Coronavirus Updates - May 11, 2020

coronavirus info forwebDear Chattanooga State Community, after a long and challenging semester, you have made it to finals week. I commend you on staying in school with so many challenges and uncertainties. You have come a long way. You have proven that you have grit and determination. You truly can do anything.

CARES Act Funding Update

We will begin distributing CARES Act funds to qualifying students by the end of May. Below are a few frequently asked questions related to the CARES Act and distribution of funds.

What is CARES Act Funding?

The Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act is federal emergency financial assistance approved by Congress. The funds are intended to help qualified college students cover expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to coronavirus pandemic, including cost-of-attendance eligible expenses such as food, housing, course materials, technology, health care and child care, according to the U.S. Department of Education.

How do I know if I qualify for the funding?

The requirements set forth in the federal guidelines for emergency grant aid to students include, but are not limited to: 

  • An individual must have been a student as of March 13, 2020

  • Student must be degree-seeking, enrolled full- or part-time for the Spring 2020 semester

  • Student cannot have been enrolled solely in an online format as of March 13, 2020

  • Student must be eligible to participate in Title IV financial aid programs (Pell Grant, federal student loans, and other federal financial aid programs)

  • High school dual-enrollment students and employees in special-industry training programs do not qualify for the CARES Act emergency grant aid. 

How much money will I receive?

Payments to individual students will vary, in part, because the federal formula allocating funding to each college includes a factor weighted toward the percentage of its students receiving Pell Grants. 

How will I receive the money?

Eligible students will receive the payments through check or direct deposit if we have bank account information on file. Please check your student account information to ensure bank account details and/or mailing address are accurate and up-to-date.

  • To verify bank account details or set up Direct Deposit/eRefund, follow the instructions athttps://www.chattanoogastate.edu/financial/tuition-fees/erefund.  For further assistance, please contact 423-697-4732.

  • To verify your current mailing address, log in to TigerWeb Self Service and click “Personal Information” and then “View Addresses and Phones.”  You will be asked to verify or update your mailing address when you log in to TigerWeb.  For further assistance, please contact 423-697-4404.

Bookstore & Digital Device Returns

  • Bookstore Returns: The campus store is offering free shipping return labels. Click herefor instructions on how to generate a return shipping label. The due date for rented books has not changed; however, the “non-return charge date” has been extended 15 days past your current return due date to allow time for your mailed book to reach the store. To avoid late charges, please have your book in transit by the due date. 

  • Laptop / Digital Device Returns: If you borrowed a college-issued digital device for the spring semester, devices should be returned on or before May 18 (not May 15 as previously communicated). If you will be taking classes during the summer term(s), you may continue to use the device.

Summer 2020 Information

  • Summer Schedule:

    • Full 12-Week Term and TCAT classes begin May 18 and end August 7.

    • 1st 5-Week Session begins June 1 and ends July 2.

    • 2nd 5-Week Session begins July 6 and ends August 7.

  • Bookstore Charges: 

    • Students who first begin classes on May 18 for the full summer term will be able to charge books and supplies to their excess financial aid May 13 through May 27. 

    • Students who first begin classes in the second 5-week summer session that begins July 6 will be able to charge books July 6 through Jul 8. 

    • There will be no bookstore charge period for students first beginning classes June 1 due to the shortened processing time. 

    • Students are allowed one opportunity each semester to use bookstore charges, based on the first start date of their classes. The student must have anticipated excess aid, have an accepted Title IV Fee Authorization on file, and have a zero balance from the prior term. A notification will appear on the “Financial Aid Status” page in Self-Service Banner when a student is eligible to charge books and supplies to excess aid.

    • To purchase books for the summer term, please visit the Chattanooga State bookstore online at https://www.bkstr.com/chattstatestore/home.

  • Laptop / Digital Devices: A limited number of laptops and tablets will be available to students in need. To request a digital device, please complete the Technology Needs Request Form. 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 to pick-up the device.

Reminders

All past communications can be accessed from the College’s COVID-19 information page.

Best of luck with exams this week. Finish strong! You will get through this. We will get through this.

Sincerely,
Rebecca Ashford, Ed.D.
President