May 6, 2021

Dear Chattanooga State Family, 

You did it! You have reached the finish line for the spring 2021 semester. What an outstanding accomplishment. This year, we have over 1,400 students graduating—congratulations, graduates! 

To those of you returning next fall, we will be spending the summer preparing for our return to campus. If you haven’t registered for your summer and fall classes, do so now. We have a lot in store over the next couple of months to get ready to have you back on campus—we can hardly wait to see you in the fall.

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

Sincerely,
Rebecca Ashford, Ed.D.
President 

Student Spotlight: Aaliyah Hickey

Aaliyah is a finalist for the 2021 FutureTechs Rock Awards, Marine & Watercraft 

Hickey is making waves, even in the first semester of school. She placed second in her state’s SkillsUSA competition and is described by her instructors as “one of the most dedicated students” who “refuses to quit and keeps moving forward.” Hickey’s goal is to open a marine and motorcycle shop of her own. Consider voting for Aaliyah to be the Grand Prize Winner. 

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 (in-person and virtual), 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! We are celebrating our shift to 7-week classes and the fact that we will be open! 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, but if you are in attendance, we will have a ChattState branded item for all attendees! Join online. 

Looking Ahead—Summer & 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.  You can find your advisor’s name by logging into TigerWeb, the name that is located at the upper right-hand corner of the page is your advisor. 

Return to Campus 

Starting May 17, employees will return to campus and offices will be open for in-person services during normal business hours to better serve our students and campus community. In addition, we are planning a shift to Phase 4 on June 1. More details will be shared about this shift before the end of the month. 

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 Sunday, May 9 at 5:30. 
  • Tennessee Reconnect Grant Program 2020-21 FAFSA filing deadline 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) extended 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, & Inclusion (ODEI) Resources 

The Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is excited to announce the creation of three new ERGs! Employee Resources Groups (ERGs), also known as affinity groups or business resource groups, have existed for almost 60 years and center around a shared interest or identity such as race, gender, or orientation. For decades, organizations like TVA, Unum, and Blue Cross Blue Shield have utilized ERGs to create community within their employee base. They are a resource for building or transforming organizational cultures. They can have a meaningful impact on our inclusion efforts and help create space where ChattState employees feel a sense of belonging and care.  Please reach out to Amanda Jordan and Silang Sam in the ODEI to learn more about our ERGs.  

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 have been 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. The survey closes at midnight, Saturday, May 8th. 

Student Life Events & Activities

All students are welcome to join! Check out your Student Life Calendar of Events.