Cougar Bytes for Friday, Oct. 23, 2020
Cougar Bytes
Friday, Oct. 23, 2020
Vol. XIII, No. 10
The next issue of COUGAR BYTES will
be published on
Friday, Nov. 20, 2020.
IN THIS ISSUE
- CCCC EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH!
- WOW! WHAT A TEAM!
- CCCC FEATURED
- PERSONNEL NOTES
- CONTRIBUTE
CCCC Employee of the Month!
Full-Time Employee of the Month: C. Dane Peterson
Dane Peterson is always eager and willing to help students and his fellow colleagues. He knows so much about CCCC! Whether you have questions about the TRiO program, admissions, registering, course specifics, you name it, Mr. Peterson is going to be able to help you. He is not only knowledgeable, but kind and caring as well. He truly loves where he works and it shows in how he treats others. He is always willing to help, even if it means he drops what he is working on. He puts others first. We could all learn a thing or two from our colleague, Dane Peterson.
I have seen Dane help others from many different programs and departments here at the college. Faculty and staff both come to him for help on their various projects or questions with students. My own program is not the one Dane works in, and yet, when I had a computer malfunction in the middle of a New Student Orientation, the first person I thought of to fill in was Dane. I knew that he would help me if he could, regardless of what program or department I am in. Regardless of what he may be in the middle of.
Dane embodies what professionalism should look like in action. Regardless of what may be going on in Dane's personal life, he always shows up with a smile and willingness to assist students and others alike. He possesses integrity and works from a true place of caring for others. He works so well with students because he truly cares about them.
Dane serves on the Hiring Committee. What an excellent individual for this role. Dane possesses the ability to look into a person and see within them things perhaps others cannot. He has the ability to deliver tough information and make the tough calls because he comes from a place of caring and truth.
C. Dane Peterson
Associate Director, TRiO Student Support Services ProgramsHow long have you worked for CCCC?
Almost 10 years in total! For two years, I worked part-time in the Academic Assistance Center on the Chatham Main Campus and taught Developmental Mathematics as an adjunct instructor. In January, I will celebrate eight years of full-time employment!
What brought you to CCCC?
After college, I knew I wanted to come back to the Lee County area and serve the community in some way. I had a math degree, but had no idea what to do with it. Carl Bryan took a chance on me and hired me to work in Academic Assistance. Thanks, Carl!
Describe what you do for CCCC.
TRiO Student Support Services programs work with first-generation, low-income, and disabled CCCC students to help them get through this thing we call college! We provide academic, personal, and financial support to help our students stay in school, get to graduation, and eventually transfer or join the workforce.
Every day in TRiO SSS is different! On any given day I could be helping a student with advising, math tutoring, hosting a fun event, or helping them navigate a challenge. I can easily say this is the most exciting and most rewarding job I have ever had.
Where were you born?
New Hampshire: "Live Free or Die!"
Where did you grow up?
I lived in NH until I was 14, then moved to Sanford. I've been in N.C. ever since!
Educational credentials?
I hold a B.S. in Mathematics from UNC Wilmington and a Developmental Education Specialist certificate from the Kellogg Institute at Appalachian State. I'm currently pursuing a M.Ed. in Mathematics Education at N.C. State.
Where do you live now?
I currently live in Cary, but I'm moving to Apex soon.
Tell us about your family!
I live with my partner, Christopher, and our beagle, Paddington! I adopted Paddington from CCCC's VMT program. He'll be 15 in December, I can hardly believe it! My dad and his family all live in the Sanford area. Mum's family are all up in New Hampshire.
What are some of your hobbies or other interest outside of CCCC?
Right now? Graduate school! I hadn't planned it, but going back to school during COVID-19 has really worked out well. There's no social engagements to distract me! I also enjoy puzzles, board games, video games, knitting, and generally all things nerdy!
What superhero power would you most like to have?
Whatever it is that Dr. Strange has. That movie was COOL! Maybe it was all the fractals... .
Which actor would portray you in a movie about your life?
People have always told me I look like Jack Osbourne, but if I get to pick then I'm going with Adam Scott.
What is your favorite meal?
Anyone who has spent more than 10 minutes with me can probably tell you that the answer is PIZZA!
Anything else you'd like to share with the CCCC family?
Thank you so much for this recognition! I'm truly honored and humbled. I love working for the college and to be singled out from such a talented pool was a shock.
Also, TRiO SSS is always recruiting new participants! If you know of a student who could use some support, please send them our way! I promise that we'll take good care of them.
WOW! WHAT A TEAM!
Angel Tree
Crazy to think about, but it is almost holiday season and, with that, Angel Tree will begin soon.
With the current climate and challenges our students are facing, we are anticipating a larger number of applicants. If anyone knows of any student in need, please point them to this program (must be current curriculum students). Also, we are going to be looking for more adopters this season if anyone is inspired to adopt a family or Angel.
There are some new changes to the program to account for COVID-19:
- Applications and Adoption will be virtual through www.cccc.edu/angeltree.
- Drop-off and Pick-up will be held out of the Civic Center and by appointment.
If you have questions, view the Angel Tree Information Sheet or email Samantha Carroll at scarr686@cccc.edu.
New Doctors in Nursing
Congratulations to Dr. Holden, Dr. Campbell and Dr. Blaizes for earning a Doctorate in Nursing Practice in February 2020 from Grand Canyon University. We all appreciate your dedication and hard work!
News from TRiO
Virtual Painting Party
TRiO Student Support Services and STEM Health Sciences explored self-care while practicing it through a Virtual Painting Party on Oct. 7. Students learned that self-care is not selfish, that it is important to find a way to take a break and put down the stresses of life, and ways to incorporate self-care into their daily lives. They also enjoyed snacks and created a work of art through a virtual painting tutorial from Sociable Art. You can see all of the works of art by visiting the TRiO SSS and TRiO STEM Health Science Facebook page.
TRiO Mentor Program
On Sept. 24, TRiO Student Support Services and TRiO STEM Health Sciences kicked off its Mentor Program with a virtual event. Mentors and mentees joined together and learned about this year's theme: essential skills.
The Mentor Program connects TRiO students with experienced professionals to enhance participants' educational experience and assist them in preparing for employment and/or transferring to a four-year college or university. If you are interested in participating in the Mentor Program or joining TRiO Student Support Services, please email us at sss@cccc.edu or call (919) 718-7567.
New Participant Orientation
TRiO Student Support Services and TRiO STEM Health Sciences celebrated the start of the semester with a virtual New Participant Orientation on Aug. 27. Students enjoyed hearing from student success and empowerment speaker Kenneth Wilson, who provided the keynote address.
Additionally, students had a chance to meet all of the TRiO SSS staff as well as hear encouragement from Meghan Brown and Dean Jairo McMican. They learned about the many ways to be involved in TRiO this semester through virtual student hours, workshops and events. TRiO Student Support Services is in active recruitment.
Student Services Dropbox
Students who need to drop off physical documents for the Registrar's Office or Financial Aid may do so by going to the Chatham, Harnett, or Lee Campuses and placing their documents in the Student Services Dropbox.
Locations:
- The Lee Main Campus dropbox is located outside the lobby door of the Hockaday Building
- The Chatham Main Campus dropbox is located at the entrance to the Administration Building (#41)
- The Harnett Main Campus dropbox is located at the entrance to the Miriello Building.
Students should note on the envelope if the document is for the Financial Aid Office or the Registrar's Office or if it's for a specific employee.
These dropboxes will be checked daily and Chatham and Harnett staff members will make sure the deposited documents on their campuses are routed to either office on the Lee Campus. If you have any questions, please contact your campus Student Services representative or the Registrar's Office.
Virtual Success Lounge
The Success Coaches are hosting a weekly virtual space open to all CCCC students to connect about learning skills, strategies, and resources. Please encourage students to visit. For more information, visit www.cccc.edu/csc.
The session is offered three times each Tuesday:
- 9 a.m. - http://bit.ly/9amSuccessLab
- Noon - http://bit.ly/12pmSuccessLab
- 6 p.m. - http://bit.ly/6pmSuccessLab
Views From Around CCCC
Lee Main Campus
Lee Main Campus
Lee Main Campus
If you have photos of CCCC buildings, classrooms, or facilities, please send along to be featured in Cougar Bytes to Cris Oliver at coliver@cccc.edu.
CCCC FEATURED
Spotlight on New Faculty and Staff
Spotlight: Faculty
Laquan Lauren Black
Laquan Lauren Black serves as CCCC's new Health Information Technology (HIT) Clinical Coordinator.
Besides her CCCC duties, she recently was accepted to Florida International University to begin her graduate degree in Health Informatics & Analytics. She holds an Associate degree from Pitt Community College and a Bachelor degree from Western Carolina University. She has a certification as a Registered Health Information Administrator.
Black says she enjoys helping students find ways to connect the dots that solidifies learning the concepts, "little anecdotes or mnemonics that help them retain and apply the material," said Black, who was born in Queens, N.Y., and currently lives in Durham.
The mother of a 21-year-old daughter and 15-year-old son, Black is excited about the CCCC Health Information Technology program. "HIT is the future of health care, so come get on board and ride this rocket with us," she says to potential students. "You will go as far as you desire, as long as you prepare for the ride!"
What does Black like most about community colleges? "Smaller class size and the ability to connect more student to student, student to faculty and faculty to faculty," she said.
Amazing fact about Black: "I'm stumped on this, so I asked my 15-year-old son and he said, 'You still love me even when I make you upset.' That touched my heart and is more than enough for me!"
Spotlight: Staff
Alex Kappus
Alex Kappus is CCCC Success Coach, Health Sciences and Human Services.
Kappus holds a Bachelor's degree from Emory University in Atlanta, a Master's degree from the University of Georgia, and is a Ph.D. candidate in Michigan State University's Higher, Adult, and Lifelong Education program.
"Hands down, the best part of my job is being able to work with our students," said Kappus, whose wife Kristen Carrillo-Kappus, is serving her medical residency in Durham. "CCCC students are courageous and committed. As a Success Coach, I enjoy helping students discover new strategies to stay on track, to maintain motivation, and ultimately to witness their goals come to life."
Kappus said he has enjoyed seeing faculty, advisors, and other administrators work collaboratively to support students, solve problems, and dream big during his short time at CCCC. "Folks put students at the center of their decisions and are not afraid to question processes to improve what we do and how we do it. Our college leadership leads by example and that makes a huge difference," said Kappus.
"I've worked in higher education for over 10 years now, and although I am new to CCCC, I can say with confidence that Central Carolina is truly unique," said Kappus in his message to future CCCC students. "The faculty and staff genuinely care about you and your success. Folks go above and beyond to help you achieve your goals. There are tremendous opportunities awaiting you here at CCCC. I encourage you to be open to new ideas, pathways, and potential ways to contribute to your community and world. Reach out to your instructors, advisors, and success coaches all along the way...We are here for you!"
Amazing fact about Kappus: "Hopefully colleagues know me as a hard worker. I think my work ethic was cultivated as a wrestler over 13 years of my life. I started wrestling at the age of 5 and competed through high school. I turned down opportunities to wrestle in college because I wanted to focus on my academics. People are usually surprised to learn this because of my calm demeanor. My coach used to laugh at how I talked up my opponents before matches asking them about their future goals, only to show them what I had on the mat!"
QEP Corner: My Academic Pathway
Academic Plan Creation
CCCC students create an academic plan in Aviso with their advisor and ACA 122. The academic planning process is a way to make personal connections and to create ongoing opportunities to communicate with students as they work toward their goals.
Academic Plan Assessment 2017-2020:
An amazing team of volunteers reviewed 74 academic plans from 2019-20 for accuracy. Many thanks to Maryann Aucompaugh, Gary Beasley, Charlie Bell, Kim Browning, Craig Cilberto, Billy Freeman, Martin Haley, Chef Hamm, Ginger Harris Bartholomew, Susan Johnson, Derek Lewis, Lora Long, Markita McCrimmon, David Myers, Chris Newcomb, Trinnette Nichols Jones, Kanon Nixon, Shirley Rijkse, Amy Snider-Wells, and Ty Stumpf for taking the time to review academic plans in their areas.
We found that academic planning has increased for all measures over the last three years. In 2019-20, 82% of students had an academic plan beyond the current semester as compared to 30% the previous year. That's fantastic progress!
How to help advisees build an Academic Plan
- Ask advisees to review and update (or start) their Aviso Academic Plan prior to meeting.
- Review the Academic Plan with the advisee for accuracy, clarifying their goals and timeframe for completion.
- Ask the advisee to make updates in their Aviso academic plan based on the discussion.
- Contact Seth Buchanan, bbuch926@cccc.edu, to learn more about using Aviso Academic Plans.
Fall 2020 Advising Professional Development Sessions:
- Sept. 16, 12:00 - 12:30 p.m.: Advising Communications and AVISO with Seth Buchanan & Maryann Aucompaugh (Recorded Session)
- Oct. 15, 12:00 - 12:30 p.m.: RIASEC/Embark Career Interest Inventory with Dr. Christi Holmes
- Nov. 19, 2020, 12:00 - 12:30 p.m.: NACADA's Tips for Advising Undecided Students with Amy Gustavson
Learn more about My Academic Pathway
by visiting our website!
Notes from Institutional Effectiveness & Research
IER Professional Development in November
- Join Amy Gustavson, Assistant Director of Institutional Effectiveness & QEP, for a Q&A session on Outcomes and Assessment. This session will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 3, at 2 p.m. Register to receive a meeting link.
- Join Stormy Mascitelli, Director of Institutional Effectiveness & Research, for an overview of how to use our data dashboards. This session will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 10, at 2 p.m. Register to receive a meeting link.
Now Live: 2020 Enrolled Curriculum Student Survey
We need YOUR help to gather feedback from students about CCCC! The Enrolled Curriculum Student Survey is available via Blackboard and as an AVISO reminder. Please ask your students to participate. We hope to capture our students' experiences at the beginning of the academic year in order to make mid-year improvements.
Fall IPEDS
IPEDS stands for Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System. During the IPEDS Fall Data Collection, IER works with fantastic CCCC staff members to report data for Institutional Characteristics, Completions, and 12-month Enrollment. Thank you to everyone who helps with this submission!
Outcomes & Assessment Checklist - October
Here's a friendly reminder of outcomes and assessment topics to review in October.
Institutional Effectiveness & Research is your home for accreditation, strategic planning, outcomes & assessment, and institutional research!
Red Clay Review
Read and download the complete 2019 issue of Red Clay Review.
Diana Engel's poetry appears in a variety of journals and anthologies, including Asheville Poetry Review, Wild Goose Poetry Review, Flying South 2018, and fire & chocolate. Her first chapbook, Excavating Light, was published by Finishing Line Press in March 2019.Fall Creek Cascades by Diana Engel
Primeval voice singing
before choirs of birds began,
thundering whisper of
icy spray
finger painting
limestone and quartz
the way a skilled pianist
with Tchaikovsky soft
makes evening waltz
in a dark cafe.
Trill fortissimo fast
as you careen onto
mountain ledges,
diminuendo into trembling stream,
liquid lace that carves
the land,
meandering through
verdant valleys of chestnut oaks and yellow birches,
driving into metamorphic layers:
the geologic ages,
rushing song of the Southern Highlands,
continuing to Atlantic
and Gulf of Mexico.
Now rain falls,
light maracas accompanying
the lyrical cascade.
PERSONNEL NOTES
Thank You
Thank you for the outpouring of support and the beautiful flower arrangement sent to me and my family during the loss of my father-in-law, William David (Bill) Willett, Jr. He was a ray of light in our lives, and we will miss him dearly. Your kindness will always be remembered.
Sincerely,
Heather, David, and Brooke Willett
The family of William David (Bill) Willett, Jr.
Shout Outs
Dr. Consuela Blaizes, Practical Nursing Program Director, has been elected to the NLN CNEA Nominations Committee. Dr. Blaizes will be representing practical nursing programs for a two-year term, Jan. 1, 2021 through Dec. 31, 2022.
Congratulations Consuela!
2020 Pay Dates
| MONTH | DUE DATE | PAY DATE |
| October | Oct. 30, 2020 | |
| November | Nov. 10, 2020 | Nov. 30, 2020 |
| December | Dec. 3, 2020 | Dec. 23, 2020 |
Employee Assistance Program
During these times, the EAP can provide resources to assist you and your family. EAP stands for Employee Assistance Program. It is a benefit provided by CCCC and covers you and anyone in your household. Read this attachment for more information on how to access this amazing program.
Please contact Trinity Faucett with any questions.
Birthdays
| 10/20 | Lisa Brown |
| 10/20 | Angie Lilly |
| 10/21 | Craig Ciliberto |
| 10/21 | Ana Fleeman |
| 10/21 | Tammie Quick |
| 10/22 | Norman Collins |
| 10/23 | David Foster |
| 10/23 | Nikia Jefferies |
| 10/24 | Samantha O'Connor |
| 10/27 | Samantha Lane |
| 10/28 | Debra McNeill |
| 10/30 | Amy Whitmer |
| 10/30 | Billy Wicker |
| 10/31 | Crystal Smith |
| 10/31 | James Thomas |
| 11/1 | Della Newkirk |
| 11/2 | Angie Nicholson |
| 11/2 | Crete Smith |
| 11/3 | Sabrina Dilanzo |
| 11/4 | Kimberly Overcash |
| 11/5 | Larry Ambrose |
| 11/5 | Tiffany Harvey |
| 11/5 | Vivian Simpson |
| 11/6 | Scott Byington |
| 11/8 | Walter Choi |
| 11/10 | Tammy Gause |
| 11/10 | Megan Kelly |
| 11/10 | Megan Sherman |
| 11/12 | Michelle Acevedo |
| 11/14 | Sandra Castonguay |
| 11/15 | Elizabeth Crissman |
| 11/15 | Karmisha Hernandez Luciano |
| 11/18 | Edwin Thomas |
| 11/20 | Sherica McNeill |
| 11/21 | Kevin Coleman |
| 11/22 | Fae Goodman |
| 11/22 | Ty Stumpf |
| 11/26 | Bianka Stumpf |
If you would prefer not to be listed or if your name does not appear as you'd like, please email marketing@cccc.edu and let us know!
News From The CCCC Family
Please join the college in sending our deepest condolences to Heather Willett, whose father-in-law, William David "Bill" Willett Jr., 88, of Sanford passed away on Oct. 9. Memorials may be made to Bethlehem United Methodist Church, 2334 North Plank Road, Sanford N.C. 27330.
We are sad to tell you that Sandra Castonguay's father, Henry Allen McWaters, 83, of Sanford, died on Sept. 22, at the UNC Jim and Betsy Bryan Hospice Home in Pittsboro. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the SECU Jim and Betsy Bryan Hospice Home in Pittsboro. Online condolences can be made at smithfuneralhomebroadway.com.
FACULTY AND STAFF ONLINE
Join the Activity on Social Media!
FACEBOOK
TWITTER
YOUTUBE
BLOGS
Digital NCDo you write a blog, have a Twitter account, or Facebook page for your department or classroom? Share your link! Send to Marketing.
COUGAR PETS
Cougar Pets News
Cougar Pets are proceeding with adoptions for all of our animals who are already spayed/neutered. If the animal hasn't been spayed and neutered, then we notify the applicant that we will hold them until PPE resources become more readily available, and we can get the animal into surgery or we can suggest alternative pets that may have similar qualities for what they are looking for.
We are not able to host any meet-and-greets right now, so we are doing adoption trials in home with pets that we think might be compatible. If they aren't a good fit for the household, then we can pick them up.
Meet Lester
My name is Lester. I am a 2-year-old male that absolutely loves to be spoiled. I enjoy playing with any toy that is given to me. I especially love to chase them when they are thrown. When I'm not playing, you can find me laying around. A couple of my favorite spots to lay include laps and cat towers! I am very sweet boy and cannot wait to find my furever home!
Lester is currently available for adoption!
Meet Zipper
My name is Zipper. I am a 1-year-old male that is very loving. It might be because I was born on Valentine's Day! I am a very fun and silly guy that loves to play. I enjoy playing with other dogs and absolutely love toys! A few ways to my heart include walks, treats, and snuggling. I cannot wait to find my furever home!
Zipper is currently available for adoption!
All adoptable dogs and cats are spayed/neutered, microchipped, and up-to-date on all vaccines. They have had regular dental cleanings, blood work, and physical exams. We pride ourselves on the care that our cats and dogs receive during their stay. Contact us at www.cougarpets.org for more information on our colony dogs and available cats.
CONTRIBUTE
Contribute to Cougar Bytes
Send along your Cougar Bytes contributions!
Our monthly Cougar Bytes newsletter continues to be focused on staff and faculty. We welcome your stories, successes, events, photos, or shout-outs in every issue. Please submit your contributions to marketing@cccc.edu or contact Cris Oliver with any questions or suggestions.
The deadline for contributions is Nov. 18 for the November issue. The remaining Cougar Bytes will be published on:
Nov. 20
Dec. 18
The next issue of COUGAR BYTES will be published on Friday, Nov. 20, 2020.