Author Archives: Jennifer Conway

Students give back with “Spread the Love” event

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Group of students standing around a table wearing blue gloves are smiling and spreading peanut butter on bread to make sandwiches.On Oct. 26, approximately 50 Central Piedmont Opportunity Scholars, students from the Rotaract Club and Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society gathered in the Worrell Gym, located on Central Piedmont’s Central Campus, participated in a special “Spread the Love” event.

During their time together, the students prepared 350 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches to be delivered to Central Piedmont’s local community neighbors Roof Above and Angels and Sparrows.

Group of casually dressed students standing around a table wearing blue gloves are smiling and spreading peanut butter on bread to make sandwiches.

Each month, the college’s Office of Mentoring and Coaching hosts bi-weekly Pop Series workshops to help Opportunity Scholarship recipients bridge the transition between high school and college by informing students of campus resources in an attempt to sharpen their self-advocacy skills, learn the importance of professional communication, and enhance their academic development. Workshop attendance is required for all first-year Opportunity Scholars, while second-year Opportunity Scholarship students have the choice to attend.

Group of students smiling while standing around a table, wearing bright blue gloves, bending over the table working to spread peanut butter and jelly on bread to make sandwiches.

The Mentoring and Coaching team changes the workshop theme monthly to reflect an area that can best benefit students. September focused on study habits and learning, upcoming themes include health and fitness (November), and stress management (December). The Spread the Love event held on Oct. 26 supported the team’s October theme – community and giving back.

Large group of diverse students smiling and showing peace signs, standing against a wall in the Worrell gym.

Opportunity Scholars Spread the Love Event, Worrell Gym, October 26, 2022

What do you need from Mentoring and Coaching?

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The Central Piedmont Mentoring and Coaching department seeks to provide the highest quality mentoring and coaching services. We are looking to revamp and recharge our programs to be more effective, and meet your needs as a student. In an effort to evaluate and improve, we invite you to participate in one of our focus group sessions held at Central Campus.

  • Monday, Oct. 31, 12:30- 1:30 p.m.
  • Thursday, Nov. 10, 1:30- 2:30 p.m.

Sign up to attend one of the focus group sessions.

If you have any questions, email Mentoring.Bridge@cpcc.edu.

Student Story: Ariel Blanks

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Ariel Blanks, Ophthalmic Medical Technology Student

Ariel Blanks is a current student in the Certified Ophthalmic Assistant program at Central Piedmont, set to graduate December 2022. 

Ariel started off working as a receptionist at an Optometrist’s office, not knowing she would eventually fall in love with the industry. “I became fascinated with how the eyeball worked. Even though I enjoyed my job, I wanted to learn and understand this in GREAT detail. My fascination with Ophthalmology led me to Central Piedmont’s ophthalmology program,” says Ariel.
 
Ariel was diagnosed with a stomach disease last year and decided that she wasn’t going to let her diagnoses stop her from completing her goals. “There have been many times where I was unable to do anything but be sick. Although it took me more time to finish my program, I was still able to complete it and become certified,” explains Ariel.
 
Kathleen Rodgers, a teacher and advisor of Ariel’s, played a major role in her success at Central Piedmont. Ariel admired Mrs. Rodgers’ knowledge and never took for granted how understanding and helpful she was to her during this journey. 
 
Advice from Ariel to future Central Piedmont students: Try your hardest and you will see results! 

Get Ready to Get Hired with Career Development Week Nov. 1-3

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Group of people in conversation around tables, consulting laptops

Meet with employers and get interviewing tips and resume help.

Mark your calendars: November is National Career Development Month, and to celebrate, we have designed a week full of professional development opportunities just for you!

You can expect employers from different industries to share employment opportunities, discuss the skills you need to be successful in today’s job market, attend workshop presentations from employers, and even get a free professional photo for your LinkedIn profile. 

Workshops and events for Career Development Week.

Register for sessions during Career Development Week.

Are you the next member of the Student Equity Council?

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Lend your voice to help create a more-inclusive, diverse and equitable Central Piedmont. The Student Equity Council (SEC) is looking for new members. The SEC stands as a voice for Central Piedmont students in the areas of policies, procedures and resources as it relates to diversity, inclusion and equity.

Eight different, diverse people with deeply smiling faces across a multi-color striped background.

The SEC is committed to cultivating an inclusive and welcoming environment for all students through:
  • advocacy
  • programming and service
  • supporting our diverse, identity-focused student clubs
  • anti-discrimination training and development opportunities for students.
Virtual meetings are every other Friday at 2 p.m. Join the SEC today and make a difference for all students. SEC leadership positions are also available.
For questions or more information, please email edicouncil@cpcc.edu.

Free Online Mental Health Screenings

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Two students sitting at a distance on steps, lounging in comfortable conversation, surrounded by trees.Everyone faces difficulties that can strain their mental and emotional health from time to time, with 1 in 5 people experiencing mental illness at some point along the way.

How are you feeling? You’re invited to take a free, confidential behavioral health screening sponsored by Counseling Services.

And, if you’d like to talk to someone about the results or simply about how you’re feeling, a counselor at Central Piedmont is here to support you.

Need help for a class research assignment?

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Librarian stands talking with two students sitting, smiling and looking at a laptopDo you:

  • Have a research assignment for your class?
  • Need help finding scholarly sources?

Aren’t sure how to search a library database? Schedule a one-on-one research appointment with a librarian! A librarian will work with you one-on-one to help you find the best sources to use in your assignment, and help you build your confidence with research.

You can meet with a librarian in-person or schedule an online meeting. We’re always happy to help! Make an appointment with a librarian.

Nursing program ranked among best in NC

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pink and blue logo from Registered Nursing.org for 2023 Top Ranked Nursing SchoolsRegisteredNursing.org, a nursing advocacy organization, has released its annual lists of “Best RN Programs.” Central Piedmont Community College’s RN program is ranked number two among the 20 that were evaluated in North Carolina. The number-two ranking places our nursing program as the best community college nursing program in North Carolina.

Review the complete “2023 Best RN Programs in North Carolina” rankings. RegisteredNursing.org assessed nursing programs using several factors which represent how well a program supports students toward licensure and beyond. Details about the methodology used for rankings.

Central Piedmont’s nursing program is the oldest program in the N.C. Community College System and has graduated more than 3,000 students since its inception in 1965. Interested students can apply to enter three different nursing tracks:

  • The Christa A. Overcash Associate Degree in Nursing (RN) Program
  • The one-year Dickson Practical Nursing Program
  • Nurse Aide Program

Learn more about Central Piedmont’s more than 20 healthcare career programs.

Survey: How do you pay for college?

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Central Piedmont is launching a survey to learn more about your experiences and opinions concerning how you pay for college and how you address money issues. We are partnering with Trellis – a non-profit organization that helps students succeed in college – who will be sending out the survey on our behalf. Look for the survey from “Trellis Research” in your Central Piedmont student email on Monday, Oct. 24.
Completing this survey will help us work on plans to serve you and your classmates better as you move towards graduation. Also, students who participate will be entered into a national drawing to win a $50 Amazon gift card (50 total gift cards are being given away).

Your privacy is important to us – all your answers will be combined with others and will not be linked with you personally. Please complete this survey when you receive it. We really believe that learning about your experiences and challenges can help us better support you in your educational journey at Central Piedmont.

If you have any questions or concerns please contact: Kim.Amory@cpcc.edu.

One year, 100 percent employment in Ophthalmic Medical Personnel program

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Smiling student with opthalmic equipment in background

Learn more about the program from Central Piedmont students.

You can become a Certified Ophthalmic Assistant in approximately one year.

Central Piedmont’s ophthalmic medical personnel program can prepare you with the skills and knowledge needed to be a professional in the eye care industry.

100 percent of our 2021-2022 graduates from this program at Central Piedmont are employed! Learn more about the ophthalmic program, in this video featuring Central Piedmont students.

Have you taken ACA 122 yet?

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Kathleen Laguerre wearing a Central Piedmont sweatshirt , talking in the Parr CenterCentral Piedmont’s Academic Related Courses (ACA) helps you achieve academic, career and transfer success. Our ACA 122 College Transfer Success course is required for most programs at Central Piedmont as a way to help you get on a successful path.

Students who took ACA 122 reported feeling more confident about their journey from education to a career, and wish they had taken it sooner.
Watch the video to learn what other students say about taking ACA 122:If you haven’t already taken ACA 122, and it’s part of your program, consider registering for it toward the beginning of your time at Central Piedmont. Register for ACA in spring 2023 in MyCollege.

ACA 122: College Transfer Success- the bridge between students and their new educational pathway

Student Story: Juliette Palacios Perez

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Young latina woman holding a sign that says Si se puede!

Juliette’s sign says “Si se puede!” (“Yes you can!)

Juliette Palacios Perez is an ambitious leader and first-generation student who is the head of the Student Equity Council and a student advisor to TRIO Upward Bound. (At Central Piedmont, we offer TRIO-Student Support Services, a college retention and degree completion program centered on academic, personal, social, and career support for under-resourced college students). Juliette provides her Spanish-speaking skills to the Hispanic community through these organizations.

Juliette has always had a dream to pursue higher education. “I sought a place to make my dreams come true. After the initial failure and rejection, I learned that Central Piedmont would be the place that would catapult me in the right direction,” explains Juliette. “I chose Central Piedmont because of the resources they offer that have allowed me to be accepted into my dream school, UNC Chapel Hill.”

Perez comes from a single-parent household where her mother worked two jobs and always taught her to stand up for herself and others. Juliette’s mother always told her to “dream big Mija, education is the only thing that can’t be taken away from you.” As a result, Juliette decided to major in both Sociology and Political Science in order to gain knowledge of government systems and advocate on behalf of others. Juliette’s future degree from UNC Chapel Hill will help her pursue her dreams of becoming an attorney who fights for the rights of others. “My passion is to inspire, and through that, I will one day become an immigration attorney,” Juliette explains.

From being involved in student engagement, to having amazing advisors there for constant support, Central Piedmont has shown Juliette what a supportive community looks like. Juliette decided to start Conexion Latinx, the Latinx student club at Central Piedmont, after receiving so much support. “I wanted to create this club to help other first-generation Hispanic students feel safe, heard, and supported,” Juliette says.

Stop by to take the survey for free stuff, chance to win gift cards

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Your opinion matters! Help us plan for the future building and space needs of Central Piedmont campuses. Participate in the survey about Central Piedmont’s long-term facilities plan for a chance to win one of several $100 Amazon gift cards.
Take the quick survey in-person or online. Students that participate in-person will receive free healthy snacks, giveaways, and can choose to enter the gift card drawing. Take the online survey (and enter the drawing for a chance to win a gift card) before the survey closes on Friday, October 21.
Stop by to take the survey in-person when they visit your campus:
Monday, October 17:
Central Campus- 8 a.m.-12 p.m.
Merancas Campus- 1 p.m.- 4 p.m.
Tuesday, October 18:
Harris Campus- 8 a.m.-12 p.m.
Harper Campus- 1 p.m.- 4 p.m.
Wednesday, October 19:
Levine Campus- 8 a.m.-12 p.m.
Cato Campus – 1 p.m.- 4 p.m.

Employers coming to campus in October

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Looking for a job? These recruiters will be coming to Central Campus on Wednesdays in October.

Date

Company

Looking for:

Wed, Oct. 12

Panera Bread

Retail and sandwich/ salad maker positions

Wed, Oct. 19

Spoiled Rotten Scholars

Lead and assistant teachers, floaters

Wed, Oct. 26

Shake Shack

Team members, and shift and restaurant managers
  • Central Campus
  • Parr Center (first floor, Quad side, next to the Information Desk)
  • 10:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.

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. Check “events” to learn more about the employers coming to campus.  Resumes are not required to attend.

Career Services is here to help with your job search! We want to help polish your resume, practice interview skills, and with your job search strategy. Meet with a Career Counselor.

Check out the library’s October newsletter

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What’s in Central Piedmont library’s October newsletter:Library Oct 2022 newsletter with archives as lead article

  • several informative upcoming events sponsored by the library
  • a celebration of National Archives Month with the Central Piedmont Archives
  • a listing of new titles that have arrived at the library
  • informative resources about the Gullah/Geeche people

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

Get free support in college from TRIO Student Support Services

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You could be eligible for personalized mentoring, tutoring and academic coaching with TRIO Student Support Services (TRIO-SSS).

TRIO-SSS is a free program focused on helping you stay in school, and to be successful while you’re here. The program offers academic, personal, social, and career support for under-resourced and first generation college students. If you are the first in your family to attend college, or if you receive financial assistance (like a Pell grant), you could be eligible for this additional support.

Spots are limited! Apply for TRIO-SSS today and a success coach will review your application to see if you are eligible for services.

Email dean.mccabe@cpcc.edu for more information or with questions about TRIO-SSS.

College Transfer Fair Oct. 18

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Academic Advising and Transfer Services is pleased to host the College Transfer Fair:

Tuesday October 18
10 a.m.- 1 p.m.
Central Campus, Parr Center
first floor near the Information Desk (Quad side)

Students talking a college rep at Transfer Fair

College Transfer Fair

There will be approximately 28 colleges and universities from across the state of North Carolina. Come learn more about college transfer admission requirements, programming, student life, how to transfer, and much more. Bring your questions and ask them directly to the Transfer Admissions Representatives from your potential future school.

Add a class to fast-track your way to graduation

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Do you have more room in your schedule? You can graduate earlier by adding a short session course or two this fall. There’s still time to register!

Short session courses are available in-person, hybrid and online. The next 8-week session starts Wednesday, Oct. 12, so you could add in an extra course for your program of study and be even closer to completing your degree. 

Payment for classes you add to your fall schedule are due every Monday; you will be dropped on Tuesdays without payment in place for additional classes. 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!

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

Here are the remaining short sessions for the fall semester:

Term Dates
Second fall 8-week session Wed., Oct. 12– Fri., Dec. 9
Third fall 4-week session Mon., Oct. 17–Fri., Nov. 11
Fourth fall 4-week session Mon., Nov. 14–Fri., Dec. 9
Winter session Mon., Dec. 5, 2022–Tue., Jan. 3, 2023

Need help? Email navigate@cpcc.edu or call 704.330.2722.

Want to travel the world? Study Abroad with Central Piedmont

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Smiling students with ancient Greek open air columns in background

Students in Greece in summer 2022.

Want to travel to Belize, Greece and Italy, Ireland, Peru, South Africa or France? It’s possible with Central Piedmont, and you can study abroad to these locations 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! 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: Jules Omakinda

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Black and white headshot of Jules Omakinda

Jules Omakinda is a hardworking student who dreams of becoming a pilot one day.

Jules is currently pursuing his associate degree in cyber security at Central Piedmont Community College. “Central Piedmont has a positive reputation and offers many opportunities that students can take advantage of,” says Jules. Jules enjoys feeling like he is a part of a community. As he explains it, “Central Piedmont is a place that truly feels like home, and I appreciate how the community works together to help me succeed in my career.”

Jules knew as early as he could remember that he would like to be a pilot someday. For him, Central Piedmont is the ideal place to begin his aviation goals. As a result of his cyber security associate degree, he plans to attend another institution to obtain his master’s degree in cyber security. His goal is to secure a high-paying job that will help him pay for aviation school.

One thing Jules would like anyone reading this to remember would be to, “keep your goals at the forefront of your mind and utilize all that Central Piedmont provides you to reach your next chapter in life.”