Category Archives: Community

“Spread the Love” sandwich-making event

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TRIO students and staffStudents standing and seated are making peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for the homeless had a great time at the “Spread the Love” event last week (11/3). Participants spent time making more than 100 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. They also wrote kind and encouraging notes for local non-profit organization, A Roof Above, which is a Charlotte-based men’s shelter with a goal of uniting the community and ending homelessness.

Many of our amazing TRIO students are first-generation college students. While we strive to celebrate them every day, November 8 is recognized as National First Generation College Celebration Day! We are thrilled to have a day dedicated to these wonderful individuals and their accomplishments.

While next year we hope to have a larger event, this year students were able to swing by the TRIO office for snacks, refreshments, and the chance to win a TRIO-branded Rocketbook.

TRIO Student Support Services (TRIO-SSS) is a federally-funded college retention and degree completion program centered on academic, personal, social, and career support for under-resourced college students. We specialize in academic coaching, tutoring, and academic counseling.

CLT Runway 5K Benefits Central Piedmont students

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a group of five participants stand together in orange airport runway vests at the Charlotte CLT Airport Runway 5K eventImagine taking a jog… on an airport runway! That’s just hundreds of runners — including scholars from Central Piedmont — did last month (Oct. 22) during the 15th annual CLT Runway 5K at Charlotte Douglas Airport.

Media coverage from WSOC-TV showed people of all ages enjoying the unique opportunity run or walk on the runway, all for a good cause. Proceeds from the Runway 5K event fund Airport Opportunity Scholarships here at Central Piedmont.

a group of participants stand under the finish line banner at the Charlotte CLT Airport Runway 5K event

Several Opportunity Scholars joined in the fun for this year’s event.

The scholarships were created to, “promote careers in aviation, as well as economic opportunities in Charlotte,” according to the Charlotte (CLT) Airport’s website. “Over the past four years, six students from Charlotte high schools have received more than $88,000 in scholarship funds.”

 

 

Celebrating our achievements: 2021-2022 annual report available online

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The past year at Central Piedmont has been one of amazing and distinctive achievements and historical firsts. It has been a privilege to watch our campuses bustle again as students engage with our talented faculty and staff in person. Being in community again has reignited so many of us at the institution, and the vitality is indisputable. 

Central Piedmont’s 2021-22 academic and fiscal year in many ways represented a return to more normal times and operations. The college returned to pre-pandemic levels of on-campus classes and was able to re-institute in-person student services and activities. The 2021-22 year also provided the college an opportunity to celebrate a number of significant achievements and mark progress in some key areas.

Learn more about the year at Central Piedmont and check out the 2021-2022 Annual Report on the college website. The college’s annual report is prepared and published each year as a collaboration of the Communications, Marketing & Public Relations and the Institutional Advancement teams.

Kandi W. Deitemeyer, Ed.D. | Central Piedmont President

Check out the Library’s November newsletter

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What’s in Central Piedmont’s library’s newsletter this month?

  • celebrate National Native American Heritage Month
  • a listing of new books and streaming video that have arrived at the library
  • sign up for a tour of the new library at the Central Campus (Can’t make it in person? Check out our virtual tour online!)

Check out our newsletter and don’t forget to visit us at one of our campus locations (you can even reserve space to meet or study)!

Read the Library Archives newsletter

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For the Record with the library archives in the Parr Center in the background. Shelves of books and materials around chairs at tables with artifacts.The first edition of the Central Piedmont Archives newsletter, “For The Record,” is now available! Read the newsletter to learn about on-going archives projects in the areas of processing, instructional opportunities, community collaborations, Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion, and more.

To access the PDF document of the “For the Record” newsletter, please visit our digital database (you will then need to select “view” in the top right corner of the document).

Many thanks to you, our students, and our college partners for their support. We are happy to share this quarterly newsletter with you about the world of archives.

Student opinions needed, get Central Piedmont swag!

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Central Piedmont is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Comission on Colleges (SACSCOC), which makes sure institutions comply with standards of education. The college works on continuous improvements, and is currently developing a Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP), which is a requirement of the college’s process to keep our accreditation.

Student feedback was used to select the QEP topic, now we need your feedback to further refine it. Please join a virtual conversation on either:

  • Nov 16: 1- 2 p.m.
  • Nov 17: 1- 2 p.m.

Sign up for a session using this Google Form, and you will be provided the link to join the session virtually prior to the session. Attendees will be offered Central Piedmont swag! Your voice matters and we look forward to hearing from you!

Honor and Celebrate Veterans Week, Nov. 7-11

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veteran students standing around and talking

Veterans Day is Friday, November 11. In honor of our military veterans and family members, Central Piedmont’s Military Families and Veterans Services will host Veterans Week Nov. 7-11.

Join us on Monday Nov. 7 at 10 a.m. to start the week’s celebrations. Gather near the Central Campus Quad’s flagpole as we honor our veterans in a flag ceremony that reflects love for our country through commitment of service. Richard Bartell, director of Military Family and Veteran Services, will provide opening remarks.

Schedule of Veteran Week events.

Sign up for the events and to volunteer at our Habitat ReStore service project.

Employers coming to campus in November to hire you!

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Get hired! All employer recruiters will be located at Central Campus, in the Parr Center, first floor next to the Information Desk from 10:30 a.m.- 1 p.m.

Date

Company

Looking for:

Wed, Nov. 9

Coca Cola Consolidated

Customer Ambassador Sales and Support

Wed, Nov. 16

Autobell

Team Member

Wed, Nov. 30

Jet Stream

Ramp Agent, Cargo Agent, Customer Service Agent and Cabin Cleaner

Remember, even if you can not attend the recruiting events, there are hundreds of opportunities on our job board Handshake – including on-campus, part time, full time and seasonal positions. On Handshake, check “events” to learn more about the employers coming to campus. Résumés are not required to attend.

Student Story: Candis Choice

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Smiling woman with glasses and curly hair and stethoscope around her neck, holding an apple

Candice Choice

Candis Choice is a member of the National Honors Society, a mother, and an adult learner set to graduate in May of 2023.
Originally from Gray Court, South Carolina, Candis is proud to be a first-generation college student who is aspiring to become a health inspector. She is also a diligent member of the Positive Community for Women (PCW), as well as the President of Delta Alpha Pi (DAPi).
Candis was a previous high school student here at Central Piedmont, so she figured “Hey, why not go back and continue my education to further reach my career goals at the same institution that helped me before”, says Candis. Central Piedmont has given her the opportunity to meet new people, network, and gain a deeper understanding of the community.
“Central Piedmont has helped me realize that giving up is not an option. No matter what you are facing, they have the resources you need to succeed,” Candis says.
Advice Candis would give to future Central Piedmont students: You can accomplish your goals if you stay focused and stay the course. Get tutoring, join positive groups, and make sure to find a study buddy.
Unique/Interesting Facts about your college journey: I am 43 with two active young children and I have three jobs and STILL maintain school. I kept the faith, and I am almost at the end of the journey!

Lo-fi tutoring jam session Nov. 17

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Got writer’s block? Not sure if your citations are right? Not even sure how to start your assignment? No worries, come jam with us!

• Free snacks
• Relaxing/focusing Lo-fi music
• Advice from Academic Learning Center Writing Tutors

Thursday, Nov. 17
2- 4 p.m.
Central Campus, Parr Center, Library Room 2160

No worries if you can’t make this session, appointments are available for in-person and online tutoring. Learn more about the Academic Learning Center and sign up for tutoring sessions.

 

Students give back with “Spread the Love” event

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Group of students standing around a table wearing blue gloves are smiling and spreading peanut butter on bread to make sandwiches.On Oct. 26, approximately 50 Central Piedmont Opportunity Scholars, students from the Rotaract Club and Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society gathered in the Worrell Gym, located on Central Piedmont’s Central Campus, participated in a special “Spread the Love” event.

During their time together, the students prepared 350 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches to be delivered to Central Piedmont’s local community neighbors Roof Above and Angels and Sparrows.

Group of casually dressed students standing around a table wearing blue gloves are smiling and spreading peanut butter on bread to make sandwiches.

Each month, the college’s Office of Mentoring and Coaching hosts bi-weekly Pop Series workshops to help Opportunity Scholarship recipients bridge the transition between high school and college by informing students of campus resources in an attempt to sharpen their self-advocacy skills, learn the importance of professional communication, and enhance their academic development. Workshop attendance is required for all first-year Opportunity Scholars, while second-year Opportunity Scholarship students have the choice to attend.

Group of students smiling while standing around a table, wearing bright blue gloves, bending over the table working to spread peanut butter and jelly on bread to make sandwiches.

The Mentoring and Coaching team changes the workshop theme monthly to reflect an area that can best benefit students. September focused on study habits and learning, upcoming themes include health and fitness (November), and stress management (December). The Spread the Love event held on Oct. 26 supported the team’s October theme – community and giving back.

Large group of diverse students smiling and showing peace signs, standing against a wall in the Worrell gym.

Opportunity Scholars Spread the Love Event, Worrell Gym, October 26, 2022

Student Story: Ariel Blanks

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Ariel Blanks, Ophthalmic Medical Technology Student

Ariel Blanks is a current student in the Certified Ophthalmic Assistant program at Central Piedmont, set to graduate December 2022. 

Ariel started off working as a receptionist at an Optometrist’s office, not knowing she would eventually fall in love with the industry. “I became fascinated with how the eyeball worked. Even though I enjoyed my job, I wanted to learn and understand this in GREAT detail. My fascination with Ophthalmology led me to Central Piedmont’s ophthalmology program,” says Ariel.
 
Ariel was diagnosed with a stomach disease last year and decided that she wasn’t going to let her diagnoses stop her from completing her goals. “There have been many times where I was unable to do anything but be sick. Although it took me more time to finish my program, I was still able to complete it and become certified,” explains Ariel.
 
Kathleen Rodgers, a teacher and advisor of Ariel’s, played a major role in her success at Central Piedmont. Ariel admired Mrs. Rodgers’ knowledge and never took for granted how understanding and helpful she was to her during this journey. 
 
Advice from Ariel to future Central Piedmont students: Try your hardest and you will see results! 

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.

Are you the next member of the Student Equity Council?

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Lend your voice to help create a more-inclusive, diverse and equitable Central Piedmont. The Student Equity Council (SEC) is looking for new members. The SEC stands as a voice for Central Piedmont students in the areas of policies, procedures and resources as it relates to diversity, inclusion and equity.

Eight different, diverse people with deeply smiling faces across a multi-color striped background.

The SEC is committed to cultivating an inclusive and welcoming environment for all students through:
  • advocacy
  • programming and service
  • supporting our diverse, identity-focused student clubs
  • anti-discrimination training and development opportunities for students.
Virtual meetings are every other Friday at 2 p.m. Join the SEC today and make a difference for all students. SEC leadership positions are also available.
For questions or more information, please email edicouncil@cpcc.edu.

Free Online Mental Health Screenings

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Two students sitting at a distance on steps, lounging in comfortable conversation, surrounded by trees.Everyone faces difficulties that can strain their mental and emotional health from time to time, with 1 in 5 people experiencing mental illness at some point along the way.

How are you feeling? You’re invited to take a free, confidential behavioral health screening sponsored by Counseling Services.

And, if you’d like to talk to someone about the results or simply about how you’re feeling, a counselor at Central Piedmont is here to support you.

Need help for a class research assignment?

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Librarian stands talking with two students sitting, smiling and looking at a laptopDo you:

  • Have a research assignment for your class?
  • Need help finding scholarly sources?

Aren’t sure how to search a library database? Schedule a one-on-one research appointment with a librarian! A librarian will work with you one-on-one to help you find the best sources to use in your assignment, and help you build your confidence with research.

You can meet with a librarian in-person or schedule an online meeting. We’re always happy to help! Make an appointment with a librarian.

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.

Survey: How do you pay for college?

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Central Piedmont is launching a survey to learn more about your experiences and opinions concerning how you pay for college and how you address money issues. We are partnering with Trellis – a non-profit organization that helps students succeed in college – who will be sending out the survey on our behalf. Look for the survey from “Trellis Research” in your Central Piedmont student email on Monday, Oct. 24.
Completing this survey will help us work on plans to serve you and your classmates better as you move towards graduation. Also, students who participate will be entered into a national drawing to win a $50 Amazon gift card (50 total gift cards are being given away).

Your privacy is important to us – all your answers will be combined with others and will not be linked with you personally. Please complete this survey when you receive it. We really believe that learning about your experiences and challenges can help us better support you in your educational journey at Central Piedmont.

If you have any questions or concerns please contact: Kim.Amory@cpcc.edu.

One year, 100 percent employment in Ophthalmic Medical Personnel program

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Smiling student with opthalmic equipment in background

Learn more about the program from Central Piedmont students.

You can become a Certified Ophthalmic Assistant in approximately one year.

Central Piedmont’s ophthalmic medical personnel program can prepare you with the skills and knowledge needed to be a professional in the eye care industry.

100 percent of our 2021-2022 graduates from this program at Central Piedmont are employed! Learn more about the ophthalmic program, in this video featuring Central Piedmont students.

Have you taken ACA 122 yet?

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Kathleen Laguerre wearing a Central Piedmont sweatshirt , talking in the Parr CenterCentral Piedmont’s Academic Related Courses (ACA) helps you achieve academic, career and transfer success. Our ACA 122 College Transfer Success course is required for most programs at Central Piedmont as a way to help you get on a successful path.

Students who took ACA 122 reported feeling more confident about their journey from education to a career, and wish they had taken it sooner.
Watch the video to learn what other students say about taking ACA 122:If you haven’t already taken ACA 122, and it’s part of your program, consider registering for it toward the beginning of your time at Central Piedmont. Register for ACA in spring 2023 in MyCollege.

ACA 122: College Transfer Success- the bridge between students and their new educational pathway