April 22, 2021

Dear Chattanooga State Family, 

You may have experienced some headaches this week while you were trying to register for summer/fall classes because TigerTracks was down. The system is now working so you will be able to work with your advisor to make sure you are on track for the classes you need.  

Isn’t life like that? Just when it seems everything is rosy and full of hope, a cold blustery day whips in and changes the mood. We will not allow temporary delays and gloomy days to stand in our way. As you’ve all proven in the last year, your resilience will carry you through. The reward at the end is so worth the extra effort to persist. With one week left in the semester and finals just around the corner, you’ve got what it takes to make it through to the end.  

You can do this!

Student Spotlight: Mary Ashton Tidmore, Hallmark Award
Apply to Be a Summer Tutor
Looking Ahead—Fall 2021
Student Voices Initiative (SVI)
7-Week Classes Updates & Success Stories
Important Financial Aid Deadlines
Student Resources
Office of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (ODEI) Resources
Student Life Events & Activities
College Exit Exam
Dream Big, Think Big: Tigers' Den Pitch Competition

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

Sincerely,
Rebecca Ashford, Ed.D.
President 

Student Spotlight: Mary Ashton Tidmore, Hallmark Award

Congratulations to Macy Ashton Tidmore for winning a Hallmark Award for Distinguished Chapter Officer at the national convention for Phi Theta Kappa, PTK Catalyst 2021!  Macy was recognized for her work as the Chapter President for our campus chapter Alpha Beta Mu and her involvement in Phi Theta Kappa programs.  PTK Catalyst 2021 was held virtually from April 8th-April 10th.

Apply to Be a Summer Tutor 

You can earn a $1000 stipend for your work this summer tutoring. The Bill & Crissy Haslam Foundation launched the Tennessee Tutoring Corps (TTC) to help address COVID learning losses for students across our state. Apply now to  take part in this exciting opportunity.

Looking Ahead — Summer & Fall 2021

TigerTracks is Now Functional 

TigerTracks has been down for the last several days which may have caused some issues when you went to get your PIN. It is currently working; there is some scheduled maintenance April 26–May 7. 

Register now for summer and fall; you will need a PIN to register. Schedule an appointment with your advisor to be sure you know which classes to take next semester. Register now to get the best selection of classes.

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.

7-Week Classes Updates & Success Stories

Have questions about 7-Week Classes? We want to hear from you! Our next 7-Week Classes Student Listening Session is sponsored by SGA and is scheduled for Friday, April 23 at 1pm at the Common Ground Campus Garden. RSVP HERE for the event and a FREE boxed lunch.  

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 

  • 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.

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 here to serve the campus community, especially with navigating uncomfortable conversations as colleagues. If you would like to meet to discuss George Floyd, AAPI support, LGBTQ issues, or other topics, please schedule a meeting with the ODEI! We will provide you a safe and kind space to have uncomfortable dialogue. In the meantime, here is a resource that may help in understanding recent events: George Floyd, Racism and Law Enforcement (in English and en Español).

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, information about completing the required College Exit Exam has been sent to your student email (TigerMail). 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. 

Race and 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 will be 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”. 

Dream Big, Think Big: Tigers' Den Pitch Competition

Open to all faculty, staff and students!

The Chattanooga State Tigers’ Den seeks higher ed entrepreneurs! This competition is open to any human with a bold idea to accelerate pandemic recovery to make things better for our campus family. Cross-divisional teams are encouraged to apply. Apply today.