Category Archives: Learning

Free Loaner Chromebooks and Hotspots Available for You This Spring

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student looking at laptop in the classroom with central Piedmont face mask onChromebooks and WiFi hotspots are available for loan — at no cost —  to help you continue in your classes this spring. If you need technology, we’re here to help you get the equipment and tools you need.

To request a device for spring 2021, complete the Chromebook and hotspot loan application or email singlestop@cpcc.edu for more information. Students needing assistance with the application or those without connectivity should call the Single Stop office at 704.330.6435.

Whether you are enrolled for the full semester, or registering for an upcoming short session, you will be able to use these devices as long as you are enrolled in classes. Approved applicants will receive an email confirming the pick up time and location. To preserve your health and safety, all pick -ups will be by appointment only.

Chromebooks and hotspots will be distributed on a first come, first served basis while supplies last. Apply today!

2021 MLK Challenge LIVE Moderated Dialogue with Bree Newsome

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headshot of Bree Newson next to MLK challenge loveJoin Service-Learning virtually for the 17th annual MLK Challenge on Jan. 20 from 11 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. This year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have suspended in-person service; however, we will host a special guest speaker, Bree Newsome – “Tearing Hatred From The Sky: A Moderated Dialogue.”

Following the brutal murder of nine black parishioners at Mother Emmanuel Church in Charleston, S.C., Bree climbed the flagpole at the South Carolina statehouse and pulled down the Confederate Battle flag as a protest against racist symbolism. Her arrest galvanized public opinion and led to the permanent removal of the flag.  As a recognized and celebrated voice on the topics of injustice and racial discrimination, Bree brings to light the importance of leadership development in building and sustaining social movements.

Join us to listen to Bree’s experience, celebrate the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr., and be inspired to serve our community.

Want to ask Bree a question? Email Jesse.Bennett@cpcc.edu by January 19. A select amount of questions will be chosen for an audience Q&A.

Advanced registration is not required – join us live on January 20.

New Year, New Experiences with Campus Activities Board (CAB)

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students sitting and standing in CAB branded t-shirts

Happy 2021 Central Piedmont students!

 The Campus Activities Board (CAB) is excited for a new year of learning and fun. CAB offers a variety of free programs and activities by students – for students. We value the importance of peer to peer connection outside of the classroom; so, we have worked diligently to transition our offerings online. Be sure to follow us on Instagram for event updates, giveaways, and more! 

 If you are interested in becoming a member of CAB,  apply today! Applications are open to all Central Piedmont students, regardless of campus. Membership is limited, so don’t wait. The application deadline is January 22, 2021, by 5 pm. If you have any questions, contact our advisor, Bryan.Mobley@cpcc.edu. 

 Additionally, you’re invited to attend our General Board meeting, held each Friday at 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Have a great semester and Happy New Year, 

The Campus Activities Board

 

Lead With a Purpose: Emerging Student Leaders Program Accepting Applications

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Emerging student leaders gold and teal logoNow is the time for leaders who lead with integrity and create positive change. If you want to increase your leadership knowledge and enhance your skills, the Emerging Student Leaders Program was designed just for you.

 Emerging Student Leaders is a six-week, transformational student leadership development training program. Through self-awareness, team building, values, and communication development activities, the program will prepare you to identify and build your leadership skills, define your purpose, and create a network of support amongst fellow students and across Central Piedmont. For completing the program, you receive a certificate and a badge to include on your social media.

Two cohort groups of Emerging Leaders will be offered in Spring 2021:

  • January 26 through March 2
    • Tuesdays from 3:00 – 4:30 p.m.
  • * January 28 through March 4
    • Thursdays from 1:30 – 3:00 p.m.

All great leaders must first possess the ability to lead themselves in order to lead others. ​Apply Today!

The application deadline is Friday, January 22.

Order Online, Pick Up In-Store – Barnes and Nobles Bookstores Open for Spring

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image of bookstore entrance

As the semester starts, now is the perfect time to get prepared for classes by ordering you textbooks and materials. All (6) six of the Central Piedmont Bookstores will re-open on January 4, 2021 for in-person shopping. All textbook purchases are to be placed online, but all other items can be purchased online or in the store.

All locations are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Levine, Cato, Harris, Harper and Merancas bookstores will only have books for pick up for the classes that are on their respective campuses. All other pickups should be made at Central Campus.

Store pickup is available for all locations, but only Cato and Central Campus are offering curbside from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The bookstore location at Merancas will be in the new Merancas IV building.

To see its location, view the Merancas Campus map.

If you need assistance, here are some important resources to help:

Online Ordering:

  • The bookstore will process all textbook orders as quickly as possible, and all student orders will be processed in the manner in which they were received.
  • Please allow 5 business days for processing and then your shipping method will apply.
  • To cancel your order please provide the order number to be cancelled when emailing the request.

Online Instructions:

Important Information:

For the fastest response to questions, please contact the bookstore by email at: bookstore@cpcc.edu or visit the Barnes & Noble website.

You may also leave a message at: 704-330-2722 x3699 and a staff member will return your call.

Spring 2021 Return to Campus Guide

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picture behind Weiss building showing open sidewalkWhether your classes are online, completely in-person, or a mixture of both, the college is committed to providing a safe environment for our students to learn this spring semester. All Central Piedmont students are expected to follow the protocols and practices outlined in the Student Guide for Returning to Campus. These have been put in place to keep all of us safe while on campus.

By working together – wearing face coverings, practicing social distancing, washing our hands frequently, staying home if we feel ill, and keeping our campus spaces clean – we can make the resumption of on-campus classes a success while keeping everyone safe.

Please take the time to read the guide carefully before returning to campus for scheduled classes. 

Keep in mind, the majority of students should not come to campus on January 11 – please check with your instructor or review the step-by-step instructions to determine if and when your class meets on campus.

 

Top Things To Know Before Starting Classes This Spring

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students walking with masks while on campusThe start of a new semester can be hectic. Whether this is your first semester, or you’re continuing your course plan – your success is our top priority. Familiarize yourself with the college’s student support services which are available to support you this semester.

Here’s a list of key things you need to know to help you get started at Central Piedmont this spring.

Central Piedmont Cares

The college has established the Central Piedmont Cares initiative to connect directly with you and to make sure you receive the help you need.

Visit the Central Piedmont Cares website for information regarding available resources. If you need assistance beyond what you find there, you can fill out a request for student support. Once we get your request, a Central Piedmont staff member will reach out to you within 24 hours during standard college hours of operation (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.).

How can I tell If I need to report to campus this spring?

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teaching instructing in front of whiteboard while students are sitting in class using laptopsSpring semester classes will begin on January 11, and be taught in multiple formats – online, hybrid, blended, and face-to-face.

Although the majority of classes will be taught online, hybrid and blended courses include both online and some face-to-face instruction.

To determine if your classes are online, a mixture of online and in-person, or completely in-person, follow these steps:

  1. Log into MyCollege.
  2. Select ‘Student Planning.’
  3. Select ‘Go to Plan and Schedule.’
  4. Make sure the term at the top of this page says ‘Spring 2021.’
  5. Click on the ‘Print’ button.

This page will give you the clearest view of how your class will be delivered. You can print, print to PDF, or screen capture the schedule from a phone. Please note:

  • In the ‘Location’ column, if you only see ONLINE for that section, there will be no on-campus instruction.
  • If you see only campus buildings and rooms, that class will only meet in-person at the location(s) listed.
  • If you see both ONLINE and a campus building and room, that class will have a mixture of in-person and online instruction.

Also, please note that even with in-person classes you will have limited in-person meeting times. To find out:

  1. Log into MyCollege.
  2. Select ‘Student Planning.’
  3. Select ‘Go to Plan and Schedule.’
  4. Make sure the term  says ‘Spring 2021.’
  5. In the “Meeting Information” section, you may have both in-person dates as well as online dates. This means you are in a hybrid or blended course.
  6. Select the course title. Learn more about the course in the “Additional Information” section.

Have a Safe Winter Break!

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photo of snow on campusYou made it to the last month of a very challenging and unpredictable year! Central Piedmont wants you to have a safe and enjoyable winter break. Whether you are taking a winter session class or laying low this holiday season, we are still here to support you with whatever you need.

Here are some resources to help you:

  • Financial Aid Needs : There are scholarships for spring 2021 and grants available if they need help with paying for classes. 
  • Personal Needs: We have Emergency Grants available for unexpected financial emergencies.
  • Basic Needs: The Single Stop office is  available online or by phone to help connect  students to a variety of basic needs resources.
  • Technology Needs: Students can borrow laptops and WiFi hotspots for the spring 2021 semester at no cost
  • Academic/Emotional Needs: The Counseling Services team is available by email, phone, or video appointments to help   students with personal and academic counseling. 
  • College Services Needs: Our campus services and resources are still accessible remotely for our students.
Central Piedmont is currently (and safely) offering courses in multiple formats — online, hybrid, blended, and in-person. (Hybrid and blended courses include both online and some face-to-face instruction.) Central Piedmont continues to follow the state’s in-person guidelines that apply to higher education.
If you still need to take core classes or required courses for your major, we are dedicated to making sure you can keep going. The college will be closed Dec. 24 — Jan. 1 for the winter holiday — but online registration will still be available online.

New Online Winter Sessions

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teaching instructing in front of whiteboard while students are sitting in class using laptopsGet a head start on next semester’s course load by taking an accelerated class this winter to earn credits towards your degree. Central Piedmont will offer several four-week classes online through two winter sessions. 

Most classes are Universal General Education Transfer Component (UGETC) courses, meaning they have been universally approved to transfer to most four-year universities in North Carolina.

Upcoming Sessions:

  • Session 1: Monday, November 30, 2020–Wednesday, December 30, 2020
  • Session 2: Wednesday, December 9, 2020–Wednesday, January 6, 2021

Winter Session classes are accelerated and time-intensive. We recommend you register for no more than one winter session class.

Learn more about winter sessions and how to register today.

Finish Faster with 8-Week Courses this Spring Semester

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Central Piedmont has remained dedicated to discovering innovative ways to help you persist and complete your studies. The college has been hard at work, reviewing best practices for how students across the state and country are achieving success (and completing!) within accelerated, remote learning environments during COVID-19.


Our Findings

What we’ve learned is students have higher success rates in compressed, short-session courses, compared to full-semester length (16-week) courses. This is especially true among part-time students. Students in short-session courses have demonstrated improved time management skills, better focus and motivation, and improved knowledge retention.

With this in mind, Central Piedmont will offer more eight-week learning sessions in spring 2021. 

Pilot programs
The college is currently identifying which programs and courses will be included in the spring short-session pilot program. To date, the following programs and courses have been recommended for the pilot (others may be added):

  • Associate in Arts (Students in the 2020-2021 49erNext cohort as well as other AA courses)
  • Automotive Systems Technology
  • Business Administration
  • Collision Repair & Refinishing
  • Criminal Justice Technology
  • Diesel & Heavy Equipment Technology
  • Early Childhood Education
  • Interior Design
  • Medical Office Administration
  • Office Administration
  • Simulation & Game Development
  • Welding Technology.

How it will work

Beginning Jan. 11, students would still return to campus for face-to-face courses, online courses, or a combination of both in-person and online courses; however, students enrolled in the above programs would have the option of enrolling in: traditional 16-week courses AND/OR multiple short-session (eight-week) courses scheduled during the first eight-week session of the semester (Jan. 11 – March 5) or during the second eight-week session of the semester (March 15 – May 11). By enrolling in short-session courses, these students would be able to earn the same amount of credits in less time. 

Student benefits

The short-session learning schedule has a number of proven benefits. If you’re enrolled in one of the above programs this spring, and decide to enroll in multiple eight-week courses during the first and second half of the semester, you will be able to:

  • identify more classes that better fit your schedule (both 16-week and eight-week sessions will be available)
  • experience a break between March 6 and 14, allowing you more time to adjust your schedules ahead of the next eight-week session
  • experience constant pacing from term to term
  • focus on fewer classes during each eight-week period
  • earn stackable credentials to demonstrate your academic/career pathway to future employers
  • have access to a quality education at the same great price
  • complete your educational goals on time

 We hope offering more eight-week, short-session classes contributes to your success, providing you with more learning options that meet your busy schedule as you strive to achieve your academic goals and conquer possibility at Central Piedmont!

Registration for the spring 2021 semester is now open. A complete listing of spring 2021 classes, including details such as section, prerequisites, course descriptions, etc., are now available through Student Planning. Log into MyCollege to plan your class schedule. In addition, Corporate and Continuing Education course registration is ongoing.

Lessen The Financial Burden with Scholarships and Grants

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Need-based and merit-based scholarships are awarded for a host of reasons – choice of major, community involvement, special interests, creative talents – and that’s just to name a few. Regardless of your economic situation, take every opportunity to lessen the financial burden of college.
Central Piedmont has over 250 scholarship opportunities available each year. Students can access a number of these opportunities by completing the General Scholarship Application on Academic Works for spring. The Spring 2021 application deadline is November 30, 2020.
*Students who complete the application will automatically be considered for all auto-match scholarship opportunities. Certain opportunities may require supplemental information (i.e. transcripts, essays, letters of recommendation, etc.).

Finishline Grant

The Finish Line Grant is designed to assist you in addressing financial situations that would prevent you from continuing or completing your program of study or credential. If you are facing a financial hardship, you may be eligible to receive up to $1,000 to cover eligible expenses per semester. This is not a monetary award — funds will be paid to the vendor directly to cover your expense. If eligible, you can receive the grant a maximum of two semesters.

 Application Steps:

To apply for the Finish Line Grant, log in to MyCollege, select “Student Services,” then “Online Forms.”

Here is the information to apply for our student emergency grants/ student relief grant:

Eligible students are allowed to apply for The Student Relief Grant (CARES Act) funds through their my college account. The grant is for students with expenses that can be related to COVID (ex: loss of income, can’t pay bills, need technology for class, tuition, etc.). Students can upload their expenses (take a picture and attach it to the application) and the team will make a determination on how much to award you. This is a direct cash payment to you. Funds through this grant are dispersed to your Bank Mobile account.
To apply:

*   Go to your My College account
*   Click on Student Services
*   Click on Online Forms
*   On the bottom right hand side click on Central Piedmont Student Relief Grant

Learn more about eligibility requirements before you apply.

Student Emergency Grant:

Students can also apply for the Student Emergency Grant, that grant will pay up to $500 of expenses. This grant however pays the expenses directly for you, this is not a cash grant. So for example, if you need help paying your Duke Power bill we will pay that on your behalf.

Learn more information and how to apply today!

Need a Chromebook or Mobile Hotspot for Spring?

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We want to do all we can to ensure you continue in your classes and achieve your academic goals.

If you are having trouble accessing technology, a limited number of laptops and WiFi hotspots are available for loan — at no cost. You will be able to use these devices as long as you are enrolled in classes and until we are able to resume traditional, in-person classes.

To request a device for spring 2021, complete the laptop loan application or email singlestop@cpcc.edu for more information.

Transfer Resource Center Virtual Events

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Take advantage of the may virtual resources being offered by our 4 year university partners.  See below for upcoming events for Central Piedmont students and visit the virtual Transfer Resource Center for more information

Appalachian State University Transfer Admissions Info Sessions

Meet representatives from Appalachian State University to answer your questions about how to transfer to App State from Central Piedmont, including:

  • online and on-campus programs
  • opportunities and resources
  • life as an App State student

Thursday, October 1st – 2-3pm; Register here.

Thursday, October 8th – 6-7pm; Register here.

UNC Wilmington Transfer Admissions Webinar

Monday, October 5th –  3-4pm

Learn about how to transfer to UNCW and the new guaranteed admission program with Central Piedmont! Register here.

UNC Wilmington Apply on the Fly 

Join UNCW for a presentation about the transfer application and to receive help completing your application.  Students that attend and submit their application will have the application fee waived!

Thursday, October 8th – 3-5pm, Register here.

NC State University Admissions Drop-ins

Stop in to ask your questions about transferring to NC State! Meet with a representative on Wednesday, October 7th – 2-4pm.

Quick Survey – Which Class Formats Do You Prefer?

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Central Piedmont wants you to feel safe and comfortable in your classes and we need your help. Through numerous discussions and detailed planning across all units of the college, we remain committed to providing a safe environment for our students to learn and faculty and staff members to work. Which class format(s) do you prefer?

Please take this quick, three-question survey to help us prepare for the spring term.

Fall semester classes are being taught in multiple formats – online, hybrid, blended and face-to-face. Here are the different types:

  • Traditional (regular in-person class meetings with very little, if any, online instruction)
  • Online (completely online with no on-campus meetings)
  • Blended (both online and seated instruction with weekly on-campus meetings)
  • Hybrid (more online than seated, fewer than 8 on-campus meetings)

By Monday, September 28, please take less than 1 minute to share your opinion on class formats as we prepare for spring.

(Survey Link: https://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/5847953/CP-Class-Format-Preference-Survey.)

International Education Prevalent at NC Community Colleges

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NC State’s Belk Center for Community College Leadership and Research recently released its International Education at North Carolina Community Colleges report, and Central Piedmont’s efforts in providing international education opportunities to its students were featured in the report’s findings.

The report is a collaboration between the Belk Center and the North Carolina Community College System Office and uses data collected during the 2019-2020 academic year to explore how North Carolina community colleges address the system’s mission to “develop a globally and multi-cultural competent workforce.”

The report provides a broad overview of what sorts of international education opportunities are available at NC community colleges and suggests that international education is much more prevalent at NC community colleges than national data indicates.

Central Piedmont has been offering study abroad experiences to its students and members of the local community in for more than 20 years. Each year, during spring break and the summer term, Central Piedmont faculty members lead short-term study abroad excursions to a variety of locations across the globe, including: Ecuador, Italy, Greece, Japan, Thailand, Peru, Tanzania, and many others.

Since the college’s 2020 study abroad programs were cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Global Learning Office has turned its attention to:

  • providing students with virtual, international exchange experiences
  • encouraging students to apply for the Scholars of Global Distinction program
  • ensuring the college’s curriculum includes a global learning perspective

To learn more, please contact global.learning@cpcc.edu or visit cpcc.edu/academics/global-learning/study-abroad.

North Carolina Scholars of Global Distinction Program

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Interested in becoming a global citizen? Join the NC Scholars of Global Distinction Program.

This honors program is a partnership between UNC Chapel Hill and other NC Community Colleges which prepares students for the global job market. Through NC Scholars of Global Distinction, students are able to enhance leadership, communication and presentation skills. Students who complete the program are exposed to globalized coursework, international events and a global immersion. These components not only benefit students educationally, but also impact them personally.

Check out this NC Scholars Presentation to learn details about the program. For questions and more information, contact Julie.Grahl@cpcc.edu

Central Piedmont to Offer Two New Transfer Degrees in Teacher Preparation

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The North Carolina State Board of Community Colleges has approved Central Piedmont Community College to offer two, new transfer degree programs in teacher preparation – an Associate in Arts in Teacher Preparation and an Associate in Science in Teacher Preparation. The programs will open Aug. 10, the start of Central Piedmont’s fall semester.

These two, new transfer degree programs will help create a larger pipeline for future teachers in North Carolina’s elementary, middle and high schools, addressing the state’s critical teacher shortage, particularly in its more rural counties.

“Our new transfer degrees create seamless pathways for our students to transition into bachelor degree programs and successful teaching careers,” said Edith McElroy, associate vice president for transfer and pre-college. “This seamless pathway strategy will help ensure the North Carolina K-12 education system flourishes and is recognized as a national model for teacher recruitment and preparation in the United States.”

The degrees require 45 semester hours of general education courses and 14 hours of education courses, including one course with a focus on the science of reading instruction.

In addition to creating the two, new degree programs, the State Board of Community Colleges also approved corresponding teacher preparation pathways for high school students enrolled in their respective college’s Career & College Promise program. Career & College Promise is a dual enrollment program that gives eligible high school students the opportunity to get a jump-start and earn free college credit toward a two-year degree at Central Piedmont.

“The college is excited to offer a Career & College Promise teacher pathway,” McElroy said. “Now, the journey to becoming a teacher in Mecklenburg County can begin as early as high school, creating a robust, diverse pool of teachers who are even more prepared to serve all areas of the state in the future.”

For more information about the new associate degree transfer programs in teacher preparation at Central Piedmont, visit https://www.cpcc.edu/programs/teacher-preparation.

Former RNC Week & Fall Break

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Don’t forget to register for the fall semester — classes start on Monday, August 10 (just a little more than a week from now) so you’re running out of time to make sure you get the classes you need.

The August 10 start to the fall semester is earlier than usual because of the planned impact of the Republican National Convention (RNC). As you recall, the college had planned to close during the week the RNC was scheduled to take place in Charlotte – August 22-28. The reason the college planned to close was to avoid the challenges the convention would present to our students and employees in trying to reach campus and to accommodate facilities requests made by the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department connected to the RNC.

Although the RNC initially moved the largest parts of the convention from Charlotte to Jacksonville, FL, it recently announced the cancellation of all major events, due to the pandemic.

Given that there will no longer be any large-scale RNC events in Charlotte, the college will not close August 22-28. The college will be open and operating on a normal schedule, and this week will become “remote learning days” for students and faculty. While there will be no on-campus classes during that week, Online, Hybrid, and Blended courses will continue online only.

For the safety and well-being of our campus community, we will complete the vast majority of face-to-face instruction prior to the Thanksgiving holiday (Nov. 26-29). Some courses are being taught under a compressed timeline so they can be concluded by the Thanksgiving holiday, while others will go fully online after Thanksgiving to finish any remaining classwork. The fall semester will end Dec. 11.

Please note: The college will observe and be closed on Labor Day (Sept. 7) but has made the difficult decision to eliminate Fall Break (Oct. 12-13). These two days will also become remote learning days. While there will be no on-campus classes during that time, Online, Hybrid, and Blended courses will continue online only. This decision was made to both minimize the possible virus spread associated with travel, and to give more time to faculty and students since the college has had to adjust course schedules and delivery methods.

If you have questions about the remote learning days for your specific course, please contact your instructor.

We understand these schedule changes may disrupt your previous plans and we greatly appreciate your patience as we try to make the best decisions we can for the health, safety, and success of our college community.

Central Piedmont’s Fall Semester Plans

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Over the past several weeks, the college has been busy preparing for a safe and successful Fall 2020 term. Through numerous discussions and detailed planning across all units of the college, we are working to provide a safe environment for our students to learn and faculty and staff members to work.

Fall semester classes will begin on Aug. 10, and be taught in multiple formats – online, hybrid, blended and face-to-face. (Hybrid and blended courses include both online and some face-to-face instruction.)

For the safety and well-being of our campus community, we will complete the vast majority of face-to-face instruction prior to the Thanksgiving holiday. After Thanksgiving, remaining class work will be finished online. Fall classes will end Dec. 11.

Our academic programs are currently updating the course schedule based on how courses will be taught. Some courses will remain in their currently listed format, and in other cases, the format will be changed, with online instruction replacing some of the face-to-face meeting times.

When you log in to create or view your schedule in MyCollege, classes will be listed as HY for Hybrid (majority online with a few in-person meetings), BL for Blended (less than half of the class can be completed online) or IN for Internet (the entire class is online). These designations are currently being updated in MyCollege, but should be accurate by the end of the month.

The majority of students will come to campus a minimal number of times, with the rest of their instruction occurring online. Courses are in the process of being updated. Please review your schedule in MyCollege periodically over the next few weeks. We want to be transparent about schedule adjustments and give you time to digest any changes.

We remain committed to delivering a high-quality educational experience regardless of your program or course selection. Central Piedmont is working hard to protect the well-being of everyone in our campus community.

For those of you who will attend classes on campus, we have adopted the best available practices for educational institutions operating in a pandemic, and we need your pledge to follow our safety protocols. If you are enrolled in hybrid, blended, or face-to-face courses, please read the Student Guide to Returning to Campus carefully. It will be important you follow all of the safety practices detailed in the guide. These include wearing a face covering, keeping a social distance from others, washing your hands frequently, and staying home if you feel ill at all.

Registration for the fall term is now open. If you would like to make changes to your schedule, you may do so through MyCollege, through the rest of summer and until classes start on Aug. 10.

Thank you for your trust in Central Piedmont. We look forward to seeing you in August.