Author Archives: Jennifer Conway

Practical Nursing graduates first class of students

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Practical Nursing Pinning Ceremony, December 6, 2022

Central Piedmont has graduated its first class of Practical Nurses (PN), from the Dickson Practical Nursing Program. The graduates from the newly-established one-year program are now eligible to sit for the national licensure exam to become Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN).

LPNs work under the supervision of a registered nurse (RN), with employment opportunities found in hospitals; rehabilitation, long-term care, and home health facilities; clinics; and physicians’ offices.

The Dickson Foundation of Charlotte awarded Central Piedmont a $500,000 grant to develop the LPN program at the college to provide students an accelerated path to a meaningful career in the healthcare industry and address specific employment needs within the Charlotte region’s healthcare sector.

Central Piedmont Winter Break

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Parr Center in the Winter with snow lightly dusted on the ground

The Welcome Centers at all Central Piedmont campuses remain open 8 a.m.- 5 p.m. Dec. 19-22 to help you get registered for spring classes or with other questions! (Evening hours at the Central Campus Welcome Center will not be available that week).

Central Piedmont will be closed for the winter break from Friday, Dec. 23 through Monday, Jan. 2. The college will re-open on Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2023.

The Welcome Centers and the IT Service Desk will also re-open at that time for registration help and technology assistance. You can still register and pay for spring classes online through Jan. 8, 2023, even while the college is closed.

IT service requests can still be created at servicedesk.cpcc.edu. These requests will be processed when the college reopens. If you have questions about Brightspace for a winter session class, you can continue to use the Brightspace 24/7 support even when the college is closed by clicking on the Support heading in the Brightspace navigation bar.

A few spots left! Study abroad to Ecuador or South Africa

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Central Piedmont’s trip to South Africa, summer 2022. The group is at the Cape of Good Hope, the southwestern most point of Africa.

Travel the world with Central Piedmont! There are still a few spots available for study abroad trips to Ecuador and South Africa in summer 2023. The Global Learning office offers options with college credit, and you will have faculty and staff support for your entire travel and learning experience.

Explore your options today! Application and payment deadlines are coming up soon. Planning for paperwork, passports, and payment deadlines can take time, so learn more about the 2023 options to find the best fit your schedule and interests.

Get more information on Study Abroad at Central Piedmont.

Student Story: Juan Mesa

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In December of 2021, Juan Mesa came to the United States from Sogamoso, Colombia. Since then, he has thoroughly enjoyed his time as not only a Central Piedmont student but a Student Ambassador.Black and white photo of Juan Mesa Moreno, wearing a hard hat and glasses.
His journey began in 2014, when he took ESL (English as a Second Language) classes with his sister at Central Piedmont. Having returned to Colombia to finish his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, Juan had another opportunity five years later to return to Charlotte. “Central Piedmont Community College came to mind as the first place I wanted to study, I knew I would receive a quality education along with support for my career aspirations,” Mesa says.
As the son of an architect, Juan knew from an early age that he wanted to be involved in the construction industry. Consequently, Juan decided to study construction management at Central Piedmont. When Juan finishes here, he plans to transfer to UNC Charlotte to complete another bachelor’s degree in construction management, which he will use to contribute to Charlotte’s positive growth.
“Being a part of Central Piedmont has enabled me to meet people from diverse backgrounds and gain an understanding of their beliefs. I have met incredible people and been exposed to a wide variety of cultures,” explains Juan.
Juan’s advice for future Central Piedmont students: “Never lose interest in learning new things and make sure to use the time you have to do things that make you happy.”
Unique fact about Juan: “As the place where I met my wife, the Zeiss Building on Central Campus holds a special place in my heart.”

Work your network over the break

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Chris Cathcart, man in suit, shakes hands with a student on stage.The end of the year is a great opportunity to build connections that elevate your career. Consider using the break to invest in your future self by updating your professional connections and working on your personal brand.

  • Put together a nice holiday/New Year’s message to touch base with your network, like former instructors, coworkers, and supervisors
  • Develop your LinkedIn profile (review page 8 in the Career Guide) and find us at Central Piedmont Career Services
  • Reach out to professionals doing what interests you for a virtual informational interview or brief chat about their career journey

Want to know more?

  • Central Piedmont Career Services Career Guide features information about building connections in the “Introducing You” section beginning on page 5.
  • Meet with a career counselor.  We will be open until December 22.  Get in touch with us. Career Services helps you elevate your career!

New Line Worker program launching with Duke Energy grant

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Duke Energy has given Central Piedmont Community College a grant of $500,000 to create a utility line worker training program at the college’s Harper Campus. Duke Energy and Central Piedmont leaders announced plans for the program during a Nov. 29 event, at a Duke Energy operations center, in Charlotte.Duke Energy employee in a hard hat is climbing a telephone pole while wearing a safety harness. She is wearing heavy gloves and special boots.

Central Piedmont will use the grant to provide instructional support and purchase some of the equipment, materials, and supplies needed to launch and sustain the new 16-week training program. The new program will open in spring 2023, with the first of three planned cohorts of 12 students. Once the program is up and running at capacity, overlapping and staggering the program’s start dates throughout the academic year will enable the college to produce as many as 144 graduates every 12 months.

“This partnership program will give our diverse student body the opportunity to learn about and engage with a career pathway they may not have considered previously,” said Dr. Kandi Deitemeyer, Central Piedmont president. “This is a high-demand, specialized field with enormous growth potential. With utility line workers earning an estimated starting annual salary of $74,000, this is a career that can transform the lives of students and their families.”Duke Energy employee in bucket scoop is in the air near an electrical transformer on a utility pole. He is wearing special equipment including a harness, jacket and heavy gloves.

As part of the program, participants will complete a rigorous curriculum and achieve a 580-hour academic and field training goal. Students who complete the 16-week program will be able to enter the workforce quickly and will have earned multiple, specialized industry training credentials, including OSHA, CPR, Arc Flash Safety for Utilities, Bucket Truck Rescue, Class A CDL License, Pole Top Rescue, Trenching/Shoring/Confined Space Training, and Work Zone Flagger.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates about 23,000 openings for line installers and repairers will be available each year, on average, over the next decade. With this trend in mind, the partnership seeks to develop a pipeline of diverse, skilled, and talented utility line workers by investing in the education and career development of local citizens.

Group of people in hard hats standing in front of a Duke Energy truck with a bucket arm, holding a large check.

The Duke Energy $500,000 check presentation to Central Piedmont on Nov. 29, 2022.

“Our most valuable asset is our people, and line workers are the foundation of our company – especially as we modernize our grid and integrate new technologies,” said Harry Sideris, Duke Energy’s executive vice president of customer experience, solutions and services. “Recruiting through the Central Piedmont line worker program and other similar high-caliber community college programs will help ensure we develop a skilled workforce that meets our candidates’ expectations.”

“Without Duke Energy’s financial support, as well as their technical expertise, the college would not be able to launch this program. This is a true partnership, and I commend and thank Duke Energy for coming alongside the college to make this much needed program a reality,” Deitemeyer remarked. “We are eager to open the program, and we thank Duke Energy for their support and collaboration.”

For more information about Central Piedmont’s new utility line worker training program, contact Stephen Gerhardt, senior program developer, at 704.330.4451 or Stephen.Gerhardt@cpcc.edu.

Fast Track your Path with Winter Session

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Student with earbuds in and chin in hand looks at laptop. In background another student looks at her phone and laptop.Are you on the fast track? Classes are filling fast, but there are still seats available in 4-week classes that start Dec. 5. These winter session classes are all online and run over the winter break through Jan. 3, 2023.

Central Piedmont charges for a maximum of 16 credit hours per term, so if you add additional credit hours over 16 for the fall term (including winter session), your tuition for other classes could be free! (Fees, supplies or textbook costs may still apply). 

General transfer classes with availability (as of Tuesday Nov. 29) include:

  • ACA 122
  • ART 111
  • BIO 110, 111
  • COM 231
  • DRA 111
  • ECO 251, 252
  • ENG 111, 112
  • GEL 111
  • HIS 111, 112, 131, 132
  • HUM 120
  • MAT 143, 152, 171
  • MUS 110
  • PHI 240
  • POL 120
  • PSY 150, 241
  • SOC 210

Need these classes for your path and ready to register?

  • Log into mycollege.cpcc.edu
  • Click on “Student Planning”
  • Then click on “Plan your degree and register for classes”
  • Create your class schedule and register

Need help with anything? Contact our Navigators at navigate@cpcc.edu or 704.330.2722.

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

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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:

Free student tickets for dance production “Sunlight And Solstice”

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A group of dancers on stage in plain frocks, stand with their legs apart and interacting with each other with their arms held in circles.

Sunlight And Solstice will include three new works by Central Piedmont Dance faculty, Tracie Chan, two new works by director, Clay Daniel, plus a reconstruction of his “In The Attic” (2014) based on the work of Shel Silverstein, and “Rivers of Babylon” by guest Chris Thompson Cultural Ensemble.

Attend the dance production at Central Campus, in the Parr Center’s New Theater:

  • Friday, Dec. 2, 7:30 p.m.
  • Saturday, Dec. 3, 7:30 p.m.
  • Sunday, Dec. 4, 2:30 p.m.

Admission is free to Central Piedmont students with valid student ID presented at the door on the day of the event. General Admission is $10, and may be purchased from tix.cpcc.edu.

Pick up your Cap & Gown at the Grad Fair

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Student Cristina Vargas stands in her gray cap and gown against a background with the Central Piedmont logo, holding a sign that reads #cpccgrad22It’s almost time to celebrate! Are you registered to walk in the graduation ceremony Dec. 13, 2022? Then it’s time to come pick up your free cap & gown during the Graduation Fair, Tuesday, Nov. 29 – Thursday, Dec. 1, 2022!

The Graduation Fair will be held at the Campus Store at Central Campus for students participating in the December Ceremony to pick up your free cap and gown. Pick up times are 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. each day. 

Stop by to pick up your cap, gown, tassel, GPA cord (if eligible), take a selfie, and enter to win a prize, including a free class ring!

Caps and gowns will remain available for pick up at the Campus Store through Friday, Dec. 9, during business hours, but sizes may be limited. 

Questions? Email graduation@cpcc.edu.

Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week

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Join Student Engagement in the fight against hunger and to raise awareness of the issues surrounding hunger and homelessness.

Please join us for National Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week, Nov. 14-16, as part of the 2022 Food Lion Feeds — Collegiate Hunger Challenge.

All events will take place at Central Campus, in the Parr Center, multi-purpose Room 0060 on the Ground Level:

Meals on a Budget
Monday, Nov. 14, 12:30- 1:30 p.m.
Learn how to prepare easy and delicious meals on a budget

Craft for a Cause
Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2- 4 p.m.
Documentary “A Place at the Table” and create a take home craft

SOUPer Bowl Food Drive
Wednesday, Nov. 16, 11 a.m.- 3 p.m.
Donate canned and non-perishable food to help stock Central Piedmont’s emergency food pantries.

 

Check out the Library’s November newsletter

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What’s in Central Piedmont’s library’s newsletter this month?

  • celebrate National Native American Heritage Month
  • a listing of new books and streaming video that have arrived at the library
  • sign up for a tour of the new library at the Central Campus (Can’t make it in person? Check out our virtual tour online!)

Check out our newsletter and don’t forget to visit us at one of our campus locations (you can even reserve space to meet or study)!

Read the Library Archives newsletter

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For the Record with the library archives in the Parr Center in the background. Shelves of books and materials around chairs at tables with artifacts.The first edition of the Central Piedmont Archives newsletter, “For The Record,” is now available! Read the newsletter to learn about on-going archives projects in the areas of processing, instructional opportunities, community collaborations, Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion, and more.

To access the PDF document of the “For the Record” newsletter, please visit our digital database (you will then need to select “view” in the top right corner of the document).

Many thanks to you, our students, and our college partners for their support. We are happy to share this quarterly newsletter with you about the world of archives.

Student opinions needed, get Central Piedmont swag!

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Central Piedmont is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Comission on Colleges (SACSCOC), which makes sure institutions comply with standards of education. The college works on continuous improvements, and is currently developing a Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP), which is a requirement of the college’s process to keep our accreditation.

Student feedback was used to select the QEP topic, now we need your feedback to further refine it. Please join a virtual conversation on either:

  • Nov 16: 1- 2 p.m.
  • Nov 17: 1- 2 p.m.

Sign up for a session using this Google Form, and you will be provided the link to join the session virtually prior to the session. Attendees will be offered Central Piedmont swag! Your voice matters and we look forward to hearing from you!

Honor and Celebrate Veterans Week, Nov. 7-11

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veteran students standing around and talking

Veterans Day is Friday, November 11. In honor of our military veterans and family members, Central Piedmont’s Military Families and Veterans Services will host Veterans Week Nov. 7-11.

Join us on Monday Nov. 7 at 10 a.m. to start the week’s celebrations. Gather near the Central Campus Quad’s flagpole as we honor our veterans in a flag ceremony that reflects love for our country through commitment of service. Richard Bartell, director of Military Family and Veteran Services, will provide opening remarks.

Schedule of Veteran Week events.

Sign up for the events and to volunteer at our Habitat ReStore service project.

Employers coming to campus in November to hire you!

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Get hired! All employer recruiters will be located at Central Campus, in the Parr Center, first floor next to the Information Desk from 10:30 a.m.- 1 p.m.

Date

Company

Looking for:

Wed, Nov. 9

Coca Cola Consolidated

Customer Ambassador Sales and Support

Wed, Nov. 16

Autobell

Team Member

Wed, Nov. 30

Jet Stream

Ramp Agent, Cargo Agent, Customer Service Agent and Cabin Cleaner

Remember, even if you can not attend the recruiting events, there are hundreds of opportunities on our job board Handshake – including on-campus, part time, full time and seasonal positions. On Handshake, check “events” to learn more about the employers coming to campus. Résumés are not required to attend.

Job help for December Graduates (and all students!)

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Handshake: The number one way college students find jobs. Join today and get recruited by the top employers for full-time, part-time jobs and internships--no experience required.Congratulations December Graduates!  Do you need help mapping out a game plan for your job search? Career Services is here to help! We want to help polish your résumé, interview skills and job search strategy. Visit Handshake to view employment opportunities.

Career Coach – review the top Charlotte area employers for your program!

Not graduating and still thinking about your career direction?  We can help whether you are transferring or a returning student preparing for registration. Get in touch with Career Services so we can can help you elevate your career.

Student Story: Candis Choice

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Smiling woman with glasses and curly hair and stethoscope around her neck, holding an apple

Candice Choice

Candis Choice is a member of the National Honors Society, a mother, and an adult learner set to graduate in May of 2023.
Originally from Gray Court, South Carolina, Candis is proud to be a first-generation college student who is aspiring to become a health inspector. She is also a diligent member of the Positive Community for Women (PCW), as well as the President of Delta Alpha Pi (DAPi).
Candis was a previous high school student here at Central Piedmont, so she figured “Hey, why not go back and continue my education to further reach my career goals at the same institution that helped me before”, says Candis. Central Piedmont has given her the opportunity to meet new people, network, and gain a deeper understanding of the community.
“Central Piedmont has helped me realize that giving up is not an option. No matter what you are facing, they have the resources you need to succeed,” Candis says.
Advice Candis would give to future Central Piedmont students: You can accomplish your goals if you stay focused and stay the course. Get tutoring, join positive groups, and make sure to find a study buddy.
Unique/Interesting Facts about your college journey: I am 43 with two active young children and I have three jobs and STILL maintain school. I kept the faith, and I am almost at the end of the journey!

Lo-fi tutoring jam session Nov. 17

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Got writer’s block? Not sure if your citations are right? Not even sure how to start your assignment? No worries, come jam with us!

• Free snacks
• Relaxing/focusing Lo-fi music
• Advice from Academic Learning Center Writing Tutors

Thursday, Nov. 17
2- 4 p.m.
Central Campus, Parr Center, Library Room 2160

No worries if you can’t make this session, appointments are available for in-person and online tutoring. Learn more about the Academic Learning Center and sign up for tutoring sessions.