Central Piedmont Honors James W. Allison

image of college president and four guests cutting ribbon

James W. Allison Classroom Dedication, Zeiss, Room 102, November 10th, 2021

Central Piedmont Community College recognized James “Jim” W. Allison, a long-time Central Piedmont benefactor and respected Charlotte lawyer, by naming Room 1221 of the Zeiss Building on the college’s Central Campus, the “James W. Allison Classroom” in honor of his 17-year relationship with the college.

The college will use Room 1221 for paralegal technology instruction beginning in 2022, when its paralegal program relocates from Cato Campus to Central Campus. The classroom naming aligns perfectly with Mr. Allison’s professional interests – he dedicated his career to working as a business lawyer, working primarily for Johnston, Allison & Hord PA. There, he helped counsel a number of clients representing the higher education, real estate, and healthcare fields – including Central Piedmont Community College.

Over the years, Mr. Allison has served as the college’s legal counsel, helping its leadership acquire facilities/property across the county to help expand its footprint to meet the needs of students and the community.

However, his contributions to the college’s growth extend beyond his legal work. He and his wife Judy – a Central Piedmont Board of Trustees member since 2010 – have generously donated their time and resources to Central Piedmont, establishing the Judith N. & James W. Allison Endowed Scholarship to support students in the paralegal program (with a veteran preference), and the Johnston, Allison & Hord Scholarship to support students in the college’s paralegal program.

“Jim and Judy have been generous supporters of the college, establishing endowed scholarship funds to extend opportunities to financially-needy students in our paralegal program,” said Kandi Deitemeyer, president of Central Piedmont. “This generosity has made it possible for numerous students to prepare for meaningful careers as paralegals. The gift to name this classroom will increase available scholarship resources and provide additional life-transforming financial assistance to students.”

Watch a recording of the dedication event.

Parking Deck Closures on Central Campus

Parking at Central PiedmontParking Lot 6 on Central Campus will be closed for special event parking on the following dates in November:

Thursday, Nov. 11 – 7 a.m.-noon
Monday, Nov. 15 – 7 a.m.-noon
Tuesday, Nov. 16 – 7 a.m.-noon
Wednesday, Nov. 17 – 7 a.m.-noon

Students can also park in Parking Deck 1 (corner of Charlottetowne Ave. and 7th Street) or Parking Deck 4 behind Overcash on these dates.

Advisory: Overcash Circle on Central Campus to close Nov. 15 – 20, for ‘Creators Wanted’ mobile exhibit; students and employees can attend! 

Overcash AspireCentral Piedmont is proud to announce the Central Campus will serve as a host location and tour stop for the “Creators Wanted” campaign, Nov. 15 – 20, 2021. 

The National Association of Manufacturers and The Manufacturing Institute, the 501(c)(3) non-profit education and workforce development partner of the National Association of Manufacturers, launched the campaign earlier this year. It’s the manufacturing industry’s largest campaign to build the workforce of tomorrow and inspire, educate and empower a new generation of creators in the United States.

“Creators Wanted” is a mobile experience, designed to bring the story of modern manufacturing to communities across the country with the purpose of promoting growth and employment within the manufacturing industry.  

Each tour stop includes the “Creators Wanted” mobile exhibit – a large 53-foot trailer – as well as a variety of other supplemental resources such as rental tents and more. The “Creators Wanted” mobile unit will be stationed in the Overcash Center driveway, on Central Campus, from Nov. 15 – 20. Please note: vehicular access to Overcash circle on Central Campus will be closed during this timeframe. Student drop-offs and pick-ups won’t be possible, so please plan accordingly.

The event will be open to Central Piedmont employees and students, as well as the general public, by reservation to ensure the state’s COVID guidelines are followed. Reserve your spot today!

Learn more about the “Creators Wanted” mobile exhibit.

Managing Your Mental Health: Anxiety Management

two nursing students walking on campus with face masksDid you know anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the U.S., affecting 18.1% of the population every year*?  Join the Central Piedmont healthcare careers programs for an upcoming town hall discussion: Managing Your Mental Health: Anxiety Management. Participate in an interactive presentation discussing mental health management strategies.

Glenda Nnaji, a curriculum counselor in health professions, is a licensed clinical mental health counselor supervisor (LCMHCS), and a licensed clinical addiction specialist (LCAS). She will share her expertise and answer questions from participants. Glenda works with adult students who are having challenges with managing their Mental Health while in stressful competitive health programs. Learn about mental health symptoms, behaviors, and mental health management.

Event Details: 

  • Date: October 26, 2021
  • Time: 6:30 to 7:30pm
  • Location: Central Campus, Zeiss Building, Auditorium
    1231 Elizabeth Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204

Save your spot and register today.

Questions? Visit us online to learn more about Healthcare Programs Townhall.

*according to the Anxiety & Depression Association of America.

 Harvey Gantt: A Story of Perseverance in Driving Change

Harvey Gantt photo in front of colorful backdropJoin us on Thursday, Oct. 14; 1 – 2:30 p.m. for the Harvey Gantt: A Story of Perseverance in Driving Change.

In addition to being Charlotte’s first African-American mayor, Mr. Gantt was also the first African-American student at Clemson University. Join us as he reflects on his own journey, discusses the power of collaboration and allyship in creating change, and gives advice on how Central Piedmont can continue pushing forward in supporting our students and the Charlotte community.

Location:  Halton Theater in the Overcash Performing Arts Center on Central Campus.

Live streaming available on each campus. Space will be limited to ensure social distancing guidelines are followed.  Masks will be required at all of the events (both in-person and streamed). Register and reserve your seat today!

For more information, please contact David.Mahatha@cpcc.edu.

Get Ready For College During College Application Week

Students on Central Piedmont Community College campusJoin us for NC Countdown to College: College Application Week! This event is an opportunity for future students to receive information about graduating college debt free, the application to Central Piedmont, Residency Determination Service, and showcase what is available to students at each campus.

Do you know a high schooler who wants to go to college, but isn’t sure how to get started? The annual North Carolina Countdown to College events can help with three important steps to beginning the college journey:

Register for College Week today at a campus near you.  Sessions are held Monday, October 18 to Saturday, October 23.

Don’t miss out on free money for college! FAFSA Day is October 23

students being helped behind clear shield on campusAre 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, October 23 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 October 23.

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.

Central Piedmont’s Cato Campus to host annual Fall Plant Sale

three people standing surrounding a green plantThe Central Piedmont Community College Horticulture Technology program invites you to attend its annual Fall Plant Sale October 1 – 2nd on Cato Campus. An array of vegetables, perennials, shrubs and trees will be available for purchase throughout the two-day event. All proceeds will benefit the Horticulture Technology program at Central Piedmont.

Horticulture students will be on-site to assist attendees with choosing from a variety of items such as:

  • fall vegetables – lettuce, cabbage, broccoli and more
  • assorted trees, shrubs and flowers

If you’re a gardener at heart, you won’t want to miss this event. Mark your calendar today!

Friday, October 1, 9 a.m.–6 pm. – Saturday, October 2, 9 a.m.–Noon

This event is free and open to the public. Masks are required. Personal checks, cash and cards accepted. FREE parking is available at the Cato Campus.  For more information, visit us online or please email kelly.black@cpcc.edu.

CATS CityLYNX Gold Line Streetcar will Open for Service August 30

streetcar safetyThe newly expanded CATS CityLYNX Gold Line streetcar mass transit line will open to passengers Monday, August 30, the Charlotte Area Transit System.

The streetcar line, which last operated streetcars in June of 2019 and has operated buses in the interim, has now been expanded an additional 2.5 miles to run from Charlotte’s Historic West End to the Elizabeth neighborhood.  The streetcar will operate every 20 minutes from 5 a.m. to 2 a.m., seven days a week. The service will be fare-free until January 2022.

CATS is urging those who drive, walk, bike, or live near the streetcar alignment to become familiar with the rules of streetcar safety. It’s also important for all motorists who are accessing and visiting Central Campus to remember not to park on the streetcar tracks or on the side of the road, especially along Elizabeth Ave. Cars parked on streetcar tracks or incorrectly parked are subject to a citation and being towed.

Learn more about the project or view the new Gold Line route. For questions or concerns, please call 704.336.RIDE (7433) or visit ridetransit.org.

Advisory: Upcoming Vaccination Clinics open to friends and family

The upcoming student and employee COVID-19 vaccination clinics at Levine, Central, and Cato Campus are now open to friends and family members.

The clinics will be held at the following locations from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.:

During the events at Levine and Central, Atrium healthcare professionals will administer the first dose of the FDA-approved Pfizer, two-dose vaccine to all attendees ages 12 and up. (The vaccine that will be administered at Cato is not yet known.) The Centers for Disease Control and the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services encourages everyone 12 and older to get vaccinated. Learn more about the vaccine today.

The vaccine is free of charge, and recipients do not need to be insured. Atrium healthcare professionals will share second dose information – including the date of their second dose and the vaccination location – with recipients after they receive their first dose.

Appointments for the clinics are encouraged to reserve your time. Walk-ins will be accepted.

Directions the day of the clinic:

  • Park in one of the campus’s parking lots. (View our campus maps for parking info.)
  • Enter the front entrance of the building listed above.
  • Check-in at the registration table.
  • Show your Central Piedmont employee/student ID. (Family and friends must be accompanied by a Central Piedmont student or employee to be vaccinated.)
  • Practice the 3W’s: wear a mask (required), wash your hands, and wait/keep at least six-feet apart.

Questions
Email aashima.rodkey@cpcc.edu.

Activities for Students by Students – Join Campus Activities Board Today

CAB Students sitting near Zeiss building on campus

The Campus Activities Board (CAB) is excited for a new year of learning and fun. CAB offers a variety of FREE programs and activities by students – for students. We value the importance of peer to peer connection outside of the classroom; so, we have worked diligently to create a blend of in-person and virtual offerings. Be sure to follow us on Instagram for event updates, giveaways, and more! 

If you are interested in becoming a member of CAB, submit your application today. Applications are open to all Central Piedmont students, regardless of campus. Membership is limited, so apply now! The application deadline is September 12, 2021, by 11:59 pm. If you have any questions, contact Carrie.Street@cpcc.edu or John.Gomez@cpcc.edu

 

 

Introducing the Leon Levine Health Sciences Center

exterior of Leon Levine Health Sciences BuildingWe may have grown a bit since the last time you were on Central Campus so let us introduce you to the North Classroom Building (on the Quad) and the Leon Levine Health Services Building (across Elizabeth Ave from the bookstore & opposite the Levine IT Building)

In recognition of a $2.5-million grant from The Leon Levine Foundation to support health sciences education and health careers preparation at Central Piedmont Community College, the college is naming its new health programs facility on its Central Campus the Leon Levine Health Sciences Center.

 

Located at the corner of Charlottetowne Avenue and Elizabeth Avenue, the Leon Levine Health Sciences Center opened in August 2020. While many Central Piedmont students still were taking classes remotely due to the COVID-19 pandemic, students in a number of health careers programs that require in-person instruction began taking classes and labs in the new facility immediately.

 

Covering approximately 74,450 square-feet of space, the Leon Levine Health Sciences Center provides a home base for multiple health professions programs, including dental assisting, biomedical equipment technology, surgical technology, and polysomnography, and hosts a state-of-the-art virtual-anatomy classroom. In addition, the facility provides students with a number of hospital simulation rooms, including, trauma, mother and child, pediatric, typical patient rooms, an operating room, clinical laboratory, and pharmacy. The building is also home to the geomatics and civil engineering programs and provides several general use classrooms.

 

Read the complete story.

Your Voice Matters! Participate in a ‘Campus Conversation’ event.

teaching instructing in front of whiteboard while students are sitting in class using laptops

Central Piedmont is preparing for its Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) reaffirmation in 2024. Our accreditation is vitally important since it impacts the college’s ability to award degrees, diplomas, and certificates to students – just like you.  It even affects your ability to receive financial aid from the U.S. Department of Education.

As a student, YOU are important to this process! Here’s where you come in: We need your help to develop the Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP), which is a requirement of the college’s SACSCOC reaffirmation process. The QEP topic will focus on an issue Central Piedmont can improve upon that deals with student learning outcomes and/or student success.

The QEP Topic Selection Team has reviewed various internal and external documents to identify possible student success themes and drafted questions to gather your feedback around the themes during Campus Conversations this past April. Now, you get to vote on your top theme. The top theme will then be narrowed into a QEP topic later this semester. 

Here is a link to the QEP Topic Selection Survey. Please complete the survey by the end of the day on Sunday, Sept. 5.

You will also have the opportunity later to help in the coming months by:

  • submitting a research proposal this fall that further narrows the focus of our QEP

We look forward to hearing from you!

Central Piedmont Fitness Centers Now Open

male students lifting dumbbell weights in the Central Campus fitness centerFitness centers at the Central, Levine and Merancas campuses are now open! We can’t wait to see you in the fitness center this semester. Please review the new Fall 2021 Fitness Center Staffed Hours of operation:
    • Monday & Wednesday: 7 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
    • Tuesday & Thursday: 11 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
    • The fitness center at Central Campus will be Closed for PED-117 Weight Training Class, Tuesday & Thursday, 9:30-10:45 a.m. Hours at Levine may also have schedule adjustments for classes using the fitness center.

Please be aware, the Central Piedmont Fitness Center Use Guidelines & Wavier will be required of all employees and students who wish to utilize the fitness centers or who participate in other employee fitness opportunities.

  • All users will be expected to abide by the guidelines included in the waiver and college policies and procedures while using any campus fitness space.
  • All users of locker room spaces should also read and be familiar with locker room guidelines.

Questions about Central Piedmont Fitness Centers can be addressed to the following individuals:

Join us for a Week of Welcome events on every campus

students walking with masks while on campusStudent Engagement wants to welcome you to the Central Piedmont community throughout our Week of Welcome (August 23-27)! Each campus is hosting a variety of grab-and-take home-style events that allow us to introduce you to what engagement looks like at Central Piedmont. Masks and social distancing will be required.
All events are from 11-1 unless noted otherwise and will be at the following campus locations (unless noted as a virtual event):
  • Central: Worrell Building Patio
  • Levine: Levine II Outside of Room 1400 (Student Engagement Suite)
  • Cato: Cato III Patio
  • Merancas: Merancas IV Patio
  • Harper: Harper IV Lobby
  • Harris: Harris I Room 1225, Student Engagement Suite
Welcome Week Events:
  • Monday, August 23: It’s hot outside, so grab a cool treat to cool you off! Free ice pops or ice cream!
  • Tuesday, August 24: Central Piedmont prides itself on service! Grab a take-home service project that helps Promising Pages, an agency providing books and literacy initiatives to young readers!
  • Wednesday, August 25 | Craft Day: get creative with a grab and take-home canvas and paint set! Tag us on social media to share your masterpiece with the student body!
  • Thursday, August 26 | Virtual Trivia | 11-3pm: Join us via Zoom for an opportunity to show off your knowledge on a variety of topics and a chance to win a gift card! Visit the Student Life Calendar for Zoom information!
  • Friday, August 27 | Virtual Club Fair | 1-2:30pm: Come meet the different student clubs Central Piedmont has to offer. Speak with staff and students about getting involved, and find information on clubs you would like to join!  Join us via Zoom Meeting. [Meeting ID: 980 3776 9241, Passcode: Clubs]
  • Friday, August 27 | Esports | 11am-5pm:  Download the FREE Mission Control GG App, Join the Central Piedmont Organization, Sign up, and suggest your favorite game! Registration closes on Aug 26.

Check the Student Engagement event calendar to see when Welcome Week events are on your campus!

Fall 2021 Parking and Transportation

Parking at Central PiedmontWelcome to the new semester! We’re excited to welcome you to the fall 2021 semester.

GETTING TO & FROM YOUR CAMPUS 

Traffic is heavy during the first two weeks of school; therefore, please consider carpooling or using public transportation, and plan to arrive early to campus to allow enough time to park and find your classrooms and labs. Also, please be aware there are construction and maintenance projects on several Central Piedmont campuses that could cause issues. Please use caution when driving near campus, looking out for pedestrians and people riding bikes and scooters.

Also, consider visiting your campus ahead of time to get comfortable with your parking and classroom locations before classes start if this will be your first semester with the college.

Download the Central Piedmont mobile app for iPhone or Android to see all campus maps or for more specific information – and follow #cpccparking on Twitter for the most recent parking info.

CityLYNX Gold Line

CATS has not yet announced when the Gold Line will begin regularly serving local residents but they are currently in a testing phase, so you may see streetcars periodically.

CATS replaced the old trolley-style streetcars with more modern ones that operate more quietly, so please be sure to use crosswalks and look both ways before crossing the street, especially in the travel areas used by the new streetcars.

During testing, it’s important for all motorists who are accessing and visiting Central Campus to remember not to park on the streetcar tracks or on the side of the road, especially along Elizabeth Ave. Cars parked on streetcar tracks or incorrectly parked are subject to a citation and being towed.

PARKING DECALS

Student parking decals are now available at each campus’s Cashiering Office. Students will receive one parking decal per semester. Decals may be picked up after tuition is paid in full. The Cashier’s Business office hours on all campuses are 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Parking decals must be displayed by Friday, September 17th.

CENTRAL CAMPUS PARKING DECKS

Please view the Central Campus map for locations of parking decks and lots. Here are the physical addresses of the parking decks at Central Campus:

  • Central Campus parking deck #1 – 1321 Charlottetowne Ave.
  • Central Campus parking deck #2 – 1108 Charlottetowne Ave.
  • Central Campus parking deck #3 – 1345 E. 4th St.
  • Central Campus parking deck #4 – 1225 E. 4th St.

Also, students may not park in the SunTrust bank lot or risk having your car towed. Other local businesses strictly enforce towing so please display your parking decal and only park on Central Piedmont’s campuses.

If you have any questions, please contact the Central Piedmont Information Center at 704.330.2722 (CPCC).

Top Things To Know Before Starting Classes this Fall

female student. with black face mask on sitting at outside tableThe start of a new semester can be hectic. Whether this is your first semester, or you’re continuing your course plan – your success is our top priority. Familiarize yourself with the college’s student support services which are available to support you this semester.

Here’s a list of key things you need to know to help you get started at Central Piedmont this fall.

Law Enforcement Training at Merancas and Cato Campuses This Week

BLET students marching on campus

Central Piedmont’s Public Safety division will conduct “Reaction Critical Firearms” training with area law enforcement officers, at Merancas and Cato campuses, May 19-21. 

Major Pat Brown, and her team, will conduct a variety of simulations during the three-day event. Please avoid the following areas, if possible, during the dates and times listed below: 

  • May 19: Merancas Campus, Belk Center for Justice Building (CJ 117/119), 7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  • May 20-21: Cato Campus, Cato III, First Floor (CT117 – CT125 and CT130), 7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.

During the training, campus visitors may hear loud noises. Please know this is part of the training, and it is not an active emergency. 

All training areas will be marked with signage to make them easily identifiable. The stairwell and elevator on the First Floor of Cato III will be accessible if you need access to the ground level floor or Floors 2 and 3.

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.

It’s time to celebrate Class of 2021!

Dr. Deitemeyer standing behind recent graduateThe past year has been a challenging one for all of us in so many ways. However, the Class of 2021 has risen above the obstacles put in their way to achieve their educational goals. Class of 2021: it’s time to celebrate!

Commencement will look different this year to keep our community safe. We will be holding several outdoor ceremonies on the Overcash Lawn on Central Campus Wednesday, May 12, and Thursday, May 13, to allow for social distancing. Additional ceremonies can be added for Friday, May 14, if necessary.

Graduates are encouraged to pick up their FREE cap and gown at the Central Campus College Bookstore as soon as possible.

For your safety, we will be requiring mask usage and providing free masks for graduates and guests. Each graduate will be able to invite two guests. Additional guests can watch our free online livestreams on Facebook and YouTube.

Check your student email for information on how to register for your guest tickets and sign up for your program’s time slot.

Learn more about Graduation.

Get the latest news about this year’s event.