🦃 November Special at Hen & Steer Grill: Grilled Turkey Club!

Turkey sandwich with the words "Tukey Day is almost here... introducing the grilled turkey club with cranberry mayo" at the top and "Make it a combo $9.99, sandwich with fries and a fountain drink" in a circle in the bottom left cornerFor November only, Hen & Steer Grill at the Parr Student Center on Central Campus is serving up a seasonal favorite you won’t want to miss!

🍽️ Grilled Turkey Club with Cranberry Mayo

  • Combo Deal: Includes fries 🍟 and a fountain drink 🥤 for just $9.99!

Stop by and grab this delicious combo while it lasts. Perfect for getting into the holiday spirit with a taste of turkey and a tangy twist! 🍂✨

💖 Central Piedmont’s CASA Club Supports Breast Cancer Survivors at the Pink Boots Ball

Group of volunteers holding bags in front of Carolina Breast Friends sign

On Oct. 24, Central Piedmont’s Cosmetology Club (CASA Club) partnered with

Carolina Breast Friends Pink House to provide hair and makeup services for an inspiring cause. The annual Pink Boots Ball celebrates local women who have survived breast cancer and honors those we’ve lost.

Here’s what happened:

  • Hair & Makeup Services: CASA Club had the privilege of helping 20-26 survivors look and feel their best by offering complimentary hair and makeup services for the event.
  • Comfort Bags Donation: The entire Cosmetology Department, including educators and students, came together to create 12 Comfort Bags. These thoughtful bags contain items like:
    • Fleece blankets 🧣
    • Ginger candies & tea 🍬🍵
    • First-aid essentials
    • Puzzle books 🧩
    • And more, all to offer comfort to women undergoing breast cancer treatment.

This partnership with Carolina Breast Friends means the world to the CASA Club, and they’re excited to continue supporting and uplifting the women in our community.

Want to contribute? If you’re interested in donating Comfort Bags or learning more, reach out to Central Piedmont’s Cosmetology Department for details!

Together, we can make a difference! 💕

🧘‍♀️ Relax and Unwind Day with Counseling Services!

Student sitting on the ground, petting a white lab

Join Counseling Services on Wed., Nov. 6 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Central Campus, Parr Center, 1st Floor for a special day dedicated to relaxation and stress relief. Activities include:

  • Yoga 🧘‍♂️
  • Snack Bar 🍎
  • Art & Jewelry Making 🎨
  • Dog Therapy 🐕
  • Zen Station 🧘‍♀️

Take a break from your busy schedule and focus on your well-being! 🌿

Join us for the Transfer, Education, STEAM, and Hospitality Open House

A student works on a computer aided machining press to cut metal.Still deciding on your program of study? Join us for the Transfer, Education, STEAM, and Hospitality Open House to discover all that Central Piedmont has to offer. Whether you’re into arts, science, technology, or hospitality, this event is for you!

📅 Event Details:

  • 🗓️ Date: Thursday, Nov. 14
  • 🕙 Time: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
  • 📍 Location: Central Campus, Parr Center

What to Expect:

  • 🔍 Explore Programs: From Math and Arts to Technology and Engineering, check out our diverse academic offerings.
  • 💡 Meet the Faculty: Get inspired by meeting faculty members who are experts in their fields.
  • 🌱 Hands-On Experiences: Immerse yourself in real-world demonstrations and activities.
  • 🏫 Campus Tours: Explore classrooms, labs, and performance facilities to get a feel for your future learning spaces.
  • 💰 Financial Aid & Scholarships: Learn about resources to fund your education.
  • 🎓 Transfer Opportunities: Discover pathways for transferring to four-year institutions.

How to Register:

Please complete this form to secure your spot at the open house!

We’re excited to help you find your path at Central Piedmont! ✨

🥐 A Taste of Bogotá: Central Piedmont Students Embark on a Culinary Adventure

Student picking fruit from a plantDuring an unforgettable study abroad journey to Bogotá, Colombia, students immersed themselves in the world of baking and pastry arts while discovering Colombia’s vibrant culinary culture. Here’s a glimpse into this transformative experience:

  • Hands-On Learning: Students kicked off the trip with a baking course at a local culinary school, mastering traditional Colombian techniques.
  • 🍫 Chocolate Workshop: Participants attended an engaging workshop where they tasted regional chocolates and crafted their own sweet creations.
  • ☕ Coffee Culture: A visit to a coffee plantation provided insights into Colombia’s renowned coffee heritage.
  • 📚 History of Desserts: Lectures at a local university explored the history of Colombian desserts and their cultural significance.
  • Indigenous Experience: The group visited an indigenous reservation to learn about traditional food practices and cultural heritage.
  • Market Visits: Exploring local agricultural markets and a lively food hall offered fresh flavors and regional specialties.
  • 🍰 Bakery Tours: Visits to Bogotá’s top pastry shops showcased the city’s best in baking and pastry artistry.
  • Evenings of Culture: Evenings featured live music, deepening the students’ connection to Colombia’s vibrant culture.
  • Fine Dining: Dining at some of South America’s top 50 restaurants introduced participants to modern Colombian cuisine.
  • Relaxation and Reflection: The journey concluded with a visit to thermal hot springs, wrapping up an enriching experience.

Made Possible by a Strong Partnership 🌏

This study abroad experience was made possible thanks to a collaboration with Global Learning and Campus B, our in-country hosts. Their support exemplifies Central Piedmont’s commitment to offering immersive global learning experiences, preparing students for a diverse culinary landscape.

Ready to explore the world and expand your culinary skills? Stay tuned for future study abroad opportunities! ✈️✨

🚀 Central Piedmont Shines at Charlotte Motor Speedway’s STEAM Expo

Coraline Elizabeth Timberlake Ross talks with students at the STEAM eventThe Charlotte Motor Speedway’s STEAM Expo on Oct. 11 hosted over 2,000 students and parents, with Central Piedmont at the heart of the action! 🏎️ Coraline Elizabeth Timberlake Ross, only 12, stole the spotlight as she guided students in using a patient care mannequin named Bartholomew III. With her stethoscope on and confidence high, Coraline offered hands-on training in emergency care techniques alongside her father, Andrew Ross, the college’s emergency medical science director. 🚑

Students explored 75 interactive stations, discovering the mechanics of decibels, robotics, coding, and more! Central Piedmont’s 14 departments, including Transportation Systems Technology, provided immersive experiences—showcasing the college’s dedication to STEAM education.

Read the full article, featured in EdNC.

🚀 Future-Proof Your Career with AI Strategies!

Student using a desktop computerJoin Career Services for Career Connect: Future Proof Your Career – Employer Point of View on AI Job Search & Trends to learn how AI is reshaping recruitment and how you can stay ahead of the game!

Event Details:
🗓️ Tue., Oct. 29
🕐 1 – 2 p.m.
📍 Central Campus, Parr Center, Room 0060

The workshop will be led by Erin Elks, Talent Acquisition Director at the YMCA. Show up at least 5 minutes early to make a great impression!
👉 Register Here

New Microsoft Edge Security Policy, Browser Standardization

A professor helps a student with a computerWhat’s Happening: Microsoft Edge security policy and standardization.

  • A new security policy for Microsoft Edge will be rolled out on all college-owned computers starting Oct. 21, aimed at enhancing security and privacy. For full details, refer to the Knowledge Base article, Microsoft Edge Configuration Policy. 
  • Central Piedmont is adopting Edge as the default and sole browser, with all other browsers being removed from college computers by Nov. 25. Chromebooks are exempt from this policy.

What You Need to Do

  • For adjusting to the change, ITS encourages all users to start using Edge immediately for all browser activities.
  • To transfer your bookmarks or favorites from non-Edge browsers to Edge, follow the steps outlined in the Knowledge Base article, How to migrate your browser favorites into Edge.

If you have any questions or need further assistance, please contact the ITS Service Desk.

🏥 Wellness Fair – Mark Your Calendars!

Inside of an empty classroom building with a staircase to the rightJoin us on Thu., Oct. 17 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Central Campus, Parr Student Union for the annual Wellness Fair! 🌟 This exciting event will feature:

  • Free swag 🎁
  • Interactive activities 🏃‍♀️
  • Wellness resources on nutrition, fitness, mental health, and preventative care
  • Yoga sessions 🧘‍♂️
  • On-site blood drive 🩸

It’s a great opportunity to learn new ways to stay healthy and connect with local health experts. Don’t miss out on this day of wellness and community!

Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2024

Students working on desktop computers in a classroom

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month and this week’s topic is Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Deepfakes.   

With advancements in AI technology comes the emergence of deepfakes.   

What are deepfakes? Deepfakes are AI-generated images, videos, or audio that convincingly imitate real people, often altering their appearance, speech, or actions. Using machine learning algorithms, deepfakes can superimpose a person’s face onto another body or synthesize their voice to create fake, yet seemingly authentic, content.   

Here are some tips to remember while interacting with AI and recognizing deepfakes. 

  1.  Be skeptical. Deepfake technology can create highly convincing fake videos and audio clips that may appear to come from friends, public figures, or trusted sources. 
  2. Understand AI-generated content. Familiarize yourself with the existence of AI tools that can generate text, images, and even videos. Awareness is key to identifying fake content. 
  3. Looks for signs of manipulation. Deepfakes often have subtle flaws, such as unnatural facial expressions, strange blinking patterns, or mismatched audio and lip movements. 
  4. Be cautious with personal content and enable strong privacy settings. Review and tighten the privacy settings on your social media accounts to limit who can view and use your photos or videos. Be selective about the platforms and apps that have access to your data. 
  5. Be careful with AI Chatbots. AI chatbots can be useful but be cautious when sharing personal or sensitive information with them. Malicious actors may use chatbots to phish for data or trick you into revealing sensitive details. 

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Service Desk via the client portal.  

🎶 Volunteers Needed for the Artists Music Guild Heritage Awards!

Artists Music Guild logoThe Artists Music Guild Heritage Awards are happening on Sat., Oct. 26 at the Halton Theater on Central Campus. We need volunteers to help make the event a success! Roles include:

  • Culinary Volunteers (12-15 needed): Servers and runners needed; no experience required
  • Production Volunteers (10-15 needed): Assist with camera, sound, and stage
  • Artist Handlers (15 needed): Escort artists backstage and return them to their seats
  • Seat Fillers (30 needed): Fill empty seats in the audience

Volunteers should wear a Central Piedmont T-shirt, black pants, and black shoes.

To sign up for available shifts, please fill out this form.

✍️ Submit Your Work to The Hammer Magazine!

A student writing

Central Piedmont’s student arts and literature magazine, The Hammer, is now accepting submissions for short fiction, poetry, and creative non-fiction! 📖🎨

Submission Details:

  • Who Can Submit: Only Central Piedmont students, using their student email.
  • How to Submit: Email thehammer@cpcc.edu with your work attached as a Word file or in the email body. Specify the genre (fiction, poetry, or non-fiction).
  • Word Count: No strict limit, but shorter pieces are preferred.
  • Original Work: Submissions must be your own and in English; AI-generated work is not accepted.

Submit from Oct. 7 to Mar. 31 and showcase your creative talent!

💜 October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month 💜

Domestic Violence Awareness Month logo with dark purple ribbon on light purple backgroundDid you know that 24 people per minute in the U.S. are victims of rape, physical violence, or stalking by an intimate partner? That adds up to more than 12 million women and men every year.

Key Statistics:

  • 1 in 6 college women (16%) has been sexually abused in a dating relationship.
  • 1 in 5 college women has been verbally abused by a dating partner.
  • 1 in 4 women (24.3%) and 1 in 7 men (13.8%) aged 18 and older in the U.S. have experienced severe physical violence by an intimate partner.
  • Over 54% of trans and non-binary people have experienced Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) in their lifetime.

If you or someone you know is affected by Domestic Violence or Intimate Partner Violence, please reach out for help.

📞 National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233

💬 Counseling Services at Central Piedmont are here for mental and emotional support.

  • Offering in-person and virtual counseling at all campuses.
  • Call today: 704-330-6420
  • Email: counseling@cpcc.edu

You’re not alone. Help is available. 💜

World Affairs Council Speaker Series Luncheon with Central Piedmont 🌍

Two students at a networking luncheon

Are you interested in attending the World Affairs Council Speaker Series Luncheon? This unique opportunity allows students to hear from professional and political leaders on current global topics while networking at a professional luncheon.

Please note, there are limited seats available for each event, so be sure to request a seat only if you can fully commit to attending. Professional dress is required for the luncheon.

🔗 Sign up to request a seat

📧 You’ll be contacted by the Center for Global Engagement by the dates listed below to confirm your seat. Parking and light rail info will be provided in the confirmation email. Students are responsible for their own transportation.


Upcoming Opportunity:

📅 October 10th: Transatlantic Relations – A Fireside Chat with EU Diplomats
📧 Confirmation Date: You will receive an email from global.learning@cpcc.edu in October to confirm if a seat is available. Be sure to reply to confirm your attendance.

Event Details:

  • Check-In & Pre-Lunch Networking: 11:15 a.m. – noon
  • Lunch & Presentation: Noon – 1:30 p.m.
  • Location: Charlotte City Club

This is an excellent opportunity to gain insights on global affairs while networking in a professional setting. We hope to see you there! 🌍

🎨 Dove Gallery Reception: Featuring Artists of the Catawba Nation 🖼️

Woven basketJoin us for an evening of art, culture, and community as we celebrate the talented artists of the Catawba Nation!

🗓️ Date: Fri., Sept. 27
Time: 6 – 8 p.m.
📍 Location: Dove Gallery, Parr Center

Enjoy light refreshments and a night filled with good fun! Don’t miss this special opportunity to experience incredible art and connect with the community.

We can’t wait to see you there! 🌟

September 25 On-Campus Recruiting Activities

Automotive student holding a wrench, leaning over a car with the hood upMark your calendars for September 25 and get ready for two exciting on-campus recruiting events! Whether you’re looking for a career in hospitality or transportation, these events are a great chance to meet potential employers and land your next job or internship!

🗓️ Event Details:

🔹 Work-It Wednesdays
Time: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
📍 Location: Central Campus, Parr Center, First Floor
Event Details

Attending Employers:

🔹 Transportation Meet & Greet
Time: 11 a.m. – Noon; 1:30 – 2:30 p.m.
📍 Location: Merancas Campus, Transportation Systems Building, Room 112
Event Details

Interested in the Diesel and Automotive industries? Meet employers from the Diesel and Heavy Equipment Technology & Collision Repair and Refinishing Technology programs and explore opportunities in the Charlotte Metro area!

⚠️ Note: Employers attending may change. Be sure to check the event detail links for updates!

📅 Full Event List: Visit the Career Services website to stay up to date on all upcoming recruiting events!

🗳️ Stressed About the Election?

Student doing yoga

You’re not alone—let’s talk about it.

Election season can feel like a rollercoaster 🎢. From heated discussions to constant news updates, it’s easy to experience election stress. That feeling of anxiety and tension leading up to and during elections is more common than you might think! It can show up as headaches, trouble sleeping, feeling irritable, or even just feeling tense all the time. 😓

What causes election stress?

  • 📱 Media overload: News, podcasts, social media—it’s a lot!
  • 👥 Disagreements with family & friends: Political debates can get intense.
  • 🔀 Polarization: The gap between opposing sides can make it harder to talk.
  • 🤔 Uncertainty: Feeling like things are out of your control.

How to manage election stress:

  • 🗳️ Make a plan to vote – Knowing when and where you’ll vote helps ease the stress.
  • Limit your media consumption – Take breaks from the constant news cycle.
  • ⚖️ Find balanced news sources – Avoid extremes that can heighten stress.
  • 💆‍♀️ Practice self-care – Rest, exercise, or do something fun to recharge.
  • 🚶‍♂️ Set boundaries – It’s okay to step away from stressful conversations.
  • 🌟 Turn energy into action – Focus on making a positive impact on the issues that matter.
  • Focus on what you can control – Channel your energy toward what you can change.

Elections come and go, but your mental health is always a priority! 💙 If you need someone to talk to, Counseling Services is here to help.

Reach out to Counseling Services for support.

🎓 Employee Spotlight: Eugene Attoube ’16

Black and white headshot of Eugene Attoube

📢 Meet Eugene Attoube
Academic Advisor | Central Piedmont Alumnus

🤝 “The day starts with students and ends with students.”
This simple yet powerful advice shapes Eugene Attoube’s approach every day in his role as an academic advisor.

🌍 Eugene’s journey with Central Piedmont began in 2014 as a part-time Foreign Language Lab Facilitator. After earning his Associate in Arts degree, he transferred to UNC Charlotte, where he completed a double major in International Studies and Political Science.

💼 Why Central Piedmont?
For Eugene, it’s all about the community. “Central Piedmont is my home,” he shares. His passion for helping students succeed is matched by his dedication to mastering his role and expanding his skills.

Making an Impact
Eugene takes special pride in working with students learning English, cherishing the moments when they return to thank him for his support. He aims to make a lasting impact on his students, just as the faculty and staff did for him.

“Central Piedmont is a leading force in education,” Eugene says. “With a wide array of programs, there’s something for everyone.”

Elizabeth Stabler-Tarver: Ready for the Real World

 Elizabeth Stabler-Tarver headshot🌟 Elizabeth Stabler-Tarver is an incoming 2024 East Mecklenburg High graduate and dual-enrollment student at Central Piedmont. She is pursuing an Associate in Arts and plans to transfer to UNC Chapel Hill to major in Psychology, focusing on music therapy.

Current Employment:

  • 🎨 Works as a face painter at Bank of America Stadium, primarily on weekends.

Community Service:

  • 🌍 Participates in the Youth Lead Advisory Board and CMYC Student Advisory Council, focusing on civic leadership and community improvement.

Educational and Career Goals:

  • 🎓 Aims to become a therapist/psychologist specializing in mental health for youth.
  • 💡 A scholarship will help her take essential courses and collaborate with mental health professionals.

High School Achievements:

  • 🏅 Top 3% of her graduating class.
  • 📜 Received multiple accolades, including AP Scholar awards and recognition as The Charlotte Post Top Senior Runner-up.
  • 🏫 Active in National Honor Society, Student Government, and major school events.

Future Plans:

  • 🔄 Guaranteed transfer to UNC Chapel Hill through the C-STEP Program.

Elizabeth’s dedication and passion for mental health make her a standout student at Central Piedmont and a promising future therapist.

🔗 Learn more about Elizabeth’s journey and aspirations via her feature in the Charlotte Post.

Complimentary Dishes from the Mobile Learning Kitchen! 🚚🍽️

Students working the mobile learning kitchenCentral Piedmont’s Mobile Learning Kitchen and line cooking class will be serving up complimentary dishes to students and employees from Jun. 25–Jul. 18 on Central Campus, in front of the Parr Center.

🕒 Food Truck Schedule: The food truck will be open from 4:30–6:30 p.m., or until all samples are passed out, on the following days:

  • Tue., Jun. 25
  • Thu., Jun. 27
  • Tue., Jul. 2
  • Wed., Jul. 3
  • Tue., Jul. 9
  • Thu., Jul. 11
  • Tue., Jul. 16
  • Thu., Jul. 18

💬 Recent Reviews:

  • “I recently had the opportunity to have a great meal from the food truck! They were very accommodating to my vegetarian diet, as well. I would love to experience more meals.”
  • “The food tonight was amazing. The meal was extremely well-seasoned and prepared with care. The service was high quality. The students appeared more like professionals with vast experience.”
  • “Breakfast tacos were the bomb, 10/10. The only change would be to add cheese but it was delicious regardless. Customer service 10/10. Portions are a really good size. Gravy and biscuits were 10/10, the best meal yet. All the flavors were balanced and harmonious. The biscuits were extra soft and fluffy, and reminded me of the cheddar bay ones from Red Lobster. Loved it.”

Don’t miss out on this delicious opportunity to enjoy free meals and support your fellow students! 🍔🌮🍝