This episode is the third in our special summer series on Tiger Stories, focusing on how Chattanooga State has adjusted to the events of the last three months. How has COVID-19 impacted us? How is our College thinking about this moment in history? You'll find out in these special episodes featuring students interviewing members of our campus community about these uncertain times.

In this episode, student Edward Smith talks to the Director of Financial Aid Reed Allison, who has a real passion for helping students understand their finances. Reed shares some of the ways the financial aid office has shifted since March 2020, adapting to a virtual environment for communicating with students. He also shares what he knows about how Chattanooga State implemented the CARES Act funding, with the many adjustments from the Department of Education's guidance and the need to collaborate with the Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR) to ensure funds were distributed correctly.

The financial aid office hopes you'll check out the financial aid guide they've put together: https://www.chattanoogastate.edu/sites/default/files/financial_aid_handbook.pdf

You can get more information about federal financial aid here: https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ope/studentfaqs515.pdf

For information about how the CARES Act funds impact your finances, this link may help: https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/faqs-higher-education-emergency-relief-fund-and-emergency-financial-aid-grants-under-the-cares-act

ChattState is committed to keeping our community safe and healthy. Find out about our ongoing response to COVID-19 and get important information about resources at our web page: www.chattanoogastate.edu/coronavirus-…us-community

If you'd like to be a part of Tiger Stories, reach out! We're at cstigerstories@gmail.com.

Access a transcript of this episode here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xYkNezXPqbzRYrjVghNCDU_EoKcqBgr3/view?usp=sharing