strategies and technologies. Project experience will include the use of tools, such as but not limited to, 3D printers and CAD software.
STEM Prep – Mathematics: Students will participate in collaborative projects that relate to real-life applications of math concepts. In addition, each student will be provided with a personalized math enrichment plan aimed at filling gaps in their mathematics foundation and positioning them for success in their future mathematics studies.
In addition to the above courses, students will also receive STEM-focused mentoring, additional academic support, career-centered and proactive academic advising, and financial support. Classes will be held virtually on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. June 22 – July 16, from 1 – 3:30 p.m., and Thursdays from 6 – 7:30 p.m.
It’s Not Too Late – Complete your FAFSA Today
Get ready to complete your 2020-2021 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form.
- The FAFSA for 2020-21 is available now.
- The FAFSA for 2020-2021 will collect income information from the 2018 tax year.
- It’s not too late to complete the FAFSA for the 2019-2020 school year. The FAFSA for 2019-2020 uses information from the 2017 tax year.
Join us as we kick off FAFSA Tuesday’s, Friday’s and Saturday’s by hosting a FAFSA Workshop on all three days. FAFSA Workshops will continue through the month of June. Have a financial aid expert guide you through the process.
It is important to complete your FAFSA early as some funding is limited. Complete your FAFSA today.
Workshop Dates:
- Friday – May 15 10 am – 12:00 noon
- Saturday- May 16 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm
- Tuesday, May 19 10:00 am – 12:00 noon
- Friday, May 22 7:00 am – 9:00 am
- Saturday, May 23 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
- Tuesday, May 26 10:00 am – 12:00 noon
- Friday, May 29 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
- Saturday, May 30 10:00 am – 12:00 noon
Join us online via WebEx Meetings. Please download the app onto your smartphone from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. The login instructions will be emailed to you once you have scheduled your appointment. Sign up for an appointment today.
Before coming to the FAFSA workshops, students and parents will need to obtain an FSA ID to sign the FAFSA electronically.
- Go to fsaid.ed.gov.
- Create your FSA ID (username and password).
- Provide personal information (make sure your social security number, date of birth and name match what’s on your government-issued social security card).
- Provide profile Information (confirm information you entered and provide additional information). Make sure your information is correct. Errors could result in a delay or problem receiving aid.
- Select/create challenge questions and answers.
- Review info and agree to terms.
- Verify your email address.
Here’s what to bring to your FAFSA Workshop:
- Your Social Security Number
- Your Alien Registration Number (if you are not a U.S. citizen)
- Your 2018 federal income tax returns, W-2s, and other records of money earned. (Note: You may be able to electronically transfer your federal tax return information into your FAFSA using the IRS Data Retrieval Tool.)
- Bank statements and records of investments (if applicable)
- Records of untaxed income (if applicable)
- An FSA ID to sign electronically.
If you are a dependent student, your parent will also need to complete a portion of the FAFSA with the above information.
Additional Resources:
Join the NC Strive Lifestream for Student Veterans on May 7
Join the Livestream on May 7 at 1pm, to learn about information, resources, and networking that will enhance the experience and success of student Veterans. in their pursuit of certificates and degrees. Enjoy presentations by Kevin Rumley and Jeanie Chang.
Kevin Rumley, MSW, LCAS, LCSWA, Program Director, Buncombe County Veterans Treatment Court, joined the US Marine Corps shortly after his high school graduation in 2003. The following year he was nearly killed by an improvised explosive devise while on patrol in Husaybah, Iraq. The explosion killed his best friend and blew out Rumley’s knees and femur and left his body full of shrapnel. This led to an 18-month stay at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, where he had 32 surgeries. His surgeries led to an addiction to opioids and homelessness. Eventually, he got help at the Asheville VAMC and earned a master’s degree of social work at Western Carolina University. (More Information)
Jeanie Chang, LMFT, CMHIMP, CCTP, is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and the Founder of Your Change Provider, PLLC, a therapeutic practice founded on solutions and multicultural confidence in promoting mental health and wellness. In addition to providing family therapy, she has led mental health seminars and workshops for corporate, community, and colleges on topics such burnout, resilience, mindfulness, stress, workplace wellness, and mental health conditions including anxiety, depression, and suicidality. Jeanie has volunteered as a facilitator and presenter for Student Veterans at Wake Technical Community College. (More Information.)
Summer Payment Deadline Extended to May 11
The payment deadline for summer 2020 course registration has been extended through Monday May 11th. If you would like to apply for financial aid, you can still submit a FAFSA to see if you qualify. Over the next couple days a Central Piedmont representative will contact you to discuss your needs and assistance options.
It’s not too late. If you have not completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), now is the time to do so https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa
If you need help or would like to talk to a financial aid representative, pleases telephone (704) 330-6942 or contact your financial aid representative listed on your MyCollege account.
Countdown to Graduation: Yasmine Ouattara
As a little girl growing up in The Ivory Coast in West Africa, Yasmine’s Ouattara’s dad always told her she would attend college in the United States. At 17 years old, excited but slightly fearful, Yasmine moved to the U.S. full of dreams, ready for new adventures, and eager to learn.
While finishing her last year of high school, her aunt and uncle encouraged her to consider Central Piedmont. After some extensive research, and support from an education advisor at the US embassy in West Africa, Yasmine applied and never looked back. As Yasmine is counting down the days to graduation, she speaks fondly of her experience at Central Piedmont, which ultimately proved to be the right decision.
“I received incredible support from my instructors as well as my clubs and program advisors. They believed in me when I was doubting myself. They provided me guidance when I needed it the most.”
Not only is she involved as a peer mentor, Yasmine served as vice president of the Global Student Association, is a member of Phi Theta Kappa honor society, is a member of Model United Nations, and is involved with the North Carolina Scholar Global Distinction Program.
Yasmine was awarded a scholarship from the Central Piedmont Foundation as a Student Ambassador, which was invaluable as an international student facing out-of-state tuition. She was also named a Ruth G. Shaw Scholar and a Peer Mentor Scholar recipient. These financial aid opportunities opened some unexpected doors. “My scholarships not only helped me reduce the financial burden of my education, but also provided me with personal and leadership development, networking opportunities, and incredible support from my program advisors,” Yasmine said.
Yasmine will receive her Associate in Arts degree in Business Administration this May and plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in finance at Queens University of Charlotte starting next fall. Yasmine has been selected as the 2020 Presidential Scholar at Queens, which covers full tuition for four years, and is interested in pursuing a career in investments and capital management.
What’s her advice to future graduates? “At Central Piedmont you will always have people to help you. You will always have people ready to listen to you no matter what your struggles are, but you have to find those people. Get involved, and open yourself up.”
Yasmine is walking into her future more confident than she’s ever been, knowing she is capable of achieving her dreams. Congratulations on your success, Yasmine! You did it!