Dear Chattanooga State Community, It is hard to believe we are wrapping-up our fourth week learning and working online. Week four has certainly been a challenging week. Several of the members in our college family have lost homes or their homes have been damaged. Many, many others lost power and still do not have this basic necessity. This week has certainly challenged us even more in our current learning and working environment.

In today’s communication, we share many opportunities to assist our college family members or members of our community who need our help after the tornados of earlier this week.

Spring / Summer Schedule Change

• Due to the campus closure this week, we are extending the spring semester by one week. Spring semester classes will end on Friday, May 8.
• Spring semester final exams will be held May 8 (Friday only classes), May 9 (Saturday classes), and May 11 through May 14. Grades will be due Friday, May 15 by Noon.
• The 13-week summer term originally scheduled to begin May 11 will now begin May 18 and will be a 12-week term ending August 7.
• TCAT summer term will begin May 18 and end August 7.

 

Storm Relief / Assistance for Chattanooga State Students & Employees

Do you or someone you know in our Chattanooga State family need storm relief assistance? Or can you help with the needs from our College family? Let us know by texting 423-708-2767. The College is ready to respond with help for our students and employees who have been affected by Sunday night’s storms. We are committed to helping you through this challenging time.

Community Storm Relief Volunteer Opportunities

For those that are able, I encourage you to participate in a community wide effort in providing storm relief assistance. Please consider the following opportunities.

• Sign up to volunteer for tornado recovery and cleanup. Opportunities are available now through Sunday, April 19 at the Hamilton Family YMCA. Sign up at this link: City of Chattanooga | United Way.
• Donations are being accepted at the YMCA on Gunbarrel and Shallowford Rd, Chattanooga School for the Liberal Arts (CSLA), and Hixson Middle School. The sites will help Hamilton County families who have been impacted by the tornado damage this week. Items accepted include bottled water, bottled Gatorade/Powerade, bleach, garbage bags, rakes, shovels, diapers, baby wipes, female sanitary items, work gloves, storage bins (new), first aid kits, and pre-packaged snacks.

CARES Act Update

As you may have seen reported in local media, Tennessee community college students will soon begin receiving federal emergency financial assistance provided under the Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act approved by Congress late last month. The funds are intended to help college students offset expenses related to the disruption of campus operations, including expenses such as food, housing, course materials, health care, and childcare. The payments will not affect students’ regular financial aid.

Following guidance issued by the U.S. Department of Education and Tennessee Boards of Regents (TBR) – The College System of Tennessee, most degree-seeking full- and part-time students who were enrolled as of March 16 will receive assistance through the College. Funds will be distributed in installments with the first payment to be made towards the end of the spring semester.. We will have additional information for you in the coming weeks.

Support Services for Chattanooga State Students

• The Tiger Cupboard provides supplemental food and other necessities for students in need. Although the campus is closed, we will fulfill requests for food from the Cupboard. Visit https://www.chattanoogastate.edu/tiger-cupboard for more information.
• The Helping Hands Fund provides emergency aid for students in need. Submit a Helping Hands Request here.
• If you are a student in need of a laptop or 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.
• Chattanooga State is dedicated to delivering support services and resources to assist our students. Learn more about the services available through our Student Support Center here.

If you need help, whether academic or personal assistance, please reach out and ask. We want to ensure that our students, faculty and staff have the resources they need to be successful.

While our challenges are many, our resolve is strong. This situation proves that we are stronger than we think we are. This is not comfortable. This is not what we wanted. But, this will not destroy us. You will get through this. We will get through this.

Sincerely,
Rebecca Ashford, Ed.D.
President