Central Piedmont Community College Begins Fall Semester

by Jerri Haigler — last modified 2008-08-14 08:23

Students Head Back to Classes on August 16 to New Opportunities

On Monday, August 18, Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC) students will head back to class for the 2008 fall semester. (special note: some classes begin on Saturday, August 16) The semester brings new programs and many great opportunities for students at the college’s six campuses.

Currently, the college offers more than 100 degree, diploma and certification programs. Below are some of the new and expanded programs being offered this fall:

Associate’s degree in Non-Destructive Examination at CPCC’s Harper Campus (315 West Hebron Street). The new Non-Destructive Examination program offers training for professionals who test welds and detect hidden indications of flaws in railroads, ships, bridges, airplanes, nuclear power plants, and much more. CPCC is one of the first community colleges in the Southeast to offer this program. This new program addresses the critical skilled labor shortage in this area.
Partnerships with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools – CPCC will offer several new partnerships with high school students in CMS.
- A new Construction Management Academy will be offered at CPCC’s Harper Campus this fall. This program allows high school students to start their studies early toward a career in construction management. High school students who enroll in this program have expressed an interest in careers as general contractors, foremen, assistant superintendents, or plan to go on to earn degrees in engineering or related fields.
- Criminal Justice Academy at CPCC’s North Campus (11930 Verhoeff Lane). This program has been in operation at CPCC’s North Campus for several years. The program offers instruction to high school students interested in careers in public safety and criminal justice.
- Middle College Program at Cato Campus (8120 Grier Road) – This is the second year for the Cato Middle College High School (CMCHS), a small autonomous high school designed to serve students who desire to accelerate their academic instruction. High school students enrolled in the program can take both high school classes and college-level classes while enrolled in the program. This year, high school juniors and seniors will be part of this program. In the first year, the Middle College Program experienced tremendous success with 90% of students at or above grade level on the End-of-Course tests in 2007-2008.
Motorsports Curriculum Certificate and Seminar Series (primarily at the North Campus) - The new certificate program is ideal for high school graduates wanting to explore careers in the motorsports industry. The four-class sequence can be completed in one semester and provides hands-on training in fabrication and welding. The seminar series focuses on motorsports decaling and fabrication. Classes are taught at the North Campus.

CPCC students are reminded to plan ahead and arrive early, especially on the Central Campus (Elizabeth Avenue and Kings Drive). Due to city construction on Elizabeth Avenue, students should expect some delays and traffic congestion.

Registration for fall classes at CPCC continues through August 15. Registration in Corporate and Continuing Education is ongoing throughout the semester. For more information on registration, call 704.330.2722 or log on to the website at www.cpcc.edu.

Central Piedmont Community College is the largest community college in North Carolina, offering 100 degree and certification programs, customized corporate training, market-focused continuing education, and special interest classes. CPCC is academically, financially and geographically accessible to all citizens of Mecklenburg County. In 2002, the National Alliance of Business named CPCC the Community College of the Year for its response to the workforce and technology needs of local employers and job seekers through innovative educational and training strategies.