Dear Chattanooga State Community, I hope you are doing well and enjoying your summer classes or a much needed break. We have some updates that we would like to share with you. Please keep reading.
CARES Act Update
When the U.S. Department of Education (USDOE) announced changes to CARES emergency grant payment eligibility last week, all the title IV eligibility related requirements, other than citizenship, were rescinded. While this means that additional students will be eligible, we are working now on the programming to identify all eligible students and calculate the payments. Once programming is completed and tested, payments will be made. We cannot confirm a distribution date at this time,but please know that we are working as quickly as possible to determine eligibility based on the new information from the USDOE.
We understand that several of our students are counting on the CARES funds to help cover expenses. If you are in need of assistance, please let us know. We are here to help you.
- 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.
- 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.
Childcare for Essential Employees
Tennessee is extending its free child care programming through the summer. Previously scheduled to end in mid-June, the program will now provide free child care to essential workers through mid-August. The statewide program applies for children of essential employees that are enrolled at state-licensed child care providers. Select YMCA and Boys & Girls Clubs in Tennessee also provide free child care services.
To access free care at the TDHS-licensed facilities, essential workers must apply for the COVID-19 Essential Employee Child Care Payment Assistance program online on the department's website. After an essential employee is approved for the program, TDHS will make arrangements to pay for childcare at the TDHS licensed program.
To find a list of locations that are:
- licensed by TDHS, visit the directory on the department’s website;
- at local YMCAs, visit its website;
- or at local Boys & Girls Clubs, visit its website
Campus Access Reminders
- In order to gain access to campus, all students, employees, and guests will be required to complete a daily health screening self-assessment, as well as adhere to the following:
- Wear masks while in common areas, confined spaces and shared spaces
- Practice social distancing of at least 6 feet
- Not gather in groups of more than 10 people at any time
- Beginning June 1, campus access will be less restricted; however, appointments will be required for campus visitors. Employees will be notified by their supervisors if they have been approved for campus access during this phase. Any individual coming to campus beginning June 1 will be required to complete the daily health screening self-assessment, as well as follow the guidelines outlined above.
All past communications can be accessed from the College’s COVID-19 information page.
Please be sure to keep checking for updates, although they are coming less frequently now. Also, I encourage you to take care of your health, practice social distancing, and wear a face mask. You will get through this. We will get through this.
Sincerely,
Rebecca Ashford, Ed.D.
President