Author Archives: Jennifer Conway

STEM Scholars Academy scholarship established

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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 →

Central Piedmont campuses are tobacco-free

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Central Piedmont is committed to providing everyone– our students, employees and visitors– with a safe and healthy environment. Tobacco is a medically-proven health risk, and Central Piedmont is a 100 percent tobacco-free college. Our tobacco-free campuses model healthy behaviors and offer everyone a healthier place to learn, work, and visit.

All forms of tobacco, including smokeless tobacco and electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes/vapes) are prohibited on all Central Piedmont campuses and property, including all grounds, buildings, facilities, parking lots, and college-owned vehicles. The policy applies to everyone, including campus visitors and construction workers, at all times. All Central Piedmont students and employees are expected to comply fully with the Tobacco-Free College policy. Students who repeatedly violate the policy will face student conduct process as outlined in the Student Code of Conduct.

Review details on Central Piedmont’s full tobacco-free policy.

FERPA protects your information

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FERPA logoAt colleges and universities, all students– currently or previously enrolled, and regardless of age– are protected by FERPA, the Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act. Whether you are 16 or 65, under FERPA, Central Piedmont cannot answer questions or release information about you– to your parent, family, or future school — without your written permission.

FERPA prevents college officials from disclosing personally identifiable information unless you approve disclosure by submitting a signed consent form. FERPA protects your information at Central Piedmont.

You have the right to inspect and review your education records. To review records, students and former students may contact Student Records, present valid photo identification, and request in writing to review the record. Central Piedmont will provide access to the record within 45 days. Continue reading →

Dove art gallery dedicated

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Large group of people standing in front of the Dove art gallery in Parr Center

Pauline Dove Art Gallery Dedication, September 8, 2022

Central Piedmont dedicated the Pauline Dove Gallery, located in the college’s new Parr Center, on September 8.

Pauline, affectionately known as “Polly,” taught art at the college for 30 years, before retiring in 2000. Read more about her work and recent installation honoring her sister, Selma.

A world-renowned artist, Dove’s work has been exhibited across the globe, including in Canada, India, Germany, Finland, Kenya, and Peru. Today, her paintings can be viewed on billboards across the Queen City, promoting ARTPop, an Arts & Science Council initiative that showcases local artists’ work in public places to make art accessible to all people in the Charlotte community.

Meet with your next school on ‘Transfer Tuesdays’

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Students talking a college rep at Transfer Fair

College Transfer Fair

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.

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

Apply for Graduation today!

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Student in graduation cap and gown holding a sign reading #cpccgrad22

Commencement, May 12th, 2022, Bojangles Coliseum, Charlotte, North Carolina

Central Piedmont is proud to host our very first fall graduation ceremony Tuesday, December 13, at 10 a.m. If you and your advisor have determined this is your last semester of classes and you are ready to graduate with a college degree or diploma, you can apply now for fall graduation through MyCollege (requires login). 

After we receive your graduation application, your graduation analyst will send you additional information on other actions you will need to take (it may take 2-4 weeks to process and review your application). If you are eligible for graduation after application, you will also receive an email from “MarchingOrder” noreply@marchingorder.com to register for the ceremony. 

Participating in the graduation ceremony is optional, so if you would like to be a part of this celebration, we would love to help recognize your accomplishments. You must register for the ceremony by these deadlines in order to participate in December 2022 ceremony:

  • October 20, 2022: Last day to apply for graduation in MyCollege to have your name displayed in the graduation ceremony printed program.
  • November 14, 2022: Last day to register in MarchingOrder to participate in the graduation ceremony. If you do not register in MarchingOrder by this date, you will be able to register for the May 2023 ceremony.
  • November 29 – December 1, 2022: The Graduation Fair will be held at the Central Campus Store for students participating in the ceremony to pick up your free cap and gown. Times to be determined.

Find more dates and information on the Graduation Office website and under the “Important Deadlines” tab. 

Please note that Adult High School, GED, and HiSet graduates do not need to apply for graduation. All completers will receive an email to sign up for the December ceremony through MarchingOrder. If you complete your requirements for graduation after November 14, you will be invited to participate in the May 2023 graduation ceremony.

Any questions regarding graduation or the ceremony may be directed to the Graduation Office, graduation@cpcc.edu.

We look forward to celebrating your hard work at the ceremony!

Share your thoughts for a free t-shirt and lunch

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We want to hear from you! We value your feedback and want to learn more about your experience with Central Piedmont and your college-decision process. Your feedback will help us focus our marketing efforts to better connect with current and future students.

You can attend an in-person focus group at Cato, Central, or Levine Campus. All participants will receive a free pizza lunch and a Central Piedmont t-shirt. Sign up on this form to let us know your availability. All selected participants will be contacted to confirm their participation.

Donate blood and save a life

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one blood big red bus for blood donationsDid you know that one blood donation can save up to three lives? You have greater powers than you know! Please consider donating blood at the next blood drive, September 15, at all campus locations. All donors will receive a $20 eGift Card, a OneBlood T-shirt, and socks.

When: Thursday, September 15, 2022, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Where: All Central Piedmont Campuses
How: Appointments are strongly encouraged by signing up in advance. Select your campus location, and choose an available time to sign-up:

Cato Campus 

Central Campus

Harper Campus

Harris Campus

Levine Campus

Levine Campus Platelet Bus

Merancas Campus

Questions? Contact: Jesse.Bennett@cpcc.edu

Join Psi Beta psychology honor society

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Love psychology? Consider joining Psi Beta, the national honor society in psychology for community colleges. We are the Central Piedmont Community College Levine Campus Chapter. While the name identifies Levine Campus, this group is for all students and most meetings are held virtually.

If you are interested in joining a club where topics are relatable to you, where there is a social benefit, where you can bond and support one another, then Psi Beta is for you.

Psi Beta members have been amazing and won the Chapter Excellence Award (national organization recognition) for three years in a row (2019-2022). This is a huge accomplishment that took effort, but not an overwhelming amount of time. Instead, this is a result of members’ focus and commitment. Psi Beta allows students the freedom to share and learn about psychology as well as achieve goals set associated with self-development, leadership, and community-building.

Contact: Deninne Pritchett (deninne.pritchett@cpcc.edu)

Interest Meeting:
Tuesday, September 6, 3 p.m. on WebEx
Meeting link: https://cpcc.webex.com/cpcc/j.php?MTID=m7ed45c671d66ab2514e3e37cdaeaf2df

Meeting number: 2436 306 5956
Password: psychology
Agenda: Introduction to Psi Beta, discuss semester meeting dates, and ideas for club activities.

Attend a 9/11 Commemoration on Sept. 8

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Please join us as we pay tribute to the many lives that were lost on September 11, 2001, and the events that changed America forever. The Merancas Campus office of Military Family and Veterans Services, along with the first responder programs, will hold a remembrance ceremony of the events of 9/11. All are welcome to attend.

September 8, 2022, 8:30 a.m.
Location: Merancas Campus; Belk Center For Criminal Justice (outside at the flag pole)

Sponsored by:

  • Military Family and Veterans Services
  • Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET)
  • Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Training
  • Fire Protection Technology Program

 

Student Story: Dorianny Gutierrez

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Dorianny Gutierrez

Central Piedmont has given Dorianny Gutierrez the opportunity and resources to chase her dreams of becoming a successful professional.

Dorianny came to the United States from Zulia, Venezuela, four and a half years ago, without knowing much English. The 16-year-old began studying incredibly hard so she could get into college.

“With English not being my first language, there were so many things I did not know how to do, such as the college applications, SAT, FASFA, and RDS; the list goes on.” Thankfully, Central Piedmont awarded her the Presidential Scholarship. This scholarship helped Dorianny significantly, not only by alleviating the financial and emotional stress she was experiencing, but also by helping her grow as an individual.

“The Presidential scholarship has given me the opportunity to mentor and assist other students with their educational journey” said Dorianny. In addition to being exposed to others’ stories, Dorianny appreciates how Central Piedmont provides its students with valuable resources, such as career services, service learning, workplace learning, and many others in order to succeed and persist. “As an immigrant, Central Piedmont has provided me with tools I’ve needed to achieve my dreams. The small classes allow me to get to know my peers and instructors, leading to deeper connections for more sustainable relationships.”

Dorianny graduated in May 2022 with an associate degree in accounting and finance and is taking everything she has learned at Central Piedmont, out into the community. Currently, she works as Business Development Specialist in Prospera, a non-profit that provides technical assistance to Latino entrepreneurs to establish or expand a business. Supporting 150+ induviduals needing business guidance, coordinated over 30 educational seminars, and targeted over one million dollars in capital towards small businesses. “Today I look back and feel very proud of that confused 16-year-old who did not know how to manage the system. This path was not easy at all, but with the right motivation, people, and tools, you will succeed.”

Meet the Parr Center muralists

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Colorful wall mural of faces and icons of Central Piedmont

A portion of the Parr Center mural

Central Piedmont recently unveiled “Conquer Possibility,” a large-scale mural in the Parr Center. The mural honors the past history of the college, documents the present, and reflects the aspirations of Central Piedmont students for the future. Meet the artists who created this piece and stop by the Parr Center for the full interactive mural experience.

Woman leaning against a wall

Rosalia Weiner

Meet Rosalia Weiner:

When did you realize that you wanted to tap into your passion and talent of being an artist?
I have wanted to be an artist since I was a small child, my earlies memory is when I was 5. Unfortunately, my parents discouraged me from a career in the arts and guided me towards other studies. A large factor in me immigrating to the US was the pursuit of my dreams including becoming an artist. Thank you America!!!

Who/what has been your biggest artistic influence?
“Los Tres Grandes” The leaders of the muralist movement in Mexico! David Alfaro Siqueiros, Jose Clemente Orozco and Diego Rivera, and of course – Frida Kahlo and my native town “Xochimilco” where we grow flowers!

What inspired you to participate in this project?
The rich history of Central Piedmont Community College and the amazing work they do to prepare the next workforce and help others achieve their dreams (like me a former CPCC student).

What is your favorite part of the mural?
The students portraits we selected from the FB Student Stories and the inspiring stories behind them.

Meet Felicia Sutton:

Woman smiling, standing with her arms crossed

Felicia Sutton

What are your personal favorite colors to work with?
My color palette changes, but recently I have been using a lot of gold and pastels in my work.

What inspired you to participate in this project?
As a first generation college student who attended Central Piedmont who went on to teach art classes myself, I really felt I could relate to the students, faculty, and staff. I wanted to create something beautiful to represent them.

What is your favorite part of the mural?
Choosing a favorite part is so hard, but I am really excited about the element of augmented reality we have incorporated into our design. I love the fusion of technology and art.

Fun fact about yourself/ other passions/hobbies?
I love to travel, and have been to many different countries all over the world. This is another big inspiration for my work.

 

Still searching for a major for your career?

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Teacher sketching with class of students drawing

Third day of classes, Levine Campus, August 17th, 2022

You are taking classes at Central Piedmont but have you narrowed down your choices so your major matches your career? Central Piedmont has created a new toolkit to help you choose a program of study that fits your skills and interests.

This guide is designed to help you think through your options and provide you with information and resources to help you decide on a program of study.

You can take assessments, explore our types of degrees, figure out what you can do with your intended major, and learn about different work environments, salary ranges and more.

Career Services offers many resources to find your ideal in-demand career. You can also meet with a career counselor, find jobs on our job board and practice for an interview.

Learn more about technical careers in industrial inspections

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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.

Dove Art Gallery presents ‘Collective Agency’ exhibit

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Abstract black and white drawing covering an entire wall and yellow abstract 3-D sculpture on the floorThe Central Piedmont Dove Gallery is pleased to present “Collective Agency,” an exhibition by artists Kristy Hughes and Alexandra Giannell that explores the concept of phenomenology, a truly immersive experience into the body, mind, and self. The work of art features abstract shapes and forms that allow the viewer to curate their own personalized experience via the artwork. Artists Hughes and Giannell combine artistic geniuses to utilize both large-scale 2D drawings, as well as 3D sculptures.

The differing use of medium between Hughes and Giannell highlights the phenomenological goal intertwining the two artists and their works in complementary ways. Giannell’s drawings mean to invoke a sense of both bodily presence and absence, hinting at the notion of infinity and life beyond the present moment. In contrast, Hughes’ 3D sculptures empower the self with color and form to interpret their own meaning of the artwork. The minimalist designs on Hughes’ sculptures easily draw the eye in and around the sculpture, further allowing for the 360-degree viewing.

Hughes and Giannell consider collective, imagined futures through works that investigate the bodily presence and the empowered voice. Giannell’s immersive drawings and paintings utilize the index of the body, interrogating the institutionalized systems by which they are contained, referencing the historical and the immediate. In contrast, Hughes’ sculptures embody the freed voice, boldly celebrating agency and empowerment, representing an optimistic present and imagined future. “Collective Agency” is an invitation to imagine inclusive spaces where all voices and bodies are valued and not suppressed. Environmental, architectural, and societal constrictions can prevent community-building and connection.

WHEN:  September 12 – October 28, Monday – Thursday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. or by appointment

WHERE: Central Piedmont Central Campus, Parr Center, Dove Art Gallery, First Floor

ARTIST LECTURE: Virtual, October 4, at 12 p.m.
Link to Virtual Artist Lecture

Parr Center dedicated at Central Campus

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Image of the new Parr Center on dedication day.

Dedication ceremony for the new Parr Center.

Dedication ceremony for your new Student Union and Library

Although the doors to the Parr Center — home of your first-ever Student Union, Hagemeyer Library, dining services, and much more — opened in July, the college threw a big party in its honor this week. View the recording of the event livestream.

Photo of Dr. Deitemeyer and Wilton Parr.

Central Piedmont President Dr. Kandi Deitemeyer and Wilton Parr.

 

The building is named for two incredibly generous college donors, Wilton L. and Mary W. Parr. The college celebrated the Parr family and also thanked the many Central Piedmont employees and students who partnered with architects and builders to create this one-of-a-kind facility that’s designed just for you, our students.     

Local elected leaders such as Mecklenburg County Commission Chairman George Dunlap and Mayor Vi Lyles spoke at the dedication event to show their excitement and support for what the new Parr Center means for our students, and for this entire community.

Parr Center website from Central Piedmont with large photo of the glass building at Central Campus

Introducing the New Parr Center Web Page!

Want to know more about the Parr Center? Take a moment to visit its new home online to get the scoop.

You can find an overview of the facility as well as details about what’s on every floor. You can also review our online Parr Center guide.  We hope you will come visit, hang out for awhile, find your study spot in the library and grab a bite to eat!

Atrium Community Medical Clinic now open at Central Campus

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Keeping yourself healthy is a top priority. But when you don’t feel well at school or work, it’s not always easy to interrupt your day for a doctor’s visit.

With Atrium Health Community-Based Virtual Care, you can get medical care for minor conditions – right on our college campus. The medical clinic is located on Central Campus for Central Piedmont students, faculty, staff and family members.

Common Illnesses Treated: allergies, asthma, coughs and cold, COVID-19 assessment, ear pain, female urinary tract infection, fever, flu symptoms, headache, pink eye, rash, sinus concerns, sore throat, sprains and strains, stomachache

Ready to start a visit?
Stop by the medical clinic:
Monday- Friday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
Leon Levine Health Science Center at Central Campus, First Floor, Room 104
Phone: 844.563.5268 (you can call ahead for an appointment while the clinic is open).

Who can use Community-Based Virtual Care?
All students, faculty, staff and partners of Central Piedmont Community College, along with members of their households, can use Community-Based Virtual Care. You can get care for conditions that occur during the day or call to request a visit in advance.

How does it work?
Using a video connection from a room at the medical clinic, a healthcare provider examines you with special technology, gives a diagnosis and can even send in prescriptions. If your condition isn’t contagious, you can get back to your day with little interruption. For your convenience, we’ll send notes about your visit to your primary care doctor.

How much does it cost?
Depending on your insurance plan, you may be responsible for copays and deductibles related to these services. If you do not have insurance, financial help may be available.

How do we reach you in a campus emergency?

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Safety Moment poster of actions to take in emergencies: call 6911, use the AED, meet emergency personnel and evacuateCampus safety is the top priority of Central Piedmont’s Risk, Safety and Security teams, and we want you to have a safe and successful fall semester. In case of an emergency, it’s important that we are able to alert you, and we also want you to know how to contact us if you see something happening on campus. 

Emergency Notifications
For Critical Alert messaging, Central Piedmont uses a mass notification system to send urgent alerts to you via text, phone call, and college email if college operations are ever impacted by inclement weather, a power outage, or a campus emergency. We strongly encourage you to keep your mobile number updated in your MyCollege user profile for emergency communications.
Check and update your contact information here:

Please note you cannot opt out of Critical Alert notification emails to your Central Piedmont account because your Central Piedmont email is the college’s official channel of communication.

Safety & Security Procedures
We also want to remind you of the information available on Central Piedmont’s website about What To Do In An Emergency, for situations including an active shooter, severe weather, fire, and more. We all play a role in safety at the college, so please familiarize yourself with safety and security protocols at the college. In-person classes may begin with a “safety moment” to assign tasks needed in an emergency, such as calling college security, performing CPR/retrieving the AED machine in a medical emergency, and other steps to lead people to safety.

See Something, Say Something
Most importantly, Central Piedmont relies on its students and employees to be the eyes and ears of the college, so if you see or hear something, please say something. If you have a concern of an immediate threat, please call Central Piedmont College Security Services at 704.330.6911.

 Contact College Security Services:

  • Emergency: 704.330.6911
  • Non-Emergency: 704.330.6632
  • Recorded Message Line: 704.330.6888

Welcome to the Central Piedmont Today blog!

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Students on laptops and in the Parr Center lobby

First day of fall classes, Central Campus, August 15th, 2022

Central Piedmont Today will help keep you updated on all the student news you need to know! The blog is updated all through the week with the latest announcements and upcoming events, and we will send you an email every Wednesday highlighting the selected top stories you may have missed. 

We encourage you to stay connected to us through Central Piedmont Today and the college’s official social media channels. We are so happy to have you as a part of our Central Piedmont community, and we wish you the best for a great semester!

Your Success Team is ready to help!

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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).