Truist Honors Scholars elected to national board 

Two Central Piedmont Truist Honors Scholars have been elected to the National Collegiate Honors Council (NCHC) board of directors as student-at-large members, representing honors students across the country and elevating the community-college voice in national conversations. 

Why it matters 

Basira Ayazi and Jesse Abdoulaye will help shape national honors programming, with a focus on research, equity, and student success. Their leadership reflects the transformative learning opportunities available at Central Piedmont. 

What they’ll champion 

  • Jesse Abdoulaye 
    • Focuses on student-centered advocacy 
    • Prioritizes equity, mental health, and job readiness 
    • Aims to strengthen professional-development support for honors students 
  •  Basira Ayazi 
    • Advocates for diverse student perspectives 
    • Plans to expand scholarship initiatives and research opportunities 
    • Works to ensure all honors students feel represented and supported 

The big picture 

  • Their election places Central Piedmont students at the center of national honors for decision-making. 
  • Their work will influence initiatives that support student achievement, belonging, and access. 
  • Their leadership highlights the college’s commitment to fostering purpose-driven scholars. 

Please join the college in congratulating Basira Ayazi and Jesse Abdoulaye on this prestigious achievement. 

February food services specials

Catalyst Coffee counter

Students, faculty and staff can enjoy seasonal flavors and special deals at campus dining spots. Here’s what’s on the menu: 

  • Hen & Steer (Central Campus, Parr Center) – Buffalo Chicken Tenders w/ Fries – $7.99
  • Catalyst Coffee Bar (All Locations) – Cardamom Chamomile Tea Latte – $4.50 for a 12oz

Spring & summer 2026 scholarships available — apply now

6 people holding scholarship check

Need financial assistance for the spring and summer semesters? Apply by Sunday, Feb. 15, to be considered for an award. 

Eligibility requirements:

  • Minimum 2.0 GPA 
  • Must have an active Central Piedmont login 

By submitting your application, you will be considered for any scholarship opportunities you qualify for based on your program of study and academic performance. We encourage all students to apply. 

Featured scholarships 

  • Garinger Education Foundation Scholarship — For Garinger High School graduates (within the last two years) 
  • Robert L. & Eleanor Gossett Endowed Scholarship — For graduating students in the physical therapist assistant program 
  • Marvin B. Rorie Marketing Endowed Scholarship — For students pursuing a degree in business administration with a marketing specialty 
  • Mitchell Davis Endowed Scholarship — For students pursuing a degree in civil engineering technology with a geomatics technology focus 

MyCollege will be temporarily unavailable Friday, Jan. 23

students on laptop

MyCollege will be temporarily offline Friday morning. Here’s what you need to know: 

  • Date and time: Friday, Jan. 23, 5–8 a.m. 
  • Access: MyCollege will resume normal access after 8 a.m. 
  • Reason: Scheduled maintenance for fiscal year-end closing procedures 
  • If you need tech support:  
    • Contact the ITS Service Desk through the client portal 
    • Call 704-330-5000 for assistance 

Continuing education opens doors

student coloring with pencil

No matter your career or personal goals, continuing education at Central Piedmont is your connection to knowledge and opportunity. These programs are designed to help you succeed in a flexible, engaging environment. 

Why it matters: Continuing education offers career training and personal enrichment for learners at all levels. 

What you’ll find: 

  • Expert instructors in a dynamic learning environment 
  • Opportunities to network with like-minded peers 
  • Hundreds of non-degree classes with online, evening, and weekend options 

Explore courses like: 

  • Private pilot ground school 
  • Hospitality
  • Colored pencil foundations 
  • and more! 

Where to start: 
Visit the website to learn more and register for upcoming classes at your preferred campus location. 

Spring semester essentials at Central Piedmont

students walking in door

Spring semester is right around the corner. Find the most in-demand resources all in one place—the launch pad for success.

What you’ll find:
  • How to pay for classes
  • Parking maps
  • Safety and security information
  • Involvement opportunities
  • and more!
Need in-person help?

We’ve got you covered. Visit any Central Piedmont campus on Saturday, Jan. 10 for in-person support before classes begin.

  • Take advantage of personalized help:
    • Student Success Navigators
    • Academic advisors
    • Financial aid experts
  • Services available at each campus:
    • Registration assistance
    • Payment guidance
    • Academic planning
    • Financial aid support
Need help finding your class?
Faculty and staff will be available in various locations around each campus:
  • Mon., Jan. 12 – Wed., Jan. 14
  • Stop by if you have a last-minute question or need directions to your next class!

Stay connected with Central Piedmont!

three students sitting in quad

Current students—don’t miss a beat this semester! Follow Central Piedmont Student Connections on social media to stay up to date on deadlines, student services, student organizations, campus events, and so much more. 

What’s new: Our Student Connections channels are your go-to for timely updates, helpful resources, and ways to get involved on campus. 

Where to connect: 
Facebook | Instagram  

Highlights from Student Connections: 

  • Important academic deadlines and registration reminders 
  • Campus events, workshops, and activities 
  • Student organization news and involvement opportunities 
  • Tips and resources from student services 

Stay informed, stay involved, and make the most of your college experience! 

 

Spring bookstore hours and closures

three people in bookstore

Central Piedmont’s campus store at Central Campus is getting a new home. Beginning Monday, Jan. 5, the store will be located in Central High. The bookstore will adjust campus hours for the start of the spring semester. Here’s what you need to know: 

Special Saturday hours 

  • Saturday, Jan. 10: Central and Levine, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. 
  • Saturday, Jan. 17: Central only, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. 

First week of spring semester (Monday, Jan. 12–Friday, Jan. 16) 

  • Central and Levine: Monday–Thursday, 8 a.m.–6 p.m.; Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. 
  • Cato: Monday–Friday., 8 a.m.–5 p.m. 

After the first week

  • College closed: Monday, Jan. 19 
  • Starting Tuesday, Jan. 20:  
    • Central: Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. 
    • Cato: Monday–Thursday, 8 a.m.–4 p.m.; Friday, 8 a.m.–3 p.m. 
    • Levine: Monday–Thursday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.; Friday, 8 a.m.–4 p.m. 

Early bird registration now open for summer camps

law summer campSunshine and warm weather are right around the corner, so it’s time to start planning your child’s summer experience. Explore Central Piedmont’s summer camps for 2026. 

What’s new: Central Piedmont offers a wide range of camps designed to spark creativity, build skills, and inspire learning. 

When: Registration is open now. Early bird discount ends Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026.

Highlights from the 2026 lineup: 

  • Arts and expression 
    • Clay creations 
    • Jewelry making 
    • Upcycle the runway – beginner’s sewing camp 
    • Next level runway – sewing camp 
    • Art masters in the making – exploring legendary artists (new!) 
    • Imagination in motion – the science of art (new!) 
    • Cosmetology: beautiful braiding, beautiful you 
  • Technology and engineering 
    • YouTube® content creators 
    • A.I. designers & developers (new!) 
    • Drone adventures 
    • Pokémon® masters: designers & 3D makers unite! (new!) 
    • Make your first 3D video game! (new!) 
    • App attack: cloud game creators (new!) 
    • Minecraft® movie makers (new!) 
    • Young investors & entrepreneurs 
    • Young coders (new!) 
    • Python programmers (new!) 
  • Science and law
    • Crime scene investigator 
    • Forensic science 
    • The law launchpad – a journey to justice 
  • Culinary and baking 
    • Sizzle and spice culinary camp (new!) 
    • Sugar and sprinkle baking camp (new!) 

Early bird savings

  • Use promo code GS5VHK44NM for 10% off 
  • Valid through Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026 

Congratulations December grads!

confetti falling on graduates

It’s almost time for the December commencement ceremony! We cannot wait to celebrate all of our graduates and hear from student speaker Kristen Alvarado-Sorto. 

Event details:  

  • Date: Tuesday, Dec. 16 
  • Time: 10 a.m. 
  • Location: Bojangles Coliseum 

What to know:  

  • Can’t make it in-person? View the live stream on YouTube 
  • Review the bag policy for Bojangles Coliseum before you arrive 

Join us to celebrate this milestone with your classmates, family, and friends! 

Food service holiday closures

catalyst coffee bar

Several campus dining locations will close for winter break. Here’s what you need to know: 

  • Starting Monday, Dec. 15 
    Food service locations at Central, Levine IT, Cato, Harper, Harris, Levine, and Merancas campuses will close until Monday, Jan. 5. 
  • Harris Campus Catalyst 
    Due to construction, Catalyst will remain closed until Friday, Jan. 9, and will reopen on Monday, Jan. 12. 
  • Parr Catalyst, Hen & Steer, and Cosmos Pizza 
    These locations will remain open on Monday, Dec. 15 and Tuesday, Dec. 16, then close starting Wednesday, Dec. 17 until Monday, Jan. 5. 
  • Regular hours 
    All locations will resume regular hours on Monday, Jan. 5, except Harris Campus Catalyst. 

Dec. 13 and 14: CATS service suspended for maintenance

gold line train

Central Piedmont students who rely on CATS should plan ahead: Blue Line and Gold Line services will be temporarily suspended for preventative maintenance this weekend. 

Why it matters: The Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) is performing maintenance to ensure safe, efficient service. 

Details: 

  • When: Saturday, Dec. 13, and Sunday, Dec. 14 
  • Impact:  
    • Gold Line and South Blue Line (7th Street to I-485) will shut down at approximately 2:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 13. 
    • The North Blue Line (7th Street to UNCC) will shut down at approximately 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13. 
    • The last trains will depart between 2 and 3 p.m. Riders should use the trip planner for exact times. 
    • Bus bridges will replace rail service during the shutdown. Connector signs will mark stops, and buses will display “Bus Bridge” for easy identification. 
    • Regular service resumes Monday, Dec. 15. 

What to do: 

  • Check detailed bus bridge locations at https://www.ridetransit.org. 
  • Download the CATS-Pass app for real-time updates and fare purchases. 
  • For questions, call customer service at 704-336-7433. 

Central Piedmont extends transfer partnership with Western Governors University

Central Piedmont and Western Governors University (WGU) have renewed their transfer agreement, creating a clear path for students to earn a bachelor’s degree at one of the nation’s leading online universities. 

Why it matters: The partnership helps graduates continue their education online while balancing work and family obligations. 

Details: 

  • The transfer pathway is open to students who have earned an associate degree from Central Piedmont. 
  • Students and employees are eligible for the WGU Community College Partner Scholarship, valued at up to $3,500. 
  • Since the partnership began in 2020, more than 350 Central Piedmont students have enrolled at WGU — up from 21 in the first year to more than 100 each of the past two academic years. 

Top fields of study: 

  • Information technology and software engineering 
  • Business, accounting, and finance 
  • Public health and nursing 

What they’re saying: 

  • “This extension builds on Central Piedmont’s long-standing focus of helping students move forward with confidence toward their academic and career goals,” said Dr. Heather Hill, provost of Central Piedmont. 
  • “This renewed transfer agreement will help graduates continue their educational pursuits online while juggling work and family obligations,” said Ben Coulter, Ed.D., chancellor for WGU in North Carolina. 

Big picture: Central Piedmont offers 18 guaranteed admission programs with colleges and universities across the Carolinas, plus agreements with four online or out-of-state institutions for flexible, affordable pathways to a bachelor’s degree. 

WGU at a glance: 

  • More than 120 fully accredited online programs in business, technology, healthcare, and K–12 education 
  • Competency-based model lets students work at their own pace with mentor support 
  • Tuition for bachelor’s degrees is about $4,000 per six-month term, with unlimited courses per term 
  • More than 10,000 WGU graduates live in North Carolina 

New titles and hot topics: Available in the library this December

exterior view of hagemeyer library, central campus

Students can now browse the latest additions to the library collection. Whether you’re looking for something to support your studies or just want a good read, the library has something fresh for everyone.  

  • Newly added books across a range of subjects 
  • Educational and documentary videos 
  • Electronic resources, including journals and databases 
  • Discover new titles 

Browse the latest arrivals and check back often for fresh finds and regular updates. 

Stay informed with December’s Hot Topics 

Need a quick way to stay up to date with current events? Central Piedmont Community College students can access monthly research overviews through NewsBank’s Hot Topics— a helpful resource for busy schedules and current-events-based assignments.  

What’s covered:  

  • Current events
  • Business and economics  
  • Civics, government, and politics 
  • Social issues 
  • Sports and the arts  

Wellness Center expands food access support

interior of wellness center

Central Piedmont is committed to helping students and families maintain access to essential resources. The Wellness Center is connecting households to full-size Nourish Up food pantries, which provide seven days of food per person. 

We understand that transportation can be a barrier for many students, and the Wellness Center is stepping in to help. Students can contact the Wellness Center to provide a bus pass to get to the food pantry.  

For more information: 

Resources available on all campuses.

December food services specials

catalyst coffee bar

Students, faculty and staff can enjoy seasonal flavors and special deals at campus dining spots. Here’s what’s on the menu: 

  • Hen & Steer — Central Campus, Parr Center 
    Grilled turkey club with cranberry mayo combo, served with fries and a fountain drink — $9.99 
  • Catalyst Coffee Bar — all locations 
    Peppermint mocha — $4.50 for a 12 oz 

Vietnamese students club interest meeting

parr center

Interested in joining the Vietnamese students club? Fill out this form or join us for one of these dates!

Meeting details: 

  • Dates: Wednesday, Dec. 3, or Monday, Dec. 8, 2025 
  • Time: 12:45 p.m.–1:30 p.m. 
  • Location: Central Campus, Parr Center, Huddle Room G  

Take this opportunity to meet peers, exchange ideas, and help shape a welcoming community at the college. 

 

Rotaract expands to Levine Campus

rotaract club members

Rotaract is growing at Central Piedmont, and the Levine Campus is the newest home for this student-led organization. Students interested in leadership, service, and community engagement are invited to learn more. 

Interest meeting details: 

  • Date: Thu., Dec. 4 
  • Time: 2 p.m.–4 p.m. 
  • Location: Levine Campus, Room 2306 

Why join Rotaract? 

  • Build leadership skills and take on leadership roles 
  • Participate in meaningful community service projects 
  • Connect with service-oriented peers on field trips and activities 

Your advocacy made this expansion possible. Join the interest meeting to show your support and help shape the future of Rotaract at Levine Campus.