Stay Connected with the Affordable Connectivity Program

ACP graphic

As a student, internet access is crucial for your academic success. The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) by the FCC is here to ensure you have the broadband you need for your studies, work, healthcare, and more. This federal benefit offers substantial discounts on internet services and can even help you obtain a computer at a reduced cost.

Key Benefits of the ACP:

  • Internet Service Discount: Eligible students can receive up to $30 off their monthly internet service.
  • Device Discount: A one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop, or tablet from participating providers (with a personal contribution of $10 to $50).
  • Eligibility Criteria: You may be eligible if your household income is at or below 200% of the federal poverty guideline if you have received a federal PELL grant in the current award year, or if you participate in certain programs like SNAP.

Enrollment Deadline:
Mark your calendar – the last day to enroll in the ACP is February 7, 2024.

Check Eligibility and Apply:
To see if you qualify and to apply for the program, visit the FCC’s ACP page.

Take advantage of this opportunity to reduce your internetand computer costs. Stay connected and ensure you have the tools you need to succeed in your academic journey.

STEM Tank Season 5 Applications

STEM TankCentral Piedmont students, get ready for STEM Tank Season 5! This program is aimed at enhancing your STEM skills, like critical thinking and problem-solving, with a focus on increasing diversity in STEM fields. Here’s what to expect:

  • Deadline: Apply by Thurs., Feb. 9, or until filled.
  • Kickoff Meeting: Attend in person on Wed., Feb. 29, from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • Workshops: Participate in four workshops.
    • Tuesdays – Mar. 14, Mar. 21, Mar. 28, and Apr. 4
    • 3:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m.
  • Team Project: Work in groups to tackle a community problem using STEM, with a commitment of about 57 hours per week.
  • Final Presentation: Present your solution on Wed., Apr. 12, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Community Service: Join on either Wed., Apr. 19, or Wed., Apr. 26.
  • Stipend and Prizes: Earn $125 for full participation, with additional prizes for the top projects.

Don’t miss this opportunity to develop your STEM skills and add an impressive experience to your resume. Apply now!

Protecting Yourself through Cybersecurity

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, and Information Technology Services reminds us that cybersecurity is everyone’s responsibility.

A student works on their laptop.Protect your digital world just like you would your physical one: passwords are like keys to your door, and you wouldn’t invite just anyone in. Here are some reminders to help keep your information safe:

  • Phones, tablets, or laptop devices: Install antivirus software, keep operating systems current with updates, and activate firewalls.
  • Strong passwords: Use complex passwords and don’t reuse a password across multiple accounts. Use multi-factor authentication.
  • Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date with cybersecurity news and when there are critical updates to software– even apps.
  • Safe Browsing: Use secure networks and avoid public Wi-Fi for sensitive transactions. Consider using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) when off-campus.
  • Think Before You Click: Verify email sources and be cautious with attachments.
  • Regular Backups: Consider backing up your data to the cloud or an external drive.
  • Limit Sharing: Be mindful of the personal information you post online.
  • Monitor Accounts: Regularly check financial statements and online profiles for irregularities.
  • Educate Others: Share security tips with your circle. Collective security is stronger.

What the Tech? Join Tech Week events Oct. 16-20

3 students program 3D printers.Central Piedmont is celebrating Tech Week Oct. 16-20, with in-person events in a variety of technology topics.

Join us for any (or all!) of these sessions at Central Campus:

  • What the Tech is…Broadcasting: What’s going on, on the Radio
    Monday, Oct. 16 – 1p.m., Center for Arts Technology, Room 101
  • What the Tech is….Hardware: PC Guts and Stuff
    Monday, Oct. 16 – 3 p.m., Levine Technology Building, Room 5135 
  • What the Tech is….3D Modeling: 3D, 3D, 3D
    Tuesday, Oct. 17 – 3 p.m., Levine Technology Building, Room 1116 
  • What the Tech is…Artificial Intelligence (AI) : AI Wonderland!
    Wednesday, Oct. 18 – 3 p.m., Levine Technology Building, Room 1118 
  • What the Tech is…Project Management: Projects, Tasks, and Scrum
    Thursday, Oct. 19 – 1 p.m., Levine Technology Building, Room 5124 
  • What the Tech is…Programming: Coding and more Coding
    Thursday, Oct. 19 – 3 p.m., Levine Technology Building, Room 5123
  • What the Tech is…Virtual Reality (VR): We are who, VR!
    Friday, Oct. 20 – 3 p.m., Levine Technology Building, Room 1118

Research and technology help available at the library

Student gets help at the circulation desk in the library.The Central Piedmont library is here to help with all kinds of support so you can be successful in your classes.

The library can help with research assistance, citations, and digital technology assistance, including Brightspace help. You can also email questions.

Borrow a Chromebook from the Library

Student types on a chromebook.Set yourself up for success! Central Piedmont’s Library has chromebooks you can borrow, for a few hours, or a semester. Limited quantities are available at each campus.
Graphing calculators may also available for check-out, for up to four hours.

You will be able to borrow equipment based on availability of items, and your previous equipment check-out status. Please bring your student ID card.

Attend Tech Week, March 20-25

Students in a lab work at computers.The Technology Division is hosting “Tech Week” March 20-25! Planned events include in person and virtual presentations by Central Piedmont employees and technology company experts on a variety of technology topics.

In addition to the sessions during the week, please join us for the Technology Job Fair/ Open house on Saturday, March 25 to meet with many different companies.

Sign up to attend Tech Week Events.

To learn more about Tech Week, contact Joe Little, Associate Dean of Technology.

Schedule of planned events:

  • Monday March 20, 3 p.m., What the Tech Is Series – Subnetting

Host and Speaker: Joe Little
Levine Tech Building LT-5132
RSVP through Google Form 

  • Tuesday March 21, 3 p.m., What the Tech Is Series – Cloud/Virtual Data Centers

Host: Joe Little, Speaker: Chuck Renner Levine
Tech Building LT-5121
RSVP through Google Form.

  • Wednesday March 22, 3 p.m., What the Tech Is Series – Topic Cybersecurity

Host: Joe Little, Special Guest: Rick Fogarty
Parr Center – Multipurpose Rooms 0060/0070
RSVP through Google Form.

  • Thursday March 23, 3 p.m., What the Tech Is Series – Topic Python Programming

Host: Joe Little, Speaker: Dr. Carl Arrington
Levine Tech Building, LT-5123
RSVP through Google Form.

  • Friday March 24: Microsoft BAM “Blacks at Microsoft” Event Parr Center for Charlotte Mecklenburg and Cabarrus County High School Students
  • Friday March 24, 3 p.m., What the Tech Is Series – Topic Radio Broadcasting

Host Joe Little, Speaker Dr. Christian Dotson-Pierson, joined by guests from Praise 100.9
Center for Arts Technology – AU-101
RSVP through Google Form.

  • Saturday March 25, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.: Advising and Career Day/Open House and Job Fair – Central Campus, Levine IT, 5th floor
    Job Fair Attendees: Ally, Bank of America, Duke Energy, Microsoft, Novant, Vanguard, VMware
    Open to all Current and Prospective Students

Set up Duo by March 3, get entered to win one of 50 gift cards

Green "Duo" app logo with stylized text.Get Duo set up by Friday, March 3 and be entered to win one of 50 gift cards!*

Central Piedmont uses Duo as its multifactor authentication (MFA) app, which sends a notification to your smartphone or other device to confirm your identity after you enter your username and password. All accounts will be required to use Duo beginning on March 6.

SET UP DUO FOR THE FIRST TIME
Use the Account Management Portal to set up your smartphone or other device to use Duo. You will use your Central Piedmont username and password. Make sure to select the “student” domain.

Visit the Information Technology Services (ITS) Knowledge Base for step-by-step directions.

If you don’t have a smartphone or tablet that can use an app, contact the Service Desk.

If you need any technical support for Duo, please “Submit a Ticket” through the ITS Service Desk portal or call 704.330.5000.

Learn more about Central Piedmont and Duo.

*Students who set up Duo for their Central Piedmont account between Jan. 4- March 3, 2023 at 11:59 p.m., will be entered into the gift card drawing. Work study students and employees are not eligible to win; other eligibility rules may apply. Winners will be contacted through their Central Piedmont student email.

Free tickets for Pixar executive and STEM speaker

Photo credit: Debby Coleman, Pixar Animation Studios

The Central Piedmont community can get FREE tickets for a speaker event with Pixar executive Danielle Feinberg. Register by March 25 for the free tickets.

Saturday, April 1
10 a.m.- 12:30 p.m.
Central Campus
Parr Center, New Theater

Danielle Feinberg is Visual Effects Supervisor at Pixar Animation Studios & Mentor for Girls in STEM. Feinberg’s love of combining computers and art began when she was eight years old, and first programmed a Logo turtle to create images. This eventually led her to a Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science from Harvard University. Now, in addition to her Pixar work, she works with teenage girls, encouraging them to pursue math and science by demonstrating to them the same beautiful simplicity she found with the programmed art of the Logo turtle.

The event is hosted by the BFB Foundation and Central Piedmont Community College. This event is important to BFB Foundation’s mission of strengthening communities by supporting education-focused initiatives for girls and women. It provides a platform to positively affect economic mobility in the Charlotte Metro Area, especially concerning the underserved. Tickets are being provided for free so educators and women in STEM have the opportunity to attend.

Learn more about Brightspace for your classes

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.

Get Creative in the ‘Makerspace’

Workbench with cricut machine and laser engraver, 3D printers and tables with sewing machines.Check out the new makerspace at Central Piedmont Library in the Parr Center! A makerspace is a collaborative work space that allows you to take your idea for a project and leave with a finished product. The makerspace at the Central Campus Library offers 3D printing, laser engraving and cutting, sewing and embroidery, vinyl cutting, large format printing, and an array of arts and craft supplies to help you get started making your project.

Review our makerspace guide for more information and all the available equipment.

Duo app required for Central Piedmont accounts

Green "Duo" app logo with stylized text.Central Piedmont uses Duo as its multifactor authentication (MFA) app, which sends a notification to your smartphone or other device to confirm your identity after you enter your username and password. All accounts will be required to use Duo beginning on March 6.

SET UP DUO FOR THE FIRST TIME
Use the Account Management Portal to set up your smartphone or other device to use Duo. You will use your Central Piedmont username and password. Make sure to select the “student” domain.

Visit the Information Technology Services (ITS) Knowledge Base for step-by-step directions.

If you don’t have a smartphone or tablet that can use an app, contact the Service Desk.

If you need any technical support for Duo, please “Submit a Ticket” through the ITS Service Desk portal or call 704.330.5000.

Learn more about Central Piedmont and Duo.

Struggling with technology?

Do you want to be more comfortable with technology and learn more skills so you can be successful in your classes? The Digital Literacy Learning Space from the Central Piedmont Library is here to assist you.

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.

Free Rave Guardian app for personal safety

704.330.6911 If you see something, say something. Text "CPCCTIP" along with your message to 226787

As part of the Central Piedmont Risk, Safety, and Security unit’s ongoing commitment to campus safety, the Emergency Management department is offering Rave Guardian, a free mobile app that turns any smartphone into a personal safety device. All students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to download the FREE Rave Guardian safety app to check in with family, friends, campus security, or others you trust to help you stay safe on campus. 

The Rave Guardian app can be downloaded from the Apple App Store, or Google Play. You’ll use your Central Piedmont email address to create an account. You can also learn more at raveguardian.com

With the Rave Guardian app you can:

  • Register and set up an account: You can add your name, campus address, medical notes and other pertinent information for campus safety in case of emergency.
  • Easy emergency communication: In an emergency, a one button call to College Security Services will display your profile and current location.*
  • Send anonymous tips: See something, say something. The app allows you to anonymously text suspicious activity to College Security Services, including photos.
  • Add and message Guardians: By adding roommates, friends, and family – called “Guardians” – to your network, you can feel safer when walking alone, on or off campus. Guardians can also be messaged directly through the app. 
  • Set a safety timer: In the event a student or employee feels unsafe, you can set a timer with your current location, indicating where you are going and your expected arrival time. In the event you do not make it there and deactivate the timer, Guardians or College Security Services will be immediately alerted. 
    • You can also call the college’s non-emergency line at 704.330.6632 for a safe escort to your vehicle on campus.

You’re always encouraged to report any issues of concern: If you see something, say something. For more information, visit the college’s emergency communications webpage.

Brightspace orientations for online classes

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

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

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:

STEM Scholars Academy scholarship established

Group of smiling men and women who were Scholarship presenters from Honeywell

STEM Scholars Academy Event & Check Presentation, September 6, 2022

Honeywell, a global leader in aerospace, building technologies, performance materials, and technologies, has made a $1-million gift commitment to Central Piedmont Community College to establish the Honeywell STEM Scholars Academy at the college. The gift was announced on Sept. 6 and will come to Central Piedmont in annual installments of $200,000 over the next five years.

The Honeywell STEM Scholars Academy will boost diversity among students enrolled in STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) programs at the college who are pursuing a certification, degree, and careers in a high-demand STEM-related field. The college plans to involve 100 students in the academy, beginning in fall 2022, and seeks to engage 125 additional students each year, over the next four years.

As a Honeywell STEM Scholars Academy student, participants will have the opportunity to focus on one of three STEM academic pathways at Central Piedmont – engineering, health sciences, or information technology – and have access to a variety of Central Piedmont’s student support services, including tutoring, coaching, peer mentoring, career counseling, and more.

In addition to having the opportunity to take advantage of Central Piedmont’s many academic resources, academy students will receive STEM education and training opportunities through the Carolina Youth Coalition, a non-profit organization that prepares high-achieving, under-resourced students to enter, excel in, and graduate from college so they can become full participants in society. Continue reading

Learn more about technical careers in industrial inspections

Two students and instructor using technology to examine a weld with a screen on a table

Non-Destructive Examination (NDE) technology is a collection of industrial inspection methods in high demand in the manufacturing and maintenance industries. NDE technology is used in power generation (nuclear and fossil), transportation (aviation, ship building, railroads, bridges), petrochemical, manufacturing, construction, and many other industries.

Central Piedmont is the only college in North Carolina to offer an associate degree in NDE. We teach the six core NDE methods: Ultrasonic, Radiography, Eddy Current, Magnetic Particle, Liquid Penetrant, and Visual Testing.

Attend an information session to learn more about the NDE degree.
All sessions will be held at Harper Campus, in Harper Building I, Room 362:

  • Thursday, September 15, 2022 10–11:30 a.m.
  • Thursday, September 29, 2022 6–7:30 p.m.
  • Tuesday, October 4, 2022 10–11:30 a.m.
  • Thursday, October 27, 2022 6–7:30 p.m.
  • Monday, November 7, 2022 10–11:30 a.m.
  • Thursday, November 17, 2022 6–7:30 p.m.

The industry has grown 12% over the last two years and is expected to grow by 26% over the next ten years. A career in NDE pays well and suits people who like to work with their heads and hands. Career paths in NDE can range from technician, engineering, supervision, management, sales, or independent contractor.

Your Success Team is ready to help!

Purple background with white graduation cap, Watermark student app logoNavigating your way through college can be challenging. That’s why we’ve created a Central Piedmont success team just for YOU and we’re using the latest technology to stay connected with you every step of the way.

You now have your own academic advisor (if you’ve selected an academic program of interest). The Watermark Student app can help connect you to your advisor, who can provide intensive advising support and success coaching. Advisors help you explore your academic interests then develop plans of study that fit your career and educational goals. 

When you download the Watermark Student app – it’s easy to make an appointment or message your advisor without having to search for contact information.

If you need to access Watermark through a browser, you can click on the Watermark icon on the current students web page.

Here are additional players on your success team:

Need help with anything else? Contact us at 704.330.2722, or email navigate@cpcc.edu (en Español: ayuda@cpcc.edu).

Attend Brightspace Orientations for success with online classes

Nervous about taking your first online course in Brightspace, Central Piedmont’s course Learning Management System? We can help! Our one hour, virtual instructional sessions will give you hands-on experience with Brightspace.

White B inside orange circle: logo for Brightspace by D2LThese sessions will demonstrate how to:

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

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

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

We also encourage you to use the Brightspace Resource Guide for extra help if needed. Our goal is to make sure you are comfortable with the tools you need to be successful in class. We can’t wait to see you there!

View the
Brightspace practice sessions schedule and register today.