Center Stage at Central Piedmont: December performing arts events

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halton theatre

Celebrate the season with unforgettable performances at Central Piedmont Community College. Here’s what’s coming up: 

Charlotte Civic Orchestra presents Christmas Extravaganza 

  • When: Sunday, Nov. 30, 7 p.m. 
  • Where: Central Campus, Overcash Center, Halton Theater 
  • Enjoy dazzling costumes, a full orchestra, a 100-voice choir, ballet, singers, Rockette-style dancers, ballroom dancers, and more. All sales final. 

Central Piedmont Dance Theatre presents Sunlight and Solstice ’25 

  • When: Wednesday, Dec. 3; Thursday, Dec. 4; Friday, Dec. 5, 11 a.m. 
  • Where: Central Campus, Parr Center, Theater 
  • Featuring choreography by faculty Tracie Chan and Clay Daniel, performed by students in the A10100D Dance Pathway. 

Charlotte Youth Ballet presents The Nutcracker 

  • When: Friday, Dec. 5, 7 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 6, 2 & 7 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 7, 2:30 p.m. 
  • Where: Central Campus, Overcash Center, Halton Theater 
  • A timeless holiday classic with more than 100 student dancers and professional performers. 

Carolina Voices presents the 71st Annual Singing Christmas Tree 

  • When: Saturday, Dec. 13, 1 & 4:30 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 14, 4 p.m. 
  • Where: Central Campus, Overcash Center, Halton Theater 
  • Enjoy soaring voices and festive music from the MainStage Choir in a 32-foot tree 

The Harris YMCA Performing Company presents 23rd Annual Nutcracker 

  • When: Saturday, Dec. 20, 10:30 a.m., 4:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 21, 1 and 4 p.m. 
  • Where: Central Campus, Overcash Center, Halton Theater 
  • A beloved holiday tradition featuring dazzling costumes, live music, and festive performances. 

 

Central Piedmont salon & spa presents: “Let It Glow!” winter beauty specials

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stylist doing natural hair
Warm up your self-care routine this winter with affordable beauty and relaxation services performed by talented student stylists under the supervision of licensed professionals. Visit for seasonal specials that keep you glowing all season long.

Seasonal winter beauty tips and services

  • Hydrating hair revival
    Deep moisture conditioning treatment with a relaxing scalp massage.
    Add peppermint or lavender essential oil for an extra boost of relaxation.
    Tip: Cold air can dry out hair—treat it every 2–3 weeks for healthy shine.
  • Cozy cut & style
    Get a fresh haircut and blowout with thermal protection.
  • Winter radiance facial
    Gentle exfoliation, hydrating mask, and facial massage.
    Includes a warm towel and hand treatment.
    Tip: Switch to a cream cleanser during winter months to protect your skin barrier.
  • Snowflake manicure & pedicure
    Warm soak, exfoliation, and rich moisturizer.
    Add a paraffin dip for extra hydration.
  • Natural hair care hydration boost
    Steam hydration treatment and moisturizing mask.
    Includes protective style consultation.
    Tip: Sleep with a satin bonnet or pillowcase to lock in moisture.

Seasonal packages

  • Central Piedmont student special – $20
    Shampoo, blowout, and deep conditioner (with a valid student ID)
  • The winter glow bundle – $45
    Hydrating hair treatment + mini facial + hand scrub
  • Frost-free hands & feet – $25
    Moisturizing manicure + paraffin pedicure combo

Why visit our salon?

  • Affordable services in a real-world training environment
  • Supervised by licensed professionals
  • Supports the education of future beauty experts
  • High-quality products and exceptional care

Share your voice: Strategic planning survey now open

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Parr Center

Central Piedmont is shaping its next strategic plan—and we want your input! Since September, the college has been working with MGT Impact Solutions, a national higher education consulting firm with over 50 years of experience supporting institutions like UNC System, NC A&T, and Appalachian State. 

Earlier in the process, MGT gathered ideas from students, employees, alumni, and community partners through interviews and focus groups. Now it’s your turn to help guide the future of Central Piedmont. 

What to do 

Why it matters 

Your feedback will help identify priorities, challenges, and opportunities that shape the college’s direction for years to come. The insights you share will guide MGT and college leadership in creating a plan focused on student success, organizational excellence, and community impact. 

The survey is anonymous. Responses will be combined, and no identifying information will be collected or shared. 

Questions? 

Thank you for helping shape the future of Central Piedmont! Your voice matters. 

First-Gen Leadership Academy empowers students to lead with purpose

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first-gen students

 Are you the first in your family to pursue a college degree? Ready to lead with confidence and unstoppable determination? If this sounds like a good fit, fill out this interest form! 

The First-Gen Leadership Academy is designed to help you grow, connect, and activate the leader within. 

What you’ll gain: 

  • Empowering workshops and leadership training 
  • Mentorship from professionals who believe in your success 
  • A supportive community of driven first-gen students 
  • Tools to navigate college with clarity and confidence 
  • Opportunities to elevate your voice and create impact 

This is more than a program—it’s a launchpad for your leadership journey.  

STEM Tank Season 8 grand finale set for Nov. 21

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stem student

Students, faculty, and staff are invited to the final showdown of STEM Tank Season 8—a celebration of innovation, teamwork, and discovery. 

Event details: 

  • Date: Fri., Nov. 21, 2025 
  • Time: 11 a.m. 
  • Location: Central Campus, North Classroom, Room 1123 

What to expect: 

  • Final pitches from the brightest student innovators 
  • Groundbreaking STEM projects developed over six weeks 
  • A chance to cheer on your peers and celebrate creative problem-solving 

Who will be crowned the STEM Tank Champion this season? Don’t miss the excitement and inspiration at this culminating event. 

ITS Service Desk brief closure: Fri., Nov. 14

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I.T.S. service deskThe ITS Service Desk will be temporarily closed on Fri., Nov. 14, from 11:45 a.m.–2:15 p.m. for a staff event. 

If you need assistance during this time, you can still: 

  • Search the knowledge base for answers to commonly asked questions 
  • Submit a request through the online client portal—requests will be processed in the order received once the Service Desk reopens

We appreciate your understanding and look forward to assisting you again after 2:15 p.m. on Fri., Nov. 14. 

Student chefs explore South African culinary traditions

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culinary students in cape town, south africa

Culinary faculty members—Chef Patricia Pitts and Chef Kimberly Stoll—led a group of student chefs on a transformative journey through Cape Town, South Africa last month. Over eight days, the group immersed themselves in the region’s rich culinary and cultural heritage. 

Highlights from the trip included: 

  • Cultural immersion at !Khwa ttu: Students learned about the history of the San people, South Africa’s oldest tribal community, and roasted springbok antelope over an open fire. 
  • Hospitality at False Bay College: The group experienced WorldSkills Competition-level service, enjoying tea and a fine dining luncheon. 
  • Exploring Bo Kapp: In this vibrant neighborhood, students discovered Malay-style cooking influenced by former slaves from India and the far east. 
  • Community connections in Khayelitsha: Mellows Restaurant and Siki’s Koffee Kafe welcomed the group with warmth and generosity. 
  • Farm-to-table experiences: At Oranjezicht City Farm, students sampled kelp ravioli, kelp lasagna, and herbal fruity mocktails at Veld and Sea. 

A taste of North Carolina in Cape Town 

In a gesture of cultural exchange, the group hosted a southern-style dinner at Muiz Community Kitchen during its Thursday Night Supper Club fundraiser. The menu featured: 

  • NC smoked pulled chicken and smoked cauliflower wings 
  • House-made NC BBQ sauce and creamy coleslaw 
  • Carolina Gold Rice and Sea Island Peas, brought all the way from North Carolina 
  • A chef-inspired apple pie for dessert 

Reflections from the journey 

The hosts throughout Cape Town were gracious, kind, and generous. The students returned with full hearts, full bellies, and a deeper understanding of global culinary traditions. It was the trip of a lifetime—eight days of unforgettable experiences and lifelong learning. 

Teen Central launches festive fall and winter workshops for youth enrichment

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Parr Center

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 

Explore the 8 dimensions of wellness at Central Piedmont

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two people practicing yoga in grass

The Central Piedmont Community College Wellness Fair invites students to explore holistic well-being through interactive experiences and practical resources. Hosted by the Wellness Center, the event will highlight the 8 dimensions of wellness: emotional, environmental, financial, intellectual, occupational, physical, social, and spiritual. 

Students will have the opportunity to: 

  • Connect with campus departments and community partners 
  • Learn practical strategies to support personal wellness 
  • Engage with interactive booths and resource tables 
  • Enjoy free giveaways and wellness tips 

Event details 

  • Date: Tue., Nov. 18 
  • Time: 11 a.m.–2 p.m. 
  • Location: Parr Center, first floor 

Your well-being matters. Discover resources for every dimension of wellness at Central Piedmont. 

Explore a career in eye care: Ophthalmic Medical Personnel

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students giving eye exam

Eye care is more than just vision tests—it’s a growing field that blends precision, compassion, and hands-on experience. At Central Piedmont, students can train to become ophthalmic professionals who work alongside eye doctors to: 

  • Run diagnostic tests 
  • Fit lenses and eyewear 
  • Support patients in protecting their sight 

If you’re detail-oriented and enjoy working with people, this program offers a strong pathway into the eye health industry. 

Program details 

  • Start dates in both spring and fall 
  • Application deadlines: 
  • Spring start — due by Mon., Dec. 15 
  • Fall start — due by Mon., Jun. 15 

Hands-on experience at Central Campus 

Students gain real-world experience at the Eye Clinic on Central Campus—an opportunity unique to Central Piedmont. The college is the only school in North Carolina to offer a clinic-based learning experience like this, giving students direct exposure to patient care and clinical procedures.  

The results 

Previous cohorts have had a 100% exam pass rate to become certified, in addition to a 100% job placement rate. 

Learn more about this program

The Hammer is now accepting submissions for its 2026 issue

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The Hammer 2025 cover

Central Piedmont’s English department’s official student literature and arts magazine, The Hammer, is now open for submissions for its 2026 issue.

Submission period: Nov. 3–Mar. 31

Submission guidelines: 

  • Open to current Central Piedmont students only (submissions must come from a Central Piedmont student email).
  • Accepted genres: short fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction — no novel excerpts or academic essays.
  • Submissions can be attached as a Word file or pasted in the email body, with the genre noted.
  • There is no word count limit, but shorter pieces are more likely to be accepted.
  • Students may submit multiple pieces per genre.
  • All work must be original and created by the student (Artificial Intelligence-generated content will not be accepted).
  • Work should be primarily in English; side-by-side translations and occasional untranslated words in a story or poem are acceptable.

Note: The Hammer receives exclusive First North American Serial Rights (FNASR) and electronic, online, and archival rights upon acceptance. All rights revert to the author after publication.

 

Parr Center Cafe and student commons furniture relocation Nov. 6–10

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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

STEM storytelling event highlights diverse journeys at Central Piedmont

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Group photo of attendees

On Thu., Oct. 23, students, faculty, staff, and alumni gathered for FUTURES: STEM Storytelling, an inspiring event that showcased the unique paths that led members of the Central Piedmont community to their current pursuits in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. 

Storytellers shared how their passions in various STEM fields shaped their academic and professional journeys. The event drew over 40 attendees and sparked meaningful conversations across disciplines. 

Special thanks to our featured storytellers: 

  • Aishwaya Keni 
  • Anastasia Kochegarova 
  • Jennyfer Vo 
  • Lucas Gonzalez 
  • Miguel Segundo 
  • Jerod Wallace 
  • Sofia Ocando Bozo 
  • Justin Perez 
  • Mrs. Simone Josey 
  • Ms. Shenequa Hayes 
  • Mr. Nicholas Wind Mcjetters 
  • Ms. Ansha Wilds 
  • Dr. Raymond Sanedrin 
  • Dr. Jane Green 
  • Dr. Carl Arrington 

Their insights and experiences helped make the event a powerful celebration of STEM at Central Piedmont. 

Unlock job search tools: Handshake workshop Nov. 6

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career counselor and student speaking at event

All Central Piedmont students have access to Handshake — an online platform for job and internship opportunities. Recently, Central Piedmont Career Services was recognized for the work done to connect students to employers. Now, learn how to make it work for you. 

Join us for a virtual workshop with a Handshake expert who will share insider “Handshake 201” tips to help you stand out and find the right opportunities faster. 

  • Date: Thu., Nov. 6 
  • Time:1–2 p.m. 
  • Location: Virtual 

The session will cover advanced features like Collections, which help you explore curated groups of jobs, employers, and events tailored to your interests. You’ll also discover strategies to personalize your job search, connect with employers, and make the most of your Handshake experience. 

Student success tip: update your profile first   

Before joining the Handshake Deep Dive workshop, take a few minutes to refresh your profile: 

  • Confirm your major, graduation date, and career interests 
  • Upload a recent résumé 
  • Complete missing sections for better job matches 

A complete profile helps Handshake show you the most relevant opportunities during the session — and makes it easier to follow along when exploring advanced features. 

Freedom’s Footsteps documentary features Central Piedmont instructor

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History instructor Hugh Dusek is featured in Freedom’s Footsteps: A Southern Perspective to the American Revolution, a new documentary premiering Sun., Nov. 16 at 7:30 p.m. The film airs just before the debut of Ken Burns’ American Revolution at 8 p.m. 

Students, faculty, and staff are invited to a free preview event for both documentaries: 

  • Date: Wed., Nov. 12 
  • Time: 7:00 p.m. 
  • Location: Central Campus, Halton Theater 

The event offers a chance to explore Southern perspectives on the American Revolution and hear insights from a Central Piedmont faculty member featured in the film. 

Reserve your spot today!

What’s new at the library this November

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two people reading a book

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. 

Honors scholars shine at statewide conference

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honors program handout
Central Piedmont’s Honors Program is celebrating a weekend of outstanding student achievement at the North Carolina Honors Association (NCHA) Conference. The event brought together top honors students from across the state—and Central Piedmont scholars stood out.
Award-winning presentations:
  • Charlotte Ennis earned 1st place for Best Oral Presentation
  • Shun Let secured 2nd place for her outstanding presentation
  • Itala Flores, a Truist Honors Scholar alumna, tied for 2nd place
These students exemplified the heart of honors scholarship—exploring topics they care deeply about and delivering presentations that offered both insight and practical application.
Why it matters:
  • Honors students are mastering public speaking, navigating complex processes, and building connections with peers statewide
  • The program focuses on developing excellence through engagement and empowerment
  • Achievements like these reflect the strength and impact of the college’s Honors Program
Central Piedmont is proud of its scholars and their commitment to leadership, learning, and academic excellence.

Support when you need it

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drone image of cato campus

Central Piedmont is sharing food and financial assistance resources to support students and employees facing challenges. 

Wellness Center: In-person or virtual support available 

  • Complete the wellness screener before reaching out 
  • Staff will provide personalized guidance 

Resources to explore: 

For confidential help, contact Counseling Services or the Wellness Center.