Author Archives: Jennifer Conway

Apply for TRIO for personalized academic support

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Don’t miss your opportunity to join an academically focused community for students just like you.

TRIO-Student Support Services provides academic services designed to help you graduate from Central Piedmont. We are currently accepting applications.

TRIO- SSS offers students who qualify, free tutoring for Math, Science, and English, Success Coaching, Clifton Strengths Assessments, Financial Literacy Workshops, College Tours, Cultural events and much more.

Visit the TRIO-SSS webpage for more information, including eligibility requirements, and to complete our short online application.  APPLY today! 

Your success is our main priority along with helping students graduate and transfer.

Duo app required for Central Piedmont accounts

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Green "Duo" app logo with stylized text.Central Piedmont uses Duo as its multifactor authentication (MFA) app, which sends a notification to your smartphone or other device to confirm your identity after you enter your username and password. All accounts will be required to use Duo beginning on March 6.

SET UP DUO FOR THE FIRST TIME
Use the Account Management Portal to set up your smartphone or other device to use Duo. You will use your Central Piedmont username and password. Make sure to select the “student” domain.

Visit the Information Technology Services (ITS) Knowledge Base for step-by-step directions.

If you don’t have a smartphone or tablet that can use an app, contact the Service Desk.

If you need any technical support for Duo, please “Submit a Ticket” through the ITS Service Desk portal or call 704.330.5000.

Learn more about Central Piedmont and Duo.

Health Professions Open House Feb. 21

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Come learn about Central Piedmont’s many healthcare programs at the Health Professions and Human Services open house.

February 21, 5-7 p.m.
Central Campus, Health Careers Building

Space is limited, register to attend.

At the open house, you will have the opportunity to:

  • find out more about our 21 healthcare programs
  • learn how to apply for a healthcare program and how to boost your application
  • meet faculty and staff from all healthcare programs
  • meet other prospective students who could end up being your classmates
  • tour our top-of-the line facilities, including the Health Careers Building,  Leon Levine Health Sciences Center, laboratories and classrooms
  • learn how to apply for financial aid and scholarships
  • learn more about student life and support services

Spanish translators will also be available if needed.

Library Book Sale – Book Donations Needed

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Please consider donating gently used books to the Central Piedmont Library book sale. We are particularly interested in recent fiction and textbooks.

Donations may be dropped off at Central Campus Library in the Parr Center or dropped off to any campus library to be sent through Campus Mail.

All proceeds from the book sale go toward the Theresa Thompson Library Scholarship.

For more information about donations, please email Olga Sandler or Jonathan Carter.

Student Story: Yasha Washington

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Photo of smiling student Yasha WashingtonYasha Washington is a Stockton, California native with a heavy track record of success. Yasha has obtained the Merancas Technical Scholarship, Levine Scholarship, Bahakel Scholarship, and the Central Piedmont Student Ambassador Scholarship.

In the future, Yasha hopes to own and operate a multimedia production company with her degree in Advertising and Graphic Design. “Ultimately, I would like to own and run my own magazine promoting BIPOC communities. Furthermore, I want to run a film production company devoted to BIPOC creators,” says Yasha.

While thinking about her higher education journey, Yasha had no idea what program she wanted to pursue. “During my research on Central Piedmont, I found out it has exceptional programs and is a stable pillar of the community. As a result, my decision to attend Central Piedmont was an easy one,” explains Yasha.

Yasha is constantly feeling fulfilled and supported at the college and within her program area. “Faculty are accessible and genuinely engaged with students, my peers are welcoming and friendly, and the opportunities and resources are plentiful,” says Yasha. As a student, Yasha truly feels encouraged every single day.

Advice you would give to a future Central Piedmont student: “Take advantage of the opportunities! There are so many resources available to students such as scholarships, clubs, organizations, career building, and much more. Central Piedmont is much more than classwork!”

Apply Now for 2023-24 Scholarships

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Student scholarship recipient shakes hands with a scholarship representative in front of a large check while another person looks on, clapping. The Central Piedmont Foundation student scholarship portal is open!

Apply by March 1 for priority consideration for the 2023-24 school year. Log in through the portal and complete the general application to apply for available financial support for your educational journey. Please note that you must re-apply for scholarships at Central Piedmont every school year.*

Priority Deadline for 2023-24 Academic Year Scholarships – March 1, 2023
Final Deadline for 2023-24 Academic Year Scholarships – August 31, 2023

Pro tip: be sure to answer all questions as fully as you can. Don’t be afraid to give examples and talk about your experiences, accomplishments and needs. Great answers will help you set yourself apart from other applicants.

Most Foundation scholarships require a minimum 2.0 or 2.5 GPA. To be considered, students must be enrolled in a certificate, diploma, or degree program at Central Piedmont.

*Please note, scholarships are awarded based on criteria set forth by the donor of the scholarship and the availability of funds. Submitting a scholarship application is competitive and is not a guarantee of funding. Scholarships also do not guarantee that a student’s full tuition and fees will be covered or that additional funds will be awarded in other sessions or terms.

 

May Graduates: Nominate Yourself to Speak at Graduation

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Evelyn Hill speaking at Commencement, May 12th, 2022

You have a story – and it’s worth telling! Central Piedmont’s Graduation Committee is now accepting nominations of student graduates to serve as the student speaker at the May 2023 commencement celebration. Ideally, nominated students would share a pride in their educational journey, a passion for Central Piedmont, and would be willing and able to share their experience and wisdom during the celebration.

Nominations will be accepted until Wednesday, March 8 through the student speaker nomination form, and interviews will be conducted through March 17.

Students selected for an interview will be asked to prepare a sample of their speech through a brief written reflection of their college experience. The selected graduate will receive guidance, rehearsal, and support to prepare their official remarks.

Check out the remarks to the graduating class from Evelyn Hill, one of the May 2022 student speakers. Please submit the May 2023 Graduation Student Speaker Nomination form to help our selection committee identify top candidates.

If you have questions regarding nominations, please email: jesse.bennett@cpcc.edu.

Catamount Connection offers guaranteed transfer admission for Central Piedmont grads

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Catamount Connection: Logos of Central Piedmont and Western Carolina Central Piedmont Community College and Western Carolina University (WCU) announced the launch of the Catamount Connection Program – a new direct pathway for Central Piedmont students who graduate with associate degrees to have guaranteed admission to WCU.

WCU is an NC Promise school, offering $500 tuition to increase access to education.

Dr. Kelli R. Brown, Western Carolina University chancellor, and Dr. Kandi Deitemeyer, Central Piedmont president, met at WCU to sign the agreement for Central Piedmont graduates to transfer for an affordable and accessible four-year degree from WCU.

As Deitemeyer announced, “Central Piedmont is excited and proud to partner with Western Carolina University to provide our students a seamless admissions pathway to the university. This program represents a wonderful opportunity for Central Piedmont students.”

Students who wish to participate in the Catamount Connection Program must meet these criteria:

  • Be a currently enrolled student at Central Piedmont, in a degree-seeking capacity,
  • Submit a WCU application for admission and records by WCU deadlines,
  • Submit the application fee or waiver, and fulfill all commitment action steps,
  • Be in good standing at Central Piedmont and other institutions attended,
  • Demonstrate good citizenship and conduct,
  • Earn and maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.50 at Central Piedmont and a minimum GPA of 2.20 in their most recent term,
  • Earn an associate degree from Central Piedmont in a college transfer program or in an applied program for which an articulation agreement exists, and
  • Enroll at WCU within one academic year of completion of the associate degree.

Brown said she wants to ensure students from Central Piedmont have immediate access to the affordability and quality of WCU. “It is so critical for students to see that if they want to go to a four-year college, but went to a two-year college, they have a pathway to that four-year institution,” Brown said.

Deitemeyer is equally thrilled to provide WCU as an option for Central Piedmont graduates. “We know our students will be well-prepared here and well-cared for at WCU,” she said. “In Cullowhee, they will enjoy challenging classes taught by superb faculty, a beautiful campus and a learning environment that fosters exploration, innovation and excellence. This program offers Central Piedmont students a great destination for pursuing a bachelor’s degree.”

Learn more information about how to transfer to WCU.

Learn more about guaranteed admissions options from Central Piedmont.

Get hired: Employers visiting campuses in February

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Employers want to hire you!  There is a full slate of employers coming to different campuses to meet you in the month of February. These events and more are on Handshake, our job board. To learn more about the employer, or register to attend, please select the company’s name to open that event in Handshake.

Date

Time

Company

Looking for 

Location

2/1

10 a.m.- 1 p.m.

Lowes Food

Foodservice roles, internships

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

2/8

10 a.m.- 1 p.m.

Jet Stream Ground Services

Cargo agent, high lift driver, cabin cleaner

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

2/15

10 a.m.- 1 p.m.

US Coast Guard

Enlisted/ Reserve/Officer in US Coast Guard

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

2/15

10 a.m.- 1 p.m.

Bank of America

Various financial services roles

Levine Building III (Levine Campus), on the second floor near the Library

2/15

10 a.m.- 1 p.m.

Chick-fil-A University Place

Front of house, back of house

Cato Building III (Cato Campus), west side of first floor near art gallery

2/15

10 a.m.- 1 p.m.

Lowes Food

Foodservice roles, internships

Merancas IV Building (Merancas Campus), outside of Student Technology Center on first floor

2/22

10 a.m.- 1 p.m.

Bank of America

Various financial services roles

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

There are thousands of opportunities on our job board Handshake – including paid internships, on-campus, part time, full time and seasonal positions.  Check “events” to find the latest information about employers visiting campus for recruiting throughout the spring semester. Questions about on-campus recruiting? Contact Career Services at 704.330.6588 or career.fair@cpcc.edu.

Career Services has your back if you need help.  If you have questions, please get in touch with us.

Central Piedmont Black History Month events

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Since its conception as National Negro Week in 1926 by Dr. Carter G. Wooden, the month of February is a special time for individuals around the world to acknowledge, remember and share the enriching African-American experience as part of American history, to help foster more equity and inclusion, and to embrace America’s diversity. Learn more about the origins of Black History Month and this year’s theme: Black Resistance.

Upcoming Black History Month events

Tangled & Twisted: Understanding the Dynamics of Black Hair

Join us for an engaging and enlightening presentation on the history, social and political stigmas and unspoken implications about ‘black hair’- a double-headed cultural enigma that is too often stereotyped and misunderstood.

This presentation will be facilitated by Ms. LaTika “Tika” Mercer, a former adjunct instructor at Central Piedmont’s nationally recognized cosmetology program and co-owner of Lucky You Salon and Suites.

Wednesday, Feb. 8
10:30 a.m.- 12 p.m.
Central Campus, North Classroom Building, Room 1123 (Auditorium)
Link: http://tiny.cc/tangledandtwisted

Tangled & Twisted: Traveling Exhibition

A rotating visual exhibit featuring educational information and various hair styles designed by creative students in the cosmetology program will also be on display. The exhibit will be featured in each Central Piedmont campus library:

Feb. 6- 10:  Central & Levine Campuses

Feb. 13- 17: Harris & Cato Campuses

Feb. 20- 24: Harper & Merancas Campuses

Black Resistance: Forms of Opposition 1600s-1800s

Through the lens of history, music, psychology, and literature, discussion about forms of opposition from enslaved people from the lens of history, music, psychology, and literature. Join us for this in person and live-streamed event to gain insight on how black resistance from this time period still influences perceptions in today’s world.

Panelists include Central Piedmont faculty and staff:
Nerlynn Etienne, moderator.
Panelists: Dr. Denise Spruill, Kenneth Woodruff and Linteno Savedge.

Thursday, Feb. 23, 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Central Campus, North Classroom Building, Room 1123 (Auditorium)
Link: http://tiny.cc/BlackResistance

All programs are FREE to attend. These programs are sponsored in collaboration with Central Piedmont Library, Behavioral & Social Science Department, Cosmetology Program, Single Stop, and Student Engagement.

Learn the In’s and Out’s of Networking Feb. 20

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Chris Cathcart, man in suit, shakes hands with a student on stage.85% of jobs come from your network! Your network is made of your career connections through organizations, online groups, people you know, clubs and more. Everyone has a network, you just need to learn how to use it. Both talkative and more private people can be amazing networkers. Join Student Engagement and Career Services for a lively and fun session to level up your networking skills.

Date

Time

Title

Location

2/20

2- 3:30 p.m.

In’s and Out’s of Networking

Central Campus in Parr 0060 – ground floor across from Navigator Desk

Career Services has your back if you need help. If you have questions, please get in touch with us.

‘Archival Photos Reimagined’ exhibit opening at Library

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Archives are more than just a collection of old papers, photographs, and artifacts. They provide windows into the past, making them valuable resources for learning our history and its lessons.
They can also be sources of inspiration for creative expression. What was once a static black-and-white photograph can become a springboard for a creative sketch, illustration, or painting.
That’s the idea behind Archival Photos Reimagined, a collaborative project between the Central Piedmont Archives and the Visual Arts Club that encourages members of the Central Piedmont community to create works of art inspired by our photographs and publications collections.
Opening on February 6, we invite you to visit the exhibition in the Archives Reading Room, where you will find a display of artworks incorporating elements from the archival photos that inspired them and varying in style, medium, and subject matter.
WHEN:
February 6 – May 9, 2023
Mondays – Thursdays, 8:30 a.m.- 6 p.m.
Fridays, 8:30 a.m.- 5 p.m.
WHERE:
Central Campus, Parr Center, Hagemeyer Library, Third Floor, Archives (Room 3250)
The exhibition will also be available to view online, starting on February 6.
For more information, please contact Johnamarie Macias at johnamarie.macias@cpcc.edu.

‘Meet your Match’ Feb. 14 at Levine Campus spring Transfer Fair

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Students talking to reps a t table inside Worrell gymAcademic Advising and Transfer Services, along with Student Engagement, will host the spring College Transfer Fair.

“Meet Your Match” at the College Transfer Fair:

  • Tuesday Feb. 14
  • 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
  • Levine Campus, Levine II Building, Second Floor hallway

There will be approximately 20 colleges and universities from across the states of North and South Carolina represented on campus. Review the list of colleges and universities scheduled to participate.

This event will help you learn more about college transfer admission requirements, programming, student life, how to transfer and much more.

Contact advising@cpcc.edu with any questions.

Submit poetry or short fiction to ‘The Hammer’

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“The Hammer,” Central Piedmont’s annual Student Arts & Literature Magazine, is now accepting submissions for the student literature portion of the 2023 publication.

Submissions are due Sunday, March 26 for Poetry, Short Fiction, and Flash Fiction.

General* Genre Guidelines:

  • Poetry:  max 64 lines
  • Short Fiction: max 3,500 words
  • Flash Fiction: ~ 250 to 500 words

Entrants must be currently enrolled at Central Piedmont. The best and brightest submissions will be published in the 2023 edition of The Hammer (in print and online). Please help us show the community how AMAZING our students are!

Send submissions and/or questions to: colin.hickey@cpcc.edu

“The Hammer” was founded in 2017 and is run by the Central Piedmont English department, with support from other departments. Literary works included in past issues have been winners of the local level of a national literary competition sponsored by the League for Innovation in the Community College.

*(line/word maximums due to spatial limitations, and are guidelines only.)

PRIDE Alliance student club meeting

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The student club “PRIDE Alliance” is active for the spring semester and will hold an interest meeting on Friday, February 10, at Central Campus.
The meeting will be held in the Parr Center, room 3H 1000, from 12- 1:30 p.m.
All students are welcome to attend.
For questions contact: Alex Simpson alex.simpson@cpcc.edu or Kimmy Curran kimmy.curran@cpcc.edu

 

Student Story: Christina Olmstead

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Student with a big smile holding a notepad and pen.Christina Olmstead is a Human Services Technology adult learner who is set to graduate in our May 2023 commencement ceremony.

Christina is the president of the Human Services Club, site-based parent liaison for Kensington Elementary, and current intern with the Council on Aging Union County. Christina became unemployed after the COVID-19 pandemic caused her former industry to cease to exist. Due to the fact that it had been 16 years since she had been in school, she knew returning back to school would be a challenge. Christina made the right decision.

“Two weeks prior to the start of my first semester, I unexpectedly separated from my husband of 13 years and found myself an unemployed, single mother of two boys. In those moments of fear and uncertainty, I almost un-enrolled from my courses. However, I made a decision and chose to attend just my first day of classes. From the second I stepped foot onto campus and into those classes, I knew right then and there I was absolutely where I was supposed to be. The passion and dedication from my instructor gave me the immediate source of strength I needed to continue on. Their enthusiasm and support encouraged me to, one step at a time, never give up and keep moving forward.”

“I specifically chose Central Piedmont because I found the culture’s positive sense of community offered me the opportunity to reenter the academic world in a supportive and encouraging climate. Central Piedmont has provided an academic experience that not only compliments my current goals but utilizes a strength-based system of support for all of their students,” says Christina.

Christina aims to obtain admission to a graduate-level social work program, and she is on the right track so far. She plans to work in gerontology after completing her graduate course to provide seniors with equitable care and lifestyle management. “As a child, I lost my mother as a victim to domestic violence. My grandparents took over as my legal guardians and I spent much of my young life seeing how they aged throughout the years. At the time I was old enough to notice and acknowledge their struggles as senior citizens but too young to support them through their challenges,” explains Christina.

Christina’s experience at Central Piedmont has been an amazing one. Throughout her time here, she has experienced genuine support from all of her professors, for which she expresses gratitude and respect.

Christina’s advice for future Central Piedmont students: “Choosing intentionally can be the first step to future success.”

FREE tax prep offered at Central Campus

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Woman pointing to laptop, helping another person sitting across the table.

For the current tax season, Single Stop has partnered with the Central Piedmont accounting and finance program to offer free Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) on Central Campus.

If your household income in 2022 was $80,000 or less, you could qualify to take advantage of this free tax preparation resource. Students, staff, and faculty (including immediate family members) are eligible to receive free tax preparation.

Beginning January 30 through April 15, 2023, tax preparation appointments will take place in-person at Central Campus, in Central High, Room 258. Walk-ins will be accepted based on availability.

Please visit the Single Stop webpage for available hours and schedule your appointment today!

Struggling with technology?

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Do you want to be more comfortable with technology and learn more skills so you can be successful in your classes? The Digital Literacy Learning Space from the Central Piedmont Library is here to assist you.

The Digital Literacy Learning Space provides student-centered technology training and digital literacy assessments to help you develop essential technology skills. We offer individual and group technology training appointments to discuss, review, and resolve your immediate needs.

Training sessions are offered face-to-face at each of our six campus libraries and online, using WebEx or Google Meet. Make an appointment on the Library appointment site.

Family Genealogy Research Workshop

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Family tree with open windows growing out of a book. Curious about your searching your family history, but you are unsure where to start?

Central Piedmont Libraries will host a Genealogy Research Workshop in-person on Thursday, February 9 from 1- 2 p.m. The workshops will be held in the Parr Center at Central Campus, Hagemeyer Library, Room 3220.

Join us for a fun, hands-on session where we will teach you genealogy research tips and tricks. Registration is not required and the event is free to attend. We hope to see you there!

For more information, please email Erin.Allsop@cpcc.edu or Johnamarie.Macias@cpcc.edu.