Dear Chattanooga State Family,
What a difference a day can make! If you came to campus today, you noticed that it was the first time in a year that you were able to be on campus without completing the health questionnaire. This is a major milestone in our journey through the pandemic. It is a sign of hope! Tomorrow is the last day of regular classes of the Spring 2021 semester. Next week is finals week. You are almost to the finish line. Over the last year, we have all learned that we can do more than we thought. We can take on challenges we never thought we would have to take on. We can change course faster than we ever thought possible. We can work through and persevere. We did all of this one day at a time. It hasn’t been easy, but it has all been worth it.
Student Spotlight: Rocio (Ferreira) Perez
Career Services
100 Day Countdown Kickoff
Looking Ahead—Fall 2021
Important Financial Aid Deadlines
Student Voices Initiative (SVI)
Student Resources
Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ODEI) Resources
Race & Ethnicity Pilot Survey Now Accepting Student Responses
Student Life Events & Activities
College Exit Exam
Dream Big, Think Big: Tigers' Den Pitch Competition
We are resilient. We are innovative. We are united. We are ChattState.
Sincerely,
Rebecca Ashford, Ed.D.
President
Student Spotlight: Rocio (Ferreira) Perez
When Rocio (Ferreira) Perez arrived in the United States she had to overcome the challenges of a new language and a new world. Rocio was inspired by her father who traveled from Cuba to the United States many years before to make a better life for his family. He had to overcome the challenges that migrating presents to many people, but with a fierce determination, he was able to unite with his family in the United States.
The determination that Rocio’s father exhibited shone brightly in Rocio as she had many challenges to overcome. In addition to the language and culture, Rocio chose to ignore individuals that told her nursing would be too difficult and enrolled in the ChattState nursing program.
This semester, Rocio (Ferreira) Perez will graduate from the ChattState Registered Nursing program. Congratulations Rocio!
Career Services
Did you know Career Services can help you prepare your resume, set up a mock interview, and even connect you to potential employers? They can, and they’re open, even through the summer. Whether you are about to graduate or preparing to begin your final year at ChattState, it is never too early or too late to meet the awesome folks at career services. Schedule an appointment today.
100 Day Countdown Kickoff
Join us for the kickoff of the 100 Day Countdown to the first day of the fall semester! Tune in live or join us in-person at the amphitheater on Friday, May 7 at 10 a.m. for a brief event to learn more about our Fall 2021 semester plus seven lucky students and seven lucky employees will win cool prizes! You do not need to be present to win. Join online.
Looking Ahead—Summer and Fall 2021
Register Now
Register now for summer and fall. Please schedule an appointment with your advisor to determine appropriate courses in your program of study and to receive your PIN. Advisors have to do a portion of this process manually as the TigerTracks software is currently being updated, thank you for your patience in that regard.
7-Week Classes Update
Curious about returning to campus in the Fall when most class will be in-person and many will be 7-weeks? Student Life and SGA are hosting a series of Connect Sessions for current students to learn more about campus, campus resources, faculty and staff, and student organizations. We will also share strategies for success in 7-week courses. Please join us April 30th at 12:00 noon in the Amphitheater.
Your financial aid is changing in Fall 2021…
Beginning Fall 2021, the Financial Aid Office will pay 100% of your financial aid (except Loans) at the beginning of the semester based on your registration for eligible classes. Your Pell Grant, TN Promise, Hope, TN Reconnect, scholarships, and other aid will be disbursed at the beginning of the semester rather than paying based on your attendance throughout the semester.
This change will provide you with your full financial aid award and any potential refund so that you don’t have to wait until your 2nd Session classes begin in October.
Loans will be split into two payments: Half of your Loan will pay at the beginning of the semester and half of your Loan will pay after the 2nd Session has started. This will ensure that Loan borrowers have some aid remaining halfway through the semester if they need it.
Something else to consider…
We are confident that students will earn better grades, more credits, and receive their aid faster with this new semester format. However, if you drop, withdraw, or stop attending your classes during the semester, you will be required to repay some or all of your financial aid. You will be unable to register for classes or receive a transcript if you do not repay your balance.
Important Financial Aid Deadlines
- Summer term session fees are due Wednesday, May 9 at 5:30.
- Tennessee Reconnect Grant Program 2020-21 FAFSA filing deadline for the extended from February 1, 2021, to May 15, 2021.
- Dual Enrollment Grant application deadline for the Spring 2021 term extended from February 1, 2021, to May 15, 2021.
- Dual Enrollment Grant application deadline for the Spring 2021 term at Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology (TCAT) from March 1, 2021 to May 15, 2021.
Student Voices Initiative (SVI)
Chattanooga State faculty, staff, and administrators want to learn more about what it means to be a Chattanooga State student. In order to learn more about student experiences, we are conducting student focus groups (guided discussions), which are designed to gather perspectives from a diverse array of students. We invite you to participate in these focus groups to help us. To participate, please sign up. Compensation of $25 is offered to students who complete the focus group survey.
Student Resources
- Tutoring: Virtual tutoring services are available to you.
- Emergency Aid: The Student Support Center is available to assist students struggling to meet their basic needs. Please use the Wellness Check on TigerWeb to let us know if you need assistance.
- Technology Support: Devices (laptops, hotspots, etc.) are available through the College. To request a device, complete the technology request form.
- Support Services: Chattanooga State is dedicated to delivering support services and resources to assist our students. Visit the virtual Student Support Center to learn more about the many services offered.
- Academic Resources: Visit the Fall 2021 Update page for a listing of academic resources, including links to the Math Center, Andrews Reading and Writing Center, the Testing Center, Kolwyck Library, and more.
- Student Assistance Library (Lib) Guide: We now have a Lib Guide for students to provide assistance with eLearn / Virtual Classes / Proctoring / Accessibility / etc.
- Career Services Center: The Career Services Center is available to provide services online or by phone to Chattanooga State students, alumni, faculty and staff. Services include career counseling & assistance with selecting a major, job search planning, resume writing assistance, interview skills, and more. Visit JOBlink to view job and internship opportunities. To schedule an appointment for any service, please call 423-697-4421 or email careers@chattanoogastate.edu. The Career Services Virtual Office hours are Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Food: The Tiger Cupboard provides supplemental food and other necessities for students in need. Visit for more information.
- Tennessee Board of Regents Student Resources: We know that the global COVID-19 (coronavirus) outbreak has been causing a great deal of uncertainty, anxiety, and stress for students across Tennessee. The closing of many places of employment and moving college courses and services to a virtual environment can lead to emotional and financial strain in addition to the physical health risks presented by the virus. Please know that you are not alone.
Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ODEI) Resources
The Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is here to serve the campus community, especially with navigating uncomfortable conversations as colleagues. If you would like to meet to discuss race, allyship, inclusive practices, or other topics, please schedule a meeting with the ODEI. We will provide you a safe and kind space to have uncomfortable dialogue. This week’s resource is about understanding DEI work.
Race & Ethnicity Pilot Survey Now Accepting Student Responses
In order to better understand our students’ experiences with racism, inclusion, and belonging, Chattanooga State is participating in the Race and Ethnicity Pilot Survey administered by the Center for Community College Student Engagement (the same group who also administers CCSSE). Email invitations will be sent to credit-bearing degree-seeking students this week. Please check your student email account for the link or take the survey here and tell us about your experiences at Chatt State. Your access code is your student email address minus the “@my.chattanoogastate.edu”.
Student Life Events & Activities
All students are welcome to join! Check out your Student Life Calendar of Events.
College Exit Exam
For students who will complete associate degree requirements in May or summer months of 2021 and who have an intent to graduate form on file with Records, information about completing the required College Exit Exam has been sent to your student email (TigerMail). The exam is online, takes approximately 45 minutes and can be taken at your convenience by May 1, 2021. The results from the College Exit Exam are used for institutional improvement planning as well as an indicator of the learning within the required general education courses.
Dream Big, Think Big: Tigers' Den Pitch Competition
Open to all faculty, staff and students! Application closes end of day April 30.
The Chattanooga State Tigers’ Den seeks higher ed entrepreneurs! This competition is open to any human with a bold idea to accelerate pandemic recovery to make things better for our campus family. Cross-divisional teams are encouraged to apply. Apply today.