• August 5, 2020 message to the college on coronavirus: Gov. Cooper extends Phase 2 until at least Sept. 11
• July 14, 2020 message to the college on coronavirus: Gov. Cooper extends Phase 2, announces K-12 re-opening plan
• June 24, 2020 message to the college on coronavirus: Gov. Cooper announces face coverings order, extends Phase Two
• May 20, 2020 message to the college on coronavirus: NC moves into Phase Two of COVID-19 reopening
• May 8, 2020 message to the college on coronavirus: some on-campus classes resuming
• April 24, 2020 message to the college on coronavirus: Gov. Cooper extends statewide stay-at-home order
• March 24, 2020 message to college on coronavirus: stay-at-home order effective March 26
• March 24, 2020 message to the college on coronavirus: stay-at-home order
• March 18, 2020 message to the college on coronavirus: in-person-classes-suspended
• March 13, 2020 message to the college on coronavirus: spring break extended
• March 12, 2020 message to the college on coronavirus: first Mecklenburg County cases announced
• March 12, 2020 message to the college on coronavirus: use reliable sources of information
• March 11, 2020 message to the college on coronavirus: college travel restrictions implemented
• March 10, 2020 message to the college on coronavirus: NC governor declares state of emergency
• March 3, 2020 message to the college on coronavirus: first case in NC announced
• Feb. 28, 2020 message to the college on coronavirus: countries with travel restrictions
• Jan. 29, 2020 message to the college on coronavirus: outbreak reported in China

College leadership has carefully evaluated all fees associated with attending Central Piedmont. Even though many students are taking online courses, we still need to charge fees in order to provide increased online instruction, remote student support, other technological needs, and security and infrastructure support at our six campuses and two centers. 

• Technology fees: In order to offer so many more courses online, the college had to invest in technology equipment and increased broadband capability. Such an investment is covered by the technology fee. 
• Lab fees: There are costs associated with providing lab instruction online. The cost of providing labs supplies has actually increased during the pandemic because materials cannot be shared. The college must cover the cost of this increase. 
• Student activity fees: Student fees are continuing to be charged to help with support students need related to the pandemic. Learn more about student support services and about student coronavirus resources.
• CAPS fee: Campus Access and Security fees are charged to students that have some portion of their classes on campus. These fees cover security of our buildings and parking facility maintenance to ensure our students faculty and staff can come to campus safely to continue instructional delivery. This fee is not charged to students whose courses do not have an in-person component.

All fees are examined continually, as we want to ensure all students are treated fairly and equitably. Learn more about tuition and fees.

What the College is Doing

In an effort to protect our students, employees, and visitors from the spread of respiratory illnesses, including coronavirus disease, teams from ABM (the college’s contracted company for cleaning and janitorial services) are taking extra care to clean and disinfect the usual virus and germ “transmission points,” such as doorknobs, light switches, water fountains, phones, counter tops, etc.

Prevent the Spread

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports, ”There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. We've created a flier with tips to help prevent the spread of coronavirus — download and print out the coronavirus prevention tips flier (PDF) to put in your home, office, or building.

The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person:

• between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet)
• through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes

These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.”

To reduce your chances of contracting any kind of illness, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends the following.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick (social distancing).
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.

Review the CDC's additional tips to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases like COVID-19.

The Texas Medical Association COVID-19 Task Force and Committee on Infectious Diseases have created a chart that ranks activities on their risk level for contracting COVID-19. Understand which activities place you the most at risk.

We recognize public health emergencies can be stressful, so the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) provided resources on mental health and coping during COVID-19. Unfortunately, the fear and anxiety can also lead to social stigma. That’s why the CDC also issued information about helping end coronavirus-related stigma and discrimination that is occurring toward groups of people including:

• persons of Asian descent
• people who have traveled abroad or to states with coronavirus outbreaks
• emergency responders or healthcare professionals

The CDC issued this information to help combat stigma surrounding coronavirus:

Stigma hurts everyone by creating fear or anger toward other people. Stigmatized groups may be subjected to:

• social avoidance or rejection
• denials of healthcare, education, housing, or employment
• physical violence

We can all stop stigma and the spread of misinformation related to COVID-19 by knowing the facts about COVID-19 and sharing them with others.