Coronavirus Updates - April 3, 2020

coronavirus info for webDear Chattanooga State Community, I want to congratulate you on completing your second week of learning and working in an online environment. While the last two weeks might have been challenging, you did it! Just take this one day at a time, and you can do it. Please take a few moments to read the important information below.

Campus Closure Update

  • The Chattanooga State main campus, as well as the Dayton and Kimball sites, will remain closed through at least April 30. Access is limited to essential employees only during this closure.
  • Employees, if you need to pick up materials or office supplies essential to ensure you can effectively work from home, you will have until Monday, April 6 at 4:30 p.m. to do so. You will need to schedule a time to pick up materials. For the main campus, contact Guy Davis at guy.davis@chattanoogastate.edu; for the Dayton site, contact Jerry Hendrix at jerry.hendrix@chattanoogastate.edu; for the Kimball site, contact Julie Bennett at julie.bennett@chattanoogastate.edu.
  • All courses will continue to be taught in an online format for the remainder of the semester.

TCAT Update

  • If TCAT students need tools, books, or other personal items that have been left on campus, please communicate with your instructors. Times will be arranged for picking up such items on Monday, April 6 from 10:00 a.m. to Noon and on Tuesday, April 7 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
  • The TCAT summer term begins May 11. All TCAT programs will accept returning student registration for the summer semester beginning April 6.
  • A decision for new student summer registration is delayed until April 30. New students that have completed the admissions and financial aid processes and are ready to register for the summer term will be placed on a priority list in order of registration preparation. If on April 30 the decision is made to enroll new students, those on the priority registration lists will be allowed to register in priority order. If on April 30 the decision is made to not enroll new students, those on the priority registration lists will have priority for the fall 2020 registration.
    • Practical Nursing and Massage Therapy are cohort-based programs and by exception, new students will register for these two programs beginning April 13, and if necessary, these students will begin their program online until students are allowed on campus.
  • For further information, email TCAT Student Services at TCATSS@chattanoogastate.edu or call 423-697-4433.

Student Loan Borrower Information

  • As a result of the recent CARES Act, changes are being made to student loan payments. For details on implementation, please see this article (published 4/3/2020) by the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA).
  • Continue to monitor the Department of Education website for more information about your federal student loans during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Technology Support for Students

  • If you are a student in need of a laptop or digital device, please complete the Technology Needs Request Form on the COVID-19 information page. We want to ensure you have the tools needed to be successful. Once you submit the request form, you will be contacted to schedule a date and time to pick-up the device. Please note that devices must be picked-up no later than Friday, April 10.
  • Student Technology Support is available for any student having technology issues.  Many of your answers may be found at the Student Tech Support page.  You can also call the Student Tech Support Help Line at 423-697-5595, leave a message and someone will get back with you.  For live assistance, you can chat with us through the library’s chat service and choose IT Support. Live Chat is available Monday – Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Saturday – Sunday, 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Online (Virtual) Tutoring Services Available

  • We are in the process of launching an additional tutoring resource that will provide students online tutoring assistance 24/7. We will have an update soon.
  • Please be sure to continue to take advantage of student academic resources provided by Chattanooga State such as the Math Center, the Andrews Reading and Writing Center, the Kolwyck Library and the ePortfolio Lab. Visit the COVID-19 information page for links to these academic resources.

Summer / Fall Registration

  • Summer registration begins April 6. Students will not need a PIN number to register for any summer term, and students will be able to register without meeting with an academic advisor. Summer courses begin May 11.
  • Summer courses for degree programs beginning May 11 will be taught in an online format for at least the first summer term. The ability to offer on-campus instruction for future summer terms is being evaluated. Please continue to read updates for additional information.
  • Fall registration begins May 1. Additional details will be provided soon.

Tiger Cupboard and Additional Support Services for Students

  • The Tiger Cupboard provides supplemental food and other necessities for students in need and their families. Any student in need of food can apply for the Tiger Cupboard by completing an online application. Although the campus is closed, we will fulfill the requests for food from the Cupboard. Visit https://www.chattanoogastate.edu/tiger-cupboard for more information.
  • Chattanooga State remains dedicated to delivering support services and resources to assist our students. Learn more about the services available through our Student Support Center here.

Chat with Us / Visit Our Virtual Offices

In order to maintain ease of access and communications, virtual offices (live chats) have been set-up. Links to these virtual offices are available on the College website homepage (look for Virtual Office / Live Chat), as well as on the College’s COVID-19 update page. Please note, the chat function will not work with Internet Explorer. Instead, use Chrome, Safari or Firefox.

 

Please continue to check the College COVID-19 information page for updates. We’ve added a few more resources on the website. So, be sure to check it regularly. The small steps you take every hour, every day to adjust to this new online environment will add up to big successes later. Keep taking those baby steps. You will get through this. We will get through this.

 

Sincerely,

Rebecca Ashford, Ed.D.

President