Tag Archives: Governor Cooper

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.

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.

Advisory: Gov. Cooper Announces New Face Covering Requirements

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North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper announced a new set of face covering requirements today, Nov. 23, calling them the state’s “best weapon” against a “dire” spread of COVID-19.

He said the state now has 20 counties considered “red,” where “critical spread” is occurring, under the state’s coronavirus alert system — double what it was when the color-coded alerts were introduced just last week.

Gov. Cooper said his new executive order requires wearing a mask at home when friends are over as well as all public settings, including when at work, the gym, stores, and schools. The order also adds to business’ role in making sure customers wear masks inside stores and keep six feet apart. The new executive order goes into effect at 5 p.m., on Nov. 25, and runs through at least Dec. 11.

Thanksgiving is this Thursday, and the state is under Phase 3 of reopening and restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Indoor gatherings are limited to 10 people unless they are part of the same household. Outdoor gatherings are limited to 50 persons, however; face coverings must be worn outdoors if persons do not keep at least six feet from non-­household members.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has strongly advised people to stay home for the holiday. North Carolina does not have travel restrictions.

Gov. Cooper and Dr. Mandy Cohen, N.C. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary, also urge people to celebrate Thanksgiving with safety precautions, including small groups, eating outside, social distancing of at least six feet with people outside your household, washing hands frequently and wearing a mask.

Last week, NCDHHS unveiled a new alert system that shows different color-coded levels of yellow, orange, and red to represent COVID-19 hotspots by county. The levels include different suggestions for how the counties can curb the spread of COVID-19. Read more about the new system in this Charlotte Observer article​. Mecklenburg County currently is coded yellow, which indicates “significant” spread. However, counties surrounding Mecklenburg are shown as orange (substantial spread) and red (critical spread).

Advisory: Gov. Cooper extends Phase 3 until at least Dec. 4

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North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper announced earlier today (Nov. 10) Phase 3 of statewide COVID-19 pandemic restrictions will remain in effect until at least Dec. 4.

With Thanksgiving two weeks away, Gov. Cooper said everyone in North Carolina must focus on keeping themselves and their friends and neighbors safe. “We are on shaky ground as we head into Thanksgiving,” Cooper said. “We must avoid getting together especially indoors.”

Cooper announced a new executive order that reduces the limit on indoor gatherings from 25 people to only 10. It will go into effect on Friday, November 13 and will be in place through Friday, December 4.

The NC Dept. of Health & Human Services reported 2,582 new cases today.

In Phase 3, which began Oct. 2, bars, entertainment venues, movie theaters, and large outdoor venues were allowed to reopen with firm capacity restrictions.

Central Piedmont is currently offering courses in multiple formats — online, hybrid, blended, and face-to-face. (Hybrid and blended courses include both online and some face-to-face instruction.) Central Piedmont continues to follow the state’s in-person guidelines that apply to higher education.

For students who attend classes on campus, please read the Student Guide to Returning to Campus carefully. It is important you continue to 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 themselves, their teammates and students as healthy and safe as possible.

Registration for the spring 2021 semester is now open. A complete listing of spring 2021 classes, including details such as section, prerequisites, course descriptions, etc., are now available through Student Planning. Log into MyCollege to plan your class schedule. In addition, Corporate and Continuing Education course registration is ongoing.

Advisory: Gov. Cooper Moves to Reopening Phase 2.5

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North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper announced Tuesday, Sept. 1, he is moving the state into Phase 2.5. Businesses like gyms and museums in Mecklenburg County and across the state closed since March because of the COVID-19 pandemic can reopen Friday, Sept. 4, at 5 p.m.

In summary, the Governor’s order states:

  • Gyms and other indoor exercise facilities can open at 30 percent capacity.
  • The limits on mass gatherings will increase to 25 people indoors and 50 people outdoors.
  • Playgrounds can open. Museums and aquariums can open at 50 percent capacity.
  • Capacity limits at restaurants and personal care businesses like hair and nail salons will stay the same.
  • Some places will remain closed, including bars, nightclubs, movie theaters, indoor entertainment & amusement parks. Large venues will still be subject to the mass gathering limits.
  • The statewide age requirement for face coverings includes children as young as five.

Fall semester classes are being taught in multiple formats — online, hybrid, blended, and face-to-face. (Hybrid and blended courses include both online and some face-to-face instruction.) The full 16-week semester began Aug. 10. Short session fall classes begin Sept. 14, Oct. 14, and Nov. 11.

For students who attend classes on campus, 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.

Class registration for the fall term is ongoing through Nov. 10.

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.

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.

Advisory: Gov. Cooper extends statewide stay-at-home order through May 8

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North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper announced yesterday he is extending his statewide stay-at-home order through May 8. The order continues to restrict gatherings of more than 10 and allows only essential businesses and institutions to operate. The stay-at-home  order is aimed at slowing the spread of the coronavirus, which causes COVID-19.

As announced previously, Central Piedmont Community College will complete the spring 2020 semester with students learning – and the vast majority of employees working – remotely.

The spring 2020 graduation ceremony scheduled for May 14 has been postponed. The college plans to hold a number of smaller, in-person, program-focused ceremonies on Central Campus, July 29-31. We will communicate the specific plans as soon as they are complete, but please mark these dates on your calendar. In the meantime, the Graduation Committee is exploring other ways to honor graduates during the month of May. More details to come.

Our summer terms will take place as scheduled. The method of instructional delivery – in-person, online or a combination of the two – will depend on the future severity of the pandemic. Our top priority will be keeping everyone safe. Priority registration for our current students for the summer and fall semesters began April 17. Open registration for new students begins April 27.

Current students who have not done so already should register for their summer and fall classes quickly while plenty of seats are still available.

Please continue to take precautions to stay home and stay healthy. The college has established the Central Piedmont Cares initiative to connect with you and to connect you with helpful resources, as we all continue to navigate this rapidly changing situation. Visit the Central Piedmont Cares website for information regarding available resources.