Tag Archives: Roy Cooper

Latest Update from the College About Coronavirus

Posted on by

The coronavirus brings a worldwide concern to our community, and we understand it can be very scary and confusing. Central Piedmont continues to remain in contact with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services and the Mecklenburg County Health Department, for updates and direction.

The governor of North Carolina, Roy Cooper, declared a state of emergency Tuesday (3/10/20), as leaders and public health officials continue to deal with the coronavirus. As of this writing, the Charlotte Observer reports North Carolina now has seven people who have tested positive for COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, health officials said. All of the patients are in isolation while officials identify close contacts.”

Now that cases have been confirmed in North and South Carolina, it’s time to put aside panic and focus on preparation. We can all stop stigma and the spread of misinformation related to COVID-19 by knowing the facts and sharing them with others.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) provided resources on mental health and coping during COVID-19 and also issued information about helping end coronavirus-related stigma and discrimination that is occurring toward groups of people including:

  • Persons of Asian descent
  • People who have traveled abroad or to states with coronavirus outbreaks
  • Emergency responders or healthcare professionals

In the meantime, the college’s contracted company for cleaning and janitorial services is taking extra care to clean and disinfect the usual virus and germ “transmission points,” such as doorknobs, light switches, water fountains, phones, countertops, etc.

To reduce your chances of contracting any kind of illness, the CDC recommends the following.

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick (social distancing).
  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.

We pledge to give you as much updated information as we can. This is an update to let you know we are thinking of every option to keep you safe and healthy. Visit the college’s Emergency Management website for updates from Central Piedmont.

Gov. Roy Cooper Visits College, Asks For More Emergency Grants For Students

Posted on by

North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper, met on Central Piedmont’s Central Campus Wednesday with faculty, staff, and students to share exciting updates about the Finish Line Grant, an emergency grant program originally announced by Cooper in July 2018.

College is a serious financial undertaking. The Finish Line Grant is designed to assist community college students in addressing financial situations that would prevent them from continuing or completing their program of study or credential. Students facing financial hardship may be eligible to receive up to $1,000 to cover eligible expenses per semester.

During the event, Gov. Cooper announced that in North Carolina, 3,000 community college Finish Line Grants have been awarded to date. He added, “It’s amazing how a small amount of money can make a big difference in the life of a student who is trying really hard and is having to pay tuition and fees to try and better themselves in order to get over the hump.”

Too often, financial hardships such as unexpected healthcare costs, childcare expenses, or car and transportation issues prevent students from achieving their academic goals. Fortunately, there are many types of financial aid available to help pay for college.

Lexine Merrill, a Central Piedmont student and Finish Line Grant recipient, echoed the governor’s sentiments. “In one week, I ended up with $1,300 in medical bills and car repairs. I had no idea what to do and nowhere to turn. But then a friend mentioned her experience with the Finish Line Grant, so I applied. I sobbed grateful tears when I learned I was approved. The Finish Line Grant relieved the financial burdens that were weighing heavily on me. It allowed me the opportunity to continue moving forward, toward my finish line.

Students facing an unexpected financial emergency can get connected to a variety of FREE resources through Single Stop, to help them stay focused on their academic goals.