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!

Purchasing Textbooks with Financial Aid

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With classes moved online, Central Piedmont Barnes & Noble bookstores has new virtual processes to support you. If you’ve been awarded financial aid for fall semester, you may be eligible to cover the cost of your textbooks with remaining funds.

Charge eligible book and supply purchases to your student account today! Orders purchased with financial aid will be shipped via UPS and charged to your student account beginning August 1. But don’t wait – its best to place your order early for faster delivery.

In order to purchase books using financial aid, students must be awarded in MyCollege and have all requested documents submitted. To confirm you’ve been awarded, please follow these steps:

  1. Log into MyCollege.
  2. Select ‘Financial Aid’ on the right side of the page.
  3. Click the dropdown titled ‘Select an Award Year.’
  4. Make sure the term says ‘2020/2021 Academic Year.’
  5. Click on “Go to Account Summary” to view current aid status.

If you do not have a financial aid award letter, please follow these steps in MyCollege:

  1. Check your Self-Service Checklist for missing or incomplete documents.
  2. Review the “Action Needed” section and complete any required actions.
  3. Please note: When documents are received by the Financial Aid department, the checklist items will show “Completed” status.

Due to COVID-19, Barnes & Noble may experience delivery delays from publishers which could impact delivery timeframes for certain orders. The bookstore will notify you directly if any textbooks are on backorder. You can also log into B&N accounts to view order status for deliveries.

We encourage you to buy your books now in order to receive them as early as possible!

Complete the U.S. Census Today! Deadline Extended to Oct. 31.

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Thank you to everyone who participated in the U.S. Census in April!

In light of the COVID-19 outbreak, the U.S. Census Bureau has adjusted its operations so that the self-response period will now continue through October 31. What does that mean? You and your neighbors can complete the census — online, over the phone or by mail — now through October.

Your participation will help shape the future of Mecklenburg County, so please take a few minutes out of your day to complete the Census questions and help spread the word:

  • Email or text your friends a challenge to complete the census
  • Share information with your clubs and groups
  • Take a photo and post it on social media with #MakeMeckCount
  • Your own (socially distanced) idea for outreach!

Curious about how the data will be used, what you will be asked, and more? Visit MeckCounts2020.com to educate yourself on everything there is to know about the U.S. Census and how your participation can help generate funding for our local community and beyond.

Thank you for making it count!

Benefits of Peer Mentoring

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Are you a new Central Piedmont student? Peer mentors provide first-year student mentees with guidance through unique challenges. Mentors help find the answers to a variety of questions, ranging from academic concerns to the challenges of balancing school and other priorities.

A peer mentor provides the following benefits:

  • increased confidence and self esteem
  • enhanced self-motivation, self-discipline, and goal-setting
  • opportunity to gain knowledge about Central Piedmont’s resources and services, while getting connected to other peers

To be eligible to receive a peer mentor, you must:

  • be currently registered for at least one class at Central Piedmont
  • be open-minded for suggestions
  • maintain a positive attitude
  • get to know your mentor and accept support
  • strive for success and show an interest in academic achievement

Sign up to receive a peer mentor today!

If you have any questions please feel free to email April Wright at april.wright@cpcc.edu or Katrina Johnson at katrina.johnson@cpcc.edu.

Virtual Career Services: “It’s a Major Decision” Workshop

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Having trouble selecting your program of study? Need assistance figuring out which major is right for you?  Attend Career Services’ “It’s a ‘Major’ Decision Workshop”!  These informative, virtual workshops will be offered on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons through July 29.

Sign up for a virtual session now. See you there!

Instructions on How to View Course Delivery for Fall

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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.)

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 you will have limited in-person meeting times. To find out:

  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.

 

Gov. Cooper Extends Phase 2, Announces K-12 Re-opening Plan

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Gov. Roy Cooper announced North Carolina will stay in Phase Two of re-opening for another three weeks. Phase Two will stay in effect at least until Aug. 7, Cooper said during his July 14, news conference.

“Our virus trends are not spiking like some other states,” Cooper said. “We have hospital capacity, and our percent positive is still high, but it’s steady. However, our numbers are still troubling, and they could jump higher in the blink of an eye.”

In late-June, Cooper extended Phase Two of the reopening plan to July 17.

Cooper also announced K-12 public schools will re-open under a “moderate social distancing” plan that limits how many people can be on campus, with many students getting a mix of in-person and remote instruction. The re-opening plan requires daily temperature and health screening checks and face coverings to be worn by all school employees and students, including elementary students. Most public students are scheduled to return to school on Aug. 17.

Cooper said school districts will be allowed to re-open with remote-only instruction if they feel it’s needed for the health and safety of students. He warned the state could switch to requiring all schools to use online-only instruction if COVID-19 cases spike.

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 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. After Thanksgiving, remaining class work will be finished online. Fall classes will end Dec. 11.

Our academic programs are currently updating the course schedule based on how courses will be taught. Some courses will remain in their currently listed format, and in other cases, the format will change, with online instruction replacing some of the face-to-face meeting times.

The majority of students will come to campus a minimal number of times, with the rest of their instruction occurring online. Students should review their schedule in MyCollege periodically over the next few weeks to check for updates.

The college remains committed to delivering a high-quality educational experience regardless of a student’s program or course selection. Central Piedmont is working hard to protect the well-being of everyone in our campus community.

For students who will attend classes on campus, we have adopted the best available practices for educational institutions operating in the pandemic. If you are enrolled in hybrid, blended, or face-to-face courses, please read the Student Guide to Returning to Campus carefully. 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.

Registration for the fall term is now open. Students who would like to make changes to their schedule, may do so through MyCollege, through the rest of summer and until classes start on Aug. 10. We look forward to seeing you in August.

Barnes & Noble Bookstores Textbook Delivery Delays

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Due to COVID 19, Barnes & Noble has experienced delivery delays from publishers that may impact textbook deliveries for students. The bookstore is processing all textbook orders as quickly as possible, and all student orders are being processed in the manner in which they were received. Buy your books now in order to receive them as early as possible!

The bookstore will not be open for in-person customer service for the fall 2020 semester until further notice. However, students can log into their B&N accounts to view order status for their deliveries.

Please also note that rented textbooks can be returned free via UPS. You will need your order number to print the UPS shipping label which you can find in the confirmation email from your online order or in any rental reminder emails. The UPS label can be printed on or before your charge date.

Learn more about the easy step-by-step Rental Return instructions and visit the Barnes & Noble website or email sm8008@bncollege.com with any questions.​

Need Help? Counseling Services is Here for You.

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If you or somebody you know are having thoughts of suicide, please tell someone. Help is always available. For emergencies off campus, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1.800.273.TALK (8255) or dial 9-1-1.

Central Piedmont’s Counseling Services also provides personal counseling for students feeling depressed or anxious or having thoughts of suicide or self-harm. Phone and video appointments are available. Visit cpcc.edu/counseling to learn more.

Summer Theatre Presents An Evening of Broadway Music on July 11

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Central Piedmont Summer Theatre presents the third Virtual Summer Theatre Concert on July 11th at 7:00pm on the Central Piedmont Arts Facebook page and Central Piedmont Theatre YouTube channel
We have an array of talent from Summer Theatre past and present performing the best of Broadway for you in a live stream from their homes across the country.
In addition to the performances, we will take a look backstage at Summer Theatre through interviews with the Creative Team behind Summer Theatre’s production of Footloose which will presented in the Summer of 2021.
Join us for an evening of song and information as Summer Theatre goes Virtual. For more info visit Central Piedmont Arts on Facebook, or check out tix.cpcc.edu. All Virtual Summer Theatre events are FREE!

Central Piedmont’s Fall Semester Plans

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Over the past several weeks, the college has been busy preparing for a safe and successful Fall 2020 term. Through numerous discussions and detailed planning across all units of the college, we are working to provide a safe environment for our students to learn and faculty and staff members to work.

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 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. After Thanksgiving, remaining class work will be finished online. Fall classes will end Dec. 11.

Our academic programs are currently updating the course schedule based on how courses will be taught. Some courses will remain in their currently listed format, and in other cases, the format will be changed, with online instruction replacing some of the face-to-face meeting times.

When you log in to create or view your schedule in MyCollege, classes will be listed as HY for Hybrid (majority online with a few in-person meetings), BL for Blended (less than half of the class can be completed online) or IN for Internet (the entire class is online). These designations are currently being updated in MyCollege, but should be accurate by the end of the month.

The majority of students will come to campus a minimal number of times, with the rest of their instruction occurring online. Courses are in the process of being updated. Please review your schedule in MyCollege periodically over the next few weeks. We want to be transparent about schedule adjustments and give you time to digest any changes.

We remain committed to delivering a high-quality educational experience regardless of your program or course selection. Central Piedmont is working hard to protect the well-being of everyone in our campus community.

For those of you who will attend classes on campus, we have adopted the best available practices for educational institutions operating in a pandemic, and we need your pledge to follow our safety protocols. If you are enrolled in hybrid, blended, or face-to-face courses, please read the Student Guide to Returning to Campus carefully. 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, and staying home if you feel ill at all.

Registration for the fall term is now open. If you would like to make changes to your schedule, you may do so through MyCollege, through the rest of summer and until classes start on Aug. 10.

Thank you for your trust in Central Piedmont. We look forward to seeing you in August.

Have You Received Your Stimulus? File by July 15

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Tax Day has been pushed to July 15 so now is the perfect time to file for 2019, if you haven’t already. With remote options, tax professionals can help you file virtually – and for FREE!

Stimulus payments are still being calculated and automatically sent to eligible students – don’t miss out! No additional action is necessary if you’ve filed your tax return for 2018 or 2019. However, you may have to provide additional information to the IRS if you are not typically required to file.

Learn more about recent economic payment information and how to file your taxes for free.

Also, check out these stimulus money resources:

CARES Act Relief Grants for Students

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Over the next year, Central Piedmont will receive more than $10 million from the U.S. Department of Education through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. This funding is intended to support students and institutional expenses related to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Over $5 million will be disbursed directly to eligible students for qualifying expenses related to the disruption of campus operations, such as food, housing, course materials, technology, healthcare, and child care. Due to federal regulations, Central Piedmont will only be able to provide grants to students who are eligible for federal financial aid (Title IV aid) and who meet additional eligibility requirements.

Central Piedmont is working hard to contact all eligible students by email. If you are eligible, you will receive an email from the Central Piedmont Financial Aid Office with additional instructions for how to apply. The email will be sent to your official Central Piedmont student email account. Be sure to check your college email ( and remind your friends) to ensure you don’t miss this opportunity for financial assistance.

Please visit the Central Piedmont CARES Act website for the most up-to-date information regarding eligibility, disbursement, and general CARES Act related information. 

Not eligible? We are still here to support you! Visit the Central Piedmont Cares page for information regarding other available resources, including other emergency financial assistance. If you need additional help, fill out the Central Piedmont Cares student form.

Library Offers Contact-less Holds

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The Library has been accessible remotely since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, but now offer physical materials through contact-less holds.

Students and faculty/staff can search for and request items through the Library catalog – making it easy and convenient to locate the materials you need. Items can be picked up at either Central, Levine, or Merancas campuses or the library will mail your request directly to your home.

Students can select delivery options during the request process. Do not go to campus until you receive confirmation that your request has been processed. Requested materials will be managed by using lockers that students can access directly.

Locker locations:

  • Central: front vestibule of the library (OLD ATC)
  • Levine: in the vestibule between Levine 2 and 3 (behind the flag circle)
  • Merancas: in the Claytor building in the alcove between the Registration and Information desks

For any further questions, please contact the Library through chat or phone at 704-330-6885.