Don’t miss out on free money! FAFSA Drive-In held on April 24

 

students being helped behind clear shield on campusDon’t miss out on free money for college!  Are you a high school senior or current college student working on your FAFSA form? We can help. We’re offering free WiFi and FAFSA Assistance — all from the comfort of your vehicle. Join us for the FAFSA Drive-In event on Saturday, April 24 on Harris Campus. 

Let us know you’re coming by registering today.

Filling out the FAFSA is a critical step in paying for college since schools use it to determine eligibility for federal, state and institutional aid, including grants and scholarships. Let us help you check this important step off your list of things to-do. It’s important for families to fill out the FAFSA as soon as possible because it increases the likelihood you will receive aid. Skipping out on this application means you’re leaving money on the table – don’t miss out! 

Learn more about event details and what to bring on April 24.

If you can’t join us, complete the 2021-2022 FAFSA today and contact Financial Aid at (704) 330-6942 or visit us online, if you need help.

New Cashiering On-Campus Office Hours

The Central Piedmont Cashiering Office at Central campus will be open from the hours of 8:00 am to 6:00 pm Monday through Thursday and 8:00 am to 5:00pm on Friday. The Cashiering office at Levine campus will be open from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm Monday through Friday.

Cato, Harper, Harris, and Merancas will open from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm on December 14th.

These hours will remain in effect until December 23, 2020. Business Office services remain available online, via email, and via telephone.

To view and pay your balance, please log in to MyCollege and select “Student Finance” to review your Account Summary, or to make a Payment.

Appointments can be made by calling any campus listed below between the hours of 8:00 am to 5:00 pm or you can send an email to cashier@cpcc.edu.

  • Cato Campus                704-330-4842
  • Central Campus            704-330-6964
  • Harper Campus             704-330-4472
  • Harris Campus              704-330-4647
  • Levine Campus             704-330-4262
  • Merancas Campus        704-330-4125

Advisory: Holiday Break Safety Reminder

picture behind Weiss building showing open sidewalkThe college will close Nov. 26-29 for the Thanksgiving holiday. As we head into the holiday season, please remember to stay vigilant and safe as the COVID-19 pandemic persists. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has issued new guidelines for Thanksgiving celebrations and Black Friday shopping, in an effort to, “help North Carolinians gauge the risks, protect their friends and loved ones, and slow the spread of COVID-19.”​

After the holiday break, m​any employees and students will return to our campuses, and we want to continue providing a safe environment to learn and work. It’s up to all of us to follow the mask mandates and other prevention methods that are in effect across the state. Remember, if you develop any COVID-19 symptoms at all, please stay home and consult a doctor. The more we can keep COVID-19 off our campuses, the more we can provide in-person learning opportunities (such as lab classes and hands-on training) that so many of our courses require and so many of our students need to complete their educational goals.​

So remember – keep wearing your masks, keep a good social distance between yourself and others in public, avoid large indoor gatherings, wash your hands frequently, and stay home if you feel ill at all.

Central Piedmont Food Share Event on Harris Campus

Central Piedmont is hosting a food share event on Friday, November 13, from 10:30-11:30 a.m., on Harris Campus.

During the event, members of our community can get access to FREE food. The best part is, you don’t even have to leave your car, because it’s a drive-thru event.

Advance registration is required. 

We are offering Halal and vegetarian option boxes upon request through the registration process. This event has been made possible by the Building Bridges Grant through the Interfaith Youth Core and our collaboration with Loaves & Fishes. The purpose of the grant and this event is to build bridges of understanding in the concept of religiouis pluralism while responding to the COVID-19 and food insecurity pandemics.

Questions? Contact dena.shonts.@cpcc.edu.

Central Piedmont Food Share Event at Harris Campus

Central Piedmont is hosting a food share event on Harris Campus, where members of our community can get access to FREE food! The best part is, you don’t even have to leave your car, because it’s a Drive-Thru event!

Join us Friday, September 11 between 10:30 – 11:30 am.

Advance registration is required. Register Today!

We are offering Halal and Vegetarian option boxes upon request through the registration process. This event has been made possible by the Building Bridges Grant through the Interfaith Youth Core and our collaboration with Loaves & Fishes. The purpose of the grant and this event is to build bridges of understanding in the concept of religious pluralism while responding to the COVID-19 and food insecurity pandemics.

Please contact Jesse.Bennett@cpcc.edu with any questions or for more information.

Central Piedmont Offers Expanded Evening, Friday and Saturday Courses this Fall

Beginning this fall, Central Piedmont Community College will offer expanded course offerings of some of its most in-demand classes on weekday evenings, Fridays and Saturdays at its Central, Harris and Levine campuses. The added course sections give students more options so they can complete a two-year, college transfer degree more quickly.

Central Piedmont’s new course offerings are comprised of more than 70 class sections of 20 high-demand, general education college transfer courses. The classes will be offered in sequential order and focus on a variety of subjects, ranging from biology and public speaking, to psychology and business.

“We’re excited about our new course offerings and how they will have a positive impact on our students’ lives,” said Edith McElroy, dean of Central Piedmont’s Levine Campus. “By offering more courses in the evenings, and on Fridays and Saturdays, we’re able to better accommodate our students’ busy schedules, setting them up for success both inside and outside of the classroom.”

This is the first time the college’s Harris Campus has offered high-demand college transfer classes to residents, giving individuals more options to complete an associate degree. In the past, its course offerings were specific to an academic program, such as baking & pastry arts, dental assisting, early childhood education and others.

In addition to offering more high-demand classes at Harris Campus, Central Piedmont will boast Saturday- only courses for students interested in earning a general Associate in Arts degree or an Associate in Arts degree in business administration in two years. Students seeking either of these degrees will be placed on a learning track that will require them to complete two to three courses, every eight weeks.

The additional courses and weekend accessibility will also give residents the opportunity to experience Central Piedmont – a college that believes in providing individuals with an affordable, hands-on education that will prepare them for the real world so they can make a difference in their community and beyond.

To learn more about Central Piedmont’s expanded weekday evening, Friday, and Saturday classes, please visit cpcc.edu/programs/associate-degrees or call Suzanne Marcoux at 704.330.4278 or email suzanne.marcoux@cpcc.edu.

Advisory: In-person classes suspended; remote student services available

The college has suspended in-person classes in an effort to reduce the spread of the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19. We’re partnering with local and state leaders on this comprehensive effort that’s requiring immediate action in every community. We’re doing all we can to keep our students, faculty, staff, and community as safe as possible. Please understand that the situation remains fluid, and we really appreciate your patience and flexibility.

Important Reminders

As a reminder, spring break for students has been extended one week, until March 23. The college is open but students should not report to campus.

Please remember: The short sessions of classes that were originally scheduled to begin March 16 have been moved to start next week on Monday, March 23. Registration for these 4-week and 8-week short sessions has been extended to March 22. Eligible students can use financial aid to buy books and supplies online for the second short session courses at Central Piedmont’s Barnes & Noble College bookstores. Since these are short session courses, it’s especially important to log in as soon as your classes start and begin work.

On March 23, the majority of our courses will resume online. Students enrolled in these classes should start receiving communication from instructors with details about how we will work to help you achieve your academic goals the best we can during this unprecedented situation. Check your college email often for communication from your instructors and the college concerning your classes next week.

Online Resources

The college has created a comprehensive Web page with resources to help serve students’ educational needs and provide tools for working and collaborating online.

Visit learnremotely.cpcc.edu to discover what you need to know if you’re taking online courses or if your courses are moved online.

During the coronavirus situation, Charter Communications is temporarily offering free access to Spectrum Internet. Charter will offer free Spectrum broadband and Wi-Fi access for 60 days to households with K-12 and/or college students, faculty, and staff who do not already have a Spectrum broadband subscription at any service level up to 100 Mbps. Installation fees will be waived for new student households. To enroll call 1.844.488.8395.

Campus Services and Access

 Student-facing offices will remain operational remotely to support you during this time. All student services are available online or by phone, and dedicated staff and faculty will respond to emails, voicemails and online inquiries as soon as possible. Please be patient as we all navigate this transition together.

  • The Single Stop Office is available online or by phone to help connect students to a variety of basic needs support. Please email singlestop@cpcc.edu or call 704.330.6435 for more information.

 

  • The Academic Learning Center will continue to provide free online tutoring services to curriculum-level students. Student can schedule appointments online, call 704.330.6474 or email alc@cpcc.edu for more information.

 

  • Counseling Services will continue to address the needs for Pre-Health Program advisement, Probation and Suspension students, and personal counseling through phone and WebEx appointments. Please email counseling@cpcc.edu to request further information. Students experiencing a mental health crisis should call 911.

 

  • Students who need enrollment help or have general questions can contact First Year Experience. Please email fye@cpcc.edu or call 704.330.6100.

 

  • The Library is open virtually and available to provide online, email, text or chat support to students. Visit the Library’s website to learn more about availability and services.

 

  • Both the college’s Information Center (704.330.2722) and Information Technology Services Help Desk (704.330.5000 / helpdesk@cpcc.edu) are open by phone and email during weekdays. Please submit questions online here. Students experiencing issues accessing technology can call the ITS Help Desk.

 

Federal Work Study Employees

Federal Work-Study (FWS) employees will continue to be paid monthly during the emergency period if they are unable to work due to college restrictions. The Financial Aid office will determine the total monthly Federal Work Study pay amount on an individual basis. Prior monthly Federal Work Study hours earned during the 2019-20 academic period will be considered.

 Graduation Ceremonies

We know that graduation ceremonies are on the minds of our students who are completing programs this semester. We are working to determine the best course of action and will update you as soon as we can.

On-Campus Events

By recommendation of Gov. Cooper, college-related events and large gatherings will be cancelled or postponed through April 30. Several departments are exploring remote learning methods and virtual options for programs. Students participating in college affiliated programs, groups, and clubs will be contacted directly with updates on virtual alternatives as they become available.

It is extremely important to stay connected and informed during this time. Visit the college’s COVID-19 Web page to review all announcements and instructions.

Again, please ensure you monitor your college email often as we will update conditions as soon as the information becomes available. We strongly recommend downloading the Central Piedmont Mobile app for your phone from the App store or the Google Play app store. This is a convenient way to access news, Blackboard, MyCollege, and your college email account. Finally, please connect with Central Piedmont social media. This is a fast, easy way to stay up-to-date.

This is new territory for the college, but we remain flexible in discovering ways to help our students complete the semester and to keep the college operating. We appreciate the patience of our students and their families as well as Central Piedmont faculty and staff as we work to preserve the health, safety, and academic needs of our students.

Elevate Your Career – The Spring Job Search Starts Now!

For new graduates, the average time span from an interview to a job offer is 24 days. This means students need to begin their spring job search now.  Career Services is hosting the following events to help you elevate your career:

Career Fair 2020 – Thursday, March 5th, 11 am-2 pm, Central Campus, Worrell Gym. The Career Fair is the college’s largest recruiting event and will feature 70+ employers seeking to hire for full-time and part-time positions.

What’s Next Events

Drop-in for help with “what’s next” after graduation, whether you are still deciding about your major when you transfer or need quick help with your resume, job search, and making the most of the career fair. 

CATO CAMPUS

Tuesday, February 18

10:00-1:00

Check-in at Student Success Desk,

Cato 1 Lobby

CENTRAL CAMPUS

Wednesday, February 19

11:00-3:00

Central High, Room 122

HARPER CAMPUS

Tuesday, February 18

10:00 – 1:00

H4, Room 117

HARRIS CAMPUS

Thursday, February 20

1:00-4:00

Harris 1 Atrium

LEVINE CAMPUS

Wednesday, February 19

11:00-2:00

Library, LV2601

MERANCAS CAMPUS

Tuesday, February 18

10:00-1:00

Claytor 1123

 

“Let’s Talk About Financial Aid” Workshops Now Available to Students

Did you know the month of February is also Financial Aid Awareness Month?

There are plenty of overlooked financing options you can use to reduce the costs of your education. Attend a “Let’s Talk About Financial Aid” workshop on your campus to learn more.

There are several sessions available throughout February. Click here for details on available sessions near you!

Spring Exhibits at the Bill and Patty Gorelick Galleries

Central Campus

Street Spirits

Paintings by Marvin Espy

Exhibited at the newest Bill and Patty Gorelick Gallery located in the North Classroom Building through June 30, 2020.

In this series, I hope to illuminate some of those nuances of energy and mood through the use of dramatic color, gestural mark-making, and my life experiences with the hopes of interpreting what it means to gather in an urban context. ” -Marvin Espy

Cato Campus

Remember, Reflect, Reconcile and Reimagine (R4)

An Artists Collective in contribution to the Charlotte Remembrance Project and Equal Justice Initiative’s call-to-action.

Curated by Eboné M. Lockett, M.S.Ed. through June 30, 2020

Location: Cato III, 8120 Grier Road, Charlotte, NC

 A Red Record, by Stella Park

R4 is a student-led, student-driven, inter-generational multimedia exhibit utilized to narrate the untold story of Willie McDaniel and other past and present injustices that highlight man’s inhumanity to man and to the earth. As the exhibit sheds light on these injustices, the student artists aim not only to remember and reflect on the history of our city, but to reconcile, restore and re-imagine a more just and equitable present and future for our city, state, country and world.

Levine Campus

A Joy Forever: Asian Brush Paintings

by Barbara Rizza Mellin through June 30, 2020

Location: Levine II, 2800 Campus Ridge Road, Matthews, NC

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       Morning Glories, by Barbara Rizza Mellin
Barbara Rizza Mellin captures the simple elegance of natural objects in Chinese Brush Painting, the real and apparent spontaneity of the process in which a few strokes capture the beauty of a blossom, the fragility of a fallen leaf. Her works combine elements of water color paintings and calligraphic line drawings, and, yet, have their own unique look and style. This solo exhibit featuring a collection of blossom and branch paintings, and the tools used to create the art, is a modern interpretation of the ancient art of Chinese Brush Painting. This solo exhibit featuring a collection of blossom and branch paintings, and the tools used create the art, is a modern interpretation of the ancient art of Chinese Brush Painting.

 

Harris Campus

Illuminate by the ArtPop Street Gallery Class of 2018

through December 18, 2020


Through Illuminate, Central Piedmont’s Bill and Patty Gorelick Gallery partners with the ArtPop Street Gallery’s Class of 2018 in the shared vision of bringing art to students, faculty, and the community. This collective showcase of eclectic pieces created in paint, collage, photography, stoneware, and glass reflects the diversity and depth of Charlotte’s local art. Some of the works are recognizable as those that were lit up over the city, while others are new endeavors. All reflect the aspiration and passion of the artist.

Participating ArtPop Street Gallery artists Eva Crawford – Randy L. Dean – Cortney Frasier – Gordon C. James – Carmella Jarvi – Katherine Kirchner- Pauline Dove Lamal – Julia Lawing –  Monique Luck – Arthur Rogers – Maria Senkel – Hilary Siber – Holly Spruck – Rae Stark  – Stella Hyewon Yang

Harper Campus

Selected works from the private collection of Bill and the late Patty Gorelick through June 30, 2020.

Don’t miss the eclectic array of dazzling glass, ceramic and wood pieces exhibited at the Harper IV gallery location. Through the generosity of Bill and the late Patty Gorelick, this stunning space offers mediums and themes that reflect tranquility, excitement, diversity, and harmony.

Frieze by artist Tom Stanley through December 18, 2020

   

Tom Stanley’s series are often hung as a frieze even as he works on groups of paintings. Size, imagery, color, and format for each series is distinct and help to create a visual theme within the group of related works.

The architectural realities of the Bill and Patty Gorelick Gallery at the Central Piedmont Harper Campus lend themselves well to a frieze-like installation. As a result, three of Stanley’s series are on exhibit now through July 2020. Each series will include six to eight works of acrylic on canvas.

Drawing with paint, Stanley uses common graphic strategies, such as mechanical drawing, silhouette, and sgraffito to make something he has never seen before. His works are a conversation between hands and eyes.

Top 5 Ways to Plug-In This Coming Week

Student Life Group shot

Central Piedmont offers you a ton of ways to get involved, make friends, do good for others, and have fun. While we offer hundreds of unique experiences on each campus during the semester – check out the full calendar of events – here are the Top 5 Ways to Plug-In This Week.

  1. Blood Drive (Merancas Campus):  Student Life is hosting a blood drive on Wednesday, January 22nd from 10 am-2 pm. Walk-ins are welcome or you can sign up in advance in either the SGA or Student Life Office (TS 231/TS 230) or by emailing Cassie Sinkovitz. All donors will receive a FREE T-SHIRT and refreshments. Contact: Cassie.Sinkovitz@cpcc.edu
  2. Welcome Week (Central Campus): Goals and Candy, Wednesday, January 22nd from 9:30-11 am, Therapy Dog Visit, Thursday, January 23rd from 11 am-12:30 pm in the Worrell Lobby.
  3. Week of Welcome (Cato Campus): Make Your Own Keychain, Wednesday, January 22nd from 11 am-1 pm (Cato 3 Lounge), WOW Game Truck, Thursday, January 23rd from 12-2 pm (Front of Cato 3).
  4. Warm-Up Wednesday (Merancas): Wednesday, January 22nd from 9:30-11:30 am, grab some free coffee and enjoy conversations with your fellow students.
  5. Student Resource Day (Harper Campus): Join us on the first-floor lobby to learn about resources offered for students at Harper campus on Tuesday, January 28th from 11:30-1:30 pm.

Please visit Student Life & Service-Learning to learn more about how to get plugged in!

Learn How to Promote Healthy Brain Development for Ages 0-3

Did you know that 80 percent of brain growth happens in the first three years of life?

Meck BasicsEveryday interactions between children, their parents, and other caregivers provide abundant opportunities to give children from every background a great start in life!

Come to MECK BASICS to learn how to promote healthy brain development and responsive caregiving through daily use of the Basics. Sponsored by the Central Piedmont Early Childhood Education Club, this event will be Saturday, April 27, 1 – 4 p.m., in the Harris Campus Auditorium.

The workshop is free. Those who participate for the entire program will receive a certificate for 3 North Carolina DCDEE training credit hours. Students can pre-register by emailing Mercy Thompson, Central Piedmont Early Childhood Education Club secretary, at mthomp24@email.cpcc.edu.

More information about the program and registration is in this flyer.

Harris Campus to Host Sensoria Events

The Sensoria planning team at Harris Campus wants to highlight three events that are child-friendly and free, with snacks provided.  All great outings and field trip opportunities!

  • Saturday, April 6  “Exploring Theatre with “A Sick Day for Amos McGee” presented by artists from Children’s Theater of Charlotte
    11 a.m.-noon in Harris Campus Auditorium
  • Monday, April 8  Dental Storytime Led by Emily Little of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library
    10 a.m. in Central Piedmont Harris Campus Building 1- Student Life Suite
    Hands-on activities related to teeth will occur immediately following the story time
  •  Wednesday, April 10 Explore a Fire Truck and Meet the Fire Fighters – hosted by the Fire Protection Program
    9:30 a.m. A visit from the firefighters
    10 a.m. Barnyard News Puppet Show presented by Troupe 801 of InReach
    * A crowd favorite
    10:45 a.m. Create firefighter and barnyard-themed puppets hosted by the Early Childhood Program

 Sign up for any or all of the events to be entered into a raffle to win a small prize.