Navigating Central Piedmont: A Comprehensive Guide to Student Resources
Central Piedmont Community College is dedicated to providing its students with a wealth of resources to ensure their success, both academically and personally. From technology assistance to academic advising and beyond, Central Piedmont strives to eliminate barriers to learning and empower students to achieve their educational goals. This article provides a detailed overview of the resources available to current Central Piedmont students.
Academic Support
Academic Advising
Navigating college can be challenging, but Central Piedmont ensures students are not alone. Each student who has selected an academic program of interest is assigned an academic advisor. These advisors provide intensive advising support and success coaching, guiding students throughout their college careers. Advisors help students explore their academic interests and determine the appropriate courses to take for their program. The Watermark Student app connects students to their advisors. High school students participating in dual enrollment (Career & College Promise) and the CMS Early College programs receive advising through those programs and do not have assigned academic advisors.
Library Resources
The Central Piedmont Library offers a variety of resources to support student learning, including:
- Brightspace Help: The library's Brightspace Help page guides students on how to access Brightspace, turn on notifications for courses, and register for Brightspace Orientation Sessions.
- Checkout Materials: Students can use their Central Piedmont ID card (or any government-issued picture ID) to check out materials from the library.
- Chromebooks, Hotspots, and Calculators: These items are available for checkout to support students' technology needs.
- Interlibrary Loan Services: Current students, faculty, and staff can access materials from other libraries through interlibrary loan.
- Study Spaces: All library locations offer designated study spaces for individual or group work.
- Digital Literacy Learning Space: Students can take a digital skills assessment and schedule an appointment for technology help. Central Piedmont is an official Northstar testing/proctoring site. The Northstar self-directed digital skills assessment is not a placement test. The Central Piedmont Library collaborates directly with all departments and programs to support digital literacy.
Technology Access and Support
Central Piedmont recognizes the importance of technology in education and offers various tools and support to students:
- Read&Write Browser Extension: This free extension helps with tasks such as reading text aloud, understanding unfamiliar words, studying for tests, writing papers, and completing homework assignments. Students can log in with their Central Piedmont credentials.
- Equatio: This free extension makes digital math content accessible for students and faculty. They can log in using their Central Piedmont credentials.
- OrbitNote: This tool allows users to transform and interact with documents in a collaborative and accessible way.
Addressing Course Concerns
If students have questions or concerns about a course's content or structure, they are encouraged to first communicate with the course instructor. In many cases, instructors can resolve these concerns quickly. For technical difficulties or errors, students should contact the Service Desk for assistance.
Read also: A Guide to Goodwin Resources
Student Life and Engagement
Campus Events and Activities
Central Piedmont offers a wide range of events and activities to enhance the student experience:
- International Education Week (IEW): Celebrates diversity and cultural exchange through various events.
- STEM Tank Competition: A competition where students present their STEM projects.
- Study Abroad Fair: Showcases study abroad programs and opportunities.
Global Engagement
The Center for Global Engagement provides opportunities for students and employees to participate in global learning experiences, such as attending the World Affairs Council (WACC) Speaker Series Luncheons. Study abroad programs offer transformative opportunities for students to develop language and professional skills, experience new cultures, and foster global understanding.
Honors Program
Central Piedmont's Honors Program recognizes and celebrates outstanding student achievement.
Personal Support and Well-being
Support Services
All support services - including counseling, advising, financial aid assistance, career planning, and basic needs services - are available in-person and virtually. Visit the Current Students page for contact information.
Health and Safety
Students visiting campus are required 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.
Read also: Comprehensive UAB Student Guide
Additional Resources
Central Piedmont App
Students are encouraged to download the Central Piedmont app for easy access to important information and resources.
Watermark Scholarship Competition
Watermark (formerly known as Aviso) offers scholarships to community college students.
Pop-up Information Tables
Information tables are set up at all six campuses during the first few days of fall classes.
Specific Program Spotlights
Culinary Arts
Culinary faculty members led a group of student chefs on a transformative journey through Cape Town, South Africa, providing them with a deeper understanding of global culinary traditions.
Eye Care Program
Students gain real-world experience at the Eye Clinic on Central Campus-an opportunity unique to Central Piedmont.
Read also: Your Guide to CSU Success
Physical Therapist Assistant Program
This program offers meaningful work and excellent opportunities for those who enjoy motivating others and want a health career with direct patient impact.
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