Category Archives: Learning

Save Time and Money With the Central Piedmont Cloud

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Wouldn’t it be great if it were easier for you to access — from anywhere! — software that’s important to your program of study? This includes quick access to your program-specific applications such as Adobe Creative Cloud, AutoDesk AutoCAD, Solidworks, Eaglesoft, NetBeans, SPSS, and Trimble (and many others), that could help you better complete your assignments. That’s why Information Technology Services has developed the Central Piedmont Cloud and is inviting you to try it out today.

The Central Piedmont Cloud provides access to licensed applications on all of your devices. Access college-licensed software from anywhere with an internet connection –which allows you to skip the visit to campus labs and save on a software purchase.

To get started and see a list of available Cloud applications, visit the Central Piedmont Cloud website at cloud.cpcc.edu or if you need help, contact the ITS Help Desk at helpdesk@cpcc.edu or at 704.330.5000.

 

Central Piedmont Offers Expanded Evening, Friday and Saturday Courses this Fall

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Beginning this fall, Central Piedmont Community College will offer expanded course offerings of some of its most in-demand classes on weekday evenings, Fridays and Saturdays at its Central, Harris and Levine campuses. The added course sections give students more options so they can complete a two-year, college transfer degree more quickly.

Central Piedmont’s new course offerings are comprised of more than 70 class sections of 20 high-demand, general education college transfer courses. The classes will be offered in sequential order and focus on a variety of subjects, ranging from biology and public speaking, to psychology and business.

“We’re excited about our new course offerings and how they will have a positive impact on our students’ lives,” said Edith McElroy, dean of Central Piedmont’s Levine Campus. “By offering more courses in the evenings, and on Fridays and Saturdays, we’re able to better accommodate our students’ busy schedules, setting them up for success both inside and outside of the classroom.”

This is the first time the college’s Harris Campus has offered high-demand college transfer classes to residents, giving individuals more options to complete an associate degree. In the past, its course offerings were specific to an academic program, such as baking & pastry arts, dental assisting, early childhood education and others.

In addition to offering more high-demand classes at Harris Campus, Central Piedmont will boast Saturday- only courses for students interested in earning a general Associate in Arts degree or an Associate in Arts degree in business administration in two years. Students seeking either of these degrees will be placed on a learning track that will require them to complete two to three courses, every eight weeks.

The additional courses and weekend accessibility will also give residents the opportunity to experience Central Piedmont – a college that believes in providing individuals with an affordable, hands-on education that will prepare them for the real world so they can make a difference in their community and beyond.

To learn more about Central Piedmont’s expanded weekday evening, Friday, and Saturday classes, please visit cpcc.edu/programs/associate-degrees or call Suzanne Marcoux at 704.330.4278 or email suzanne.marcoux@cpcc.edu.

Surgical Technology Students Earn 100% Pass Rate on Certification Exam

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The Surgical Technology Program is pleased to announce that the May Class of 2020 successfully obtained a 100% passing on the NBSTSA CST exam. The certification demonstrates the individual meets the national standard for knowledge associated with a surgical technologist and surgical first assistance practice.

By earning this designation, student show potential employers they possess a mastery of a broad range of skills related to surgical procedures, aseptic technique, and patient care. And, because certification is voluntary, the choice to become certified exhibits a pride in the profession, the desire to be recognized for mastery of scientific principles, as well as an ongoing commitment to quality patient care.

Please join us in congratulating the following surgical tech students: Daniel Castaneda, Brandy Brown, Hali Burnette, Rachel Dumford, Alexis Scarborough, Samantha Marangone, Alizaya Thomas-White, Dustin Truong, Evelyn Brinkley, and Tatyana Shykal.

Learn more about Central Piedmont’s Surgical Technology program.

Central Piedmont Graphic Arts and Imaging Team Takes Third in the Phoenix Challenge Competition

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The Central Piedmont Graphic Arts and Imaging Technology participated in this year’s virtual Phoenix Challenge College Competition. This competition represents a yearlong project that students from colleges all over North America find a solution to a flexographic printing problem. Over the course of the year, our students worked with industry professionals from Harper Corporation, Sun Chemical, Mark Andy, Wink Tooling, DuPont, JR Cole, and Parks Printing. The developed concepts, branding, packaging, and production for their project.

Under normal conditions, the students would have traveled to the FTA Forum conference to give their presentation. This year that format had to be converted to an online presentation using Zoom software. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the students’ progress long before the presentation. They were able to virtually continue the development of their project by using online meeting software. When it came to the production of the project, they found a local printer that set up a Zoom meeting at their press to run their materials. While they were not able to physically be there for the job, they were able to instruct the press person throughout the run.

Due to their efforts, they were awarded third place. The teams that placed above them were California Polytechnical Institute and Wisconsin Stoudt University. Our team represented the only two-year institution in the competition. The scores between the three top teams were very close, with our missing out on second place by only seven points out of 600. We are extremely proud of the diligence the students exhibited by carrying through with this project in such a drastic disruption to the norm.

Summer Leadership Academy Application Deadline is May 22

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Looking for ways to maintain your good momentum into next school year? Have some free time to improve your leadership skills? Join Student Life for our virtual summer series – the Summer Leadership Academy.

This free opportunity will connect you with other Central Piedmont students, offer you the opportunity to develop and practice important skills in time management, communication, conflict resolution, inclusion, and others – all things that will help you grow as a student and a professional.

Space is limited, so be sure to complete this ONLINE REGISTRATION form by May 22. This virtual series will meet online beginning Tuesday, May 26 from 2pm – 3:30pm, and will meet weekly on Tuesday afternoons for 8 weeks. We expect these sessions to be informative, interactive, and maybe even fun!

Students new to Central Piedmont are also welcome, but we ask that you have already completed your registration for Fall 2020 in order to be eligible to join. You do not need to be registered for the Summer 2020 semester. Students will need to be able to meet weekly, using a mobile device. At the end of our summer, students will receive a certificate acknowledging their successful completion of the program, which is a benefit to add to any resume or portfolio!

Put your free time this summer to good use! Join us!

Questions? Contact Student.Life@cpcc.edu

Top 5 Ways to Stay Connected

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During this time where we’re all online together, it’s still possible to stay connected to each other and to Central Piedmont. Let Student Life & Service-Learning offer you some easy ways to maintain your connections virtually! Be sure to visit the Student Life Events Calendar for all our virtual events!

  1. Join the online Seat at the Table with the Family Resource Center. Seat at the Table is a program created for students, faculty, and staff to have conversations that relate to their everyday lives outside of work and the (virtual) classroom. Friendships, mental health, self-care, and establishing boundaries are among the many topics that will be held during this stressful time. We meet online on Wednesdays at 12:30pm. Click here to join using the following meeting information (Meeting ID: 937-2645-1123 Meeting Password: 861458).
  2. Staying Connected While Staying Home: Civic Tech for Community Organizing. This program includes Christine Edwards, CEO of Amplify Charlotte, April 29th, 3pm-4pm. Join viaWebEx. We’ll cover strategies and best practices of staying connected through civic engagement while at home. Contact justin.knoll@cpcc.edu with any questions.
  3. Like poetry? Watch our SWAG (Student Writers’ Assembled Guild) students as they read their own poems and poems by US Poet Laureate Joy Harjo. These students would have presented at an Open Mic for all at Levine Campus, and Joy Harjo was scheduled as our Irene Blair Honeycutt Distinguished Lecturer for Sensoria 2020.
  4. Attend the FREE webinar for students – “Crisis Budget Management.” We are offering this program each week through the end of the term.  Learn important information about how you can best manage your money through this difficult time. Click here to see our options of dates, to register, and to receive login information for joining the webinar. You can also visit the Student Life Events Calendar for complete details as well.
  5. Volunteer from your home and challenge others to get involved too! Stay active and join us as we raise awareness and funds to help community partner, Cool Kids, who works to support kids with cancer. They are holding a virtual 5K challenge! You can run or walk 5K, invite your friends, share on social media and support a good cause!

Questions? Ideas? Email student.life@cpcc.edu and let us know!

Barnes and Noble Book Buyback and Rental Return

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With classes moved online, the bookstore has new virtual processes to support you. If you have rented textbooks, they can be returned free by shipping back via UPS. Keep in mind, you will need your order number to print the UPS shipping label. This can be found in the confirmation email from your online order OR if you rented your textbook in store, find it in any of your rental reminder emails. The UPS label can be printed on or before your Charge Date. Please go online for the easy step-by-step Rental Return instructions.

Need to sell your college books?

Barnes & Nobles has partnered with MBS Textbook Exchange, the nation’s largest textbook wholesaler, to offer you the best prices for your used books. You can pack and send your books free of charge, and receive payment within 3 weeks. Learn more here.

Please return rentals for this semester by June 15. Please click here to access Rental FAQ’s or feel free to contact your bookstore at any time with questions.

Top 5 Ways to Stay Connected

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During this time where we’re all online together, it’s still possible to stay connected to each other and to Central Piedmont. Visit the Student Life Events Calendar for some easy ways to maintain your connections virtually!

  1. Attend the FREE webinar for students – “Crisis Budget Management.” We are offering this program each week through the end of the term.  Learn important information about how you can best manage your money through this difficult time. Click here to see our options of dates, to register, and to receive login information for joining the webinar. You can also visit the Student Life Events Calendar for complete details as well.
  2. Looking for a good social support group during this strange time? Join Danielle, from the Central Piedmont Family Resource Center, for FRC virtual open office hours on Thursdays at 4pm, beginning April 23. She’ll host students for a virtual group gathering with guided discussion on healthy practices during this stressful time. Visit the Student Life Events calendar for details or email Danielle.Dosunmu@cpcc.edu if you’d like to attend!
  3. Join Student Life and the Central Piedmont Library to jam with DJ-CK in celebration of National Library Week on Friday, April 24, 6pm-8pm. Library Live 2020 is being sponsored by CP Library and Student Life, and students, faculty and staff are invited to jam with DJ-CK as he plays classic music from major recording artists. Let us bring you some joy as you shelter in place!
  4. Visit our student juried art show! Support your fellow student artists who were selected to participate in this special event. Click here to see the full show.
  5. Miss the blood drive that Central Piedmont hosted? There are many other opportunities in our community as donating blood is a priority need right now. Click here to learn about other blood drive opportunities.

Questions? Ideas? Email student.life@cpcc.edu and let us know!

Free loaner laptops and technology available for summer classes

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If you’re having trouble accessing technology, we want to do all we can to ensure you continue in your classes and achieve your academic goals this summer. A limited number of laptops and WiFi hotspots are available for loan — at no cost — to students in need. Students will be able to use these devices as long as they are enrolled in classes and until we are able to resume traditional, in-person classes. Please complete an application or email singlestop@cpcc.edu for more information.

Summer Classes Will Start Fully Online

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Don’t forget priority registration for the summer and fall terms runs from April 17 to April 26. Check your college email for your specific priority registration date. Please note all summer term classes will start fully online. Class sections with fully online instruction are listed as “online courses” during registration and do not show a campus location. Class sections that display a campus location will begin online, and may eventually transition to in-person instruction should the designated campus reopen during the summer term.

Our top priority is keeping you safe, and we will keep you updated on impacts to instructional delivery.

Summer 2020 classes start May 20. Don’t wait – register early for the best class selection:

  1. Be sure to check in with Academic Advising online to make sure you are registering for the right classes.
  2. Check your college email account for your priority registration date/time.
  3. Go to MyCollege.cpcc.edu and click on “Student Planning” to choose your schedule. Add your classes to your shopping cart.
  4. On your priority registration date/time, go to MyCollege – or use the Central Piedmont app  – to check out.

Stay safe, stay healthy, and stay focused on your education goals! For much more information, visit our current students web page or call the college’s Information Center  at 704.330.2722.

What is Webex Teams?

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Webex Teams is a messaging and meeting solution that puts all the communications and information sharing tools you need in one place. Webex Teams is redefining the way people meet and collaborate. It’s a platform that promotes a secure workspace where teams can contribute any time, from any device with video meetings, group messaging, file sharing, and whiteboarding. Conversations and work sync across all platforms, allowing knowledge sharing, document uploading, and stronger collaboration.

Our Information Technology Services (ITS) department has decided to release this tool ahead of schedule because of the tremendous value it offers for remote learning, teaching, and working during this unprecedented time. Since the college had to launch the tool earlier than expected, you will be able to message and talk to teammates, but won’t be able to call-in to them from an outside phone number. In addition, the ITS team is working on integrating the tool’s calendar feature to be made available in the near future.

What are the benefits of Webex Teams?

 

  • easy group and 1-1 messaging
  • persistent, threaded discussions
  • substantial reduction in email
  • collaboration spaces
  • synchronous text-based conversations
  • easily call individuals or groups on Webex Teams
  • 1-click video conferencing (with recording)
  • Blackboard integration
  • mobile and desktop apps
  • interact with students
  • customized notifications

Perhaps the greatest value of Webex Teams during this unprecedented time is the ease with which it reinforces the fact that we are one college, one community, one family. The tool’s messaging and conference features provide a way to keep connections strong across the college, which supports the emotional health and well-being of Central Piedmont’s employees and students during this pandemic.

To Get Started

All Central Piedmont faculty, staff, and students already have accounts:

  1. Download the app from Webex. (If you are using a device that can’t install applications, such as a Chromebook, go to teams.webex.com.)
  2. Enter your college email.
  3. Enter your college username and password.

Resources

Be Professional in Your Communications

As you work in Webex Teams, please keep in mind that this is an official college application/tool — you must adhere to the ethics and values of the college, and remain professional in all of your communications. All content is stored indefinitely and is reviewable by the college, discoverable, and subject to a public records request, regardless of whether it was made in a private or public space. Please refer to college policy 6.20 as a reminder about acceptable technology use at Central Piedmont.

Questions?

If you have questions, please contact Academic Technology Services through the ITS Help Desk to schedule an appointment at helpdesk@cpcc.edu or 704.330.5000.

Thank you for helping make the Webex Teams roll-out a success.

Get Help Online from the Library

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Get Help Online

There are many ways the Library can provide you with expert help and services remotely. Always check the Library’s website for the latest info about our hours and services.

  • Chat
    The library will operate chat from 7:30 am to 8:00 pm Monday through Thursday, 7:30 am to 5:00 pm Friday, and 9:00 am to 1:00 pm Saturday starting on March 23rd.
  • Get Research Help Online
    Need help with research or finding peer reviewed articles? Last minute citation question? Ask us! You can email us, text us, or chat with a librarian from the convenience of your home.
  • Schedule a Consultation with a Librarian
    Subject librarians with expertise in specific areas are available for remote consultations  via phone, email, or online (e.g. Webex).

If you have further questions, we encourage you to reach out to us, either by phone or email.

Also, visit learnremotely.cpcc.edu to discover what you need to know if you’re taking online courses or if your courses are moved online.

Study Abroad at Central Piedmont – Now Accepting Applications

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Have you ever thought about traveling internationally while earning class credit?  Do you want to stand out among your peers academically and professionally?

Central Piedmont’s Global Learning Office has various opportunities that allow you to do both!

Study Abroad: Central Piedmont offers short term and faculty-led study abroad programs during spring break and the summer term. Travel with faculty for 1 to 4 weeks and earn class credit. (Humanities 120 is an option for most programs along with the discipline attached to the program).

By studying abroad, participants gain cultural sensitivity, foreign language skills, and a global perspective. This translates to competitiveness in the job market, as employers are increasingly looking for workers who have international skills and experience. Check out our amazing program locations for 2020 and apply now (programs are filling up quickly).

 

NC Scholars of Global Distinction: The N.C. Scholars of Global Distinction is designed to equip students with the global competencies and skills needed for the 21st-century workforce.  Participating students will expand their intercultural awareness and understanding of the global relevance of their college studies by completing the program’s requirements. This honors program sets students apart from their peers and enhances their résumés.

Learn more information about program applications and requirements.

 

Email global.learning@cpcc.edu with questions or to set up an appointment to learn more!

Students Transform Their Lives Through Year Up

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Year Up, in partnership with Central Piedmont, equips young adults with the skills training to be career-ready and the opportunity to demonstrate their talent. After six months of training with both Year Up and Central Piedmont, Year Up students earn the opportunity to intern at a leading corporate company in Cyber Security, Project Management or Software Development roles. The internship phase of the program provides access to opportunity and experience needed to begin a meaningful professional career.

Current Central Piedmont and Year Up student, Arrick Rithiphong attests that “without Year Up, [he] would not have been exposed to the skills needed to thrive in [his] career choice”, now a successful Bank of America intern studying Cyber.

Year Up is a program that promises deserving, young adults like Arrick the opportunity to experience what it is like to work in the corporate environment. Take the first step in a life-changing opportunity!

Next steps:

  • Submit a two-minute interest form and select the Charlotte location.
  • Attend an Information Session.

Want More Information?

Through Year Up, young adults transform their lives and turn their talents into success.

Please email YUCharlotteAdmissions@yearup.org, call (704) 839-2490 or visit Year Up online.