It’s Not Too Late to Register – More Classes Start March 14

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Fast and effective eight-week classes are offered in a condensed schedule during the semester to better meet your needs. It’s not too late! Get a head start on next semester’s course load by taking a core class or a required course for your major.

Most classes are Universal General Education Transfer Component (UGETC) courses, meaning they have been universally approved to transfer to most four-year universities in North Carolina.

Don’t wait. The upcoming class window is Monday, March 14 – Tuesday, May 10.

Learn more about spring sessions and how to register today.

Need help registering? Call 704.330.2722. You can also email us at navigate@cpcc.edu.

Governor Cooper Visits Campus to Celebrate Success of Longleaf Commitment Grant

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Governor Roy Cooper and Dr. Kandi DNorth Carolina Governor Roy Cooper met on Central Piedmont’s Central Campus Thursday with college leadership, elected officials, and students to celebrate Central Piedmont’s success with awarding the Longleaf Commitment Grant to in-need students located throughout the region.

The Longleaf Commitment Grant was originally announced by Gov. Cooper in May 2021 and gives North Carolina high school graduates who plan to attend one of the state’s “Great 58” community colleges the opportunity to receive a grant – not a loan – to cover tuition and fees toward a degree or to attain transfer credit.

Gov Cooper chose to kick off his Longleaf Commitment Grant tour in Charlotte because Central Piedmont has the second highest number of Longleaf Grant recipients among N.C. community colleges. To date, 1,296 Central Piedmont students have received $716,089 in Longleaf Commitment Grant funds.

“We want to make education affordable. We want students to put money in their pockets,” said Gov. Cooper. “The Longleaf Commitment Grants help boost student performance because they allow students to concentrate on their school work. That’s why it’s so important that this grant keeps going and remains available in the future.”

During the press event, Gov. Cooper participated in a roundtable discussion with N.C. Community College System President Thomas Stith III, Central Piedmont President Dr. Kandi Deitemeyer, Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. Chris Cathcart, N.C. State Senator Joyce Waddell, N.C. House Representative Carolyn Logan, and Longleaf Commitment Grant recipients (and Central Piedmont students) Noemi Henriquez, Katherine Perez Puquir, and Leila Turner.

The group discussed how the grants are helping students pursue their education, the steps Central Piedmont has taken to successfully share publicly that Longleaf Grant funds are available, and more.

“The Longleaf Commitment Grant funds helped ease the financial burden on my mom who was paying for three college-aged children,” explained Turner. “The grant is not only enabling me to hold on to my precious college savings so I can one day use them toward my four-year degree, but it’s also helping me concentrate on my studies and not have to take on a full-time job to pay for my tuition and fees.”

Learn more about the North Carolina Longleaf Commitment Grant, including its requirements, and get connected to helpful resources. Contact Financial Aid for additional information.

Harris Campus Helps Bring Art to the People

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photo of two canvases with colorful artworkCentral Piedmont is excited to partner with SouthEnd ARTS to bring “OUTER LIMITS,” a 58-piece art exhibition to its Harris I Second Floor Atrium, located on the college’s Harris Campus, now through August 20, 2022.

The six-month art exhibition, curated by Zaire McPhearson and the largest in SouthEnd ARTS’ history, features the work of more than 30 local artists, including Susan Ballard, Pascale Doxy, Molly English, Daysha Lancaster, Stephanie McCall, and more.

McPhearson is a contemporary artist and Brock Family Instructor at Duke University. Her work incorporates photography, graphic design, painting, sound design, sculpture, as well as other mediums, and reflects the complex issues that shape our diverse, global, and ever-changing world. It is through this lens that McPhearson helped select the artists for the “OUTER LIMITS” exhibition and which works from their portfolios to display.

“This exhibition allows us to educate residents outside of a traditional classroom setting, in new and exciting ways,” explains Moses Fox III, director of campus affairs for Central Piedmont’s Harris Campus. “Artwork engages individuals on a variety of levels – both artistically, emotionally, and spiritually – and we’re proud to bring art to the people, serving the local community as both an educational and arts resource.”

Central Piedmont plans to host a handful of events throughout the six-month exhibition to celebrate the artists’ work. It will hold a private, Jurored Awards Ceremony on March 18 to celebrate the artists’ many accomplishments, and plans to highlight the exhibit more publicly on April 14, from 4 – 7 p.m., during its week-long Sensoria celebration, which is open – and free – to all.

Individuals unable to attend the April 14 event, are invited to visit Harris I, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. – 8 p.m., to view the exhibition in person. For directions, visit cpcc.edu/locations/harris-campus.

2022 Young Professionals Day on March 19

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PBS Charlotte and the Young Leaders Council are proud to host the 2022 Young Professionals Day on March 19 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. for local area students. Come and learn important skills such as where to find the job that you want, writing an outstanding resume, and how to stand out from the crowd in an interview.
Don’t miss out on this great opportunity to learn valuable job hunting tips and tricks – register for this free event today!

Counseling on the Screen: Self-Care Sessions from March 21 – 24

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students in group sitting/standing on campus stairsCounseling Services is providing students with an array of upcoming opportunities to relieve stress, regain focus, and do something fun to prioritize self-care. Join us for Counseling on the Screen: Self-Care Sessions from March 21 – 24, with opportunities to participate online at 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. each day. Participate in short, interactive sessions aimed at emphasizing positive, fun – even playful – approaches to mental health care. Highlights include:

  • Daily “Rejuvenation Stations” to try out two new self-care activities
  • Discussion on the hit HBO series Euphoria
  • A Spanish-language session on coping with stress
  • Sessions on turning setbacks into comebacks and coping strategies for stress & anxiety

Learn about the full schedule of events today!

If you cannot make one of these sessions but would like to speak with a counselor about these topics (or any other personal concerns), contact Counseling Services directly at counseling@cpcc.edu or 704-330-6420.

Career Services is Here for You

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Interview between two womenGetting experience outside of the classroom can kick start your career!  Summer is coming and now is the time to make plans.  Central Piedmont’s online student job board lists paid internships and you already have an account!  Visit Handshake to see the paid internships and other employment opportunities.

Why an internship is important

  • Students with paid internships have higher starting salaries when they graduate

  • Employers often use internships as a hiring pipeline for full-time jobs

  • Gain valuable work experience and network with professionals in your field

Transfer students can participate in internships too.  Informational interviews (see pages 10-11 in the Career Guide) and LinkedIn are good ways to network.  Once you land your awesome internship, here is some advice to help make the most of the opportunity.  Don’t forget there are lots of other terrific ways to get experience besides internships, such as student organizations, workplace learning, and job shadowing.

Need help?  Career Services is here for you.  Get in touch with us. Career Services helps you elevate your career!

It Takes a Village: “Women Providing Healing and Promoting Hope”

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Three women on panel
March is Women’s History Month – an observance and celebration of the vital role of women in American history. In honor of Women’s History Month, the Central Piedmont Community College Library presents: 

It Takes a Village: “Women Providing Healing and Promoting Hope” on March 23, 11:30am-12:45pm. Join us virtually via Zoom!

Come learn about many ways in which women have provided healing and promoted hope in our community and culture. The program will begin with a few engaging stories from The Mama Stories Writing Project about women who have been ‘healers” and provided hope in various capacities. The program will be followed by a panelist discussion about the importance of writing and sharing these stories.

The Business and Accounting Division Celebrates 10 Years of Mock Interviews

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The Business and Accounting Division along with Career Services, Work Based Learning, Single Stop, and a host of advisory board business partners recently collaborated to celebrate the 10th year offering mock interviews to students preparing to enter the job market. The team hosted 29 students who completed virtual interviews in preparation for their upcoming entrance to the job market.

Open to all students across the college, the mock interviews allowed students an opportunity to practice their interviewing skills with active industry professionals who provided constructive feedback. The students were encouraged to prepare for the interview by utilizing the many services offered by our Career Services team including resume review and  “Big Interview” that provides on-demand interview practice tailored to a students’ specific industry, job, and experience level.

Employers participating in the event included Carowinds, H&R Block, National Board of Examiners in Optometry, and Wells Fargo.

The Business and Accounting Division would like to thank all businesses, faculty, advisory board members and college departments for their participation in this annual event. The time, expertise, and student feedback is invaluable in preparing these graduates for their career.

Central Piedmont Selects Local Artists to Design Mural for New Student Union

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Rosalia Torres-Weiner and Felicia Sky SuttonCentral Piedmont Community College has selected two local artists, Rosalia Torres-Weiner and Felicia Sky Sutton, to create a large-scale mural honoring the past history of the college, documenting the present, and reflecting the aspirations of Central Piedmont students for the future.

Torres-Weiner and Sutton, former Central Piedmont students, were chosen from a highly skilled pool of applicants to work collaboratively with students, faculty, and staff to create an interactive mural. The art work will be located in the dining area of the college’s new student union, a part of Central Piedmont’s new Parr Center complex, located on the Central Campus. The Parr Center will serve as the student services hub and include a new campus library, a 430-seat theater, a rooftop terrace, a 1,100- square-foot art gallery, and a maker’s space for students to explore careers and creativity. The Parr Center will open to students and the public later this year.

Read the full article to learn more about these local artists.

Counseling Services Can Help You Cope With Stress

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With classes, work, personal lives, and political and social unrest impacting us each day — how do we manage our stress so we can continue to be happy and productive? Come learn how with Counseling Services. You may be feeling pretty overwhelmed right now.

Central Piedmont’s Counseling Services is here to support you, whether you’re dealing with stressful situations, painful emotions, difficult relationships, or challenges with school. Services are free and confidential.  Complete a service request form, visit us online at cpcc.edu/counseling to learn more. You may also e-mail counseling@cpcc.edu.

Health and Wellness of African Americans – Past, Present, and Future

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audience of studentsEvery year the Association for the Study of African American Life and History selects a national theme to bring attention to important developments in the Black narrative that merit emphasis. Medical racism is the systematic and wide-spread racism against people of color within the medical system, including the disparity in health coverage by race, and the biases held by healthcare workers against people of color in their care. This year’s theme focuses on Black Health and Wellness and will consider activities, rituals, and initiatives that Black communities have done to be well.

In case you missed it, check out a virtual panel discussion on the Health and Wellness of African Americans in Health held on February 22 by Central Piedmont Library.

Share Your thoughts for a Chance to Win a $50 Visa Gift Card

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masked female student looking at laptop

What social media platforms do you LOVE? And which do you love to HATE?

Did you know that learning more about our current students’ media habits help us connect with new students more effectively? Help us spread the Central Piedmont love by completing the online survey below. And you could also win a $50 Visa gift card from the college!*

  • Survey code: northcarolina

We’re working with Interact Communications to compile the data and help us learn more about our college community. No worries, all of your responses will be kept confidential and non-identifiable.

*Winner cannot be a student who is also employed by Central Piedmont.

 

College Moving to Face-Mask-Optional Status Feb. 26, Except in Classrooms and Labs

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orange graphic COVID 19On Feb. 16, the Mecklenburg County Board of County Commissioners voted to relax COVID-19 safety restrictions in the county, based on recommendations from the Mecklenburg County Health Department. Commissioners voted to end the county face-mask-wearing requirement which had been in place since late-August 2021. Mecklenburg County’s decision to no longer require the use of face masks is based on the rapidly decreasing numbers of positive COVID-19 cases being seen in the county. Beginning Feb. 26, Mecklenburg County will no longer require persons to wear face masks in indoor public spaces.

On Feb. 17, N.C. Governor Roy Cooper encouraged ending all local face mask mandates, based on declining COVID case numbers across the state and the great availability of vaccines.

Effective Feb. 26, Central Piedmont Community College will make the use of face masks optional on campus, except for classrooms and labs. Students and faculty members should continue to wear face coverings when in their classes and labs through the end of the 2022 spring semester.

Nothing prevents employees and students from continuing to wear face coverings wherever they are on campus if they so choose. Please keep in mind individuals should not be asked to disclose their vaccination status or why they choose or don’t choose to wear a face covering outside of class. This is private information and should be respected.

Please be understanding as our employees and students make their decisions concerning face masks outside of class. Please continue to monitor yourself for any COVID-19-related symptoms, and stay home if you feel ill at all. If your symptoms persist, please contact a healthcare provider. Please report if you are exposed to or test positive for COVID-19 by sending a prompt email to wecare@cpcc.edu.

The Mecklenburg County Health Department and the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services strongly recommend unvaccinated persons eligible for vaccination be vaccinated as soon as possible. Likewise, Central Piedmont encourages all members of the college community – students, faculty and staff – to be vaccinated, if they so choose, as soon as possible.

Learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine and boosters by accessing the following resources: StarMed Health, Walgreens, CVS, Novant Health, and Atrium Health.

Healthcare Open House on March 1

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The Health Professions and Human Services Spring 2022 Open House will be held on March 1, from 5–7 p.m., on Central Campus in the Health Careers Building.

Don’t miss your chance to:

  • Learn more about the 21 healthcare programs
  • Tour the Health Careers Building, new Leon Levine Health Sciences Center, laboratories,and classrooms
  • Meet faculty and staff from all programs
  • Discover how to apply for financial aid and scholarships
  • Learn about student life and support services (Spanish translators will be available if needed)

Reserve your spot today – attendance is limited! For more information and to reserve your seat, visit cpcc.edu/health-openhouse.

North Carolina Community College Student Survey

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Student using phone and laptop in open seating areaYour opinions can help shape the future. The North Carolina Comprehensive Community College Student Government Association has developed an anonymous survey to better understand community college students, their community college experience, and how North Carolina community colleges can better serve special populations.

This information will be used to make recommendations to the NC Community College System Office and the State Board of Community Colleges to help provide better experiences and resources for North Carolina community college students. The information will be used to inform the development of the North Carolina Community College System’s strategic plan for 2022-2026.

Please complete the North Carolina Community College Student Survey February 18th, 2022.

Graduates: Nominate Yourself to Speak at Graduation

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You have a story – and its worth telling! Central Piedmont’s Graduation Committee is now accepting nominations of student graduates to serve as the student speaker at this year’s commencement celebration. Ideally, nominated students would share a pride in their educational journey, a passion for Central Piedmont, and would be willing and able to share their experience and wisdom during the celebration.

Nominations will be accepted until March 11 via the student speaker nomination form, and interviews and selection will conclude by April 1. Students selected for an interview will be asked to share a brief written reflection of their college experience. The selected graduate will receive guidance, rehearsal, and support to prepare their official remarks.

Check out the remarks to the graduating class from Emma Hoff, last year’s student speaker. Please submit the 2022 Graduation Student Speaker Nomination form to help our selection committee identify top candidates.

Any questions regarding nominations can be forwarded to jesse.bennett@cpcc.edu.

National Career and Technical Education Month

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students gathered around table
Career and Technical Education, or CTE, is education that directly prepares students for high-wage, high-demand careers. CTE covers many different fields, including health care, information technology, advanced manufacturing, hospitality and business/management and many more, as described in Association for Career and Technical Education’s website.
Career and Technical Education encompasses many different types of education, from classroom learning to certification programs to work-based learning opportunities outside the classroom. Our Career and Technical Education programs provide hands-on, real-world experience to help you successfully navigate the transition from college to career. Today’s job market is more competitive than ever before. In honor of National CTE Month, take some time to learn about the many opportunities available at Central Piedmont.

Success Starts Here – Annual Mock Interview Event February 18

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Future Business Leaders of America-Phi Beta Lambda, Inc. (FBLA-PBL) is the largest business Career and Technical Student Organization in the world. Each year, FBLA-PBL helps over 230,000 members prepare for careers in business.
Join the Business and Accounting Division in celebrating  FBLA-PBL/Business and Accounting Week, February 13-19. This year’s theme is “Success Starts Here” so don’t miss out on the opportunity to build connections and develop skills that lead to your future success. Practice your virtual interviewing skills with experts from the industry at the Annual Mock Interview Event on Friday, February 18.
All Central Piedmont students are invited to participate. Register for a 30-minute mock interview today! Learn how to stand out in an interview and receive valuable feedback from seasoned professionals.

Inclusive Leadership Keynote Conversation on February 10

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audience of studentsDeveloping spaces where we all feel valued and respected is vital to any strong leader. Please do not miss this week’s Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion event.  The Inclusive Leadership virtual keynote will raise awareness on why it is so important that we all are more intentional in creating and maintaining an inclusive culture. We will learn: 

  • What is the business imperative for inclusive leadership?
  • What are the key characteristics of an inclusive leader? 

This keynote is for everyone! Leadership is not tied to a formal position or title; therefore, we ALL can develop our capacity to be inclusive leaders.  Keynote participants are inspired to develop the skills of an inclusive leader.  Join us February 10th 10:00am to 11:30am. 

Register today and reserve your seat! 

Looking for a better job? Career Services Can Help

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Student using phone and laptop in open seating areaLooking for a better job?  Career Services is here for you! We want to help polish your resume, interview skills and job search strategy. Visit Handshake to view employment opportunities, both part and full-time.

Handshake Tips:

  • Complete your full profile in Handshake for a chance to win a prize (contest running through Feb. 18)
  • Your account is already created – login or download the app to activate it
  • You are 5x more likely to be contacted with a complete profile
  • More than jobs – learn about hiring events hosted by area employer partners

Reasons To Use Handshake:

  • Recruiters are seeking to hire Central Piedmont students for professional entry level roles
  • Recruiters are active on Handshake.  They sent 16 million messages last year to students!
  • Handshake is customized to you and gives personalized job suggestions
  • Central Piedmont has built a rapport with the employers listed there, so you have an increased chance of success!
  • No experience required – the jobs you see are for students!
  • Career Services has your back if you need help.  Get in touch with us. Career Services helps you elevate your career!