Central Piedmont Overcash Art Gallery presents ‘A Fall From Grace,’ an exhibition beginning Jan. 11

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Zaire McPhearson brings “A Fall From GraceNorth Carolina artist Zaire McPhearson brings “A Fall From Grace,’” to Central Piedmont Community College’s Overcash Art Gallery, located on the college’s Central Campus. The  exhibition tells the story of a charismatic movement known as the “Prayer Band,” through the voices of the African American women who experienced it firsthand. This movement evolved from a traditional Christian-based organization, The First Church of God in Christ, but soon the woman leading a noonday prayer meeting reshaped the group and formed her own ministry, calling herself the Queen of the South. She considered herself to be the voice of God and a direct intermediary between God and the women in the “Prayer Band.”

McPhearson’s exhibition gives a voice to the women silenced by mental, physical, and emotional abuse and tells of their long recovery back to their faith. McPhearson, who has a personal relationship with these incredible women, expertly portrays their complex stories through her photography, painting, sculptures, and stained glass works.

  • WHEN: Jan. 11 – March 10, 2022; Monday – Thursday, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., or by appointment
  • Opening Reception: Feb. 23; 5 p.m.
  •  WHERE: Central Piedmont Central Campus, Overcash Center, Overcash Art Gallery, 1206 Elizabeth Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204
  •  Artist Lecture: Feb. 23; 3 p.m. (Virtual and In Person), Central Campus, North Classroom Building, Auditorium 1123, 1320 Sam Ryburn Walk, Charlotte, NC 28204
  • For more information, please contact Amelia Zytka at amelia.zytka@cpcc.edu. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook at Central Piedmont Arts and our blog at http://blogs.cpcc.edu/cpccartgalleries/

Central Piedmont Ross Art Gallery presents ‘Floating Blue’ by Thomas Pickarski, an exhibition beginning Jan. 11, 2022

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‘Floating Blue’ by Thomas Pickarski Multi-media visual and performance artist Thomas Pickarski will bring his exhibition to the Central Piedmont Community College Overcash Art Gallery, located on the college’s Central Campus, to take visitors on his journey through the fragile arctic landscape with a series of photographs depicting the eternal beauty of icebergs. Intrigued by the happenstance of abstracted forms in nature, Thomas Pickarski found himself drawn to the sculptural magnificence of icebergs and the otherworldliness of the landscape in which they exist.

Pickarski waited till late in August before making his journey through the arctic ice to better capture the quality of soft light that occurs in the last hours of twilight, known as The Blue Hour. In The Blue Hour, he is able to photograph deep shades of blue that portray the ethereal beauty of icebergs. Students and visitors to the gallery can experience the splendor of these natural sculptures through Pickarski’s expert photography.

  • WHEN:  Jan. 11 – March 10, 2022, Monday – Thursday, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., or by appointment 
  • WHERE: Central Piedmont Central Campus, Overcash Center, Ross Art Gallery, first floor, 1206 Elizabeth Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204
  • ARTIST LECTURE: Virtual lecture on Feb. 2, 2022, at 2 p.m.
  • For more information, please contact Amelia Zytka at amelia.zytka@cpcc.edu. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook at Central Piedmont Arts and our blog at http://blogs.cpcc.edu/cpccartgalleries/

Top Things to Know This Spring 2022

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student looking at laptop in the classroom with central Piedmont face mask onAs you begin a new semester, it’s important to keep informed about exciting college updates, new support services, scholarship opportunities, and beneficial college events and programs.

Now more than ever, it’s incredibly important to remain connected.Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn to stay informed and connected to the Central Piedmont community. We are here to help you reach your academic goals this spring!

Check out these links for help in getting started:

All support services – including counseling, advising, financial aid assistance, career planning, basic needs services – are available in-person and virtually. Visit the Current Students page for contact information. Don’t hesitate to call or email the department you need to let us know how we can help.

Advisory: Welcome to the Spring 2022 Semester

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Two students walking on campusCentral Piedmont is excited to welcome you for spring 2022! We hope the New Year is off to a great start for you and look forward to seeing as many of you as possible in the weeks and months ahead. Our top priority is to maintain the academic integrity we have always prided ourselves on and to keep our students, faculty, and staff safe while doing so.  

As we return back to campus, there are a few things to keep in mind:

  • Face coverings are required during instructional activities (during classes, labs, etc.); in face-to-face meetings, and whenever persons are moving through or gathering in indoor common areas, such as hallways, lobbies, stairways, elevators, our libraries, restrooms, etc. 
  • Face masks and gloves remain available at building entrances to anyone who needs them. Face coverings are not required outdoors on campus or inside while eating.
  • Please stay home if you feel ill in any way. If your symptoms persist, please see a healthcare provider. Please inform your instructors if you experience an illness that impacts your class attendance. 
  • If you think you might have come in contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID, or if you test positive, please send an email immediately to wecare@cpcc.edu. The email inbox is now being monitored on a daily basis by Novant Health medical professionals who are responding directly to all inquiries.
  • If you need to come to campus for a class, advising, or any other reason, be sure to complete the online Health Acknowledgement Form on Monday every week you arrive on any campus.


Are vaccinations being mandated?

If you have not yet been vaccinated against COVID-19, we strongly encourage you to do so, if you are so inclined, at your earliest opportunity.

Due to the policy of our affiliated clinics, all health program students and faculty will have to be vaccinated for this upcoming semester, unless they have received a medical or religious exemption. This includes dental hygiene students. If you are a health program student, and have any further questions or concerns, please reach out to Charlene James (charlene.james@cpcc.edu).

No other academic programs are requiring vaccination at this time. The college will not ask you to provide your vaccination status, nor should anyone connected to the college inquire about your status.

How should students and employees report positive COVID tests?

To report COVID cases and exposures, or to ask questions about our protocols, please email wecare@cpcc.edu. Students should also notify their instructors, and employees should make their supervisors aware as soon as possible.

What will be the isolation/quarantine protocols for vaccinated and unvaccinated students and employees?

We will follow CDC protocols to determine isolation/quarantine recommendations for students and employees based on vaccination status. These will be communicated directly to persons who test positive for COVID-19 and have been in contact with positive-test persons.

By working together – wearing face coverings, practicing social distancing when possible, washing our hands frequently, staying home if we feel ill, and keeping our campus spaces clean – we can help keep each other safe.
All support services – including counseling, advising, financial aid assistance, career planning, basic needs services – are available in-person and virtually. Visit the Current Students page for contact information. Don’t hesitate to call or email the department you need to let us know how we can help.
We wish you a safe, productive, and happy semester!

Information Tables During the First Week of Class

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Student receiving financial assistance

Our Central Piedmont Student Engagment team is here to help! Information tables will be set up at all six campuses during the first week of spring classes should you need help finding classes or getting questions answered. 

Please download the Central Piedmont app as soon as possible to stay informed, have access to your schedule, campus maps, and know about all the fun things happening on our campuses for students. 

At Central Campus, the information table will be located on Elizabeth Avenue in front of Parking Deck 3.

  • Monday (Jan 10) from 7:45 a.m.- 2:00 p.m. and 5-6:00 p.m.
  • Tuesday (Jan 11) from 7:45 a.m.- 2:00 p.m. and 5-6:00 p.m.

At all other campuses, tables will be set up in main entry points on campus. Look for our staff and faculty to assist you with any questions you might have.

We look forward to serving you on campus in the upcoming weeks!

Advisory: Spring 2022 Parking and Transportation Update

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Parking at Central PiedmontGETTING TO & FROM YOUR CAMPUS

Traffic is heavy during the first two weeks of school; therefore, please consider carpooling or using public transportation, and plan to arrive early to campus to allow enough time to park and find your classrooms and labs. Also, please be aware there are construction and maintenance projects on several Central Piedmont campuses that could cause issues. Please use caution when driving near campus, looking out for pedestrians, bike riders, scooters, and the Gold Line streetcars.

Review campus maps ahead of time to get comfortable with your parking and classroom locations before classes start. You can also download the Central Piedmont mobile app for iPhone or Android to see all campus maps or for more specific information – and follow #cpccparking on Twitter for the most recent parking info.

PARKING DECALS

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.

Parking decals must be displayed by Tuesday, February 1.

CENTRAL CAMPUS PARKING DECKS

Here are the latest Central Campus parking updates (please see the Central Campus map for locations of parking decks and lots). Here are the physical addresses of the parking decks at Central Campus:

  • Central Campus parking deck #1 – 1321 Charlottetowne Ave.
  • Central Campus parking deck #2 – 1108 Charlottetowne Ave.
  • Central Campus parking deck #3 – 1345 E. 4th St.
  • Central Campus parking deck #4 – 1225 E. 4th St.

With all four parking decks open, in addition to multiple surface lots, there should be plenty of parking to accommodate students and employees. The only exceptions are spaces that require a handicap permit, visitor spaces, and designated maintenance vehicle or administration spaces. 

Local businesses strictly enforce towing so please display your parking decal and only park on Central Piedmont’s campuses.

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

Have a great semester!

 

How to Determine When to Report to Campus

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student on laptop

To determine if your classes are online, a mixture of online and in-person, or completely in-person, follow these steps:

  1. Log into MyCollege.
  2. Select ‘Student Planning.’
  3. Select ‘Go to Plan and Schedule.’
  4. Make sure the term at the top of this page says ‘Spring 2022.’
  5. Select the ‘Print’ button.

This page will give you the clearest view of how your class will be delivered. You can print, print to PDF, or screen capture the schedule from a phone. Please note:

  • In the ‘Location’ column, if you only see ONLINE for that section, there will be no on-campus instruction.
  • If you see only campus buildings and rooms, that class will only meet in-person at the location(s) listed.
  • If you see both ONLINE and a campus building and room, that class will have a mixture of in-person and online instruction.

Also, please note that even with in-person classes, most students will report to campus a limited amount of times. To find out if and when you report to campus:

  1. Log into MyCollege.
  2. Select ‘Student Planning.’
  3. Select ‘Go to Plan and Schedule.’
  4. Make sure the term  says ‘Spring 2022.’
  5. In the “Meeting Information” section, you may have both in-person dates as well as online dates. This means you are in a hybrid or blended course.
  6. Select the course title. Learn more about the course in the “Additional Information” section.

If you have any questions regarding your class structure, please email your instructor or don’t hesitate to call the Central Piedmont Information Center at 704.330.2722.

Brightspace Orientation Available for all Students

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Nervous about taking your first online course in Brightspace, Central Piedmont’s new Learning Management System?

We can help! Our one hour, virtual instructional sessions will give you hands-on experience with Brightspace.

masked female student looking at laptop

These sessions will demonstrate how to:

  • navigate Brightspace
  • turn on notifications
  • download the Brightspace Pulse app
  • take quizzes
  • upload assignments
  • post discussions
  • complete an Enrollment Verification Activity 

These sessions are open to all students. We think you should strongly consider signing up for this additional help if you: 

  • are new to Central Piedmont
  • are an English as a Foreign Language student
  • do not feel comfortable with technology

We also encourage you to use the Brightspace Resource Guide for extra help if needed.

Our goal is to make sure you are comfortable with the tools you need to be successful in class. We can’t wait to see you there!

View the Brightspace practice sessions schedule and register today. 

Access Support Services on Campus Until 6 p.m.

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students being helped behind clear shield on campusCentral Piedmont is devoted to helping you start the semester strong and have the best learning experience possible. All support services – including counseling, advising, financial aid assistance, career planning, basic needs services – are available in-person and virtually. Visit the Current Students page for contact information. Don’t hesitate to call or email the department you need to let us know how we can help. 

Welcome Centers will be open Monday– Friday, 8 a.m.– 6 p.m., at the following locations:

  • Cato Campus: Cato I Building, Atrium or Room 230
  • Central Campus: Central High Building, Room 110
  • Harper Campus: Harper IV Building, Second Floor Lobby
  • Harris Campus: Harris I Building, First Floor Lobby (Harris 1-1101) 
  • Levine Campus: Levine I Building, Second Floor Lobby or Room 2100
  • Merancas Campus: Claytor Building, First Floor Lobby or Room 1121

Please remember, all academic and student support services are available online. 

We also strongly recommend you download the Central Piedmont app if you have not already. The app is a great way to stay informed, access your schedule, find campus maps, and check your Central Piedmont email. 

If you visit us on campus, remember to wear a face covering and complete the weekly health acknowledgement form on Monday of each upcoming week. The Health Acknowledgement form resets every Monday, so please complete the form every Monday morning of each week you’ll be on campus.                                  

Welcome to the spring 2022 semester! We look forward to seeing you on campus.

Counseling Services Presents: Interpersonal Violence Group

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female student in classInterpersonal Violence is defined as the intentional use of physical force or power against other persons by an individual or small group of individuals. Interpersonal violence may be physical, sexual, or psychological. Counseling Services wants to support students, engage in meaningful conversations, and empower students to work toward healthy solutions. Join us this spring semester!

Who is this group for?

  • Female-identifying Central Piedmont students who have experienced interpersonal violence.

What should you expect?

  • 12 sessions available throughout the semester
  • Free to all Central Piedmont students
  • Safe space to connect with other survivors and to share your story

Group Conversation Topics:

  • Abuse
  • Boundaries/boundary setting
  • Coping with grief, fear, anger and guilt
  • Assertiveness skills
  • Healthy relationships

Complete an interest form to receive additional information regarding upcoming sessions.

If you have any questions or concerns, please email brittany.lutton@cpcc.edu.

Free Tax Services for Eligible Students

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tutoring session with student and teacher reviewing book materialFor the 2022 tax season, Single Stop has partnered with the Central Piedmont Accounting & Finance Program to offer VITA Free Tax Services to eligible students and individuals in the Central Piedmont community. If your household income in 2021 was $72,000 or less, you could qualify to have your taxes prepared and submitted through the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program for free. 

Mark your calendars! Starting January 24th, 2022 through April 14th, 2022, you can take advantage of this FREE tax preparation service. Appointments will take place in-person in the Overcash Building, Room 232 on the Central Campus. Walk-ins will be accepted based on availability.

Please monitor the Single Stop webpage this month for available hours and the calendar link to schedule your appointment!

Questions? Call 704-330-6435.

Career Services Helps You Build Your Network

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student engaging in an interviewDespite social distancing, the end of the year is still a great opportunity to build connections that elevate your career.  With so many people working and attending school virtually, people are easier to contact online than ever before.  Check out this short video to learn quick tips like these:

  • Put together a nice holiday/New Year’s message to touch base with your network, like former instructors, coworkers, and supervisors

  • Ask your network for names of people you should know

  • Develop your LinkedIn profile (see page 8 in the Career Guide) and find us at Central Piedmont Career Services

  • Reach out to professionals doing what interests you for a virtual informational interview or brief chat about their career journey

Want to know more?

  • Central Piedmont Career Services Career Guide features information about building connections in the “Introducing You” section beginning on page 5.

  • Read a quick article with holiday networking tips.

  • Watch our 3-minute video for more expert tips!

  • Meet with a career counselor.  We will be open until December 23.  Get in touch with us. Career Services helps you elevate your career!

Longleaf Grant Now Open to 2020 High School Graduates

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2021 female graduates standing in groupCentral Piedmont is excited to announce North Carolina’s Longleaf Commitment Grant, a program that was previously only available to 2021 North Carolina high school graduates who planned to attend one of state’s “Great 58” community colleges during the 2021-2022 academic year, is now open to eligible 2020 high school graduates.

Thanks to the addition of the Class of 2020, even more high school graduates now are eligible to receive grant funds – not a loan – to cover tuition and fees that may be applied toward a degree or to attain transfer credit.

Full-time eligible students are guaranteed to receive $700 to $2,800 per academic year, for a total of two years. Part-time students may receive a partial award. The Longleaf Commitment Grant ends at the conclusion of the 2023 spring semester.

“The Longleaf Grant helped me by saving me money,” said Leila Turner, a grant recipient and Central Piedmont student. “And the process [to apply] was easy!”

In addition, the Longleaf Commitment program will provide matching grants to affiliated colleges to help the institutions expand their student advising, success coaching, and related services to support student success after students have enrolled.

Learn more about the North Carolina Longleaf Commitment Grant, including its eligibility requirements, and get connected to helpful resources.

VITA Free Tax Services Coming in January

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counselor sitting alongside student while looking together at a computer screenFor the 2022 tax season, Single Stop has partnered with the Central Piedmont Accounting & Finance Program to offer VITA Free Tax Services to eligible students and individuals in the Central Piedmont community. If your household income in 2021 was $72,000 or less, you could qualify to have your taxes prepared and submitted through the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program for free. 

Mark your calendars! Starting January 24th, 2022 through April 14th, 2022, you can take advantage of this FREE tax preparation service. Appointments will take place in-person in the Overcash Building, Room 232 on the Central Campus. Walk-ins will be accepted based on availability.

Please monitor the Single Stop webpage in early January 2022 for available hours and the calendar link to schedule your appointment!

Questions? Call 704-330-6435.

Congratulations to the Newest Members of Phi Theta Kappa!

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student walking across stage for diploma

Congratulations to the newest members of the Phi Lambda Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa international honor society. Our Phi Lambda chapter at Central Piedmont held an in-person Induction Ceremony on Monday, Nov. 22 in the Halton Theater at Central Campus.

We were thrilled to celebrate with the students who joined us to cross the stage. The ceremony included new members from the fall 2021 induction class, as well as students from previous semesters who had been recognized with Spring 2021 Phi Theta Kappa Induction Ceremony videos during COVID considerations.

Students who are eligible for membership with Phi Theta Kappa have completed at least 12 curriculum credit hours at Central Piedmont and maintain a minimum 3.5 cumulative GPA. To date, 233 students have become new members of the Phi Lambda chapter for the fall 2021 semester. Members who joined by Nov. 21 were included in the printed program linked below. Students who are eligible to join Phi Theta Kappa this semester may continue to accept membership through Dec. 31, 2021. The Phi Lambda chapter will invite eligible students into membership again starting in February 2022.

Thank you to Dr. Heather Hill and Dr. Tracy Moore for joining chapter advisors Dr. Beau Bowers and Jennifer Conway on stage to help celebrate our inductees. We appreciate that we were able to livestream the ceremony for family and guests to watch socially distanced. Students who were able to attend crossed the stage, signed their name in our record book, and were given a scroll and commemorative pen.

View the live stream of the Phi Theta Kappa Induction Ceremony (40 minutes, audio improves at the 1:30 minute mark)

Discover Your Future This Spring – Register Today!

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Registration is now open for all new and returning students. High-demand sections are beginning to fill up – register now to save your spot this spring! The college continues to offer a variety of classes – in-person, online, and hybrid-  so you can find the right fit for your schedule.

Save your seat today! Here’s how:

  1. Plan your schedule online with a Central Piedmont advisor at cpcc.edu/academic-advising.
  2. Apply and pay your tuition with a scholarship, grant, or emergency funds at cpcc.edu/financial-aid.
  3. Download the Central Piedmont app to register and access services, your schedule, and financial aid award.
If you’re having trouble with registration or need assistance, call 704.330.6100, or email fye@cpcc.edu.

Central Piedmont Honors James W. Allison

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image of college president and four guests cutting ribbon

James W. Allison Classroom Dedication, Zeiss, Room 102, November 10th, 2021

Central Piedmont Community College recognized James “Jim” W. Allison, a long-time Central Piedmont benefactor and respected Charlotte lawyer, by naming Room 1221 of the Zeiss Building on the college’s Central Campus, the “James W. Allison Classroom” in honor of his 17-year relationship with the college.

The college will use Room 1221 for paralegal technology instruction beginning in 2022, when its paralegal program relocates from Cato Campus to Central Campus. The classroom naming aligns perfectly with Mr. Allison’s professional interests – he dedicated his career to working as a business lawyer, working primarily for Johnston, Allison & Hord PA. There, he helped counsel a number of clients representing the higher education, real estate, and healthcare fields – including Central Piedmont Community College.

Over the years, Mr. Allison has served as the college’s legal counsel, helping its leadership acquire facilities/property across the county to help expand its footprint to meet the needs of students and the community.

However, his contributions to the college’s growth extend beyond his legal work. He and his wife Judy – a Central Piedmont Board of Trustees member since 2010 – have generously donated their time and resources to Central Piedmont, establishing the Judith N. & James W. Allison Endowed Scholarship to support students in the paralegal program (with a veteran preference), and the Johnston, Allison & Hord Scholarship to support students in the college’s paralegal program.

“Jim and Judy have been generous supporters of the college, establishing endowed scholarship funds to extend opportunities to financially-needy students in our paralegal program,” said Kandi Deitemeyer, president of Central Piedmont. “This generosity has made it possible for numerous students to prepare for meaningful careers as paralegals. The gift to name this classroom will increase available scholarship resources and provide additional life-transforming financial assistance to students.”

Watch a recording of the dedication event.

Kudos to Central Piedmont’s Cyber Security Team

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2021 Cyber Security Team standing in front of white backgroundCongratulations to Central Piedmont’s Cyber Security Team and program area on its student’s performance at the individual and team level during the National Cyber League Competition, which took place Oct. 8 – Nov. 7, 2021. The team placed 137 out of 927 teams that competed nationwide, beating several four-year universities. In the individual competition, Central Piedmont student Daniel Freeman placed 209th out of 3,667 competitors. This put him in the top 6% nationwide. The other team members placed 1,225, 1,826 and 1,870 respectively.

Events like the National Cyber League Competition expose students to industry partners who may provide them with internships and full-time jobs – jobs are one of the best completion statuses our students can have.

Learn more about the National Cyber League and its competitions.

Student Voices Survey Series Deadline Extended to Dec. 1

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Central Piedmont Planning and Research wants to hear from you! Your opinions of your experiences at Central Piedmont are so important to us!

The Office of Planning and Research is currently administering the Student Voices Survey Series for the fall semester. A unique survey link has been sent to your Central Piedmont email from “CPCC Research invites@mailer.surveygizmo.com” and the surveys will be available for you to complete until Dec. 1.

Your voice is crucial to the continued transformation of Central Piedmont. The surveys are meant to capture key pieces of information from students at specific points during their time at Central Piedmont and the data we gather will be used for creating a successful student experience.

View a description of the surveys and when you will take each one.

Survey results are not intended for individual intervention and will not contain identifying information. The only exception to this is the Graduate Survey which includes voluntary questions to gather information for future contact relating to alumni activities.

If you have any questions regarding the Student Voices Survey Series, please contact Lynn Williams at lynn.williams@cpcc.edu. want to hear from you! Your opinions of your experiences at Central Piedmont are so important to us!

 

Check out New User-Friendly Catalog Features

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student looking at laptop in the classroom with central Piedmont face mask onThe course catalog is the college’s authentic information source which is packed with information to make your college experience easier. The 2021-2022 College Catalog features a new user-friendly design and a cleaner aesthetic closely aligned with the college’s website, brand, and best practices in responsive web layouts. An A-Z filter, providing users with an easier search experience for courses and programs of study, is now available.

If you have any questions or ideas on improving the College Catalog, please email Nichole.Patterson@cpcc.edu.