The Central Piedmont library is hosting virtual and in-person instructional sessions to guide students through Brightspace, the college’s learning management system. 

Virtual session 

• Date: Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026 
• Time: 11 a.m.–1 p.m. 
• Location: Online (Microsoft Teams) 
• Registration: Required 

In-person session 

• Date: Monday, Jan. 12, 2026 
• Time: 3:30–5 p.m. 
• Location: Central Campus, Room 2180 at the Hagemeyer Library (inside the Parr Center) 
• Registration: Required 

What you’ll learn 

• Navigate Brightspace 
• Opt in for email notifications 
• Download and use the Brightspace Pulse app 
• Take quizzes 
• Upload assignments 
• Post in discussions 
• Complete the Enrollment Verification Activity (EVA) 

Need help with Microsoft Office? 

Students can also access free Microsoft 365 training through Brightspace. 

To enroll 

• Log in to Brightspace 
• Click Discover in the top menu 
• Search for Student M365 Transition Training 
• Self-enroll in the course 

Additional resources 

• Digital Literacy Learning Space (DLLS) — Make an appointment for one-on-one technology training 
• Email access — Central Piedmont email 
• Opening M365 — Microsoft 365 Portal 
• M365 Training on LinkedIn Learning — Getting Started with Microsoft 365 
• OneDrive Training on LinkedIn Learning — OneDrive Quick Tips 

The college is here to support your success—let’s get started together. 

Central Piedmont’s Teen Central is welcoming teenage students to explore new skills through creative, hands-on courses designed to build confidence, collaboration, and critical thinking. This season’s lineup includes two exciting workshops at Central Piedmont’s Central Campus. 

From Sugar to Sizzle: A festive teen kitchen takeover 
Calling all teen bakers and chefs—this one-day-only culinary adventure is your chance to dive into the delicious side of the season. 

• Learn baking techniques, cooking tips, and kitchen hacks 
• Create holiday-inspired cookies, cupcakes, and savory dishes 
• No experience needed—just bring your creativity and appetite 
• Note: Food and beverage allergies cannot be accommodated 
• Tuition: $75 per course 
• Location: Central Campus 
• Dates:  
  • Sat., Nov. 22, 2025 (Grades 6–8) 
  • Sat., Dec. 13, 2025 (Grades 9–12) 
• Time: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. 

Upcycle Threads: Cozy & creative holiday sewing boot camp 
This winter sewing camp invites students to explore DIY fashion using new and recycled materials to create cozy wearables and giftable items. 

• Hands-on projects with a focus on independence and creativity 
• Includes a mini sewing kit, camp projects, and a Certificate of Completion 
• No prior experience required 
• Tuition: $75 per course 
• Location: Central Campus 
• Date: Sat., Dec. 6, 2025 (Grades 8–12) 
• Time: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.  

Learn more about Teen Central and upcoming programs 

In preparation for the Central Piedmont Experience on Sat., Nov. 8, the furniture in the Parr Center Cafe and student commons will be removed to accommodate event set-up.

Furniture will be removed Thu., Nov. 6 in the afternoon and it will be replaced on Mon., Nov., 10 in the morning.

Make alternative plans:

Looking for a spot to sit and eat lunch or grab a snack with friends? Consider these seating options:

• On the collaborative stairs, convenient to dining options in Parr
• Outside on the quad
• A community space in one of the academic buildings

Students can now browse the latest additions to the library collection. Whether you’re looking for something to support your studies or just want a good read, the library has something fresh for everyone.  

• Newly added books across a range of subjects 
• Educational and documentary videos 
• Electronic resources, including journals and databases 
• Discover new titles 

Browse the latest arrivals and check back often for fresh finds and regular updates. 

Stay informed with November’s Hot Topics 

Need a quick way to stay up to date with current events? Central Piedmont Community College students can access monthly research overviews through NewsBank’s Hot Topics— a helpful resource for busy schedules and current-events-based assignments.  

What’s covered:  

• Key global issues
• Business and economics  
• Crime and politics  
• Science and health  
• Sports and the arts  

Why it matters: 

• Supports class assignments and research  
• Offers reliable, curated content  
• Helps students stay informed on trending topics  

Where to find it:  

• Access this month’s Hot Topics 
• Available at all campus library locations, including Central Campus  

Check back each month for new updates. 

Central Piedmont is celebrating the upcoming graduates with exclusive in-store promotions for graduating students. Don’t miss these limited-time offers—available at all campus store locations.

Here’s what you need to know: 

• Diploma frame sale 
  • 20% off all diploma frames 
  • Valid from Tue., Nov. 11 through Mon., Dec. 1 
  • Some exclusions apply 

• Gift with purchase 
  • Receive a commemorative Class of 2026 pen 
  • Available with a $75+ purchase of clothing or gifts (pre-tax and before discounts) 
  • While supplies last 

Visit your campus store early to take advantage of these offers and celebrate your achievements in style. 

Looking for something festive to fuel your day? Two campus favorites are serving up seasonal specials you won’t want to miss. 

Hen & Steer — Central Campus, Parr Center 

• Grilled turkey club with cranberry mayo combo
  Includes fries and a fountain drink — $9.99 

Catalyst Coffee Bar — all locations 

• Harvest apple tea elixir
  12 oz — $3.50 

Registration for spring and summer 2026 is officially open at Central Piedmont Community College. Students are encouraged to register early to secure their ideal schedule and stay on track for graduation. 

Why it matters: 
Early registration helps you get the classes, times, and instructors you want — and avoid waitlists. 

Key benefits: 

• No immediate payment required: Tuition for spring 2026 isn’t due until Mon., Dec. 8, 2025, giving you time to plan financially 
• Flexible payment options: Explore scholarships and interest-free payment plans 
• Multi-term registration: Plan ahead with confidence and reduce stress by registering for multiple terms at once 

The bottom line: 
Registering early gives you more control over your academic journey and helps ensure a smooth path to graduation. 

Students are invited to attend the annual Alumni Leadership Panel on Thurs., Oct. 23, from 6–7:30 p.m. on Central Campus, Zeiss Building, Room 1106 (Auditorium). 

Hosted by the Office of Mentoring and Coaching, in partnership with Career Services and Institutional Advancement, this event features Central Piedmont alumni who have built careers across a wide range of industries. 

What to expect: 

• Insights from alumni working in:  
  • Construction 
  • Non-destructive examination technology 
  • Communications consulting 
  • Horticulture technology 
  • Cybersecurity 
  • Data analytics 
  • Project management 
  • Sociology 
• Personal stories about their career journeys, challenges, and lessons learned 
• A post-panel networking hour in the Zeiss lobby  
• Connect with alumni and industry professionals 
• Ask questions and get career advice 
• Enjoy hors d’oeuvres while you mingle 

Why attend: 

• Be inspired by real-world experiences 
• Build your professional network 
• Learn how to navigate your own career path 

Register via Handshake using your Central Piedmont login credentials. 

This summer, 43 high school students wrapped up the Honeywell STEM Academy’s STEM Prep Program at Central Piedmont — a hands-on, college-readiness experience focused on science, technology, engineering, and math.

🧠 Why it matters:
This non-curriculum program gave 10th, 11th, and 12th graders a head start on college-level STEM courses — combining math with a second class based on their personal interests.

💡 Program highlights:

• Every student took a math course + one STEM course of their choice
• Many of the 12th graders plan to enroll full time at Central Piedmont, while 10th and 11th graders will join as dual enrollment students

🎓 A big thank-you to our faculty & mentors:

• Instructors: Dr. Carl Arrington, Samantha Carter, Tony Stanford, Quillie Hunt, and Lauren Burgess
• Student Peer Mentors: Nicholas Wind McJetters, Justin Perez, Robert Winecoff, Amariah Robinson, and Mariam Idris

🙌 Special shoutout to program leader Mrs. Amber Griffin and coordinator Shenequa Hayes, whose leadership made it all happen!

🔬 Research spotlight:

Two Honeywell STEM Academy Scholars were selected for the UNC Charlotte Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU), hosted by the College of Computing and Informatics:

• Yao Djaka: Analyzing Student Perceptions of Feedback in Monitoring Academic Progress
• Kebron Mamo: Hydroponic System for Real-Time Monitoring and Early Disease Detection

📅 Both students presented standout research posters on Fri., Jul. 25 — way to go! 👏

What’s happening: Central Piedmont wrapped up another amazing Summer Bridge Program — a dynamic experience filled with growth, learning, and real connections. 🌟

Why it matters: Summer Bridge helps new students build confidence, make friends, and get a jumpstart on college life before the fall semester begins.

Highlights:

• 🤝 Students took part in team-building exercises designed to boost collaboration, communication, and trust
• 💬 Participants supported one another while building essential teamwork and leadership skills
• 📸 Photos captured moments of energy, laughter, and determination!

Shoutout to:
👏 All the incredible staff and departments who brought this program to life — your work makes a difference!

Stay tuned for details on how to get involved in next year’s program! 🎓

What’s happening: The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) has awarded nearly $100,000 in scholarships and loan-forgiveness aid to 50 standout students and recent grads across the country — and one of Central Piedmont’s own made the list! 🙌

Who won:
🎉 Evan Jezek, Welding student at Central Piedmont, was selected as a 2025 SEMA Memorial Scholarship recipient.

Why it matters:
SEMA’s Memorial Scholarship Fund supports students pursuing careers in the automotive industry and helps current professionals at SEMA-member companies pay off student loans. This year’s awards totaled $99,500.

What they’re saying:
“This year’s scholarship recipients embody the innovative spirit, relentless drive, and unwavering passion the industry needs,” said Jose Escobar, SEMA project manager of recognition programs.

By the numbers:

• 🛠️ 50 students and recent grads received awards
• 💸 $3M+ awarded since the program began in 1984
• 📅 Next year’s applications open in Jan. 2026 at sema.org/scholarships

👏 Congrats to Evan for representing Central Piedmont in a competitive national field!

What’s happening: Charlotte Eye, Ear, Nose & Throat Associates (CEENTA) is offering an exclusive Back to School special on eyewear — available Fri., Aug. 1 through Tue., Sept. 30 — at all participating locations.

Why it matters: Whether you’re studying for exams 📚 or catching up on course materials 💻, clear vision is key! CEENTA’s deal is available not just for kids of students, but for Central Piedmont students with a valid school ID, too.

The discounts:

• ✅ 35% off your first set of glasses
• ✅ 50% off your second set
• 🕶️ Access to a virtual frame gallery so you can try on glasses online before visiting in person

Where: All participating CEENTA locations near Central Piedmont campuses, including the Central, Levine, Cato, Merancas, Harper, and Harris campuses.

Learn more:
Head to 👉 ceenta.com/back-to-school

Uptown Charlotte | Sat.–Sun., Aug. 16–17

Looking for a way to show your support, earn volunteer hours, and be part of something powerful? Central Piedmont students are invited to volunteer at the Charlotte Pride Festival & Parade 2025 — one of the Queen City’s most colorful, inclusive, and exciting events of the year! 🎉

Why it matters:
The festival celebrates Charlotte’s LGBTQ+ community and relies on amazing volunteers to help bring it all to life. Whether you’re helping with setup, assisting guests, or cheering on parade participants, your support helps make Pride unforgettable. 💖

Event details:
📍 Where: Brevard St., Uptown Charlotte
📅 When:

• Set-up: Fri., Aug. 15
• Festival: Sat., Aug. 16, Noon– Sun., Aug. 17, 6 p.m.
• Parade: Sun., Aug. 17

Volunteer perks:

• 👕 Free volunteer T-shirt
• 🎟️ Festival access and behind-the-scenes experience
• 📚 Service hour documentation available
• 🫶 A chance to support the LGBTQ+ community and make lifelong memories!

Important notes:

• 🧒 Volunteers must be 14 or older
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Volunteers under 18 need parental permission

Ready to step up and show your Pride? 👉 Sign up to volunteer

📍 Central, Cato, and Levine Campuses

What’s new:
Central Piedmont’s summer food service hours will wrap up on Fri., Aug. 8. Regular food service hours return on Mon., Aug. 11 — just in time for the fall semester! 🗓️✨

Current summer hours (through Fri., Aug. 8):

• 🍽️ Catalyst at Central Campus:
  • Open Mon.–Thu. from 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
  • Closed on Fri.
• ❌ All other food service locations remain closed for the summer.

Still hungry? You’ve got options:

• 🥤 Vending machines with drinks, snacks, and food are available on all campuses.
• ☕ Campus Stores at Central, Cato, and Levine offer coffee, food, and snacks.
• 🍽️ Canteen catering is still available for summer orders.

What’s next:
Be on the lookout for updated fall food service hours coming soon! 😋

📣 Central Piedmont is teaming up with International House to host a Summer Seminar designed for young professionals and students. Whether you’re planning your next career move or just getting started, this event has something for you!

Why it matters:
This is more than just a workshop — it’s your chance to connect, grow, and gain tools to thrive in your professional journey.

What to expect:
📍 Where: Central Campus, Parr Center
🕦 When: Sat., Aug. 9, 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

🔑 Highlights:

• 💼 Career planning & resume building tips
• 🤖 How to use AI to your advantage
• 🗣️ Effective communication strategies
• 📸 Free professional headshots
• 🤝 Networking opportunities
• 🥪 Free lunch — yes, really!
• ✨ And more surprises!

🎯 Ready to grow your network and boost your skills?
👉 Register now

Let’s build your future — one connection at a time! 💬🔥

Do you have a busy schedule and need an easier way to keep up with current events? The Library has a resource through NewsBank that offers monthly overviews of current research.

Topics covered include key global issues, business, economics, crime, politics, science, health, sports, the arts and more. 

Want to see the latest additions to the library? Check out the recently added books, videos, and electronic resources.  

Starting July 8, you’ll notice a small messenger icon in the bottom left corner of some pages on the Central Piedmont website, as well as your MyConnect log in page. That’s Link, our new virtual assistant here to help you find the information you need—quickly, easily, and anytime you need it.

✅ Here’s what you should know about Link:

🔹 Student-Focused Help
Link is built to answer questions about topics that matter most to you, like admissions, registration, programs, and student services.

🔹 Easy to Access Info, Straight from Our Website
Link’s answers come directly from the Central Piedmont website, summarized in an easily accessible format.

🔹 Easy to Use
Just click the messenger icon to start a chat. You can:

• Pick from suggested questions
• Type your question in your own words
  • Link can engage in more than 100 languages; just type a question in your preferred language to get started

🔊 Try Voice Mode!
Want to talk instead of type? Click the icon in the bottom right of the chat window to engage in two-way conversation with Link. Link can have two-way conversation in more than 20 languages.

Link is here 24/7 to save you time and help you get the answers you need, when you need them.

✅ Look for the icon and give Link a try!

If not, now’s the perfect time to check it off your list!

In just 8 weeks, ACA-122 will help you:
✅ Set clear academic and career goals
✅ Plan the classes you need to graduate
✅ Build stronger study habits
✅ Learn to use all the great resources Central Piedmont offers

✨ Reminder: ACA-122 is a required course you should complete in your first year!
(Not required if you’re planning to study Nursing, Dental Hygiene, Paralegal, or Medical Assisting.)

📲 Seats are filling fast—don’t wait!
Log in to MyCollege to find available sections and register for ACA-122 today.

Secure your spot and set yourself up for success! 🌟