Category Archives: Announcements

Career Services Open House

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open houseNeed help choosing your program or study or applying for jobs? Career Services is here to help! Join us for the Career Center Open House on Tuesday, January 23, 10am-1pm, in Central High 206. Pizza will be provided.

Need help before then? The Career Center will be open for drop-in appointments Monday through Friday, 10am-1pm. The new Career Center is located on Central Campus in Central High 206. You can also make Career Services appointments with Career Counselors at all campuses or virtually on Handshake (https://cpcc.joinhandshake.com/).

The Hammer Open for Student Literature Submissions

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HammersThe Hammer, Central Piedmont’s annual student arts & literature magazine, is now accepting student literature submissions for the 2024 publication.

Submissions are due by midnight on Sunday, March 31, for Poetry, Short Fiction, and Flash Fiction.

Genre Guidelines 

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

The best and brightest submissions will be published in the 2024 edition of The Hammer (in print & online).

Send submissions or questions to colin.hickey@cpcc.edu

Entrants must be currently enrolled as students at Central Piedmont.

(Line/word maximums due to spatial limitations, & are only guidelines.)

Spring Welcome Fest – Save the Date

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welcome festDo you know everything Central Piedmont has to offer? Find out at Student Engagement’s Spring Welcome Fest! Meet Student Affairs representatives and learn what we can do for you!

Free food, activities, and Central Piedmont swag provided.

Save the Date:

  • Levine Campus – Monday, January 22nd (11:30 am – 1:30 pm)
  • Central Campus – Wednesday, January 24th (11:30 am – 1:30 pm)
  • Harris Campus – Monday, January 29th (12:30 am – 2:30 pm)
  • Harper Campus – Wednesday, January 31st (11:30 am – 1:30 pm)
  • Cato Campus – Tuesday, February 6th (11:30 am – 1:30 pm)
  • Merancas Campus – Wednesday, February 7th (11:30 am – 1:30 pm)

See you there!

Campus Stores Special January Hours

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image of bookstore entranceCampus Stores Special January Hours:

  • January 2 – 5, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  • January 6, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
  • January 8-12, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
  • January 13, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
  • January 15 – Closed
  • Beginning January 16, regular store hours will be 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Campus Store Holiday Hours

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image of bookstore entranceAs the winter season approaches, staying informed about the Campus Store hours is important. Here’s a quick update for your convenience:

  • Week Before Winter Break:
    • Mon., Dec. 18, 2023, through Thurs., Dec. 21, 2023
    • Open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Winter Break Closure:
    • Fri., Dec. 22, 2023, through Mon., Jan. 1, 2024
    • Stores will be closed for winter break.
  • Resuming Regular Hours:
    • Starting Tues., Jan. 2, 2024
    • Open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Please make a note of these dates and plan your store visits accordingly.

Food Service Hours

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Central CatalystMerancas Catalyst (Merancas IV, Main Floor) will open starting Wed., Nov. 29, 2023, from 7:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Parr Food Services (Central Campus Parr Center, First Floor):

  • Hen & Steer Gastrogrill and Cosmos Pizza will open on Thurs., Nov. 30, 2023, for lunch only from 10:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
  • Hen & Steer Breakfast will open Fri., Dec. 1, 2023, for breakfast only from 7:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.

Review the menus: Hen & Steer breakfast, Hen & Steer lunch, Cosmos Pizza.

Dec. 4 – Dec. 8:

  • Hen & Steer Breakfast will be open from 7:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. (Central Campus).
  • Hen & Steer Gastrogrill / Cosmos Pizza will open from 10:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. (Central Campus).

Starting Dec. 11, 2023, Hen & Steer and Cosmos Pizza will be closed for winter break.

Starting Dec. 13, 2023, all Catalyst Coffee and Beach & Borough locations will be closed for winter break.

All Food Service locations will reopen on Jan. 2, 2024.

Fall Graduation Fair

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silver and gold streamers fly through the air above graduates heads in the arena.The Fall Graduation Fair is happening now! This important event is scheduled from Nov. 28, 2023, to Nov. 30, 2023, and will be open from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily.

The Graduation Fair is essential for students to participate in the December graduation ceremony. This is where you can pick up your graduation caps and gowns, a significant step towards your big day.

Location Details:
Campus Store
Central Campus, Hall Building, First Floor
1112 Charlottetowne Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28204

Don’t miss this opportunity to prepare for your graduation ceremony!

Demi Snow Receives the Community Impact Award

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Demi SnowCentral Piedmont Community College student Demi Snow was recently honored with the 2023 Community Impact Student Award by NC Campus Engagement for her outstanding commitment and contribution to civic and community engagement.

Snow was selected as the award winner by Central Piedmont after carefully considering students who have made a lasting impact while at the college. She was honored for her efforts and achievements at the recent NC Campus Engagement biennial CSNAP Student Conference.

Since 2006, the Community Impact Student Award (CISA) recognizes an outstanding, full-time undergraduate student service leader from each NC Campus Engagement member college. Award winners are selected by campus leaders and honored during the biennial CSNAP Student Conference. This year, CSNAP was held at NC State University with the theme, “Rising Together: Students Depolarizing North Carolina.”

Snow was selected as the Central Piedmont CISA winner for her exceptional commitment to civic engagement and equity advocacy both on and off campus. Her journey began as she matriculated through an intensive summer service program, an adaptation of the Citizen Redefined curriculum, which equipped cohorts of students with essential civic skills through interactive workshops. Following the program, Snow was inspired to partner with local non-profits, engaging in various volunteer services to address pressing community needs.

Snow’s impact is most notable in her work as a multi-campus dialogue facilitator within the Student Engagement department, where she has been instrumental in engaging students in meaningful and crucial dialogues regarding equity issues, specifically focusing on gender and sexuality. Her efforts have fostered inclusive discussions and empowered students to participate actively in conversations vital to a diverse campus environment.

Beyond her roles within the Student Engagement department, Snow’s involvement in various campus clubs and organizations dedicated to intersectional equity and community service has been exemplary. Collaborating with members of her summer cohort, local non-profits, and her peers, she has demonstrated a profound commitment to addressing and amplifying community issues, effectively bringing attention to pertinent matters among the student body.

Snow graciously accepted the Community Impact Student Award as the Central Piedmont Community College Winner on Nov. 4, alongside 14 other students representing colleges and universities across North Carolina.

Levine Campus Fire Drill April 10-14

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The college will be holding a fire drill at Levine campus next week (April 10-14). During the fire evacuation drill you will hear the fire alarm sound, see strobe lights flashing, and hear voice commands to evacuate, coming from both building captains and Central Piedmont Security. Please evacuate outside to the nearest rally point sign.

We ask for your full cooperation during these drills. The expected duration for each drill will be approximately 10-15 minutes. 

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 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.

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.

Need money for college? Central Piedmont can help!

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Student being helped at a counter in Parr Center by an employee.

We offer financial aid help in person and online.

There still could be financial aid money available to you for the spring and summer 2023 semesters. Don’t miss out on that money – fill out the FAFSA!

It’s the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) – Central Piedmont’s FAFSA code is 002915 – and it is your key to money for college. We’re here if you need help completing it or want to learn more about options for paying for college.

Central Piedmont offers free, virtual or in-person FAFSA workshops with group and individual appointments available.FAFSA Federal Student Aid logo

If you’re already set with financial aid for this current school year, get a head start on the 2023-2024 academic year. The earlier you complete and submit your FAFSA, the sooner you’ll get peace of mind knowing how much aid you can get.

Fill out the FAFSA or sign up for a workshop today – the earlier you submit your FAFSA documentation, the earlier you can be awarded. Need additional help? Contact 704.330.2722 or navigate@cpcc.edu.

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.

Discounted CATS passes available

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The Central Campus Store is now selling Charlotte Area Transit Systems (CATS) bus passes at a 10% discount. The prices listed reflect the 10% discount you will receive if you purchase a CATS bus pass at the bookstore.
If you have available financial aid money at the Campus Store, you may also purchase a bus pass using that money, during the specified timeframe that financial aid is available.
CATS pass prices with a 10% discount:
  • 10 ride local (bus only) – $19.80
  • 10 ride express (bus only) – $27.00
  • Monthly local (includes Lynx Blue Line) – $79.20
Stop by the Central Campus Store Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.- 5 p.m. to purchase your passes.

Sign up for Fall Break Service Event

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How are you spending your fall break? Join Central Piedmont Student Engagement, in partnership with Supportive Housing Communities (SHC), for a fall break service project. The service project will take place on Monday, Oct. 10, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. at McCreesh Place. Students must register to attend the project by Wednesday, Oct. 5.

McCreesh Place is Charlotte’s first permanent supportive housing complex to house the chronically homeless in active recovery from addiction. The complex has 64-single room units with communal bathrooms and kitchens, and 26 one-bedroom units.

Service Details: Student volunteers will receive a tour of McCreesh Place and receive education on the resources provided by SHC and the importance of their nonprofit organization to the Charlotte community. Volunteers will then clean and sanitize eight communal mini-kitchen spaces to ensure the areas are clean and safe.
If you have any questions, contact whitney.williams@cpcc.edu or 704.330.6745.

Student Story: Mimi Tra

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Smiling woman Mimi TraMimi Tra hasn’t let obstacles slow her down. She suffered a concussion in high school, after which she struggled physically, emotionally, and academically. However, she says attending Central Piedmont helped her overcome these challenges.

“Central Piedmont has helped me conquer possibility by giving me hope and another chance,” Mimi says. “I feel like Central Piedmont saw my potential and has given me the opportunity to mature, grow, and find my purpose in life.”
Mimi graduated from Central Piedmont in spring 2021, and has transferred to her “dream school” of UNC-Chapel Hill.

She was a Presidential Scholar, a program that not only supplemented her tuition, but also provided her with service-learning opportunities to get involved in the community. She won an Outstanding Student Award while at Central Piedmont. Like many other successful students, Mimi was involved in many clubs and organizations, including Phi Theta Kappa, Mu Alpha Theta, and she was the president of the Student Researchers in Science Club.

“Participating in different clubs and honor societies helped me find my voice, something I never had due to my lack of self-confidence and insecurities,” Mimi says. “But Central Piedmont believed in me and helped me become the person I am today.”

Mimi Tra in coloful mural in Parr Center, her face stylized with a drawing of a stethoscope

Mimi Tra is featured in the Parr Center mural at Central Campus.

Mimi’s goal is to become a physician assistant. She says Central Piedmont has been integral in her journey.

“Central Piedmont’s flexibility in course options allowed me to have the time to be a volunteer EMT,” Mimi says. “I have also been administering COVID vaccinations since the start of vaccine distributions in January 2021. This real-world experience is helping me toward my goal of becoming a physician assistant.”
Her advice to future students?

“I want others to understand they are incredible for even wanting to do a postsecondary education. I was once the student who was ashamed that I decided to go to community college, but now I am so proud to be a graduate of Central Piedmont,” Mimi says. “There will always be people along the way in life who will bring you down, but use that negativity as motivation to be better.”

Order Ahead and Vouchers now available for on-campus dining

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Stylized Green C logo for Canteen Connect and Pay appOrdering food at Central or Levine Campuses? Pay with your phone using the new “Connect & Pay” app that also lets you skip the line and order ahead at Central Piedmont dining locations. All Catalyst coffee bar and Beach & Borough sandwich shop locations are cashless, so payments for food, grab and go items, and beverages can be made only through credit/debit cards, vouchers, and the app. 

The Connect & Pay app allows you to order ahead and customize your favorite campus specialty beverages and food selections, pay, and then pick up at a time that is convenient for you.

Hours of Operation at Central and Levine Campuses:

  • Catalyst coffee bar: Monday – Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.
  • Beach & Borough sandwich shop: Monday – Friday, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Vouchers for Campus Dining  

The Connect & Pay app can also load money to your account from a debit or credit card for future use at Catalyst coffee bar and Beach & Borough sandwich shop. If you only have access to cash, vouchers for our campus dining locations are available for purchase at the Cashiering Business Office on both Central and Levine Campuses. 

Vouchers may be purchased in $5 and $10 increments. Individual vouchers will expire 7 years from purchase, and if lost, they cannot be replaced. Vouchers can be combined, or added with Connect & Pay or card payments to complete a transaction. The remaining balance of the voucher will be printed on your receipt. At this time, vouchers can’t be added to the Connect & Pay app.