March 4, 2021

Dear Chattanooga State Family, 

As Spring Break approaches, I am reminded that the shift to virtual learning and working due to COVID-19 happened almost one year ago. It is hard to believe that a year has passed. I want to congratulate you on the resilience you have shown during this transition. As outlined below, we are planning to be mostly on campus for the fall 2021 semester—and I can’t wait to see you!  

But, for now, I hope you enjoy Spring Break. Be sure to wear your mask and be safe during the break. We want you to stay healthy and safe and return to class ready for a strong finish to the semester.  

Looking Ahead—Fall 2021
Important Financial Aid Deadlines
Library Appointments
Student Resources
Student Life Events & Activities
College Exit Exam
CCSSE (Community College Survey of Student Engagement)

We are resilient. We are innovative. We are united. We are ChattState. 

Sincerely,
Rebecca Ashford, Ed.D.
President 

Looking Ahead—Fall 2021 

Campus Planning Return to Campus Fall 2021

We plan for approximately 80% of classes to be held on-campus and in-person for the Fall 2021 semester. The College will continue to be guided by federal and state public health officials with an eye on local cases in regard to opening the campus. The health and safety of our campus community remains ChattState's top priority; as such, our plans may be adjusted in relationship to changing information and data related to COVID-19. Online, virtual, and hybrid options will continue to be available in a number of classes.

7-Week Classes Update 

We continue to work with all areas of campus to get ready for our campus shift to the 7-week format. Based on information we have received in student listening sessions, we are addressing concerns regarding financial aid, veterans’ benefits, and faculty professional development.  Deans and Department Heads are busy creating a master schedule for the fall, while employees in Student Affairs are working on the student registration logistics. Our own data and national data show that students who participate in 7-week classes are more likely to complete the class and to graduate on time.  Also, success rates for all students are higher in 7-week classes which will aid in closing equity gaps. We have a lot of work to do in the next month, but we are excited about what this change will mean for our students.  For more information see our LibGuide.

Important Financial Aid Deadlines 

  • 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. 

Library Appointments

The library computer lab is now open for immediate appointments Monday - Friday, 8am - 5pm. Need to use a library computer in the evenings? No problem just plan ahead! The library computer lab is open for evening appointments made 24 hours in advance, Monday - Wednesday, 5pm - 7pm. Headsets with microphones are available, which are sanitized after each use. 

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 Spring 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. 

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, you will receive information about completing the required College Exit Exam via your student email (TigerMail) in mid-March. 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. 

CCSSE (Community College Survey of Student Engagement)

The Community College Survey of Student Engagement (CCSSE) is now open for degree-seeking students enrolled in credit courses. All eligible students received the survey link and access code through TigerMail this week. Hint: The access code is the student’s TigerMail address without the @my.chattanoogastate.edu.  Results from the survey guide ChattState to make improvements to the student experience and also serve as an indicator of student satisfaction in the state-wide funding formula. Please have your voice heard!