Central Piedmont To Use Grant Funds for Food Drives to Help At-Risk Students

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Bridge Builders Charlotte, a joint effort between Belk Chapel at Queens University and Chicago-based Interfaith Youth Core, has awarded Central Piedmont a $25,000 grant to promote social justice and educational equity across the Charlotte region.

Bridge Builders Charlotte aims to use campus-community partnerships to overcome social divides and make our community stronger – with a specific aim of strengthening the Charlotte community’s response to the COVID-19 crisis.

The grant proposal was spearheaded by Chris Brawley, a religion professor in the Humanities Division at Central Piedmont. The funding will be used to hire three Central Piedmont student interns who will work in conjunction with Central Piedmont’s Student Life department and local nonprofit Loaves and Fishes, to sponsor two food drives during the fall semester that will address the food needs of various faith traditions.

In addition to preparing specially made food boxes and participating in the food drives, interfaith cards will be included in the boxes, highlighting the common call of every religion to serve others. The food drives will be captured on film and distributed to the wider Charlotte community, showing how various faith traditions can work together (and learn from each other) during times of crisis.

Central Piedmont’s project is being funded through the Gambrell Foundation. Collectively, the Gambrell-Foundation is not only helping fund Central Piedmont’s initiative, but also a variety of projects housed at more than 10 faith communities, five other area colleges and universities (Davidson College, Johnson C. Smith University, Queens University, UNC Charlotte and Wingate University), and six nonprofit organizations.

“These projects will forge connections between Charlotte-area campuses, local nonprofit organizations and religiously diverse communities,” Brawley explains. “Central Piedmont is excited to be involved in this process, and an active participant in leveraging Charlotte’s potential to expand opportunity for those who are most vulnerable as result of the coronavirus crisis.”

Blood Drive on Central Campus – Save Lives: Donate Blood

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Central Piedmont along with community blood center, One Blood, will host a blood drive on August 20 from 9:00 a.m – 3 p.m., in the driveway in front of the Overcash building. Space is limited in order to social distance and appointments are required. All donors will receive a FREE OneBlood Tote Bag, as well as a free wellness check (blood pressure, pulse, temperature, pulse, iron count and cholesterol check). Reserve an appointment (use sponsor code #44503) or contact Jesse.Bennett@cpcc.edu with questions.

Get Connected to Student Life!

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You’ve got your schedule, you’ve logged into Blackboard and your Central Piedmont email. What’s next on your list? GET INVOLVED!

Student Life has spent the summer designing fun virtual student experiences and we look forward to a year of social spaces, plenty of opportunity to build personal and professional skills, and ways that you can connect with other students who share your interests and goals. We might be at a distance from one other, but connection still matters (and it helps you be a better student).

Here’s what you can look forward to:

  • Welcome Week: Some fun, including trivia, games and a virtual student club fair!
  • E-Sports: New for 2020! We know lots of you are gamers, and we think this will be a popular addition!
  • Civic Engagement: 2020 has been an important year for our country and community. Find ways to connect to voting, volunteering, important issues, and more!
  • Leadership Development: You can learn more about your talents, developing skills for your career. Our Summer Leadership Academy was popular, and we’ll have new opportunities for brand new and returning student leaders.
  • Current issues: Look for programs and conversations about racial justice, inclusion, making change, and asking tough questions.
  • Wellness: These days can be difficult for everyone, so learning healthy strategies for managing stress and anxiety are important skills.
  • Student Clubs: Virtual organizations are possible! Look for our club fair Aug. 20 and club interest meetings on the calendar soon.

How can you keep posted on what we’re doing? Three easy steps!

  1. Follow @cpccstudentlife on Instagram! The best way to see what we’re all about!
  2. Download the Central Piedmont app (you need it anyhow!) and you can find our Student Life Events Calendar there.
  3. Click here to check out our website and see our events calendar there.

Guidelines for Social Distancing in Classrooms and Labs

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Please watch this video for social distancing guidelines in classrooms and labs. It is important we keep everyone spaced out adequately when in class to ensure a safe learning environment for you, your peers, and instructors. This video offers good recommendations.

You also will find these guidelines on posters that have been put up in all classrooms. And, remember, face masks/coverings are required for everyone!

Thanks for doing your part to keep everyone at Central Piedmont as safe and healthy as possible.

Advisory: Gov. Cooper Extends Phase 2 Until At Least Sept. 11

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North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper announced earlier today (Aug. 5) that Phase Two of statewide coronavirus restrictions will remain in effect until at least Sept. 11, keeping them in place through the Labor Day weekend.

This is the third time the Governor has decided to maintain restrictions that limit the size of gatherings indoors and outdoors in retail stores, restaurants and other businesses. The restrictions also keep bars, gyms, entertainment venues, and some other establishments closed for the time being.

The state has been in Phase Two of COVID-19 restrictions on business and leisure activities since May 22. Restaurant dining rooms are allowed to have 50-percent occupancy, as are personal care businesses such as barbershops, salons, and tattoo parlors.

Central Piedmont announced July 7, that fall semester classes will begin on Aug. 10, and be taught in multiple formats — online, hybrid, blended, and face-to-face. (Hybrid and blended courses include both online and some face-to-face instruction.)

For students who will attend classes on campus, please read the Student Guide to Returning to Campuscarefully. It will be important you follow all of the safety practices detailed in the guide. These include wearing a face covering, keeping a social distance from others, washing your hands frequently, self-monitoring for possible COVID-19 symptoms, and staying home if you feel ill at all.

Employees are encouraged to read the Guide for Returning to Campus to learn how to best keep their teammates and students as healthy and safe as possible going forward.

Class registration for the fall term continues through Aug. 11. Students who would like to make changes to their schedule, may do so through MyCollege until classes start on Aug. 10. We look forward to seeing you next week.

Top Things to Know Before Starting Classes

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We are here to help you, and we are ready to help you reach your academic goals! Familiarize yourself with the college’s Student Support Services which are available to support you this semester.  

Check out these links for help in getting started at Central Piedmont this fall.  

Fall 2020 Parking Decals Not Required for Fall Semester

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Welcome to the new semester!

In consideration of COVID-19, students are not required to display a Fall 2020 parking decal for the duration of the fall term. Tickets will not be issued to students who must return to campus for in-person instruction during this time. Keep in mind, parking will still be enforced so be mindful of marked signage  — spaces that require a handicap permit, visitor spaces, and designated maintenance vehicle or administration spaces — while on campus.

Remember, the vast majority of students should not come to campus on August 10. Your instructor(s) will let you know the exact dates for any on-campus activities, if any, during the semester.

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

PARKING DECKS:

  • 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.

PARKING DECK # 2: The elevator in this parking deck is currently offline and students and employees must access the stairwell.

PARKING DECK / LOT AVAILABILITY: With all four parking decks open, in addition to multiple surface lots, there should be plenty of parking to accommodate students and employees. Students may not park in the SunTrust bank lot or risk having your car towed.

Also, please be aware there are construction and maintenance projects on most Central Piedmont campuses – particularly Central Campus – that could cause issues. Please use caution when driving near campus, looking out for pedestrians and people riding bikes and scooters. Local businesses strictly enforce towing.

Download the Central Piedmont 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.

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

Have a great semester!

Health Acknowledgement Form Required For In-Person Classes

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If you’re attending class on-campus, you must complete the required Health Acknowledgment Form, which is a self-declaration of your current state of health and commitment to following safety best practices while on campus.

Just log in to MyCollege, select “Student Services,” and click on the “Health Acknowledgement and Pre-Check” form at the bottom of the page. 

All students who attend in-person classes will be required to complete the Health Acknowledgment Form every week by Monday. Please also remember to wear a face covering, which is required while on campus.

We need to be sure we’re operating as safely as possible to protect the health and well-being of students and employees. Social distancing will be a key component as we all have a responsibility to keep ourselves and each other safe.

How to Determine When You Report to Campus

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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 ‘Fall 2020.’
  5. Click on 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 ‘Fall 2020.’
  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.

 

Available Library Services Fall 2020

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Welcome to the Fall 2020 Semester! The library is here to support your academic success both in-person and online:

On-Campus Services:

Beginning Aug. 10th, we are pleased to offer a limited range of in-person services at all campus libraries:

  • Book and material check-out
  • Printing/Scanning
  • Computer use by appointment (for urgent academic needs)
  • Interlibrary loan

Library Hours:

  • Central Campus: Monday: 9 am to 7 pm, Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday, 9 am – 4 pm
  • Cato, Harper, Harris, Levine and Merancas Campuses: Monday – Thursday, 9 am – 1 pm
  • All physical locations are closed on Friday (online services available)
  • The Cato Campus Law Library is also currently closed.

Online Services:

The library will continue its robust slate of online services, including:

We also wanted to note that a few services will be unavailable until we are able to enter future phases of re-opening. These services include:

  • Textbook/class material reserves
  • Individual and group study spaces

Check out our short tutorial highlighting our Fall 2020 services! The library’s full re-opening plan is available on our Covid-19 library guide. If you have any questions, call us at 704-330-6635 or chat with us here.

Central Piedmont to Offer Two New Transfer Degrees in Teacher Preparation

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The North Carolina State Board of Community Colleges has approved Central Piedmont Community College to offer two, new transfer degree programs in teacher preparation – an Associate in Arts in Teacher Preparation and an Associate in Science in Teacher Preparation. The programs will open Aug. 10, the start of Central Piedmont’s fall semester.

These two, new transfer degree programs will help create a larger pipeline for future teachers in North Carolina’s elementary, middle and high schools, addressing the state’s critical teacher shortage, particularly in its more rural counties.

“Our new transfer degrees create seamless pathways for our students to transition into bachelor degree programs and successful teaching careers,” said Edith McElroy, associate vice president for transfer and pre-college. “This seamless pathway strategy will help ensure the North Carolina K-12 education system flourishes and is recognized as a national model for teacher recruitment and preparation in the United States.”

The degrees require 45 semester hours of general education courses and 14 hours of education courses, including one course with a focus on the science of reading instruction.

In addition to creating the two, new degree programs, the State Board of Community Colleges also approved corresponding teacher preparation pathways for high school students enrolled in their respective college’s Career & College Promise program. Career & College Promise is a dual enrollment program that gives eligible high school students the opportunity to get a jump-start and earn free college credit toward a two-year degree at Central Piedmont.

“The college is excited to offer a Career & College Promise teacher pathway,” McElroy said. “Now, the journey to becoming a teacher in Mecklenburg County can begin as early as high school, creating a robust, diverse pool of teachers who are even more prepared to serve all areas of the state in the future.”

For more information about the new associate degree transfer programs in teacher preparation at Central Piedmont, visit https://www.cpcc.edu/programs/teacher-preparation.

Return to Campus Guide for Students

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Whether your classes are online, completely in-person, or a mixture of both, the college is committed to providing a safe environment for our students to learn this fall semester. All Central Piedmont students are expected to follow the protocols and practices outlined in the Student Guide for Returning to Campus. These have been put in place to keep all of us safe when on campus.

By working together – wearing face coverings, practicing social distancing, washing our hands frequently, staying home if we feel ill, and keeping our campus spaces clean – we can make the resumption of on-campus classes a success while keeping everyone safe.

Please take the time to read the guide carefully before returning to campus for scheduled classes. The majority of students should not come to campus on August 10 – please check with your instructor or review the step-by-step instructions to determine if and when your class meets on campus.

Please Visit the college’s COVID-19 Web page for the most up-to-date information related to the coronavirus, including our plans to safely return to campus.

Drive-Thru Graduation Ceremonies Celebrate Class of 2020

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In celebration of its Class of 2020, Central Piedmont hosted drive-thru graduation ceremonies July 29 and 30 on its Cato Campus, located in northeast Charlotte. More than 440 Central Piedmont 2020 graduates participated in the two-day event, which included ceremonies for the college’s traditional undergraduate programs, as well as its College and Career Readiness programs (high school completion, Accelerated Career Training, and NCWorks Next Gen).

Central Piedmont’s graduation committee designed the college’s drive-thru graduation ceremonies with the health and well-being of its faculty/staff, students, and their family and friends in mind. As a result, all event volunteers and graduates were asked to wear face coverings, and social distancing and state guidelines were followed during the ceremonies.

“It was important we recognize our 2020 graduates’ accomplishments, especially during this unprecedented time, when so many of them had to overcome multiple obstacles to achieve their educational goals this year,” said Kandi Deitemeyer, president of Central Piedmont, who was on-site both days to personally congratulate graduates. “The Class of 2020 is a resilient group of individuals. I look forward to hearing their many success stories and wish them all the best in their future endeavors.”

The college offers nearly 300 programs to get students real-world ready. Affordable and flexible Central Piedmont classes can help students earn the skills to fast track into a career pathway or lay the foundation for a four-year degree. Registration for the fall 2020 term is open. The college looks forward to welcoming new and returning students on Aug. 10.

View the graduation event photo gallery or watch the ceremony live-streams on Facebook.

Former RNC Week & Fall Break

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Don’t forget to register for the fall semester — classes start on Monday, August 10 (just a little more than a week from now) so you’re running out of time to make sure you get the classes you need.

The August 10 start to the fall semester is earlier than usual because of the planned impact of the Republican National Convention (RNC). As you recall, the college had planned to close during the week the RNC was scheduled to take place in Charlotte – August 22-28. The reason the college planned to close was to avoid the challenges the convention would present to our students and employees in trying to reach campus and to accommodate facilities requests made by the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department connected to the RNC.

Although the RNC initially moved the largest parts of the convention from Charlotte to Jacksonville, FL, it recently announced the cancellation of all major events, due to the pandemic.

Given that there will no longer be any large-scale RNC events in Charlotte, the college will not close August 22-28. The college will be open and operating on a normal schedule, and this week will become “remote learning days” for students and faculty. While there will be no on-campus classes during that week, Online, Hybrid, and Blended courses will continue online only.

For the safety and well-being of our campus community, we will complete the vast majority of face-to-face instruction prior to the Thanksgiving holiday (Nov. 26-29). Some courses are being taught under a compressed timeline so they can be concluded by the Thanksgiving holiday, while others will go fully online after Thanksgiving to finish any remaining classwork. The fall semester will end Dec. 11.

Please note: The college will observe and be closed on Labor Day (Sept. 7) but has made the difficult decision to eliminate Fall Break (Oct. 12-13). These two days will also become remote learning days. While there will be no on-campus classes during that time, Online, Hybrid, and Blended courses will continue online only. This decision was made to both minimize the possible virus spread associated with travel, and to give more time to faculty and students since the college has had to adjust course schedules and delivery methods.

If you have questions about the remote learning days for your specific course, please contact your instructor.

We understand these schedule changes may disrupt your previous plans and we greatly appreciate your patience as we try to make the best decisions we can for the health, safety, and success of our college community.

Live Stream the 2020 Drive-Thru Program Ceremonies Today and Tomorrow

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We’re so excited Central Piedmont students will have their graduation day! We encourage family, friends, and Central Piedmont faculty and staff to cheer on our graduates by watching the live stream of the ceremony on Facebook and YouTube.

As a reminder, the 2020 Commencement will be celebrated on the Cato Campus as a drive-thru ceremony on Wednesday, July 29, and Thursday, July 30. The ceremony takes place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on both days, with graduates arriving at an assigned window of time according to their academic program.

Our graduates deserve recognition for the dedication and resilience they’ve shown in their journey toward earning a degree, diploma, or certificate.

Several changes have been made to this year’s ceremony to ensure our graduates are properly honored for their hard work while making every effort to promote a safe and healthy experience. Additional details about the 2020 drive-thru graduation are available on the website, including information about the ceremony process, safety protocols, and program timeslots.

Join us via livestream on Facebook  and YouTube today and tomorrow to celebrate and cheer on Central Piedmont’s Class of 2020!

Central Piedmont’s Overcash Art Gallery to present ‘The Faculty Art Show’ beginning August 10

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Central Piedmont’s Overcash Art Gallery is pleased to present “The Faculty Art Show,” August 10 – October 2. This group show features Central Piedmont’s talented art staff and is curated by Amelia Zytka.

“The Faculty Art Show” incorporates artwork from multiple disciplines, including drawing, painting, photography and ceramics. While the college’s art instructors excel at helping students succeed in their budding art careers, many of them are accomplished artists as well.

This exhibition not only gives Central Piedmont’s Overcash Art Gallery an opportunity to display faculty work, but also affords students the chance to see their instructors’ artwork in a gallery setting. This show is a must-see for anyone on campus and provides an enjoyable diversion. Central Piedmont’s Overcash Art Gallery is enthusiastic about the opportunity to kick start the college’s fall semester with this exciting, new exhibition.

Free Loaner Chromebooks and WiFi Hotspots Available

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If you’re having trouble accessing technology, we want to do all we can to ensure you continue in your classes and achieve your academic goals this fall. A limited number of Chromebooks and WiFi hotspots are available for loan — at no cost — to students in need.

You can apply to receive one of the devices by completing the “Student and Employee Application for Laptop & Hotspots​” or reading more about this opportunity at Central Piedmont’s Single Stop Web page. Eligible students must be enrolled in a degree or transfer program for the fall semester.

Applications will be processed within 24 hours and devices are mailed each week. Please note, Gambrell Scholars should not apply as there will be additional information regarding Chromebook distribution shared directly with scholars separately.

Students needing assistance with the application or those without connectivity should call the Single Stop office at 704.330.6435.

Students will be able to use these devices as long as they are enrolled in fall classes. We will make every effort to loan devices to students in need – Chromebooks and hotspots will be distributed on a first come first servedbasis while supplies last. Apply today!

Please email singlestop@cpcc.edu for more information.

Virtual Disability Services: Q & A Sessions

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Disability Services continues to work remotely to assist all students. Do you have questions about accommodations in online learning? Or how to register for disability services?

Join a virtual session with a Disability Services professional to have these and other questions answered. Sessions cover a range of topics and dates.

DISABILITY SERVICES 101

Learn about the benefits of Disability Services and how to register for services. Ask questions about processes and procedures of the office.

  • July 27, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

  • Aug. 3, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

GET CONNECTED

Learn about technology and how it could assist you in online courses.

  • July 28, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

  • Aug. 4, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

INTERPRETING IN THE CLASSROOM

Ask questions about how Interpreting will take place in online courses.

  • July 29, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

  •  Aug. 5, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

ACADEMIC ACCOMMODATIONS

Learn about various academic accommodations (e.g. extended time, due date extension, notetaker, etc) that may be available to you.

  • July 30, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

  • Aug. 6, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Sign up for a virtual session today!

New Temporary Student ID Process

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Campus ID centers are temporarily closed, but you can still get your student ID.

Please note semester stickers are not required for fall 2020 so current students should continue to use their existing ID.

However, for new students without a current ID (first-year and transfer) – request your ID by submitting the student ID request form. You must be registered for classes in fall 2020 to request a new ID card.

Make sure all the information you provide on the form is up-to-date — we will mail your ID card to the address you provide on the form within two business days. For verification purposes, you are required to upload a copy of a current state or government issued photo ID to the request form. Learn more about the photo ID requirments and how to get your ID card.

Students are expected to have their college photo ID cards with them at all times when on campus. Your Student ID Card will be needed for library and lab usage, at offices providing student services, admission to college activities, and to receive local discounts at area stores, bus passes, theatres, etc.

For more information, or with any questions regarding IDs, please email idcard@cpcc.edu.

Virtual Summer Theatre Presents Final Showing on July 25

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Central Piedmont Summer Theatre will present a final evening of Virtual Summer Theatre Concerts on Saturday July 25th at 7:00pm. The event will live stream on Central Piedmont Arts Facebook page and on the Central Piedmont Theatre YouTube channel.

Summer Theatre All-stars and the stars of tomorrow will be performing the Best of Broadway during the evening.  We have special guests from our alumni over the years who have gone on from Summer Theatre to appear on Broadway, in national tours, television and film in such shows as Wicked, Jersey Boys, Beautiful, Waitress, Once, Bandstand and many more. Joining our alumni will be current students honing their skills as they to prepare to hit the boards across the world.

Join us for an exciting evening of song that will also include a look backstage with the creative teams that will bring you Something Rotten in Summer 2021. Set your calendars now for July 25th when the Summer Theatre stars will come out.

For more information visit Central Piedmont Arts on Facebook, blogs.cpcc.edu/theatre or tix.cpcc.edu. All Virtual Summer Theatre concerts are FREE!