Career Development Week, Nov. 14-16

An employer speaks with a student after a panel.

An employer speaks with a student after a panel discussion.

Mark your calendars for Career Development Week! Workshops will take place Tuesday, November 14 – Thursday, November 16.

Review all the events and register to attend.

You will have opportunities to engage with employers from various industries during professional development workshops, including LinkedIn, resume development, mock interviews, employer panels, and a meet and greet.

Employers will also speak about current employment opportunities at their companies and discuss the skills necessary to be successful in this current job market.

Career Development Week is hosted by the Office of Mentoring and Coaching in conjunction with Career Services.

Congratulations to the Typing Contest Winners

The Central Piedmont Library and the Digital Literacy Learning space hosted a typing contest during Digital Inclusion Week at the beginning of October.

Many students rose to the keyboard challenge and let their fingers fly in this fun game, and the top three scores have been tallied.

We are announcing the winners of the ZType game (which, if you missed out, is free to play, and some quick addictive fun).

Congratulations to:

Three students show off their certificates.

  • First place: Patricia DeLaCruz
  • Second place: Mark Squires
  • Third place: Sergio Ordonez

Scholarships for Spring and Summer 2024

Happy graduates smiling for a selfie photo.The Central Piedmont Foundation student scholarship portal is open  Nov. 1- Dec. 17 to apply for scholarships for spring and summer of 2024. If you have not yet submitted a scholarship application for the 2023-2024 academic year then don’t miss out on this opportunity!

If you already submitted an application but have not yet received an award, you will automatically be considered for spring and summer 2024. You do not need to resubmit your application unless something has changed, or if you want to make updates to your already submitted application.

The deadline to apply is midnight on December 17. If you are awarded a scholarship for spring or summer 2024, you will be notified by email to your student account on or by December 18.

If you have questions about the scholarship application process, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions page.

Pro tip: be sure to answer all questions as fully as you can. Don’t be afraid to give examples and talk about your experiences, accomplishments and needs. Great answers will help you set yourself apart from other applicants.

Healing Circles for Veterans Week

Student Veteran stands by the flagpole and military

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

The Student Equity Council has partnered with Military Families and Veterans Services to host healing circles, followed by lunch at Central Piedmont’s Cato, Central, Harper, Harris, and Levine campuses.

Attend a Healing Circle:

Learn more about the Healing Circles on the Veterans Week event page. 

You don’t have to struggle- get help for your classes

Struggle no more! Central Piedmont wants to help provide all the tools you need to be successful in your classes. The Academic Learning Center (ALC) provides so many different ways to help you study and learn the material from your classes, outside of your instructor and the class.

Learn how to access all the Academic Learning Center support (directions).

Use these links to learn more about how to:

‘Reflexions’ art show by student Itala Flores

Dresses made from upcycled materials. Reflexions by Itala Flores.Central Piedmont student and Venezuelan artist Itala Flores brings a black tie affair to the Dove gallery as it transforms into a world of high class fashion. The exhibit is open now, and the reception will be held November 15 at 5 p.m. in Dove Gallery.

Flores uses her meticulous sense of design and creative use of materials to create formal dresses made from recycled materials such as; paper plates and discarded theater tickets. This new exhibition by Flores showcases the best of her sculptural and fashionista abilities.

Where others see refuse Flores see a world full of creative possibilities. In Flores’ hands small bits of discarded paper or forgotten fliers and photographs take on a new life and purpose. No longer scraps, they become part of a larger element, playing a role in the formation of upscale evening dresses.

Flores’ exhibition demonstrates that you do not need the finest, or most expensive materials to create art. Instead through a keen eye and intricate assemblage practices, Flores creates art from readily available materials.

Visit the exhibit:

  • October 23 – December 7
  • Central Campus, Parr Center, Dove Gallery

Trick or Trivia

Campus Activities Board (CAB) at Central Campus invites you to “Trick or Trivia.”

Come by yourself and meet some new friends, or gather a team to throw down the gauntlet and challenge others for some Halloween-themed trivia.

Both events will be held at Central Campus, Parr Center, Room 0060:

  • Thursday, Oct. 26, 3 – 4 p.m.
  • Monday, Oct. 30, 1 – 2 p.m.

Cosmetology raises money for breast cancer

Pink hair tinsel is being added by a cosmetology student and another pair is painting nails.During the month of October, students in Central Piedmont’s cosmetology program have held events to paint pink nail polish and add pink hair for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. They set a goal to collect at least $500 in donations to support the Susan G. Komen foundation, and they have surpassed their goal!

It’s not too late to visit the City View Center and get your nails done! The donation event continues through Tuesday, Oct. 31, from 8:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. each day.

Thanks to everyone who has already donated or participated, and thank you for helping to raise money and awareness for breast cancer.

Attend Smithsonian panel: “Reckoning with our Racial Past”

Smithsonian logo, "Reckoning with our racial past: conversations for our shared future."Join the special event “Reckoning with our Racial Past: Conversations for our Shared Future,” a panel discussion sponsored by the Smithsonian, and hosted at Central Piedmont’s Central Campus.

Lonnie G. Bunch III, Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, and Brian Moynihan, Chair & CEO, Bank of America, along with other local leaders, will discuss how access to critical resources can shape communities across the nation–including right here in Charlotte.

The panel will be moderated by award-winning journalist Soledad O’Brien.

  • Monday Nov. 6
  • 6:30 – 8  p.m.
  • Central Campus, Parr Center, Theater

Registration is required, RSVP on the event page.

Priority Registration for Spring 2024 begins Oct. 20

A teacher presents to a table of students in a chemistry classroom.

Jump to the front of the line for choosing classes! Priority registration for spring 2024 classes begins Friday, Oct. 20, depending on the number of credits you have completed. Make sure you have consulted with your academic advisor and are prepared with which classes you should take. Spring open registration will begin Oct. 30. (Registration for fall and the winter session is ongoing for classes that have not yet started.)

If you owe more than $200 in tuition for a term, the new Tuition Payment Plan will help spread out your bill into smaller payments.

Need help with anything? Email navigate@cpcc.edu (en Español: ayuda@cpcc.edu) or call 704.330.2722.

Student Story: Teren Wallace

Teren Wallace smiling and wearing a Central Piedmont shirt.Central Piedmont Community College student Teren Wallace, a passionate and resilient individual fueled by self-belief and determination. Teren, a native of Omaha, Nebraska, found his calling in the world of Information Technology, a passion nurtured from childhood. His story is one of overcoming obstacles, embracing his uniqueness, and finding a supportive community at Central Piedmont.

From a young age, Teren had a knack for technology. “I learned how to install educational computer games when I was just six.  Working with electronics was my passion,” he shares. This passion led him to Central Piedmont, where he found a welcoming community that fostered his growth. “I’ve enjoyed meeting new people, making new friends. “I enjoy seeing how the college evolves and changes, and recalling what it was like when I first joined,” says Teren.
Teren’s journey was not without challenges. Diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome at the age of 9, he faced difficulties in socializing and communicating. “I felt my disability would hinder me from being able to socialize effectively with people and make friends,” he states. However, Central Piedmont became a transformative space for Teren. “I met so many people who were friendly, kind, and willing to help me despite my struggles with communication,” he says. Through the support of his advisor and mentor, Iris Grady, and the warm Central Piedmont community, Teren found his voice and confidence.

His time at Central Piedmont not only honed his technical skills but also instilled a powerful lesson. “Keep reaching for your goals. Don’t let others around you turn you sour because of their coldness… Believe in yourself and the true people in your life that want to help you and you can never go wrong,” he advises future students.

Dream Big: A Journey Into Top 20 Schools

Four smiling students in Central Piedmont caps and gownsAre you thinking about transferring to a four-year institution after Central Piedmont?
Central Piedmont alumnus Roger Villarreal ’21 encourages you to dream big and consider transfer opportunities into top colleges and universities. Listen to Roger’s story, and learn how you can prepare for your own transfer journey.

Healing from Unhealthy Relationships

Please join the Office of Counseling Services and the Student Equity Council for the “Healing From Unhealthy Relationships” event at Central Campus.

Recognize. Report. Prevent.

 

This event will provide you with information about the differences between healthy and unhealthy relationships and allow you to interact with others and share your experiences. This event is tailored specifically for women and is for Central Piedmont students only. Women of color, LGBTQIA+, and disabled women encouraged to attend.
  • Thursday, Oct. 26
  • 2 – 3:30 p.m.
Join us for games, crafts and a hot chocolate bar. Snacks and refreshments will be provided by the Student Equity Council.
Registration is required: Sign up through the Google form.

Coping Skills workshop at Cato

Counseling Services talks around an inviting table.Have you ever felt stressed, anxious or depressed and didn’t know what to do to feel better?

Join Counseling Services to learn more about healthy coping skills and how to find ones that work for you. You will also have the opportunity to create your own coping kit to take with you.

Supplies and snacks will be provided!

  • Wednesday, Nov. 8
  • 2 – 3:15 p.m.
  • Cato Campus, Cato III, First Floor Lobby

National Disability Employment Awareness Month Event

Join Career Services for Disability & Disclosure-Navigating the Employment Process, featuring Marty Musser, Advocacy Director from Disability Rights and Resources. This event aims to educate students with disabilities on:

  • your rights during the employment application process
  • how to navigate the process effectively
  • how to advocate for reasonable accommodations while on the job

The virtual event is scheduled for:

Contact career.services@cpcc.edu if you have any questions.

50 Shades of Pink for Breast Cancer

Cosmetology students put on nail polish.

Come get pink nail polish or pink hair tinsel for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Central Piedmont’s cosmetology and natural hair students are participating in the “50 Shades of Pink” campaign to help raise money for the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Awareness Foundation. Their goal is raise $500 through the month of October.

You can donate (cash, Venmo or Zelle) to the good cause and get your polish or hair tinsel at these locations and times:

  • City View Center, Tuesdays-Fridays, through Oct. 31, 8:30 a.m. – 1p.m.
  • Harris Campus (Harris I Lobby), Monday Oct. 16, 11 a.m. – 1p.m.

Learn more about all of our salon services. 

Protecting Yourself through Cybersecurity

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, and Information Technology Services reminds us that cybersecurity is everyone’s responsibility.

A student works on their laptop.Protect your digital world just like you would your physical one: passwords are like keys to your door, and you wouldn’t invite just anyone in. Here are some reminders to help keep your information safe:

  • Phones, tablets, or laptop devices: Install antivirus software, keep operating systems current with updates, and activate firewalls.
  • Strong passwords: Use complex passwords and don’t reuse a password across multiple accounts. Use multi-factor authentication.
  • Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date with cybersecurity news and when there are critical updates to software– even apps.
  • Safe Browsing: Use secure networks and avoid public Wi-Fi for sensitive transactions. Consider using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) when off-campus.
  • Think Before You Click: Verify email sources and be cautious with attachments.
  • Regular Backups: Consider backing up your data to the cloud or an external drive.
  • Limit Sharing: Be mindful of the personal information you post online.
  • Monitor Accounts: Regularly check financial statements and online profiles for irregularities.
  • Educate Others: Share security tips with your circle. Collective security is stronger.

You’re invited to Business & Accounting Week, Oct. 17-21

Students at a business and career fair talk with employers.You’re invited to participate in a week of exciting events designed to educate, empower, and engage students for success in the classroom and in the workplace. Plus, meet and mingle with industry experts through panel discussions, participate in Q&A sessions, and learn about unique internship opportunities.

Live events are being held daily on Central Campus and virtually on WebEx: