"Columbia State is happy to participate in this event," said Dr. Margaret Smith, Columbia State executive vice president and provost for academic and student programs and services. "So many people now use online and chat services that Columbia State is pleased to meet people wherever they are in terms of using technology to provide information in a format that is most convenient for them. We have a team ready for our state's first virtual college fair, and we look forward to engaging with potential students to answer their questions."

During the five-hour live event, prospective and current students can chat with representatives from Columbia State Community College and 25 other Tennessee colleges and universities from home using their computers, tablets or smartphones. Participants can ask questions, search for scholarships, download information and explore the Tennessee Transfer Pathway program that guarantees credits to transfer from community colleges to universities. Interested students are encouraged to register ahead of time at www.tnpathwayday.org.

"This is the first statewide college fair offered entirely online in Tennessee," said Dr. Tristan Denley, vice chancellor of academic affairs for the Tennessee Board of Regents. "It's an incredible opportunity for students to discover what opportunities are out there, whether looking at colleges close to them or across the state."

During the event, each participating college or university will have live representatives available to chat online with students who are just starting to plan their college experience or current college enrollees who are interested in transferring to a four-year university. Students also will be encouraged to consider following a Tennessee Transfer Pathway to help them navigate their way to a degree with credits designed for a smooth transfer.

FOR NEW COLLEGE STUDENTS:

For those who have never attended college, Tennessee Pathway Day provides a unique opportunity to visit with multiple schools across the state in a single afternoon and explore options to complete their first two years at a community college before transferring to a university to complete a bachelor's degree.

The Tennessee Transfer Pathway program eliminates confusion and uncertainty over what classes to take by providing a seamless transition from any of the state's 13 community colleges to participating four-year universities. Each pathway lays out a specific schedule of courses to follow for their first two years at a community college. Once completed, students receive their associate degrees and are guaranteed that their credit hours will allow them to transfer to a state university as a junior to pursue a bachelor's degree.

Pathways are perhaps particularly helpful to Tennessee Promise students, who can take advantage of the state's offer to cover the cost of full-time tuition at a community college for up to two years, Denley said.

"The Tennessee Transfer Pathway program is an invaluable resource to anyone starting their higher education journey," said Denley. "Following a designated pathway saves students time and money and helps them get off to a strong start in their first two years."

FOR CURRENT COMMUNITY COLLEGE STUDENTS:

Current community college students will also have much to consider, whether or not they are currently on a transfer pathway. The event will allow current students interested in continuing their education to connect with representatives from universities across the state to understand the transfer process and discuss avenues for turning their associate degrees into bachelor's or higher degrees.

View the complete list of participating colleges and universities by visiting www.tnpathwayday.org.

While live chats will only be available on March 16, students may visit the web site afterward to view information from the colleges and universities through March 31.

Columbia State is a two-year college, serving a nine-county area in southern Middle Tennessee with locations in Columbia, Franklin, Lawrenceburg, Lewisburg and Clifton. As Tennessee's first community college, Columbia State is committed to increasing access and enhancing diversity at all five campuses. Columbia State is a member of the Tennessee Board of Regents, one of the largest higher education systems in the nation. For more information, please visit www.columbiastate.edu.

Tennessee's Community Colleges is a system of 13 colleges offering a high-quality, affordable, convenient and personal education to prepare students to achieve their educational and career goals in two years or less. We offer associate degree and certificate programs, workforce development programs and transfer pathways to four-year degrees. For more information, please visit us online at tncommunitycolleges.org.