Author Archives: Jennifer Conway

Meet with your next school on ‘Transfer Tuesdays’

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Students talking a college rep on Transfer Tuesday.What are your plans after you finish at Central Piedmont? If you’re looking to transfer to a 4-year school to continue your education, visit with representatives during Transfer Tuesdays to find the school for you and get your questions answered.

Representatives from other North Carolina colleges and universities are visiting Cato, Central, Levine and Merancas Campuses nearly every Tuesday during the spring 2023 semester.

Find out when representatives are visiting each campus and mark your calendar to attend!

Student Story: Stephen Jones

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Black and white photo of Stephen Jones, arms crossed over his chest, with a large beard, slicked back hair and safety glasses resting on the top of his head.As an adult learner in Computer-Integrated Machining, Stephen Jones is determined to become a full-time machinist at Siemens Energy.

Stephen knew he wanted to pursue a new career opportunity after the birth of his son, and do something that he had never done before. Therefore, Stephen began investigating Central Piedmont’s programs. He is currently enrolled in an apprenticeship program run by Siemens Energy, in partnership with Central Piedmont.

Stephen has enjoyed every aspect of attending Central Piedmont Community College. “Computer-Integrated Machining instructors are very hands-on and helpful in any way they can. As a result, I have gained a great deal of knowledge, both in and outside of the classroom,” says Stephen.

Stephen’s advice for future Central Piedmont students: “Listen to your instructors and be willing to put in the hard work. The work you put in now will pay dividends in the future.”

How to get Central Piedmont Library support

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Need help?  Do you know that you can ask Central Piedmont Library?

Walk-in, chat, and text: all locations feature diverse staff at service desks and via online chat or text ready to help with quick questions.

Appointments/email: for additional support, appointments can be made for research assistance, citation help, and digital technology assistance, including Brightspace help. You can also email questions.

 

Use your financial aid money at the Campus Store

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Did you know that you can use your financial aid to buy supplies, books & access codes, and even bus passes at the Central Piedmont Campus Store?

Dates to use available funds (prior to release for your refund):
January 3-31
February 21-28
March 8-31
April 24-28

Not all financial aid is available at the bookstore, read more about financial aid policies.

Campus Stores are located at Cato, Central and Levine Campuses. Smart Lockers are available at Harper, Harris and Merancas Campuses for delivery after online purchases.

Celebrate the spring 2023 semester with Welcome Fests

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Central Piedmont Student Engagement invites all students to attend the Welcome Fest at your campus. Stop by to celebrate the beginning of the spring semester!

Various student groups and campus departments will share information and opportunities for you to learn what Central Piedmont has to offer. The event is free and will feature games, snacks, free swag, and more. Meet other students and find ways to connect with your community!

Join the Welcome Fest on your campus:

  • Cato Campus, Cato III: Tuesday, Jan. 31, 12- 2 p.m.
  • Harper Campus, Harper IV: Wednesday, Feb. 1, 11:30 a.m.- 1:30 p.m.
  • Harris Campus, Harris I: Thursday, Feb. 2, 11:30 a.m.- 1:30 p.m.
  • Central Campus, Parr Center: Tuesday, Feb. 7, 12- 2 p.m.
  • Merancas Campus, Merancas IV: Wednesday, Feb. 8, 11:30 a.m.- 1 p.m.
  • Levine Campus, Levine II, Thursday, Feb. 9, 12- 2 p.m.

Free Rave Guardian app for personal safety

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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.

Student Story: Aaron Kempster

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Aaron Kempster is a former US Marine who has become involved in many Central Piedmont organizations. In addition to being Vice President of the Human Services Club and Vice President and Co-founder of the Human Services Honors Society, he is a member of Phi Theta Kappa as well as a Student Ambassador.

In the midst of the pandemic, Aaron decided he wanted to pursue higher education. As a non-traditional student, he chose Central Piedmont for its wide variety of programs and affordable tuition. When Aaron realized he wanted to attend college, he was heavily reliant on social and mental health workers during a mental health crisis. As a result of this crisis, he decided to get into a field where he could make a difference in the lives of others. Aaron decided to pursue an associate degree in Applied Science in Human Services Technology, Developmental Disabilities, and Addiction and Recovery Studies.
“I have enjoyed my interactions with the faculty and staff at the college. I am learning from professionals who have more than 100 years of combined experience in different parts of the human services field,” Aarons explains. It is Kempster’s goal to continue his education, eventually earning a master’s degree in social work. He hopes to become a counselor after obtaining his education.

Aaron has overcome many obstacles throughout his life and is a phenomenal student. Since he was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder at a very young age, he has always had to work ten times harder than other students. “I went from being a kid who wouldn’t be able to read, write, or ride a bike to becoming a Marine Veteran and a 4.0 student. Having been given the right conditions, anything is possible, and Central Piedmont has provided me with a great deal of support and opportunities,” says Aaron.

Advice to future Central Piedmont students: “Create good relationships with your professors and get active within the college. There are so many diverse opportunities afforded whether it be jobs, scholarships, clubs, volunteering, or honors societies. You get from college what you put into it and there are a ton of opportunities at Central Piedmont.”

$5 student tickets to Opera Carolina’s ‘Porgy and Bess’

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Thanks to Ally Financial and the Infusion Fund, Opera Carolina is offering a very special $5 ticket (taxes and fees included) to first-time Opera attendees, including Central Piedmont faculty, staff, and students. Each person may request up to 2 tickets.

Tickets are available for the following performances of The Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess: Tuesday, January 24, 7 p.m.
Thursday, January 26, 7:30 p.m.

Reserve your tickets today!

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

Get back into the groove for spring classes

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After a long time off from school, it can be difficult to get back into the swing of things!4 tips: Getting back into the groove after winter break over photo from Elizabeth Ave at Central Campus with the Lynx tracks in the road

Tutoring is free and can meet on your schedule, and student support services are available to help with many kinds of resources for every kind of student!
 Here are four tips for our Central Piedmont fam that may help you get back into your academic groove. (Watch our Instagram reel with these tips.)
1. Eat a good breakfast- Give yourself some time in the morning to eat a good balanced meal. We know it is hard getting out of bed some days, but eating a balanced breakfast may help give you energy to face the day.
2. Get to class early and get organized- Set the tone for your semester to show yourself and your instructor that you are ready to succeed in their class. Organization is the key to a clear mind! Read the syllabus and prepare your calendar for what’s to come.
3. Create a study plan- This plan will help with your scheduling and organization. Look at your syllabus and assignment list and mark your calendars for when you want to do homework or study through the week.

4. Schedule in some fun- Do not get overwhelmed with the back to school blues. schedule some social time in between study time and tests. This gives you things to look forward to, in between times you’re focusing on school.

 

Audition for Central Piedmont Theatre: “Lost Girl”

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Central Piedmont Theatre announces auditions for its upcoming spring 2023 production of Lost Girl by Kimberly Belfower, directed by Carly McMinn.

AUDITION INFORMATION: All auditionees should prepare a 90-second contemporary monologue. Callbacks will consist of readings of sides from the script.

AUDITION DATE & TIME
March 14 & 16 (Callbacks) from 7- 9 p.m. in Overcash 300 at Central Campus.
March 15, from 4- 6 p.m. in the Georgia Tucker Fine Arts Hall on Central Piedmont’s Levine Campus

PERFORMANCE DATES & TIMES
April 21- 22 and April 27- 29 at 7:30 p.m.
April 23 and 30 at 2:30 p.m.

PLAY SYNOPSIS: Long after returning from Neverland, Wendy decides that she must find Peter in order to reclaim her kiss and move on with her life. Along the way, she meets other girls who went to Neverland and learns she is not alone. A coming-of-age exploration of first love and lasting loss, Lost Girl continues the story of J.M. Barrie’s beloved character – the girl who had to grow up.
ROLES AVAILABLE (6f, 6m)

Review the full details for available roles.

Join the Service Projects for MLK Challenge week Jan. 23-27

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Side profile art of Martine Luther King Jr. and 2023 MLK Challenge at Central PiedmontAre you looking to start the year off with service to your community, earn service hours towards receiving a service pin at graduation, or get a FREE t-shirt?

Sign up TODAY for the 19th annual MLK Challenge January 23-27! The purpose of this challenge is to engage the Central Piedmont Community in advancing racial and social justice, developing a deeper knowledge of self-identity and community activism, and honoring the legacy of the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. We will partner with five nonprofit organizations who embody what MLK stood for.

Multiple service opportunities will be offered during the week that may fit your schedule, so find the best day/time for you! There will be a group reflection and lunch to follow.

You can also join us for our MLK Kick-Off Program on January 19 at 12 p.m., Central Campus – Parr Center Theater. There will be a keynote speaker and spoken word poetry by an artist of the Poet Laureate of Charlotte!

Register today for the 2023 MLK Challenge!

If you have any questions about the projects or the 2023 MLK Challenge, please email Whitney Williams (whitney.williams@cpcc.edu).

Student Story: Alexandra Mbiya

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Alexandra Mbiya is a Student Ambassador from the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Alexandra’s curiosity and eagerness to learn led her to enroll in Central Piedmont’s Advertising and Graphic Design program. Since then, she hasn’t looked back. “I did not choose Central Piedmont; my blessings were attached to Central Piedmont opportunities. Therefore, we chose each other,” says Mbiya.

Central Piedmont has been a home away from home for Alexandra. There has never been a time when I felt lost, lonely, or unwelcome here. Through Central Piedmont’s many avenues of support and opportunity, I met my best self,” says Mbiya. Ultimately, she plans to continue fulfilling her passions by becoming a graphic designer who designs for the good of the community and to educate others.

As a student at Central Piedmont, Alexandra has had access to a wide range of resources, from scholarship opportunities to wonderful faculty and staff.

Alexandra’s advice for future Central Piedmont students: “Stay curious, that is how you learn and evolve.”

Read the Student Story on Instagram.

Looking for a job? On campus recruiting for spring is here!

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Employers are coming to Central Piedmont to hire!

Date

Time

Company

Looking for

Location

Jan. 18

10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Aptive Environmental

Sales/Marketing Internship (Paid)

First Floor of Parr Center (Central Campus), next to the Information Desk

Remember, even if you can not attend the recruiting event, there are hundreds of opportunities on our job board Handshake – including paid internships, on-campus, part time, full time and seasonal positions.  Check “events” to learn about employers visiting campus for recruiting.  Employers will visit additional campuses through the semester, and more employers will be coming to Central Campus too.

Want to prepare your résumé?  Résumés are not required to attend the recruiting event; however, here are some resources to help if you want to work on yours and get a competitive edge!

Review the Career Guide – full color flip book with sample résumés, cover letters, interview tips and more.

Resume Video – learn the résumé basics in 10 minutes!

Schedule a meeting with a Career Counselor.

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

Get your books and class materials for spring!

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Do you have all the course materials you need for your classes? Get prepared with everything you need from our Central Piedmont Campus Stores.

You can purchase textbooks and supplies in-person at our Campus Store locations at Cato, Central and Levine Campuses.

You can order items online from the Campus Store for delivery. You can select free delivery to Harper, Harris or Merancas Campuses with items to be picked up from Smart Lockers. You can also choose shipping to your home, orders over $50 are shipped for free!

Graduate in the news: on track to realize dreams after family tragedy

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Alan Hidalgo-Lobo graduated Dec. 13, 2022 from Central Piedmont.

Central Piedmont graduate Alan Hidalgo-Lobo was profiled by our local NPR news station, WFAE.

Read or listen to how Hidalgo-Lobo went from not graduating from Charlotte-Mecklenburg schools, to being one of more than 500 students who crossed the stage at Central Piedmont’s first-ever winter commencement on Dec. 13.

 

 

 

 

 

Central Piedmont celebrates first-ever December Graduation

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Graduates wearing gray cap and gown listen to the student commencement speaker

Central Piedmont Winter 2022 Commencement, December 13, 2022, Bojangles Coliseum

For the first time in its 59-year history, Central Piedmont Community College held a December commencement on Dec. 13, in Charlotte.

Approximately 510 students walked across the Bojangles Coliseum stage to receive their earned credentials. More than 1,200 students had completed their programs of studies since Central Piedmont’s May graduation.

Linda Nelson, a 2022 graduate, addressed her peers by delivering the commencement address. Nelson, an adult student who holds an MBA, is a new graduate from Central Piedmont with an Associate in Applied Science degree in horticulture.

silver and gold streamers fly through the air above graduates heads in the arena.

Central Piedmont was excited to offer a winter commencement this year to honor its graduates who completed their programs during the 2022 summer and fall semesters. The addition of a winter ceremony allows the college to honor and celebrate its summer and fall graduates in the same timely way as its spring graduates.

WFAE’s coverage of the ceremony.