Category Archives: Announcements

What to know about your privacy rights under FERPA

Posted on by

Exterior of the Parr Center

Every Central Piedmont student — whether you’re currently enrolled, just graduated, or took classes years ago — is protected by FERPA, the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act.

Why it matters:
FERPA gives you control over your educational records and limits who can access your information — even your parents or future schools — unless you give written consent.

Your rights under FERPA:

1. Access to your records

  • You can inspect and review your education records.
  • Submit a written request and valid photo ID to Student Records.
  • Central Piedmont will provide access within 45 days.

2. Requesting corrections

  • Think something’s inaccurate or misleading in your record?
  • Submit a written correction request to the Senior Registrar.
  • You’ll receive a response within 30 work days.
  • If the error can’t be confirmed, a hearing committee will review your case and issue a written decision.

3. Control over your information

  • Central Piedmont cannot release your personal info without your signed consent, except under certain legal conditions.
  • Directory information (which can be shared without consent) includes:
    • Your name
    • City of residence
    • Dates and semesters of attendance
    • Major/program
    • Credentials earned and award dates

4. Who can see your info without consent?

  • School officials with a legitimate educational interest, like advising or financial aid staff, may access your records.

5. File a complaint
If you believe Central Piedmont has not followed FERPA rules, you can contact:

Student Privacy Policy Office
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20202

Learn more: FERPA Policy at Central Piedmont

🍳 Sip & save: September food specials at Central Piedmont

Posted on by

catalyst coffee bar

Whether you’re grabbing breakfast before class or fueling up with your favorite latte, Central Piedmont has tasty deals this month you won’t want to miss. 

Hen & Steer Breakfast – Central Campus (Parr Center) 

  • A.M. Classic Combo: 3 pancakes & 2 eggs 
  • Price: $6.49 

Catalyst Coffee Bar – all locations 

  • September feature: Honey Lavender Latte (12 oz.) 
  • Price: $4.50 

These limited-time specials are budget-friendly, student-approved, and perfect for cooler fall mornings. Don’t miss out!  

🌿 Fall plant sale coming to Cato Campus

Posted on by

people looking at plants

Students and local plant lovers can stock up on fall greenery during Central Piedmont’s annual plant sale, hosted by the Horticulture program. 

When: 

  • Fri., Sept. 26: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. 
  • Sat., Sept. 27: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. 

Where: 
Cato Campus – Horticulture Building
3645 E. W.T. Harris Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28215 

Payment options: 

  • Cash 
  • Credit card 
  • Personal checks 

Why it matters: 
The sale features student-grown plants and supports hands-on learning in the Horticulture program. Come early for the best selection!  

📢 No classes on Mon., Sept. 1 & Tue., Sept. 2

Posted on by

Parr Center

Take a breather! Central Piedmont will pause classes for the Labor Day holiday and a professional development day for faculty and staff. 

Heads up: While there are no classes, some student services may still be available on Sept. 2 — check with your campus for details. Classes resume on Wed., Sept. 3 

Enjoy the long weekend! ✨ 

🏨 Central Piedmont launches new hospitality workforce training program

Posted on by

Man standing at desk speaking to customer

JumpSTART – a new 12-week hospitality training program – is coming to Central Piedmont this fall to help meet the rising demand for talent in Charlotte’s hotel and lodging industry. 

Why it matters: The hospitality sector in Charlotte is booming, and employers are looking for job-ready talent. JumpSTART was created in direct response to feedback from local hospitality leaders and provides students with industry-recognized certifications, hands-on experience, and career-building opportunities. 

📅 Program details 

  • Runs Mon., Oct. 20 – Thu., Jan. 29 
  • Includes classroom instruction, hands-on learning, a hotel externship, and a job fair 
  • Prepares you for real-world hospitality careers with certifications and skills employers want 

🤝 Building industry connections 

The hospitality team at Central Piedmont recently joined the Charlotte Hospitality and Tourism Alliance’s General Sales Meeting at the Charlotte Convention Center. 

  • Hosted an info table to promote JumpSTART and connect with local employers 
  • Shared how the program strengthens the hospitality workforce pipeline 
  • Boosted community and employer partnerships through training and collaboration 

📩 Want in? 

To learn more or apply, contact: 

Feel It to Heal It: Feelings Wheel Workshop 

Posted on by

student sitting and speaking to counselor

📅  Tue, Sept. 10 | 12 p.m.–2 p.m.
📍Central Campus, Parr Center, Room 1050  

Why it matters: Understanding and naming your emotions can be a game-changer for your mental health, relationships, and confidence. This workshop from Counseling Services turns emotional awareness into a practical skill — and a superpower. 

What you’ll do: 

  • Learn how emotional awareness can improve focus, relationships, and self-confidence 
  • Take part in a creative activity to express your feelings and manage stress 
  • Explore self-regulation strategies you can use anytime — before a test, during tough moments, or when life feels overwhelming 

The big picture: This isn’t another sit-and-listen lecture — it’s interactive, creative, and centered on you. 

Snacks will be provided. 🥨 

🚗 Parking Reminder

Posted on by

aerial footage of parking lot

Students have until Fri., Sept. 26 to pick up their student parking decal and college ID — giving you four full weeks to get settled.

What to know:
While “No Permit” violations won’t be enforced until that date, all other parking rules remain in effect:

  • ⏳ 4-hour visitor parking limits will be enforced
  • 🚫 No parking areas are still off-limits
  • 🅿️ Reserved parking spaces are not for general use
  • ♿ Handicap-accessible parking is for permitted vehicles only

👉 Avoid a ticket by following posted signs and picking up your decal before Sept. 26!

☕️ August Eats & Sips at Central Piedmont

Posted on by

catalyst coffee bar image

Starting Mon., Aug. 11
Delicious new specials are dropping across campus this month — here’s what’s on the menu! 🍤🍫

📍Central Campus, Parr Center, Hen & Steer

  • Shrimp Po’Boy – $8.99
  • Make it a combo – Add fries and a fountain drink for $3.99

📍 All Campus Locations, Catalyst Coffee Bar

  • Raspberry White Chocolate Mocha Frappe (12 oz.) – $4.75
  • Raspberry White Chocolate Crème Frappe (12 oz., coffee-free) – $4.75

🕒 Available during regular cafe hours — swing by and treat yourself!

📚 What’s New at the Library?

Posted on by

Girl looking at books in library

Central Piedmont’s library just dropped new arrivals — and they’re worth checking out. Whether you’re into page-turners, documentaries, or e-books, there’s something fresh waiting for you.

🔗 Browse the latest books, videos, and e-resources

The library’s “New Titles” list makes it easy to:

  • 🔍 Discover new study resources
  • 🎥 Stream documentaries and educational films
  • 📖 Explore fiction and non-fiction books
  • 💻 Access digital materials anytime, anywhere

Take a look and get inspired for your next paper, project, or break-time read!

Work-It Wednesdays: Connect with Employers at Central Piedmont!

Posted on by

Student shakes hands with an employer at a networking event

Looking for job opportunities or a chance to grow your professional network? 🎯 Work-It Wednesdays are here to help! This weekly on-campus recruitment series is designed to connect Central Piedmont students and alumni with top employers in the Charlotte Metro Area. 🌟

📅 January Lineup:

Wednesday, Jan. 15 | 10 a.m.–1 p.m.

📍 Central Campus, Parr Center, First Floor

Wednesday, Jan. 22 | 10 a.m.–1 p.m.

📍 Central Campus, Parr Center, First Floor

🛠 Prep for Success:

👉 Schedule an appointment with Career Services on Handshake to create a tailored resume and practice your intro.
👉 Drop by Career Services during Drop-In Hours (Mon-Fri, 10 a.m.–1 p.m.) for quick tips and feedback.
👉 Details and employers may change, so register for events on Handshake to stay in the loop with the latest updates.

👔 Don’t wait—start networking now at Work-It Wednesdays!

2024 Student 1098-T Tax Statements

Posted on by

Student working on a laptop, looking stressedIt’s almost tax time! Central Piedmont will be issuing student 1098-T tax statements by January 31, 2025. If you are eligible for a tax statement and wish to receive the form online instead of by mail, please provide consent in your MyCollege account. The online consent is located in the student menu under “Tax Information.”

The IRS strongly encourages students to receive the 1098-T tuition statements electronically. If you do not complete the online consent in MyCollege, Central Piedmont will mail the form to your address on file.

Please contact cashier@cpcc.edu if you have any questions.

🤝 Get help at Information Tables

Posted on by
Student at information tablePop-up information tables will be set up at all six campuses during the first few days of spring classes. Look for employees wearing “Ask Me” buttons if you need help finding your classes or answering general questions.

Information Tables will be available on Monday and Tuesday, Jan. 13-14, from 7:30 a.m. – 6 p.m., and on Wednesday, Jan. 15, from 5-6 p.m.

Navigators are at Welcome Centers year-round, and are available to help.

Remarkable Resilience: Central Piedmont Celebrates December 2024 Graduates

Posted on by

Graduate walking from stage back to seat, showing diploma to the cameraOn Dec. 12, 2024, Central Piedmont Community College proudly celebrated the achievements of over 1,487 graduates in a ceremony that highlighted their academic success and their inspiring personal journeys. This December graduating class, with an average GPA of 3.33, demonstrated remarkable dedication and perseverance across a diverse array of programs, setting a strong foundation for future contributions to the community.

“Graduation day is the most joyful day of the year,” said Central Piedmont President Kandi Deitemeyer. “It is a day of celebration—of hard work, determination, and the incredible promise that each of our graduates represents.”

Among the many stories of resilience and triumph, several graduates stood out:

Tiffany Glover: At 45 years old, Tiffany earned her Diploma in Adult High School. After being laid off from a trucking job, Tiffany sought a better future and found her place at Central Piedmont. With support from staff like Deandra Williams, she excelled in her studies, discovering joy in learning for the first time. Tiffany plans to return to pursue a degree in information technology and cybersecurity.

“Central Piedmont paved the way for me,” Tiffany shared. “They supported my curiosity and will continue to support my future career development in an ever-changing world.”

Stacy Goode: Even with the birth of her fifth child in September, Stacy earned her Associate Degree in Nursing while balancing the demands of clinicals, soccer practices, and parenting. Her hard work paid off, as she’ll soon begin her career at Novant Health. “Life is about facing challenges and sometimes getting thrown off the path you thought you needed to be on,” Stacy said. “But you pick yourself up and keep going.”

Laken Granger: Overcoming personal loss and grief, Laken earned her associate in arts degree and will begin her baccalaureate studies at UNC Charlotte in January. After her father’s passing and her mother’s battle with cancer, Laken found purpose in education during one of the darkest periods of her life. “My education kept me afloat and gave me purpose,” she reflected.

The ceremony also featured a heartfelt speech by Tryphene Mabiku, a Biological Studies graduate who shared her journey from growing up in the Democratic Republic of Congo to Central Piedmont. Overcoming self-doubt, language barriers, and imposter syndrome challenges, Tryphene discovered the power of community and resilience. Quoting Cicero, she reminded her fellow graduates, “If you have no confidence in yourself, you are twice defeated in the race of life. With confidence, you have won even before you have started.”

Central Piedmont’s graduates represent a wide range of accomplishments:

  • Degrees Earned: 379 Associate of Applied Science, 79 Associate of Science, and 704 Associate in Arts degrees.
  • Workforce Contributions: 361 graduates entering industries such as healthcare, engineering, business, IT, and education.
  • Community Impact: 194 Career and College Readiness students with high school credentials.

As these graduates embark on their next chapters, whether in the workforce or at four-year institutions such as UNC Charlotte, Appalachian State University, and UNC-Chapel Hill, they carry the knowledge, skills, and resilience gained at Central Piedmont.

“You are the future leaders, innovators, and professionals who will make a significant difference in the world,” President Deitemeyer told the graduates. “Share your journey. Show others that hard work, determination, and the unwavering support of family, friends, and mentors lead to success.”

STEM Tank Season Six Winners 🏆

Posted on by

Four STEM Tank student winners posing for a photoOn Nov. 15, 40 students participated in the STEM Tank Season Six competition, and they all did a great job.

Students were able to build critical thinking skills, communication skills, and presentation skills through research and professional development workshops.

During the competition, students presented their research proposals to a problem that lies here on campus or in the community, and were judged by Jordan Bertke and alumni Earl Alexander and Austin Perez.

First Place Winners 
Project: GRID Showcase – providing electrical power through a mobile solar panel generator in case of a power outage after a natural disaster.
Created by: Yao Georges Djaka, Vinz Karl Damuag, Roshni Shah, and Jiovani Umana
Mentor: Dr. Matt Miller

Second Place 
Project: The Central App – help students manage their budget and find discount prices on food nearby
Created by: Isis Scott, David Bartholomew, Amit Mainali, and Randolph Paul
Mentor: Tony Stanford

Third Place
Project: CIM (Central Piedmont Interactive Map) – connection and directions to campus services
Created by: Kevin Rojas Aguiar, Melissa Antunez, Adriana Castillo, Nadia Wiggins, and Imtiaz Mohammed
Mentor: Dr. Heather Song

🎓 From Graduate to Global Leader: Muriel Maglorie’s Inspiring Journey

Posted on by

Muriel Maglorie head shot, wearing construction helmet Muriel Maglorie, a 2020 graduate of Central Piedmont, has built an extraordinary career in nondestructive testing (NDT), from working on iconic Navy vessels to mentoring the next generation of skilled professionals.

  • 🌟 Career Highlights: Starting as a Level I NDT Inspector at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, Muriel contributed to critical projects, including the USS Nimitz, USS Theodore Roosevelt, and USS Carl Vinson, embodying a commitment to “First Time Quality.”
  • 🌍 International Expertise: Selected in 2021 and 2023 to work on the USS Ronald Reagan in Yokosuka, Japan, Muriel honed her skills while supporting the Navy’s fleet abroad.
  • 🔧 Private Sector Success: Now back in North Carolina, she inspects pumps for nuclear facilities, bringing her expertise to new challenges.

Muriel remains connected to Central Piedmont, mentoring others through the Ruth G. Shaw Leadership program and advocating for Skilled Trades. Her story exemplifies the power of perseverance and the impact of a strong foundation in technical education.

💡Reminder: Student Voices Survey Closes Dec. 1

Posted on by

Students outside, laughingYou have one week left to participate in the Student Voices Survey Series! Your feedback is vital in shaping the future of Central Piedmont, and the survey closes in just one week.

Survey Link: Check your Central Piedmont student email for your unique survey link.

Why Your Input Matters:

  • Influence Change: Your responses will directly impact the services and support we provide.
  • Support Strategic Planning: Your insights help us make well-informed decisions for the future.
  • Enhance Your Experience: Let us know what’s working and what could be improved.
  • Win Big: Last chance to participate and be entered for a chance to win a $100 or $500 Amazon gift card!

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to make your voice heard! 😊

Major Patricia Brown Wins Dan Johnson Leadership Award 🎉

Posted on by

Group of award winners, including Major Brown Major Patricia Brown, Senior Program Developer for Central Piedmont’s Law Enforcement Training, was recently honored with the Mecklenburg County Public County Health Dan Johnson Leadership Award for her exceptional contributions to the law enforcement community. Her dedication to innovative training has transformed the field.

  • 🚓 Champion of Training: Major Brown has shaped countless law enforcement careers through her leadership in developing impactful training programs at Central Piedmont.
  • 💡 Innovative Programs: Her advocacy for Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) and Post-Traumatic Growth education has brought groundbreaking opportunities to law enforcement and first responders.
  • 🤝 Community Impact: Over the past 15 years, her collaboration with Central Piedmont has enabled CIT to thrive and introduced Struggle Well courses to Mecklenburg County, benefiting countless community members.

We celebrate Major Brown’s leadership and vision in enhancing law enforcement training and are grateful for her tireless commitment. Congratulations, Major Brown! 🎉

Truist Honors Scholars Dive into Critical Conversations 📚✨

Posted on by

Central Piedmont’s Truist Honors Scholars are committed to growth—academically, personally, and socially. Recently, they participated in a transformative Common Read Engagement Experience, guided by the incredible Jamie Pollard-Smith. This initiative pushed scholars to challenge their perspectives, engage in critical discourse, and explore their place in the broader world. 🌍💡

Meet Jamie Pollard-Smith
Jamie is a full-time writing instructor at Central Piedmont, the 2022-2023 Larry M. Harding Teacher of the Year, and a passionate advocate for creative and critical thinking.

  • Education: Master of Arts from NYU
  • Roles: Coordinator for the Honors Scholar Common Read and liaison for the Charlotte Mecklenburg Public Library Community Read
  • Published Work: Contributor to Literary Mama, Scary Mommy, and Project We Forgot. Explore her writings at unbecoming.co. ✍️

I Never Thought of it That Way book coverThe Experience
This year’s Common Read centered on Monica Guzman’s I Never Thought of It That Way, sparking discussions on diverse perspectives and the integration of new ideas. Scholars reflected deeply, examined critical issues, and left with a broader understanding of the world.

Even if you missed this round, it’s not too late to dive in! 📖

Looking Ahead: Spring 2025 Common Read 📅
Get ready for our next selection: Portrait of a Thief by Grace D. Li, in collaboration with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Library. This book promises an exciting exploration of identity, culture, and action.Portrait of a Thief book cover

Get Involved
If you’re a Truist Honors Scholar, don’t miss your chance to join these engaging conversations and experiences.

📩 Learn More: Contact us at honors.program@cpcc.edu

Grow your mind. Challenge your ideas. Be part of the conversation! 🌟

Central Piedmont Truist Honor Scholars Shine in Innovation Competition! 🌟🏆

Posted on by

Truist Scholars holding giant check for $2,500The Truist Honor Scholars proudly represented Central Piedmont at the first-ever Canopy Innovation Award Competition on November 18, and secured an impressive 2nd Place! 🎉👏

The Challenge:
Three teams from local colleges and universities were tasked with solving affordable housing issues through adaptive re-use concepts. Supported by mentors, each team presented their innovative solutions to a panel of industry experts.

Central Piedmont’s Presentation Highlights:

  • 🏠 Holistic Design: Focused on affordable housing solutions that address financial, social, and individual needs while promoting independence.
  • 🔧 Creative Concepts: Combined thoughtful design and construction with a people-first approach to housing.
  • 🤝 Dedication: The team gracefully dedicated their presentation to Haywood Community College, which was unable to participate due to Hurricane Helene’s impact.

Realtors® Choice Award – Your Vote Matters!
In addition to the competition, a Realtors® Choice Award offers an extra $1,000 prize, and YOU can help Central Piedmont win!

🗳️ How to Vote:

  1. Watch Central Piedmont’s presentation: Click Here
  2. Look for the blue Realtors® Choice tab on the right side of your screen.
  3. Select Central Piedmont and hit Submit!

⏰ Voting Period: Now through December 6, 2024 – but don’t wait, vote by December 1st to show your support! 💪✨