Category Archives: Learning

Take the Honors Program survey

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The Central Piedmont Honors Program advisory team wants to hear from you about your interest in the new Honors Program, launching fall 2023. Your feedback will help us plan for Honors-level courses, and design additional features of the new program, including:

  • Experiential Learning
  • Research, Scholarship, and Innovation
  • Civic Engagement and Global Learning
  • Leadership Development
  • Reflective Thinking

Please complete the Honors Program survey. The survey will take about 5 minutes to complete, and will remain open until March 6.

Questions? Please email honorsprogram@cpcc.edu.

Learn more about Brightspace for your classes

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You’re probably already using Brightspace or the Brightspace Pulse app for your classes, but if you’re having trouble or want to learn new tips and tricks, check out this information:

The Central Piedmont library also offers support for technology related to the classroom through the Digital Literacy Learning space.

The Digital Literacy Learning Space provides student-centered technology training and digital literacy assessments to help you develop essential technology skills. We offer individual and group technology training appointments to discuss, review, and resolve your immediate needs.

Training sessions are offered face-to-face at each of our six campus libraries and online, using WebEx or Google Meet. Make an appointment on the Library appointment site.

Apply for TRIO for personalized academic support

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Don’t miss your opportunity to join an academically focused community for students just like you.

TRIO-Student Support Services provides academic services designed to help you graduate from Central Piedmont. We are currently accepting applications.

TRIO- SSS offers students who qualify, free tutoring for Math, Science, and English, Success Coaching, Clifton Strengths Assessments, Financial Literacy Workshops, College Tours, Cultural events and much more.

Visit the TRIO-SSS webpage for more information, including eligibility requirements, and to complete our short online application.  APPLY today! 

Your success is our main priority along with helping students graduate and transfer.

Catamount Connection offers guaranteed transfer admission for Central Piedmont grads

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Catamount Connection: Logos of Central Piedmont and Western Carolina Central Piedmont Community College and Western Carolina University (WCU) announced the launch of the Catamount Connection Program – a new direct pathway for Central Piedmont students who graduate with associate degrees to have guaranteed admission to WCU.

WCU is an NC Promise school, offering $500 tuition to increase access to education.

Dr. Kelli R. Brown, Western Carolina University chancellor, and Dr. Kandi Deitemeyer, Central Piedmont president, met at WCU to sign the agreement for Central Piedmont graduates to transfer for an affordable and accessible four-year degree from WCU.

As Deitemeyer announced, “Central Piedmont is excited and proud to partner with Western Carolina University to provide our students a seamless admissions pathway to the university. This program represents a wonderful opportunity for Central Piedmont students.”

Students who wish to participate in the Catamount Connection Program must meet these criteria:

  • Be a currently enrolled student at Central Piedmont, in a degree-seeking capacity,
  • Submit a WCU application for admission and records by WCU deadlines,
  • Submit the application fee or waiver, and fulfill all commitment action steps,
  • Be in good standing at Central Piedmont and other institutions attended,
  • Demonstrate good citizenship and conduct,
  • Earn and maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.50 at Central Piedmont and a minimum GPA of 2.20 in their most recent term,
  • Earn an associate degree from Central Piedmont in a college transfer program or in an applied program for which an articulation agreement exists, and
  • Enroll at WCU within one academic year of completion of the associate degree.

Brown said she wants to ensure students from Central Piedmont have immediate access to the affordability and quality of WCU. “It is so critical for students to see that if they want to go to a four-year college, but went to a two-year college, they have a pathway to that four-year institution,” Brown said.

Deitemeyer is equally thrilled to provide WCU as an option for Central Piedmont graduates. “We know our students will be well-prepared here and well-cared for at WCU,” she said. “In Cullowhee, they will enjoy challenging classes taught by superb faculty, a beautiful campus and a learning environment that fosters exploration, innovation and excellence. This program offers Central Piedmont students a great destination for pursuing a bachelor’s degree.”

Learn more information about how to transfer to WCU.

Learn more about guaranteed admissions options from Central Piedmont.

Want to be a teacher? Find out how!

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students raising hands in classroomEveryone has a favorite teacher who helped shape their life — you could be that teacher for a future student. Teachers are in-demand, especially in North Carolina, so take advantage of the opportunities here at Central Piedmont to start that career. Earn an Associate of Arts or Science in the teacher preparation pathway which can help save time and money.

Hear more about this degree pathway and ask questions from an experienced public school teacher and current faculty member and program chair. 

Attend an information session:

  • Wednesday, January 25, 2- 3 p.m. virtual on WebEx
  • Thursday, February 23, 2- 3 p.m. on Central campus in the Parr Center room 2170

Questions? Contact Jennifer Perkins at 704.330.6753 or email Jennifer.Perkins@cpcc.edu

Brightspace orientations for online classes

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Nervous about taking your first online course in Brightspace, Central Piedmont’s course Learning Management System?White B inside orange circle: logo for Brightspace by D2L

We can help! Our one hour, virtual instructional sessions will give you hands-on experience with Brightspace. Review the Brightspace practice sessions schedule and register today.

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

Practical Nursing graduates first class of students

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Practical Nursing Pinning Ceremony, December 6, 2022

Central Piedmont has graduated its first class of Practical Nurses (PN), from the Dickson Practical Nursing Program. The graduates from the newly-established one-year program are now eligible to sit for the national licensure exam to become Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN).

LPNs work under the supervision of a registered nurse (RN), with employment opportunities found in hospitals; rehabilitation, long-term care, and home health facilities; clinics; and physicians’ offices.

The Dickson Foundation of Charlotte awarded Central Piedmont a $500,000 grant to develop the LPN program at the college to provide students an accelerated path to a meaningful career in the healthcare industry and address specific employment needs within the Charlotte region’s healthcare sector.

A few spots left! Study abroad to Ecuador or South Africa

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Central Piedmont’s trip to South Africa, summer 2022. The group is at the Cape of Good Hope, the southwestern most point of Africa.

Travel the world with Central Piedmont! There are still a few spots available for study abroad trips to Ecuador and South Africa in summer 2023. The Global Learning office offers options with college credit, and you will have faculty and staff support for your entire travel and learning experience.

Explore your options today! Application and payment deadlines are coming up soon. Planning for paperwork, passports, and payment deadlines can take time, so learn more about the 2023 options to find the best fit your schedule and interests.

Get more information on Study Abroad at Central Piedmont.

New Line Worker program launching with Duke Energy grant

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Duke Energy has given Central Piedmont Community College a grant of $500,000 to create a utility line worker training program at the college’s Harper Campus. Duke Energy and Central Piedmont leaders announced plans for the program during a Nov. 29 event, at a Duke Energy operations center, in Charlotte.Duke Energy employee in a hard hat is climbing a telephone pole while wearing a safety harness. She is wearing heavy gloves and special boots.

Central Piedmont will use the grant to provide instructional support and purchase some of the equipment, materials, and supplies needed to launch and sustain the new 16-week training program. The new program will open in spring 2023, with the first of three planned cohorts of 12 students. Once the program is up and running at capacity, overlapping and staggering the program’s start dates throughout the academic year will enable the college to produce as many as 144 graduates every 12 months.

“This partnership program will give our diverse student body the opportunity to learn about and engage with a career pathway they may not have considered previously,” said Dr. Kandi Deitemeyer, Central Piedmont president. “This is a high-demand, specialized field with enormous growth potential. With utility line workers earning an estimated starting annual salary of $74,000, this is a career that can transform the lives of students and their families.”Duke Energy employee in bucket scoop is in the air near an electrical transformer on a utility pole. He is wearing special equipment including a harness, jacket and heavy gloves.

As part of the program, participants will complete a rigorous curriculum and achieve a 580-hour academic and field training goal. Students who complete the 16-week program will be able to enter the workforce quickly and will have earned multiple, specialized industry training credentials, including OSHA, CPR, Arc Flash Safety for Utilities, Bucket Truck Rescue, Class A CDL License, Pole Top Rescue, Trenching/Shoring/Confined Space Training, and Work Zone Flagger.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates about 23,000 openings for line installers and repairers will be available each year, on average, over the next decade. With this trend in mind, the partnership seeks to develop a pipeline of diverse, skilled, and talented utility line workers by investing in the education and career development of local citizens.

Group of people in hard hats standing in front of a Duke Energy truck with a bucket arm, holding a large check.

The Duke Energy $500,000 check presentation to Central Piedmont on Nov. 29, 2022.

“Our most valuable asset is our people, and line workers are the foundation of our company – especially as we modernize our grid and integrate new technologies,” said Harry Sideris, Duke Energy’s executive vice president of customer experience, solutions and services. “Recruiting through the Central Piedmont line worker program and other similar high-caliber community college programs will help ensure we develop a skilled workforce that meets our candidates’ expectations.”

“Without Duke Energy’s financial support, as well as their technical expertise, the college would not be able to launch this program. This is a true partnership, and I commend and thank Duke Energy for coming alongside the college to make this much needed program a reality,” Deitemeyer remarked. “We are eager to open the program, and we thank Duke Energy for their support and collaboration.”

For more information about Central Piedmont’s new utility line worker training program, contact Stephen Gerhardt, senior program developer, at 704.330.4451 or Stephen.Gerhardt@cpcc.edu.

Fast Track your Path with Winter Session

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Student with earbuds in and chin in hand looks at laptop. In background another student looks at her phone and laptop.Are you on the fast track? Classes are filling fast, but there are still seats available in 4-week classes that start Dec. 5. These winter session classes are all online and run over the winter break through Jan. 3, 2023.

Central Piedmont charges for a maximum of 16 credit hours per term, so if you add additional credit hours over 16 for the fall term (including winter session), your tuition for other classes could be free! (Fees, supplies or textbook costs may still apply). 

General transfer classes with availability (as of Tuesday Nov. 29) include:

  • ACA 122
  • ART 111
  • BIO 110, 111
  • COM 231
  • DRA 111
  • ECO 251, 252
  • ENG 111, 112
  • GEL 111
  • HIS 111, 112, 131, 132
  • HUM 120
  • MAT 143, 152, 171
  • MUS 110
  • PHI 240
  • POL 120
  • PSY 150, 241
  • SOC 210

Need these classes for your path and ready to register?

  • Log into mycollege.cpcc.edu
  • Click on “Student Planning”
  • Then click on “Plan your degree and register for classes”
  • Create your class schedule and register

Need help with anything? Contact our Navigators at navigate@cpcc.edu or 704.330.2722.

Make metal parts with a hands-on career in computer-integrated machining

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Metal parts, for everything from video game consoles to car engines, are made by cutting metal to precise specifications. This is called machining, and Central Piedmont’s computer-integrated machining technology program can prepare you to be a highly successful professional in the machining industry, with yearly median salary ranges from $43,677 to $56,315.

Our labs and classrooms at Central Piedmont are home to the industry’s latest equipment and software, as well as quality instructors who bring real-world experience into the classroom. You can earn an Associate in Applied Science, a diploma, or choose from several specialized computer-integrated machining technology certificates.

Learn more about the computer-integrated machining:

New bakeshop from senior Baking and Pastry Arts students

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You are invited to the Baking & Pastry Arts “This Bites” Bakeshop! It is a concept developed by the senior students in the Baking and Pastry Arts 250 class at Central Piedmont Community College. We developed this concept to experience our career before graduation to ensure we will be successful once we graduate. We had 10 days to develop our concept and four days to completely set up the bakery space!

Please come visit us!
Monday – Thursday from 9 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
We will be open through Wednesday, November 30.
Central Piedmont Central Campus, Van Every Culinary Building, Room 200

We will be serving made from scratch sweet and savory pastries with hot and cold beverages.
Each week will feature a similar menu with rotating flavors.
Access our menu to see all the delicious treats!

 

Check out the Library’s November newsletter

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What’s in Central Piedmont’s library’s newsletter this month?

  • celebrate National Native American Heritage Month
  • a listing of new books and streaming video that have arrived at the library
  • sign up for a tour of the new library at the Central Campus (Can’t make it in person? Check out our virtual tour online!)

Check out our newsletter and don’t forget to visit us at one of our campus locations (you can even reserve space to meet or study)!

Lo-fi tutoring jam session Nov. 17

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Got writer’s block? Not sure if your citations are right? Not even sure how to start your assignment? No worries, come jam with us!

• Free snacks
• Relaxing/focusing Lo-fi music
• Advice from Academic Learning Center Writing Tutors

Thursday, Nov. 17
2- 4 p.m.
Central Campus, Parr Center, Library Room 2160

No worries if you can’t make this session, appointments are available for in-person and online tutoring. Learn more about the Academic Learning Center and sign up for tutoring sessions.

 

Need help for a class research assignment?

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Librarian stands talking with two students sitting, smiling and looking at a laptopDo you:

  • Have a research assignment for your class?
  • Need help finding scholarly sources?

Aren’t sure how to search a library database? Schedule a one-on-one research appointment with a librarian! A librarian will work with you one-on-one to help you find the best sources to use in your assignment, and help you build your confidence with research.

You can meet with a librarian in-person or schedule an online meeting. We’re always happy to help! Make an appointment with a librarian.

One year, 100 percent employment in Ophthalmic Medical Personnel program

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Smiling student with opthalmic equipment in background

Learn more about the program from Central Piedmont students.

You can become a Certified Ophthalmic Assistant in approximately one year.

Central Piedmont’s ophthalmic medical personnel program can prepare you with the skills and knowledge needed to be a professional in the eye care industry.

100 percent of our 2021-2022 graduates from this program at Central Piedmont are employed! Learn more about the ophthalmic program, in this video featuring Central Piedmont students.

Have you taken ACA 122 yet?

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Kathleen Laguerre wearing a Central Piedmont sweatshirt , talking in the Parr CenterCentral Piedmont’s Academic Related Courses (ACA) helps you achieve academic, career and transfer success. Our ACA 122 College Transfer Success course is required for most programs at Central Piedmont as a way to help you get on a successful path.

Students who took ACA 122 reported feeling more confident about their journey from education to a career, and wish they had taken it sooner.
Watch the video to learn what other students say about taking ACA 122:If you haven’t already taken ACA 122, and it’s part of your program, consider registering for it toward the beginning of your time at Central Piedmont. Register for ACA in spring 2023 in MyCollege.

ACA 122: College Transfer Success- the bridge between students and their new educational pathway

Get free support in college from TRIO Student Support Services

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You could be eligible for personalized mentoring, tutoring and academic coaching with TRIO Student Support Services (TRIO-SSS).

TRIO-SSS is a free program focused on helping you stay in school, and to be successful while you’re here. The program offers academic, personal, social, and career support for under-resourced and first generation college students. If you are the first in your family to attend college, or if you receive financial assistance (like a Pell grant), you could be eligible for this additional support.

Spots are limited! Apply for TRIO-SSS today and a success coach will review your application to see if you are eligible for services.

Email dean.mccabe@cpcc.edu for more information or with questions about TRIO-SSS.

Add a class to fast-track your way to graduation

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Do you have more room in your schedule? You can graduate earlier by adding a short session course or two this fall. There’s still time to register!

Short session courses are available in-person, hybrid and online. The next 8-week session starts Wednesday, Oct. 12, so you could add in an extra course for your program of study and be even closer to completing your degree. 

Payment for classes you add to your fall schedule are due every Monday; you will be dropped on Tuesdays without payment in place for additional classes. Central Piedmont charges for a maximum of 16 credit hours per term, so if you add additional credit hours over 16 for the fall term (including winter session), your tuition for other classes could be free!

Ready to register?

  • Log into mycollege.cpcc.edu
  • Click on “Student Planning”
  • Then click on “Plan your degree and register for classes”
  • Create your class schedule and register

Here are the remaining short sessions for the fall semester:

Term Dates
Second fall 8-week session Wed., Oct. 12– Fri., Dec. 9
Third fall 4-week session Mon., Oct. 17–Fri., Nov. 11
Fourth fall 4-week session Mon., Nov. 14–Fri., Dec. 9
Winter session Mon., Dec. 5, 2022–Tue., Jan. 3, 2023

Need help? Email navigate@cpcc.edu or call 704.330.2722.

Free, professional tutoring available from Central Piedmont

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Think you might need help to study in your class? Don’t wait, get started today with free, professional tutoring from the Academic Learning Center (ALC). The ALC is where you receive free tutoring in the subject areas of math, science, and writing. Whether you are taking one class or a full course load, tutoring is free to you.

Our tutors are professionals that focus on helping you overcome difficulties with coursework, promote independent learning, and develop skills necessary for academic success.
Tutoring includes:

  • up to three 45 minute appointments for each course in one week
  • one tutoring session for each subject, per day
  • choose from an in-person or online tutoring appointment
  • three visits per paper
  • free access to Smarthinking, for tutoring available 24/7
  • we also provide the double time tutoring accommodation to students approved through the Disability and Access Services office

How can you sign up for tutoring?
Visit the ALC website, scroll down to the “Schedule Your Tutoring Appointment Now” and complete three simple steps. You can also watch our 90 second get started video.
The ALC is here to help you be successful and we wish you a wonderful fall semester!

For other questions about tutoring, please contact ALC Director “Dr. J” at joevanne.estrada@cpcc.edu