Category Archives: Student Services

🎓 Get Ready to Make That Major Decision! 🎓

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Two women talking at a career services event

Feeling a little lost when it comes to choosing your major? 🤔 Don’t stress—Central Piedmont’s Career Services is here to help you navigate this big decision!

How to Get Started 🚀

1. Make an Appointment with a Career Counselor 🗓️

  • Schedule a session with one of our friendly career counselors through Handshake.
  • Counselors are available both in-person at every campus and virtually, so you can choose the option that works best for you!

2. Explore the “Choosing a Program of Study” Page 🖥️

  • Visit our Choosing a Program of Study page to explore different majors and narrow down your options.
  • This resource is packed with tips and steps to help you make an informed decision about your career path.

Need More Help? 🤝

For any questions or additional support, don’t hesitate to reach out to Career Services at career.services@cpcc.edu or give us a call at 704-330-6551. We’re here to guide you every step of the way! 🎉

Choosing your major is a big step, but with the right resources and support, you can make the decision with confidence. Let’s get started on your journey today! 🌟

Welcome to the New Semester! 🎉

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Three smiling students hold fancy popsicles.We’re so excited to have you at Central Piedmont! Here’s some essential info to help you kick off the semester successfully: 

🚌 Plan Your Way to Campus

  • Bus/Rail: Use the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS). Download the CATS-Pass app or visit their website. 
  • Driving: 
    • Check campus parking maps. 
    • Park only in Central Piedmont decks/lots (local businesses tow strictly). 
    • Get your parking decal at the Cashiering and Business office (tuition must be paid). 
    • Arrive early during the first week to find parking and navigate the campus. 🚶‍♂️🚴‍♀️ 

📅 Learn Your Schedule & Campus Locations 

💻 Brightspace for Online Classes 

🗺 Can’t Find Your Class? 

  • Look for pop-up Information Tables, available at all campuses:
    • Aug. 12-13: 7:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.
    • Aug. 14: 5 – 6 p.m. 

📚 Get Textbooks and Course Materials 

  • Visit Central Piedmont campus stores or shop online (free shipping on orders over $50). 
  • Use Smart Lockers at Harper, Harris, and Merancas Campuses for online purchases. 
  • Watch for emails from Follett, RedShelf, and BryteWave for digital materials included in the Follett ACCESS program. 

🍽 Hungry On Campus? 

  • Vending and microwaves on all campuses. 
  • Central, Cato, and Levine Campuses have coffee and sandwich locations (Mon. – Fri., 7:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.). 

📢 Stay Informed 

🆘 We’re Here to Help 

Have a great semester! 🎓 

Three Keys to a Great Start at Central Piedmont! 🚀

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Student using a computerReady to crush your first semester at Central Piedmont? Join our 30-minute virtual sessions designed for new students like you, and we’ll cover all the basics to make your college journey smoother.

What’s On the Agenda:

  • 📚 How to Read a Class Syllabus: Decode your course requirements.
  • 🖥️ Navigating Brightspace: Master our online learning platform.
  • 💸 Purchasing Textbooks with Financial Aid: Learn how to snag your books using financial aid.

When and Where:

  • All sessions are online via Microsoft Teams. Here are the dates and times:

These sessions are quick, super helpful, and the perfect way to kick off your semester with confidence. See you there! 🎉

Dining Options at Central Piedmont: Fuel for Your Day

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Catalyst Coffee Bar, Harris Campus🍽️ Central Piedmont offers a variety of dining options across all six campuses. Enjoy full-service coffee bars, grab-and-go lunch stations, sandwich shops, breakfast/lunch spots, and more—all cashless. 💳

Need to Use Cash?

  • Purchase vouchers at the Cashiering Business Office on any campus.

Where to Find Food Services:

  • Cato, Central, and Levine Campuses: Full food services available.
  • All Campuses: Coffee bars and grab-and-go lunch stations ☕🥪

Vending Machines:

  • Available at all campuses with snacks, drinks, and microwaveable foods. No need to be hungry! 🍫🥤

Catering Services:

  • Our dining team now offers catering to fit any audience. Request a consultation to tailor your event. Internal and external customers welcome. No event is too small or too large. You won’t be disappointed! 🎉

📅 Review food service menus, locations, and hours.

Campus Stores: Your One-Stop Shop for Everything

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bookstore

🛍️ Central Piedmont Campus Stores are here to serve you! Physical stores are located on Central, Cato, and Levine Campuses, plus, enjoy the convenience of smart lockers at Harris, Harper, and Merancas Campuses for easy delivery.

Why Visit Our Campus Stores?

  • More than just books: Grab your coffee, drinks, snacks, and food options! ☕🍫
  • Free shipping on orders over $50! 🚚✨
  • Use your Financial Aid to shop with ease.

📅 Fall Hours:

  • Jul 29 – Aug 9 (Mon – Fri): 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  • Aug 10 (Sat): 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
  • Aug 12 – 16 (Mon – Fri): 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
  • Aug 17 (Sat): 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
  • Starting Aug 19 (Mon – Fri): 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

📍 Visit us online to read more about our locations and services.

Navigating College Finances at Central Piedmont

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Understanding how to manage college finances is crucial as you start thinking about your future education. Here’s a guide to help you navigate payment due dates, financial aid, FAFSA, scholarships, and tuition payment plans. Classes start August 12!

student aid

Payment Due Dates

College tuition and fees must be paid by specific deadlines. For example, fall tuition and fees at Central Piedmont are due by Monday, July 29. If you don’t make a payment or arrange a payment plan by this date, your classes will be dropped. Mark your calendar and plan to avoid missing deadlines.

Financial Aid

Financial aid can make college more affordable. It includes grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study programs. Here’s how to get started:

Completing the FAFSA

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) determines your eligibility for federal financial aid. Complete the FAFSA every academic year to see how much aid you can get. Central Piedmont’s FAFSA code is 002915.

Scholarships

Scholarships are a fantastic way to reduce college costs. Central Piedmont offers over $3 million in scholarships. Here’s how you can apply:

  1. Search and Apply: Use the Central Piedmont scholarship portal to find and apply for scholarships.
  2. Meet Requirements: Most scholarships require a minimum GPA of 2.0 or 2.5. Ensure you are enrolled in a certificate, diploma, or degree program at Central Piedmont.
  3. Submit Essays: Many scholarship applications include essay questions about your educational and career goals. Write and proofread your answers carefully.

Next NC Scholarship

The Next NC Scholarship is a financial aid program that helps most North Carolinians from households making $80,000 or less pursue higher education by fully covering tuition and fees at any community college or more than half, if not all, of tuition and fees to attend any public college in the state. The best part? It’s money that doesn’t have to be repaid.

It combines the federal Pell Grant with the state-funded financial aid program to form a simplified and predictable scholarship award that is easier to understand. It makes education more affordable so more North Carolinians can pursue a degree.

Key Features of the Next NC Scholarship:

  • Tuition-Free Degree: Qualifying community college students will receive at least $3,000, covering 100% of tuition and fees at any of the 58 North Carolina community colleges.
  • Simple Application: Just submit the FAFSA form. If you’re eligible, you’ll receive the Next NC Scholarship without any additional forms. The priority filing date for NC community colleges is August 15, 2024.

Eligibility Requirements:

  • A North Carolina resident who is eligible for in-state tuition
  • A high school graduate (or high school equivalency completer)
  • From a household with an annual Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) of $80,000 or less
  • Enrolled in an eligible undergraduate curriculum program for the 2024-2025 academic year
  • Taking at least 6 credit hours per semester (part-time students will receive a partial award)
  • Meeting the Satisfactory Academic Progress standards of the school you plan to attend
  • A student who has completed the 2024-2025 FAFSA with a resulting Student Aid Index (SAI) at or below 7,500

Tuition Payment Plan

A tuition payment plan is a good option if you can’t pay your tuition in full by the deadline. Central Piedmont offers a plan to pay in smaller amounts over time without interest or credit checks. Here’s how it works:

  1. Enroll Online: Sign up for the payment plan through the Central Piedmont portal.
  2. Down Payment: Pay a portion of your tuition upfront, plus a small enrollment fee.
  3. Monthly Payments: Your remaining tuition is divided into monthly payments, automatically drafted from your account.

Key Tips

  • Stay Organized: Keep track of all deadlines and required documents.
  • Apply Early: To increase your chances of receiving financial aid and scholarships, apply as early as possible.
  • Seek Help: Don’t hesitate to ask for help from financial aid counselors if you have questions.

Starting early and staying informed will help you manage college finances and focus on your education. Good luck!

Central Piedmont Students Receive Tool Sets and Cash Supplements Thanks to Faison Enterprises Grant 🎉🛠️

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Thanks to a generous grant from Faison Enterprises, Inc., 70 Central Piedmont students in the Construction Management, Electrical Systems Technology, and Welding programs received tool sets valued at nearly $500 to help jump-start their careers.

Tool Sets Include:

Backpacks of tools provided to Central Piedmont students by Faison

  •  🥽 Safety glasses
  • 🪖 Helmets
  • 📏 Measuring tapes
  • 🎒 Backpacks
  • 🌟 And more!

Central Piedmont instructors handpicked the tools to ensure they are perfect for students beginning their careers.

💵 Each student also received a $750 cash supplement to use as they need for their academic and career journey.

📣 Student Reactions:

  • “This is an amazing gift,” said Colton Droke, an Electrical Systems Technology student. “I didn’t have the money to afford something like this. I’ve been using my grandfather’s toolbox, which is more like a tackle box, and a variety of hand-me-down tools. I’ll use this every day.” 🥳
  • “This will help me immediately,” added Farris Robertson, a dual enrollment student studying carpentry. “I’m very grateful because I would have had to purchase this out of my own pocket, and now I can use that money elsewhere.” 🙌

Community Impact: “Faison is very excited to partner with Central Piedmont and launch this pilot program,” said Kris Fetter, President and CEO of Faison. “Central Piedmont is such an important institution serving the Charlotte community. We want these students to receive the best education in these fields of study so they can enter the workforce and have a productive, meaningful career.”

💡Reminder: Student Email Now on Outlook ✉️

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IT Services employee assisting a student at the help deskOver the summer, Central Piedmont transitioned from Google to Microsoft 365, and all student mailboxes and Drive data have successfully migrated.

📧 New Email: All student mailboxes are now on Outlook.

📂 Drive Data: Your Google Drive data is fully accessible in your new Microsoft 365 account. If you’re new to navigating M365, check out these Microsoft 365 Tools and Applications.

🌐 Resources: We have answered lots of your frequently asked questions and put the most requested knowledgebase articles in one place.

🌟 Learn More: Enhance your Microsoft skills on LinkedIn Learning.

💻 Support: Need help? Contact the Service Desk for technical assistance.

For quick answers, browse the Service Desk client portal and review the knowledge base. If you cannot find the answer to your question, please submit a ticket. Getting a ticket started will speed up the process of getting service from ITS.

🗣️ New Students: Learn about Next Steps for Admission📝

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Four students on Central Campus, smiling with the skyline behind themEducation is not a one-size-fits-all endeavor, and Central Piedmont has a variety of options to help you achieve your goals. The type of student you are dictates the enrollment steps you need to complete during the admission process, and we want to make sure you have all of the resources you need to complete those steps quickly. So, we’re offering 30-minute virtual Q&A sessions dedicated to navigating the enrollment process. ✨

What We’ll Cover:

  • 📋 Step-by-step walkthrough of the enrollment process
  • ❓ Q&A to address any of your concerns
  • 🔗 Resources to get you started on the right foot

Choose a Date and Time:

Don’t miss out on these helpful sessions! 🌟 Let’s make your enrollment process smooth and stress-free. See you there! 😊👋

🎉New Accommodate Platform is Live! 🎉

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A student visits a table to speak with a member of the office of Disability ServicesCentral Piedmont Accommodate is now live! This new software platform makes it easier than ever to connect with Disability and Access Services (DAS) and submit accommodation letters to your instructors. 📅✨

🛠️ Getting Started with Accommodate:

  • Check out our step-by-step guide, complete with screenshots, to help you navigate the new system effortlessly.

❓ Questions or Concerns?

At Central Piedmont, we are dedicated to creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment for all students. 🌟📚

Important Notice: Registration and Payment System Closure 🔒

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Group of students sitting on the stairs inside the Parr CenterHeads up! Due to year-end processing, our registration and payment systems will be down from Wed., June 26 at 6 p.m. until Mon., July 1 at 7 a.m.

What You Can Still Do to Prepare for the Fall Semester During the Outage:

Please Note: The college can still process transcripts and take in-person cash and check payments during the planned outage, just no credit cards.

Fall registration is now open, and you can register online before or after the temporary closure.

Need help? Call 704-330-2722 or email navigate@cpcc.edu. 🤝

Coming Soon: New Software Platform for Disability and Access Services! 📢💻

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A sign language interpreter providing services for a student in the classroomStarting Mon., Jul. 1, Central Piedmont is launching an exciting new software platform to streamline the process for students requesting or renewing accommodations through Disability and Access Services (DAS).

🚀 What’s New?

  • Simplified Process: The new system will make it easier for students to connect with DAS and submit accommodation letters to their instructors.
  • Single Sign-On (SSO): Use your SSO to access your account, review approved accommodations, and submit semester requests for classes.

📚 Support and Assistance:

  • Detailed information will be provided on how to use the new platform in the coming weeks.
  • The Disability Support Services team will offer ongoing support throughout the transition.

💡 Why This Matters: This new platform will enhance Central Piedmont’s ability to support students with disabilities, ensuring they receive the accommodations needed to succeed academically.

📞 Questions or Concerns?

Stay tuned for more updates! 🌟

Career Services Summer Offerings 🌞

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An employer talking to a student at a career fair table

Central Piedmont’s Career Services is here to support your career journey all summer long! Whether you’re searching for a job, choosing a program of study, or preparing for interviews, we’ve got you covered.

📅 Appointments: Schedule in-person or virtual meetings with a Career Counselor at any of our campus locations via Handshake.

🕒 Summer Drop-In Hours: This summer, students and graduates can drop by Career Center at Central Campus, Central High 206 to get help with career questions without an appointment. Summer drop-in hours are Mon-Thurs, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m and will be in effect through July 26.

💻 Online Resources: Utilize Handshake for job searches, Big Interview for interview practice, and Career Coach for exploring study programs and career opportunities.

🎉 Events: Check Handshake’s Event section for over 50 virtual events, including sessions about careers with the FBI, at Bank of America, and in healthcare.

For more details and resources, visit Central Piedmont Career Services.

Reminder: FAFSA Night at Cato Campus 🎓

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FAFSA Federal Student Aid logoDon’t miss out! Join us for FAFSA Night to unlock your financial aid potential. Get hands-on help completing your FAFSA, ensuring you don’t miss out on any financial support.

🗓 Date: Wed., May 29, 2024
📍 Location: Cato Campus, Building I, Rooms 220/221
🤝 Inclusivity: Spanish-speaking staff available
🚀 Secure Your Spot: Registration is required

📅 Why Attend?

  • Personalized assistance with FAFSA applications
  • Get access to federal, state, and institutional financial aid, including grants, loans, work-study, and scholarships
  • Ensure you meet the Aug. 15 priority deadline for the 2024-2025 academic year

Have YOU Taken Advantage of the Next NC Scholarship? 🎓✨

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The Next NC Scholarship offers a fantastic opportunity for North Carolina residents toNext NC logo pursue higher education by fully covering tuition and fees at any community college. And this money does not have to be paid back. Here’s what you need to know:

Who is eligible?

  • North Carolina residents eligible for in-state tuition
  • High school graduates or equivalency completers
  • Households with an annual Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) of $80,000 or less
  • Students enrolled in an eligible undergraduate program for the 2024-2025 academic year
  • Individuals taking at least 6 credit hours per semester
  • Students who have completed the 2024-2025 FAFSA with a resulting Student Aid Index (SAI) at or below 7,500

What does it cover?

  • Community Colleges: At least $3,000, which often covers full tuition and fees
    • Funds can also be used for things like books, food, housing, and other educational expenses.

How to apply?

  • Complete the FAFSA: The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is essential. If you’re eligible, you’ll receive the scholarship; there are no additional forms to fill out.
    • Ensure it’s submitted by August 15, 2024, for priority consideration. Funds are disbursed until they are exhausted.

Why apply? The Next NC Scholarship simplifies the financial aid process by combining state and federal resources, making college more accessible and affordable for many North Carolinians. This initiative is part of North Carolina’s commitment to investing in education and supporting its residents in achieving their academic goals.

For more details, visit the Next NC Scholarship website and start your application today!

Summer Hours for IT Service Desk 📞💻

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IT Services employee assisting a student at the help deskDuring the college’s summer hours, the Information Technology Services Service Desk will be available to assist you with the following schedule:

📅 Monday – Thursday

  • Call Center: 8 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.
  • Walk-In Hours: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
    • Location: Central Campus, Parr Center, Hagemeyer Library, Second Floor

📅 Friday

  • Call Center: 8 a.m. – noon
  • Walk-In Hours: 8 a.m. – noon
    • Location: Central Campus, Parr Center, Hagemeyer Library, Second Floor

📅 Saturday

  • Call Center: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
  • No walk-in hours on Saturdays

📢 ADVISORY: Temporary Service Desk Phone Availability Adjustment

  • Please note that due to record-high call volume, the ITS Service Desk call queue has become saturated. Callers fill up the queue with callback requests each day, then create new callback requests before their place in line has come. The Service Desk starts the day with an unsustainable number of callback requests in the queue.
  • To prevent the queue from growing each day, ITS is going to implement the following temporary changes to the call queue starting May 21:
    • Stop accepting calls at 4 p.m. each day.
    • Purge a call waiting in the queue after four hours.
  • It is understood these changes may prevent somebody from getting through to the service desk by phone. The current recommendation is to browse the Service Desk client portal and review the knowledge base to find an answer to your question. If you cannot find the answer, then review our service catalog to start a ticket. Getting a ticket started will speed up the process of getting service from ITS.

🎓 Bri Duncan: A Story of Resilience and Triumph 🎓

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Headshot of Bri Duncan in her graduation cap with stethoscope around her neck

Bri Duncan’s journey at Central Piedmont is an extraordinary example of resilience, dedication, and the power of support. Hailing from Wirtz, Virginia, Bri faced the unique challenges of being a single mother and returning to school as an adult. Despite these hurdles, she achieved remarkable academic success, earning dual degrees in nursing and fine arts.

Key Achievements:

  • Academic Excellence: Bri’s stellar performance earned her a place in the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.
  • Scholarships: Her hard work was further recognized through scholarships like the Cato Future Nurse Scholar award, helping her graduate debt-free.

Driven by personal challenges, including her son’s serious health issues, Bri was inspired to pursue a career in critical care nursing. She has accepted a position at Atrium Health’s Carolina Medical Center in the Medical ICU, ready to provide empathetic care in critical moments.

Overcoming Personal Challenges:

  • Supportive College Environment: During her time at Central Piedmont, Bri faced significant personal obstacles, including her son’s recovery from a stroke and their home being flooded. The college stepped in with crucial support, offering a semester of compassionate withdrawal and allowing her to manage her family’s crises without compromising her educational aspirations.

As a commencement speaker, Bri shared her inspiring narrative with her peers, highlighting the importance of persistence, community support, and utilizing every resource available. Her message is clear and profound: Embrace challenges as opportunities to learn and grow, and never waver in the pursuit of your dreams.

🕒 Food Services Summer Hours

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Catalyst Coffee Bar, Harris CampusAs we transition into the summer season, please take note of the following changes to our campus services from May 10 until July 29:

Catalyst Operations:

  • Hours: Mon. – Thurs. 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., and Fri. 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
  • Locations: Central, Harris, Harper, and Merancas campuses
  • Note: All other food services will be closed during the summer.

Need catering this summer? Canteen will continue to take orders throughout the summer months. Perfect for meetings and events!

The campus stores at Central, Cato, and Levine campuses will continue to provide coffee, food, and snack options.

🌞 Whether you’re studying, working on campus, or just stopping by, these services are here to keep you fueled and ready to go this summer!

🎓 Celebrate Central Piedmont Graduates at Bojangles Coliseum! 🎓

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Central Piedmont Community College graduates, facing the stage during commencement at Bojangles ColiseumGet ready to cheer on the hardworking graduates of Central Piedmont as they celebrate a significant milestone in their lives. We invite you to be part of this momentous occasion, celebrating the achievements of your classmates and friends.

Event Details

  • Location: Bojangles Coliseum
  • Date: Thurs., May 9, 2024
  • Times: Ceremonies at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Important Notes:

Can’t Join Us In Person?

No worries! Whether you’re near or far, you can still be part of the excitement. We willCentral Piedmont graduate in her cap and gown, posing for the camera with an arm on a railing be livestreaming both ceremonies on YouTube at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Tune in to celebrate together, no matter where you are!

👏 Let’s Applaud Our Graduates: This is more than just a ceremony—it’s a celebration of dedication, perseverance, and success. Your presence, whether in person or online, means the world to our graduates and the Central Piedmont community. See you there! 🌟

🔍 Uncover Your Financial Aid Potential at FAFSA Night 💼

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FAFSA Federal Student Aid logo

📚 Overcome financial barriers to your education with expert guidance from Central Piedmont at FAFSA Night. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is key to accessing federal, state, and institutional financial aid, including grants, loans, work-study, and scholarships.

What To Expect: A hands-on workshop focused on the 2024-2025 FAFSA Application.
Assistance Available For: State residency, college application, and creating your Federal Student Aid ID.
🗓 Date: Wed., May 29, 2024
📍 Location: Cato Campus, Building I, Rooms 220/221
🤝 Inclusivity: Spanish-speaking staff available.
🚀 Secure Your Spot: Registration is required.

Take control of your educational financing by attending this essential workshop. Don’t miss out on the chance to get personalized help with your FAFSA application to support your college journey. Join us and pave the way to your academic and financial success!