Coronavirus Updates - March 26, 2020

coronavirus info for webDear Chattanooga State Community, I appreciate how hard our students, faculty and staff are working to make this transition to an online learning environment a success. So far, our students are sticking with their classes; there are fewer course withdrawals after spring break this year as compared to the previous five years. That is a very promising sign.

Here are today’s updates and reminders.

TN Promise Community Service Update

Due to the current state of emergency related to COVID-19 the Tennessee Higher Education Commission/Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation (THEC/TSAC) has made the decision to waive the April 1 community service requirement. A TN Promise student enrolling at an eligible institution for the summer 2020 term will not be required to complete and submit community service to maintain eligibility for that term. THEC/TSAC continues to monitor the impact from COVID-19 related to the July 1, 2020 community service deadline. tnAchieves is working to arrange alternative service opportunities for students.

TN Reconnect Info Sessions Offered Online

Adult Services is now offering TN Reconnect Info Sessions online, with day, evening, and Saturday sessions available. RSVP here.

Adult Students Connect via Chat

An “Adult Students Group Chat” session is scheduled for tonight at 6:30 p.m. EST and will be hosted by Marsha Goolesby-Barker with the Office of Adult Services. Join tonight’s group chat via WebEx here. Adult students are also invited to join theCADRE Facebook page.

COVID-19 Information for Student Loan Borrowers

Please visit the Department of Education website for more information about your federal student loans during the COVID-19 pandemic. If you’re concerned about your loan repayment, the information on this page can help you understand what to do in certain circumstances. Information for students, borrowers, and parents will be updated on a regular basis, so please check back frequently.

Email Scam Alert: Recognizing & Avoiding Email Scams

Email scams are prevalent, and scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated. Please protect yourself from being scammed by following these tips.

  • Don’t trust unsolicited email. If it looks too good to be true, it probably is.
    TIP: Fake emails will often contain spelling mistakes and poor grammar and often times attempt to instill a sense of panic.
  • Verify the identity of the sender. If you don’t recognize the sender’s name, email address or if the email contains a warning like the one below, don’t open the email.
    TIP:  When in doubt, contact the sender directly to confirm the legitimacy of the email.  
  • Treat email attachments with caution and do not click links in email messages.  Links are often how  attempt to access your personal information. If you have clicked a suspicious link, change your passwords immediately.​
    example of a scam email
    TIP: If you are unsure about a link, hover your mouse over the link to view the URL or ‘tap and hold’ on mobile devices. 

Reminders:

  • If you are a student in need of a laptop, tablet, or internet access to allow you to be  successful with online learning, please complete the Technology Needs Request Form on the COVID-19 information page. 
  • The Chattanooga campus, Kimball site and Dayton site are closed until Monday, April 6. Online instruction will continue during this time.
  • Summer registration begins April 6.

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.

You will get through this. We will get through this.

 

Sincerely,
Rebecca Ashford, Ed.D.
President