May 13, 2021

Dear Chattanooga State Family, 

Congratulations graduates on your hard work and perseverance to make it to this day—we are so excited for your future! In thinking about that future, I read an article this week titled, Job Market for New Grads: Much hiring but much competition. It made me even more excited for you that you will have the skills to enter the job market. But every ChattState graduate has an ace up their sleeve—ChattState’s own Career Services.

In a competitive market like the one you are about to enter; you need every advantage. We know your professors have gotten you ready with the knowledge and skills to succeed, but Career Services will help make sure you shine in your interviews.

Career Services can take a look at your resume and help you get it in tip-top shape. They will be happy to schedule a mock interview with you so the first time you hear those difficult interview questions won’t be in a real-life interview. They’ll even record the interview so you can see exactly what your interviewer will see. In addition, Career Services has a job board that you have access to. It’s not too late to take advantage of all that Career Services has to offer

You’ve got the skills, now let us help you get your dream job.

For those of you who are returning this summer and fall, it’s never too early to speak to someone in Career Services.

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

Sincerely,
Rebecca Ashford, Ed.D.
President 

Student Spotlight: Carla Frizzell 

Carla began her journey at Chattanooga State in 1988.  She attended ChattState, off and on, from 1988 to 2001 while working as an International Flight Attendant.  Carla returned to Chattanooga State in 2019 to pursue an Associate of Science degree in Marketing.  Carla says, “I opted to pay a visit to Chattanooga State and my life was altered… I remember sitting outside of Marsha Barker’s office and my hands were shaking.  I had no idea why, but I was scared to death.  I am not easily shaken nor afraid of many things, but that day I was so nervous.  Once inside her office, she changed the course of my life.”

3 years later and Carla is a member of the C.AD.R.E. Adult Student Club, National Spire Honor Society and Phi Theta Kappa.  She received the Eye of the Tiger Award at the recent Hats Off to Excellence Awards Ceremony. 

100 Day Countdown Kickoff

Did you miss the festivities? No biggie—it’s online! Hear from Dr. Rebecca Ashford why we are making the shift to 7-weeks classes and from faculty member Dr. Liz Norell how she has seen it change how her students perform—plus see who won the prized ChattState beach bags full of goodies!

Tigers’ Den Competition

The Tigers’ Den Competition took place yesterday. If you were unable to attend, you can check out this important event online and hear all of the awesome ideas your friends and colleagues presented.

Congratulations Softball Team! 

Yesterday, Chattanooga State’s softball team claimed the Appalachian District title as the 2021 TCCAA Region 7 champions, securing a spot at the NJCAA Softball DI National Championship in Yuma, Arizona. Congratulations to Coach Blythe Golden who was named Coach of the Year. Way to go Tigers! 

Looking Ahead—Summer and 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 

  • 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 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. Technology will continue to be available for students as long as they remain enrolled. 
  • 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.

Student Life Events and Activities

All students are welcome to join! Check out your Student Life Calendar of Events—we have events scheduled even in the summer—join us!