October Career Services Events

Posted on by

As the holiday season approaches, there are many seasonal hiring opportunities, providing not only some extra cash, but great resume building opportunities too.

You can search for seasonal jobs:

  • On Handshake. You can also use Handshake to find full- and part-time positions, paid internships, and more. On Handshake, select Jobs to get started and then search Seasonal.

All Work-It Wednesday events are 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Have questions? Contact Career Services or make an appointment with a Career Counselor.

Digital Inclusion Week Events Oct. 2-5

Posted on by

Digital Inclusion WeekThe Central Piedmont Library and Digital Learning Space are hosting a series of events to celebrate digital equity in higher education with Digital Inclusion Week, from Oct. 2-5.

Review the Library’s LibGuide for details on the activities for Digital Inclusion Week.

Learn more about the Digital Literacy Learning Space.

Fall Fests help you find a Volunteer Opportunity

Posted on by

Student Engagement wants to help you find your next volunteer opportunity at Fall Fests, at all campuses. You could discover your next passion, or build experience for your résumé.

How do you get experience before you get a job? You volunteer!

Attend an event to meet with local community partners and learn about volunteer opportunities in our community. You can also enjoy festive fall games, music and fun!

  • Wednesday, Sept. 27, 11 a.m.- 1p.m.
    Levine Campus, atrium
  • Thursday, Oct. 5, 11 a.m.- 1 p.m.
    Central Campus, Quad
  • Tuesday, Oct. 17, 11 a.m.- 1 p.m.
    Merancas Campus
  • Tuesday, Oct. 24, 11:30 a.m.- 1:30 p.m.
    Harris Campus, outside
  • Wednesday, Oct. 25, 11:30 a.m.- 1:30 p.m.
    Harper Campus, Harper IV courtyard
  • Monday, Oct. 30, 11:30 a.m.- 1:30 p.m.
    Cato Campus

Student Story: Mandy Watson

Posted on by

Mandy Watson is a remarkable May 2023 graduate of the Baking and Pastry program at Central Piedmont. Her passion and unstoppable determination drove her to gain acceptance into Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society, obtain an internship with Executive Pastry Chef April Franqueza of High Hampton Resort in Cashiers, NC, and graduate with honors.

Mandy’s decision to attend Central Piedmont wasn’t solely about academics; it was about turning a passion into a career. “I chose Central Piedmont because of its exceptional culinary program with American Culinary Federation Certification and affordability,” Mandy shares.

Scholarships have notably helped Mandy pursue excellence. The NC Education Lottery Scholarship and the NC Community College Grant have played a crucial role in easing her financial burden. As an adult student with an existing small business and familial responsibilities, these scholarships have enabled Mandy to focus on her studies and plans without the added stress of financial constraints.

Mandy’s journey has been illuminated by mentors who doubled as instructors. “Chef Tanya, Chef Jenn, Chef Sandy, and Chef Tessia have been more than just instructors.” Mandy reveals, “Chef Tessia’s encouragement pushed me to explore new flavors and techniques that have helped expand my pallet and make my dreams a reality.” Mandy’s advice for other Central Piedmont students: “Utilize your instructors. Ask questions and keep an open mind when they critique your creations and ideas. Instructors are there to help you be the best you can be.”

So what should we expect to see from Mandy in the future? “Food should be an experience. I dream of owning a food truck that brings moments of joy to my customers and allows them to discover flavors they haven’t experienced before.”

Mandy is set to open Wicked Provisions Bakehouse, a new European-style bakery in Hickory, NC, in October 2023. Check it out on Instagram: @wicked.provisions.bakehouse

60 Years Strong: new Library exhibit on Central Piedmont

Posted on by

Exhibit of Central Piedmont artifacts of photos, brochures and historical items surrounding a large tree with the college seal on the tree trunk.“60 Years Strong – How Deep Our Roots Go,” an exhibition by the Central Piedmont Archives, celebrates Central Piedmont’s rich history and the success of our institution over six decades.

Our college seal inspires the crafted tree and represents our growth into a “mighty tree” of an institution in Mecklenburg County. When viewing the display, you will learn about some of the many examples of educational opportunities championed by our current and past presidents displayed along the bottom of the case, symbolized as the roots. Evidence of these opportunities’ positive impact on student success is represented by the branches and leaves that have grown from these roots.

This exhibition is dedicated to our students of present, past, and future who make an impact in historic ways.

To view the display in person, please visit the Archives on the third floor of the Hagemeyer Library in the Parr Center, Central Campus.

To view the display online, please visit our digital exhibit guide.

Transfer Tuesdays and the Transfer Fair

Posted on by

Four smiling students flash peace signs and smiles for the camera.Are you looking for a 4-year school to attend after your time at Central Piedmont? Academic Advising and Transfer Services have several events to help you find your next school on your educational journey.

Transfer Tuesdays
Need to talk directly with your intended transfer College or University?  College representatives are visiting our Cato, Central, Levine, and Merancas Campuses all through the fall semester.
Review the calendar of Transfer Tuesdays events.

National Transfer Student Week, Oct. 16 – 20.
Virtual and in-person events will be held all week, attend all the events if you can! Review Central Piedmont’s events for National Transfer Student Week.

Annual Fall Transfer Fair
This is a can’t miss event. Meet with over 25+ North Carolina Colleges and Universities to learn more about the admissions requirements, programming, student life and so much more.

  • Tuesday, Oct. 17
  • 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
  • Central Campus, Parr Center, First Floor lobby

Review the colleges and universities participating in the Fall Transfer Fair.

Register for Second Session Classes

Posted on by

Four students smile for the camera while at a campus event.Fall break is coming Oct. 9-13, but what are your plans for second session? The next 8-week session begins Oct. 16, and it’s not too late to register for second session classes.

Stay on track with your plans! Consult with your academic advisor to make sure you’re taking the right classes for your program. You can find your advisor in Watermark, and contact them, or schedule an appointment to meet.

Upcoming Counseling Workshops

Posted on by
Student painting on a canvas with jars of paint on the table.Counseling Services is hosting two upcoming in-person workshops to help you find balance and de-stress.
Adiós Stress
In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, Counseling Services will host a coloring event. Drop by any time:
  • Tuesday, Sept. 26
  • 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
  • Central Campus, Parr Center, near the Quad entrance
Coping Skills Workshop
Come and learn how to cope with life’s stressors and how to identify a support system. You will also get the chance to create your very own coping cards!
  • Wednesday, Sept. 27
  • 2 -3:15 p.m.
  • Cato Campus, Cato III, Room 024
No registration is required for either event, we hope to see you there.

Student Story: Nelani Faatiliga

Posted on by

Nelani FaatiligaNelani Faatiliga is an ambitious architectural technology student at Central Piedmont who embodies the spirit of self-discovery and determination. Continuing her mother’s legacy of being a college graduate, and making her father proud, Nelani’s journey is an inspirational one.

In choosing Central Piedmont, Nelani realized there were numerous opportunities for personal and academic growth nearby. She shares, “The Cato campus has always been a part of my life, but I never imagined I would attend it. It is close to home, which is ideal for me. It has clubs that I can join or start to gain experience that will prepare me for the job market.”

As a William Randolph Hearst Endowed Scholarship recipient, Nelani’s journey has been made more accessible and free from the burden of financial obligations. As well as lightening her financial burden, this scholarship has ignited her architectural dreams. In addition to being active in the Rotaract Club, Nelani plans to become a member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA).

The road to architectural technology wasn’t easy for her. Initially, Nelani chose psychology because she doubted her ability to excel in STEM fields. However, a break from college allowed her to rediscover her potential. “I realized that I had the potential to become an architect,” she says. “I’ve always wanted to build my own home from the ground up, and with my degree in architecture, I will be able to do so.”

Nelani’s career aspirations are clear – she’s on a path to becoming an architect with a focus on residential, industrial, and green design architecture. Her ultimate goal is to co-own a company with her significant other that is a mix of architecture and Turf management. Nelani’s drive is fueled by a passion for building things and bringing the imaginable to life.

Nelani values Central Piedmont’s blend of academic excellence and vibrant campus life the most. “I’ve met some of the most dedicated Professors, attended the Welcome Fest, Twisted and Tangled Event, and so much more!” she exclaims. For her, college isn’t just about learning in the classroom but seizing opportunities everywhere.

Beyond academics, Nelani’s zest for life led her to tandem skydiving in Hawai’i during a college spring break. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that mirrors her fearless pursuit of her dreams. Although her college journey has been a learning curve, Nelani is determined to make her parents proud and forge ahead with confidence.

Nelani’s advice for future Central Piedmont students: “Learn to overcome your fears and don’t allow pride to cloud your judgment of reality.” 

Super Smash Bros. Tourney Sept. 22

Posted on by

Super Smash Pros. TournamentCalling all gamers! Ready to prove your Super Smash Bros. abilities? Hosted by Central Piedmont’s International Game Developers Association (IGDA) and Diversity in Games (DiG) student groups, join our student tournament for epic battles, competition, and a shot at gaming glory.

  • Friday, Sept. 22
  • 3 – 7 p.m.
  • Central Campus, Parr Center, Rooms 0060 & 0070

You must register by Sept. 21, and all tickets are cash at the door. Sign up now and let’s settle it in Smash!

Questions? Email silas.irizarry@cpcc.edu.

Attend Student Discussion with New York Times Bestseller

Posted on by

Kate Andersen Brower is the author of the #1 New York Times bestseller “The Residence,” which is being made into a television series produced by Shonda Rhimes for Netflix. Parr Arts & Huanities Series Kate Andersen Brower

Kate is coming to Central Piedmont for an evening event on Sept. 19, and is also hosting a session just for students on Wednesday Sept. 20.

The student event will be a Q&A session related to her journey and experiences as a journalist, historian, and public speaker. Attendees will be eligible to win a free swag bag and/or copy of one of Kate’s books.

  • Wednesday, Sept. 20 12:30- 1:30 p.m.
  • Central Campus, Parr Center, Rooms 0600 & 0070

More about her: Kate Anderson Brower is the author of the #1 New York Times bestseller “The Residence” and “First Women,” also a New York Times bestseller, as well as “Team Of Five,” “First In Line,” and the children’s book “Exploring the White House.”

She is a CNN contributor and she covered the Obama administration for Bloomberg News and Businessweek and traveled as part of the White House press corps. She also covered First Lady Michelle Obama and Vice President Joe Biden.

‘Building your Coping Toolbox’ workshops

Posted on by

Counseling Services will be hosting a virtual coping skills series in September on Thursdays from 2-3:30 p.m.

Counselor is a whiteboard and talks with people who are seated.

This series is for any student wanting to learn ways to manage feelings of stress, anxiety, and depression. This series will also focus on how to form and maintain meaningful relationships. You can sign up for as many of the sessions as you would like, they are held virtually on WebEx.

Sign up to attend the sessions on SignUp Genius.

Create art with Central Piedmont history

Posted on by
Love to sketch, paint, and craft? Central Piedmont Arts and Archives invite you to bring your artistry to Archival Photos Reimagined, an in-person activity where you can create a work of art that could be selected for a campus-to-campus traveling exhibition with the Gorelick Galleries, starting at Central, Cato, and Levine, in 2024.
Express your artistic voice by creating works of art inspired by archival photographs from Central Piedmont’s history. A black-and-white photograph could become a colorful watercolor sketch or acrylic painting in your hands, so let your creative side shine!

Limited art supplies will be available, but we encourage you to bring your own supplies.

  • Central Campus, Overcash Center, Ross Gallery,
  • Tuesday, Sept. 26, and Wednesday, Sept. 27, from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. each day
Can’t attend in person? Read more on the library libguide to learn how you can participate from home.

Celebrate Central Piedmont’s 60th with a sweet treat!

Posted on by

Three smiling students hold fancy popsicles.We invite you to Central Piedmont’s 60th anniversary celebrations! This significant milestone wouldn’t be possible without you, our students and the future leaders in our community.

To make this celebration even more memorable, we have organized a series of free ice cream and cupcake socials throughout our campuses. We hope you can join us at the event on your campus:

Monday, Sept. 18

  • Harris Campus & City View
  • 1 – 3 p.m.
  • ice cream truck in the outside circle, cupcakes in Harris I, Room 1228

Tuesday, Sept. 19

  • Cato Campus
  • 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
  • ice cream in front of Cato III, cupcakes in Cato III, lobby
  • Harper Campus
  • 12 – 2 p.m.
  • ice cream outside of Harper IV, cupcakes in Harper IV, first floor lobby

Wednesday, Sept. 20

  • Levine Campus
  • 12 – 2 p.m.
  • ice cream in fountain circle driveway, cupcakes in Levine II, atrium
  • Merancas Campus
  • 12 – 2 p.m.
  • ice cream near Claytor, cupcakes in Merancas IV, lobby

Thursday, Sept. 21

  • Central Campus & WTVI
  • 12 – 2 p.m.
  • ice cream in the Quad, cupcakes in Parr Center, first floor lobby

Applications due Sept. 15 for Alternative Fall Break

Posted on by

Students make sandwiches during a service project.Alternative Fall Break is a positive way to spend your fall break week by serving others and learning while you serve. As a participant, you will have the opportunity to learn more about services for individuals requiring food assistance with multiple barriers to healthy food attainment, joining organizations throughout Asheville in their mission to develop, support and advocate for food justice and food insecurity.

Participants will depart on Sunday morning on Oct. 8, and return on Friday evening on October 13.

The application is due on September 15. 

Learn more and apply for Alternative Fall Break. 

Save a Life with Suicide Awareness

Posted on by

988 suicide and crisis lifeline. You are not alone.

Suicide is the tenth leading cause of death in the United States, so with increased awareness, communication, and knowledge of resources, you may just save a life!

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, and Central Piedmont’s Counseling Services encourages everyone to learn more about the warning signs of suicide and sources for help.

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available nationwide, providing easy access to mental health crisis support and a wealth of information. If you’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed, students can also reach out to Counseling Services by calling 704.330.6420 or by emailing counseling@cpcc.edu.

Central Piedmont’s counselors are available to consult with students, faculty, and staff who have concerns about others, too. Read more information and resources on suicide prevention from the American Counseling Association.

Mural of History event Sept. 21

Posted on by
Colorful wall mural of faces and icons of Central Piedmont

A portion of the Parr Center mural

Central Piedmont is marking it’s 60th anniversary on Sept. 18. As part of that celebration, you’re invited to a panel discussion of the Central Piedmont Mural of History.

Using the mural in the Parr Center as a focus, this discussion will spotlight:
  • the art and artists behind the work
  • the collaboration between the artists and the Central Piedmont archives
  • the use of art to convey historical content
  • the history of Central Piedmont within the larger world
The panel will include archivist Erin Allsop, gallery coordinator Amelia Zytka, art instructor Mary Kilburn, and three members of our history department (instructors Nerlynn Etienne and Noah Goode, and professor Hugh Dussek).