New Student Affairs Office Locations in Parr Center

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Parr Center Exterior

Effective July 5, 2022, several Student Affairs offices will transition from their current location on Central Campus to the new Parr Center, destined to become the new front door to Central Campus and its signature building.

Going forward, students requiring enrollment-related or career services assistance can check in at the Welcome Center, located on the building’s Ground Level, to connect with a navigator, advisor, recruiter, or financial aid representative. The college’s other student support resources, including mentoring, student engagement, international programs, and more, will be accessible on Level 1.

See the following chart for new locations:

Department

New Parr Center Department Location

Testing Center

Level 2, Suite 2000

Financial Aid

Ground Floor, Suite 0050

International Programs

Level 1, Suite 1070

Student Engagement

Level 1, Suite 1080

Admissions

Ground Floor, Suite 0050

Mentoring

Level 1, Suite 1060

Advising

Ground Floor, Suite 0050

Student Success Navigators

Ground Floor, Suite 0050

Please note:

  • Suites located on the Ground Floor (off of Pease Lane and Elizabeth Ave.) start with “0.”

  • Suites located on Level 1 (off of the Quad and Central High bridge connector) start with “1.”

  • Suites located on Level 2, start with “2.”

  • Suites located on Level 3, start with “3.”

See the Central Campus map for the Parr Center’s location. Should you have questions or if you are not able to find the department you are looking for, please email navigate@cpcc.edu or call 704.330.2722. Thank you!

Central Campus Library Closing June 24, Re-opening in the Parr Center on July 5

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The Central Campus Library will be closing to the public on Friday, June 24, 2022, at 5 p.m.   The new Hagemeyer Library in the Parr Center will open to the public on Tuesday, July 5, 2022, at 7:30 a.m.

If you need library services during the week of June 27, please chat with the Library Services staff online or visit any of the campus libraries for assistance.

Library hours

Library website

Welcome the Catalyst Coffee Bar to the New Parr Center on Central Campus, Opens July 5

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We are excited to announce the upcoming opening of the new Catalyst Coffee Bar in the Parr Center on July 5.  The new coffee bar will include a curated coffee bar experience featuring Blk & Bold coffee and espresso.  The menu will include your choice of hot or cold drink favorites like coffee, lattes, and teas, as well as nitro cold brew, smoothies, blended beverages, and seasonal selections. But it isn’t just great coffee, you’ll also find freshly prepared grab-n-go selections and snacks available daily.

Stay tuned for additional details on the new order ahead program. We’ll also be sharing more information on our new partners, Blk & Bold.

Disability and Access Services Walk-in Hours

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Need to meet with a Disability and Access Services counselor?  Have a question about being approved for classroom accommodations? Had and IEP or 504 during high school? Staff are available to answer these questions during our walk-in hours.

When: Every Wednesday
Where: In-person (Central Campus)
Time: 1- 3:45 p.m.
Services: All services available except accommodation determination
Contact: disability.counselingservices@cpcc.edu or 704-330-6621

COVID Contact Tracing Update

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Starting Monday, June 20, the college will discontinue contact tracing for reports of positive COVID cases. Given the significant decrease in number of serious cases and severity of symptoms of those affected by COVID, this follows suit with the Mecklenburg County Health Department (discontinued contact tracing in January) and numerous other colleges and universities.

Anyone who has tested positive should continue to report their positive results to WeCare@cpcc.edu for tracking purposes, and they will receive an auto-response about how to proceed.  However, if anyone has questions about COVID, they should refer to the CDC’s guidelines around COVID or email WeCare@cpcc.edu.

As a reminder, if you test positive, you should refrain from coming to campus for five days from when you tested positive or symptom onset, so long as your symptoms are improving (you are NOT required to obtain a negative test before returning). If you are symptomatic, you should obtain a negative PCR test before returning to campus. Additional information about COVID protocols for positive cases, exposures, and symptoms can be found on the CDC’s website.

Saturday Hours for Student Services

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Need help registering for class? You can get in-person help this Saturday (June 11) from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at ANY Central Piedmont campus. Navigators and advisors will be able to help with any of the enrollment and registration steps, including financial aid.

Central Piedmont Offering New Certificate Program in Massage Therapy

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massage therapy student

Central Piedmont Community College will launch a nine-month, non-credit Massage Therapy Certification program on June 27, through its Corporate and Continuing Education division.

The certification program will offer students a hands-on education and extensive training in therapeutic and medical massage techniques to prepare them to sit for and pass the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx), a license all professional massage therapists must earn to legally practice their craft in 49 of the 50 states across the country.

“Our massage therapy certificate program is an attractive career path for individuals interested in securing a healthcare-related position, in a short amount of time, that offers an earning potential of $42,750 a year,” said Roschella Stephens, associate dean, therapy and acute care division at Central Piedmont. “This program also will be the least expensive massage therapy program in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg area, which aligns well with the college’s mission to provide an affordable education to all.”

Sixteen students are expected to be in the program’s first cohort this summer. During the program, they’ll learn about the fundamentals of massage therapy, anatomy, physiology, and advanced modalities in the field, and have the opportunity to engage in 114 hours of hands-on training through the program’s built-in clinical rotation.

For more information about the new certification program in massage therapy at Central Piedmont, including its program requirements, class days/times, course sequencing, and more, contact Marcus Caldwell by emailing marcus.caldwell@cpcc.edu, calling 704.330.2722, ext. 7234  or visiting cpcc.edu/programs/healthcare-continuing-education.

Student Success Story: Bonifacio Sanchez Garnica

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Bonifacio Sanchez-Garnica

To Bonifacio Sanchez Garnica, Central Piedmont represents a new beginning.⭐️

The first-generation college student dropped out of college at a four-year institution more than five years ago due to financial reasons. Hurdling that life obstacle was difficult for Bonifacio, but he recovered. Unfortunately, just as he was beginning to find his footing and discover a path forward, the pandemic hit.

At the time, Bonifacio owned and operated a small residential framing company, a business that was significantly impacted by COVID-19, and lost a lot of work as a result of the pandemic. He soon found himself with a lot of time on his hands – time that he used to reflect on his life and what he wanted to do next. 🤔

“I knew I needed a change,” said Bonifacio. “So, after discussing the options with my wife, we decided to move out of our hometown of Wilmington, North Carolina, and make a fresh start in Charlotte.”

The Sanchezs are currently both attending school – she’s enrolled at UNC Charlotte, studying psychology – and Bonifacio’s at Central Piedmont, earning an associate degree in business. The couple hope to one day go into business together, with Bonifacio serving as the financial manager and data analyst for that future company.🤝 

“Being in school has pushed me to try new things, such as clubs or extracurricular activities that I wouldn’t have otherwise tried if I had been on my own,” explains Bonifacio. “At Central Piedmont, I’ve really stepped outside my comfort zone and made it a point to be open to new experiences. The time I spend participating in the college’s Campus Activity Board and Rotoract is some of the most rewarding to me; it’s what I’ve enjoyed most about attending here.”😁

Managed Food Services Changes

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male student holding up food container

Central Piedmont is in the process of transitioning its managed food services vendors from Subway, Taco Del Mar, Calvine’s Coffee, and Sbarro to Compass Group USA.

During the transition period, the college’s current food service vendors / eateries will be closing or scaling back their operations on the following dates:

  • Calvine’s Coffee – Effective immediately, Calvine’s Coffee on Central, Levine, and Merancas campuses will be open from 8 a.m. – 11 a.m., Monday-Friday. The coffee shop will continue to provide coffee and drinks, with minimal food items. Calvine’s will close permanently at all locations on June 24.

  • Subway: The college’s Subway locations at Central and Levine campuses will close permanently on June 24. Their current hours of operation are: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

  • Sbarro: One and only Central Campus location is closed permanently.

  • Taco Del Mar: One and only Central Campus location is closed permanently.

  • Harris Campus Aspire Bakery & Bistro: Is closed permanently.

More details will be shared with you in the coming months as the transition to Compass USA takes place across all six campuses. Once completed, the college’s new food services will feature full-service coffee bars, grab-n-go lunch stations, sandwich shops, pizza eateries, breakfast/lunch locations, and more. In addition, the college will add a new order ahead and pay option through the Connect & Pay app. This will allow all patrons to pay and pick-up their meals/snacks at a time that is convenient for them.

In the interim, employees and students needing food services options after June 24 can visit:

  • a campus vending machine, located on all six of the college’s campuses, that’s stocked with food, drinks, and snacks to accommodate individuals’ grab-n-go snack needs. View the Dining and Vending Web page for specific campus locations.

  • Central Campus’s new Parr Center, beginning July 5*. This location will offer handcrafted coffee and tea, pastries, and freshly prepared grab-n-go items. Planned summer hours of operation are: Monday – Thursday, 7:30 a.m. – 2 p.m., and Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

  • the former Subway locations on Central and Levine campuses, beginning Aug. 10*. These locations will be Beach & Borough eateries and offer signature sandwiches and build-your-own sandwiches. (View menu.)  Anticipated hours of operation are: Monday – Friday, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m, at Central Campus; and Monday – Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., on Levine Campus

  • Levine I, on Levine Campus, beginning August 10.* This space will become a full-service barista coffee and tea bar that will also offer pastries and freshly prepared grab-n-go items. It will be open: Monday – Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. (Similar coffee/tea bars are planned for Cato, Harris, Merancas, and Harper campuses in the near future. Opening dates TBD.)

*Date listed is subject to change.

The college will also add more food and coffee machines on all campuses throughout the transition. Please check the Dining and Vending website regularly for the latest locations / information.

Thank you for your patience during this time, and please feel free to email miriam.mason@cpcc.edu if you have any questions.

Student Success Story: Sonia Martinez Penaranda

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Sonia Martinez

Sonia Martinez Penaranda is living proof that it’s never too late to say “never.” 💪

The 40-year-old is a wife and mother of four, who is determined to show her children that there is always time to improve yourself.

“I missed a lot of study time in my youth,” explains the Venezuela native. “Thankfully, places like Central Piedmont give individuals like me – a non-traditional student – an opportunity to improve and learn a new career.”

Sonia enrolled in the college’s phlebotomy program, a step she decided to take after seeing a need in the healthcare field for more diversity. 

“Going to the doctor and giving blood is stressful in general,” explains Sonia. “Now imagine walking into a lab and not understanding the language or what is going on around you. You can understand how a person’s stress level can begin to increase. I want my patients to be comfortable in a healthcare setting, to feel safe and confident. If I’m able to create a positive experience, the greater the likelihood they’ll return for a follow-up appointment and take better care of themselves and their families.”

Thankfully, Sonia won’t have to wait long to achieve her goal of being a professional phlebotomist. She’s learning the skill through the college’s Accelerated Career Training (ACT) program, an initiative that seeks to help individuals attain meaningful employment through fast job training in high-growth career paths. The phlebotomist learning track can be completed in as little as seven to 16 weeks.👏

“Central Piedmont has helped me keep my dream alive,” says Sonia. “It’s given me a second chance at fulfilling my goals of being a working professional, learning a new skill, and helping my community, and I’m not going to let it go to waste. Not this time around.”😊

What if Bad Weather Causes Class Cancellation?

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Parr Center in the Winter

When the weather is bad — or if there’s an emergency event on campus — how will YOU find out what to do? Critical Alert is Central Piedmont’s emergency notification program. In case of urgent updates, we can send a text, phone call, and email to the contact details listed on your college account.

Central Piedmont uses a mass notification system to send urgent alerts to you via text, phone call, and email. As of June 1, 2022, we will move to a new tool called Rave Alert to send out our Critical Alert mass notifications. You won’t notice any difference in the way you receive those messages.

This is a great time to make sure the college has all of your up-to-date contact information. That way, you’ll be the first to know if college operations are ever impacted by inclement weather, a power outage, or a campus emergency.

Here’s how to confirm, update, and add your mobile, work, and home phone number(s) – plus your mailing address and any non-Central Piedmont email addresses – for the Critical Alert emergency notification system:

  • Use your college login and password to access your User Profile in MyCollege. 
    • Please review and edit your current address, email address(es), and phone number(s)
  • Also take a moment to review your Emergency Information in MyCollege regarding whom we should contact if you have (or are involved in) an emergency.

Please note you cannot opt out of Critical Alert notification emails to your Central Piedmont account because your Central Piedmont email is the college’s official channel of communication. 

We strongly encourage you to keep your mobile number updated in your MyCollege user profile for emergency communications.

Welcome to the Summer 2022 Semester!

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We hope you’re ready for a great semester! Please stay tuned to your Central Piedmont email for all important updates, as it’s the college’s official communication channel.

Here are the top seven things you really need to know to be prepared for the new semester:

Check your email regularly.
Your college email account is the official means of college email communication, so please check your account often to make sure you get all important updates.

Use your Central Piedmont Login to access My College. 
Access My College to find important information, such as: your class schedule; residency status; priority registration dates; enrollment verification; critical alert information; financial aid information.

Get your Student ID Card
Students needing a new college ID card can visit any of the college’s ID stations, located on any campus, to have their new ID made. It’s a valuable resource, allowing you to check out materials from the library. For more information, or with any questions regarding IDs, please email idcard@cpcc.edu.

Read Central Piedmont Today.
Central Piedmont Today is your student e-newsletter sent to your college email every Wednesday, or read it via the Central Piedmont mobile app to find your schedule, campus maps, and check your Central Piedmont email. Central Piedmont Today covers a wide range of useful information from college news, registration, scholarships, and payment to important dates and events.

Follow us on social media!
Now, more than ever, it’s incredibly important to remain connected. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter,  YouTube, LinkedIn to stay informed and connected to the Central Piedmont community.

Familiarize yourself with the college’s student support services.
We are here to help! All support services – including counseling, advising, financial aid assistance, career planning, basic needs services – are free and available to help you this semester. Visit the Current Students page, and navigate to each service’s Web page you need for their contact information. Don’t hesitate to call or email to let us know how we can help. If we’re busy helping other students, please leave a voicemail so we can return your call as soon as possible.

Parking decals must be displayed by Wednesday, June 1.
Student parking decals are now available at each campus’s Cashiering Office. Students will receive one parking decal per semester. Decals may be picked up after tuition is paid in full. The Cashier’s Business office hours on all campuses are 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.. Students may not park in reserved or designated areas. You can reference our maps for each campus to learn more about parking options.

If you have any questions, please contact the Central Piedmont Information Center at 704.330.2722.

Thank you, and we look forward to serving you this week and the weeks to come!

Student Success Story: Fatimata Sylla

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Fatimata SyllaFatimata Sylla is driven by a passion for helping others, not only in her career goals, but also in her daily efforts volunteering in the community. She is studying to graduate with her Associate in Science degree from Central Piedmont in 2023 in order to pursue her goal of being a nurse, and one day a doctor.

“One of my favorite parts of being at Central Piedmont is getting involved in the community,” Fatimata says. “I cannot stress enough how much volunteering has shaped my personality and developed my leadership skills.”

Born in Mali, Fatimata speaks four languages (French, Portuguese, Bambara, and English) and is highly motivated, not only in her schoolwork, but also in making connections throughout Charlotte.

Thankfully, her personal drive has helped her weather the pandemic, which has been riddled with challenges. 

“At first, it was challenging to make the switch to online learning.. As an international student, I had never heard of such a thing,” Fatimata says. “However, Central Piedmont was there to help me every step of the way and provided advice about how to take online classes and be self-disciplined.”

Her advice to prospective Central Piedmont students? 

“You will not go wrong in choosing Central Piedmont to accomplish your educational goals,” she says. “It is an affordable college that has a lot to offer at the individual and professional level. You’ll be able to connect with many students from different backgrounds, volunteer in the community, and at the same time pursue your goals like I am!”

The Cato Campus Law Library Has Moved!

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After 15 years at the Cato Campus, we fondly bid farewell to the Law Library – affectionately known by many as CLAW. The paralegal collection has been relocated to its original home on the Central Campus and will be housed in the new library. Access to these print resources will be available beginning July 5, 2022, when the new library is scheduled to open for service.
Central Piedmont students and employees have access to our online legal resources from both on and off campus. Community users can access available online resources by visiting any campus library.

Mental Health Awareness Month

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Student Walking on CampusMay is Mental Health Awareness Month, and Counseling Services encourages you to pause and think about your emotional and psychological well-being. Some things to consider:

  • At some point in their life, 46% of all Americans will show signs and symptoms of a diagnosable mental health condition.
  • Mental health concerns (such as stress, anxiety, grief, self-esteem, and substance use) impact us all, even when they’re not a diagnosable disorder.
  • When not addressed, struggles with mental health impact success in school by affecting concentration, clarity of thought, focus, memory, energy, and engagement in class.
  • Mental health struggles also impact our personal relationships, employment, and general satisfaction with our lives.
  • Fears about what other people think – as well as personal stigmas around mental illness – are a primary reason people don’t reach out for help. But if you’re having a hard time, that doesn’t mean you’re strange or messed up or bad. You’re not alone in your struggles, and people are eager to support you.

It’s been a difficult few years, and you may be feeling the weight of it. Central Piedmont’s Counseling Services is here to provide emotional support and help you find new ways to cope as you sort things out. Services are free and confidential to enrolled students. To learn more, complete our Service Request Form, email counseling@cpcc.edu, or phone 704.330.6420.

Walk-In Hours for Disability and Access Services

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Need to meet with a Disability and Access Services counselor?  Have a question about being approved for classroom accommodations? Had an IEP or 504 during high school? Staff are available to answer questions during walk-in hours.  

When: Every Wednesday
Where: In-person
Time: 1 – 3:45 p.m.

Services: All services available except accommodation determination.
Contact: disability.counselingservices@cpcc.edu or 704.330.6621

Can’t Attend in Person? Watch Tomorrow’s Commencement Ceremonies Online!

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Dr. Deitemeyer standing behind recent graduateCentral Piedmont is excited to hold our spring 2022 commencement ceremonies at Bojangles Coliseum tomorrow at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., to celebrate our graduates. This venue will provide a space for faculty, graduates, and their guests to safely gather and celebrate. 

The majority of this year’s graduates completed most of their studies during the pandemic, and we are excited to celebrate everything our students have overcome! 

If you’d like to cheer on a friend/student by showing your support from afar, we invite you to watch our free online livestream of each ceremony on YouTube. You can access each ceremony at the following links – please feel free to share the links with your family, friends, and peers:

  • 10 a.m. commencement ceremony – Hear Central Piedmont student Kevin Tobin deliver the commencement address.
  • 2 p.m. commencement ceremony – Listen as Central Piedmont student Evelyn Hill delivers the commencement address and Dr. Deitemeyer, president of Central Piedmont, confers the college’s first honorary associate degree to Mr. Wilton Parr, a longtime Central Piedmont student, donor, and volunteer.

Graduation is always a joyous occasion and Central Piedmont can’t wait to share in the celebration of this important moment in our students’ lives. Congratulations to the Class of 2022!

Need a Game Plan After Graduation?

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female student in graduation cap and gownGraduation can be one of the most exciting, yet scarier times in your life. Do you need help mapping out a game plan?  Career Services is here to help! We want to help polish your resume, interview skills and job search strategy.  Here are the top three tips to map out your plan:

  1. Visit Handshake to view employment opportunities, including part-time, full-time and paid internships.  Handshake is the #1 way college students find jobs.  Remember to complete your profile, because you are 5x more likely to be contacted by an employer.
  2. Use Big Interview to get ready to rock the interview!  This online system builds your interview confidence and expertise. Watch this 3 minute video for a quick introduction and check out the Big Interview flyer for tips on how to get started.
  3. Career Coach – see the top Charlotte area employers for your program!

Not graduating and still thinking about your career direction?  We can help whether you are transferring or a returning student preparing for registration.  Get in touch with us. Career Services can help you elevate your career.

Head of the U.S. Small Business Administration Visits Central Piedmont

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In celebration of Small Business Week (May 2 – 5, 2022), Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman, head of the U.S. Small Business Administration, visited Central Piedmont on May 5 as part of the Biden Administration’s “Building a Better American through Entrepreneurship” national bus tour.

US Small Business Administration Meeting, May 5th, 2022.

The national tour is taking place this week, providing Administrator Guzman with an opportunity to collaborate with SBA offices located across the country and celebrate America’s small businesses that have played a critical role in contributing to the country’s economic health.

Central Piedmont was one of nine stops on Administrator Guzman’s agenda; she previously visited San Francisco, Denver, Atlanta, Augusta (GA), Columbia and Richburg (SC), and Norfolk (VA).

During her stop in Charlotte, she:

Administrator Guzman will conclude her tour in Raleigh on May 6, at which time she will tour the capital’s N.C. Rural Economic Development Center and recognize the N.C. Small Business Person of the Year.

For more information about the bus tour and National Small Business Week, visit www.sba.gov/NSBW.

Learn more about Central Piedmont’s Small Business Center.