Dear Chattanooga State Community, It’s Friday. The sun is shining, and it’s warm. Hopefully you’ve found some time to enjoy this beautiful weather while still practicing social distancing.

While this week has presented some challenges, we have reasons to celebrate. I really couldn’t be any prouder of our students, faculty, and staff for your resilience and your rising above and beyond to meet these challenges. It’s so gratifying to see what everyone is doing to pull together to support not only our Chattanooga State family but also our community.

Over the past week, our Dental Assisting Program and Biology Department donated facemasks, gloves and gowns to the local health department, our Respiratory Care program loaned respirators to Erlanger, and our Engineering and IT Division joined local efforts to 3D print personal protective equipment (PPE).

It is this spirit of hard work, perseverance and caring that make Chattanooga State such a special place to work and learn. Here are today’s updates and reminders.

Support Services for Students

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.

Unemployment Assistance

For information about how to file for unemployment benefits, understanding which benefits you are entitled to, and determining your eligibility, visit tn.gov. If you have not previously created an account, you will need to first register.

Job Assistance

Governor Lee announced the creation of the Tennessee Talent Exchange in partnership with business to provide opportunities to match Tennesseans out of work with businesses experiencing a surge in need of workers, such as the grocery, retail, and logistics industry. Visit Jobs4tn.gov to apply for jobs.

Technology Resource Assistance + Community WiFi Access Points

• If you are a student in need of a laptop or digital device, please complete theTechnology Needs Request Form on the COVID-19 information page. We want to ensure you have the tools needed to be successful.
• EPB WiFi Update: EPB has increased the number of Quick Connect sites providing free WiFi. Click here for a map of locations, including new locations added this week.
• Bledsoe Telephone Cooperative (BTC Fiber) is turning up its public WiFi hotspots in the city limits of Dunlap and Pikeville. Visit Bledsoe.net for a list of locations.
• Sequatchie Valley Electric Cooperative (SVE Connect) is providing wi-fi hotspots throughout Marion County, including at Chattanooga State’s Kimball site. The service will be available daily from 6 a.m. until 10 p.m. CST. Individuals parked near the hotspot will be able to connect to the service with this link.
• See March 16 communication for internet access options from Comcast, Charter, and AT&T.

 

Graduation Survey Reminder

If you are a candidate for graduation in May and have not yet completed the May 2020 Commencement Alternative Option survey sent to you via email, please take the time to do so. As we explore alternatives to the May 9 ceremony, your input is valuable. The survey was sent from institutional.research@chattanoogastate.edu via Survey Monkey and is open until 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