November 12-18, 2024

Updates and news for the week of November 12-18, 2024

The UTC Campus Weekly newsletter is distributed every Tuesday morning. If you have news, events or announcements you would like shared with campus, please submit your information to peyton-l-schultz@utc.edu or chuck-wasserstrom@utc.edu in the Division of Communications and Marketing by 3 p.m. on Friday for placement in the following Tuesday’s newsletter.

UTC News  UTC Events Calendar  |  Campus Updates


Click here to view this week’s newsletter in your browser

Highlights

University Center Renovations Update

The renovation of the University Cener has officially begun, and some temporary walls have been built to separate the early phase construction area from the rest of the UC. With these walls come changes to how campus will access certain departments and rooms in the UC.

  • The Admissions Office and Orientation Office are only accessible via the exterior Admissions entrance on Terrell Owens Way. The entire first floor, except for these offices, is now offline.
  • The Financial Aid Office, Mosaic Coaching Lounge and UC Auditorium are only available via the exterior entrance from Mocs Alumni Drive. You cannot access these areas from the Gallery-area of the 2nd floor.
  • Access to the Mocs One Center and Career Connections will continue to be via the doors on the Vine Street side of their temporary locations in the Chattanooga Rooms.

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Thank you for your service

PEYTON: THIS LEAD NOTE SHOULD INCLUDE THE LUNCHEON RECAP + MILITARY TIMES … JOHN HARBISON AND ERIN LUNT STORIES COULD BE OUTSTANDING PEOPLE OR UTC NEWSROOM BASED ON THE REST OF THIS WEEK!

UTC has been named the top institution in Tennessee for military veterans by Military Times, a leading independent news source for service members and their families. Along with its No. 1 ranking among Tennessee colleges and universities, UTC placed 40th nationally among 215 public institutions ranked.

Approximately 1,160 veterans, military-affiliated students, spouses and dependents of veterans are enrolled at UTC this fall, comprising nearly 10% of the student population.

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Home Sweet Home

The UTC Power C Tour, a statewide outreach effort to prospective students on academic programs, admissions, housing, financial aid and campus life at UTC, is returning home.

The Power C Tour Chattanooga stop, which takes place from 6-7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 13, in the UC Tennessee Room, gives local high school students, transfers, graduate students and their families a feel for UTC. The event features presentations, information booths, light refreshments and cool prizes—including an opportunity to win UTC scholarships. Faculty and staff are invited to bring their families.

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CALL FOR COMMENCEMENT MARSHALS

We are looking for faculty and staff to serve as marshals at our two December commencement ceremonies:
  • Friday, Dec. 13: Graduate School, 2:30 p.m.
  • Saturday, Dec. 14: Undergraduate, 9 a.m.

Marshal duties include lining up students before the ceremony, leading students into the arena at the start of the ceremony, and directing students from their chairs to the stage and back during the ceremony. Marshals will need to arrive one hour before the ceremony starts, so please schedule accordingly. We will have a marshals lunch and training session on Thursday, Dec. 12. Attendance is not required but highly encouraged.

If you would like to volunteer to be a marshal, please register here and indicate which commencement ceremony(ies) you are available to marshal. Questions or concerns related to commencement marshals should be directed to Charlene-Simmons@utc.edu.


Outstanding People of UTC

On Monday, Dr. John Harbison was the keynote speaker at UTC’s annual Veterans Day Luncheon, a celebration of the veterans and military-affiliated students, faculty and staff at the University. Harbison, a professor of practice for the Learning and Leadership programs at UTC, spent 22 years as an Army officer.

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Erin Lunt at Fort Gregg-Adams, Virginia (left) and at Atlanta Falcons summer 2024 training camp.

Erin Lunt at Fort Gregg-Adams, Virginia (left) and at Atlanta Falcons summer 2024 training camp.

As a second-year graduate student in UTC’s athletic training program, Erin Lunt not only helps keep student-athletes healthy but also serves her country as a first lieutenant in the Tennessee National Guard. For Lunt, service is a way of life—whether on the sidelines working with the Mocs soccer team or in her line of duty as an ordnance officer with her maintenance platoon.

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UTC psychology major Kristopher Ware placed third and received the award for most outstanding research for his project, “Pilot Study: A Qualitative Study Exploring the Impact of Early Childhood Experiences on the Mental Health of Young Black Men,” at the Black Doctoral Network Conference in Los Angeles.

Trinity Anthony, an art history major, was awarded a ribbon for her project “From Double Consciousness to Intersectionality: Interrogating Queer Identity Through an Intersectional Lens.”

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Check out these Mocs in the news:

  • Dr. Chris Acuff sat down with Local 3 News to discuss the 2024 presidential race.
  • Student Nurses Association President Olivia Walls was quoted in a News 12 Now story about the groundbreaking ceremony for the Dorothy and Jim Kennedy Health Sciences Building.
  • Dr. David Pleins’ article “Applying Principles From Neuroscience to Foster Learning—Four Strategies” was published on the Scholarly Teacher website.
  • Dr. Jeremy Strickler spoke to Local 3 News after an election debrief held for UTC students.
  • In a Local 3 News story, Dr. Bento Lobo discussed interest tax rate cuts by the Federal Reserve.
  • Vice Chancellor for Research Reinhold Mann was interviewed by the Times Free Press about the change in ownership at Qubitekk.

Mark Your Calendar

Photo Credit: Tate Johnson / GoMocs.com

Photo Credit: Tate Johnson / GoMocs.com

This week’s Mocs home athletics calendar:

  • Thursday, Nov. 14: Women’s basketball vs. Troy, McKenzie Arena, 6 p.m.
  • Thursday, Nov. 14: Men’s basketball vs. Morehead State, McKenzie Arena, 8 p.m.
  • Saturday, Nov. 16: Football vs. Samford, Finley Stadium, 1 p.m.

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Nov. 6-12 is National French Week. UTC is joining hundreds of colleges and universities across the country in celebrating French culture, and we invite you to join us. Also, come study with us in Paris this summer. Join us for an information session to find out more about how you can spend your summer in France. The opportunity is open to all majors, even if you don’t speak French.
  • Today (Nov. 12): Lupton 239, 4 p.m.

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Join the Philosophy and Religion Department for the Post-Halloween Philosophical Horror Film Festival from 5:30-7 p.m. today (Nov. 12) in the UC Auditorium to watch films made by UTC students. The films will be judged by a jury of experts, and pizza and candy will be provided. This event is free and open to the public. For questions, contact Ethan-Mills@utc.edu.

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Join UTC Center for Professional Education and ChaTech from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 13, for “The AI Landscape,” part of the CHAIN AI Sessions.

This in-person session, taking place in the Mapp Building, will focus on “The AI Landscape” and will feature three panelists who will share how they are incorporating AI technology within their organization—Vicki Farnsworth (UTC), Satish Vadlamani (Kenco Group) and Aaron Welch (city of Chattanooga).

Tickets are $25 and include lunch. Register here.

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The Sweet Research Series recently featured political science student presenters.

The Sweet Research Series recently featured political science students presenting their research.

The Department of Political Science and Public Service invites the entire UTC community to our Sweet Research Series, where we will share exciting research and enjoy dessert together. These sessions offer an excellent opportunity to engage with new ideas and connect with peers. All events are from noon-12:50 p.m. on Wednesdays in 540 McCallie Building Room 268 (PSPS Suite Conference Room). Upcoming events include:

  • Wednesday, Nov. 13: Dr. Hassan Afzal, “Pocketbook and Sociotropic Economic Voting: How Does Inflation Affect Voting Decisions?”

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In celebration of University Press Week, the UTC Library is hosting an information session from 4-5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 13, in room 205 of the Library, with Director of the University of Tennessee Press Katie Hannah. You’re invited to learn about the publishing and editorial process as well as specifics about the inner workings of the UT Press.

Following the presentation, heavy hors d’oeuvres and refreshments will be served during a 30-minute meet and greet.

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UTC’s Undergraduate Curriculum Committee will meet at 3:15 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 14, via Zoom. For a list of the proposals that will be considered, log on to Curriculog and select the “Curriculum – Nov 14, 2024” agenda.

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Students in Dr. Katelyn Hancock’s “Ethics in Criminal Justice” will showcase paintings confronting ethical issues in a gallery event from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 14, in the University Center Chickamauga Room. The event is open to the public, and attendees can take home a student painting in exchange for a cash donation—with all proceeds benefiting the Children’s Advocacy Center of Hamilton County, a local nonprofit.

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Join Olympic gold medalist Olivia Reeves and sociology faculty members for a dynamic discussion on the sociology of sport from 6-7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 14, in the UC Raccoon Mountain Room. Topics will include social cohesion, inequality, identity and the impact of sports on contemporary American society. The event will also feature a dedicated Q&A session, offering the audience a chance to engage directly with the panelists.

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The Gary W. Rollins College of Business will hold virtual information sessions about UTC’s Master of Business Administration, MS Management, MS Data Analytics, Master of Accountancy, and Business Analytics Certificate graduate programs. The Rollins College of Business graduate degree programs provide flexible course options and career advancement resources to advance your education and elevate your career!

MBA Information Sessions

MSM Information Sessions

MSDA Information Sessions

Business Analytics Certificate Information Session

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The public is invited to the last Star Party of the season. The free Star Party is from 6-8 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 17, at UTC’s Clarence T. Jones Observatory (10 N. Tuxedo Ave.).

  • Tonight’s topic: Space Volcanoes by Amber Newbille
  • Featured: Leonid Meteor Shower
  • Gates open at 5:30. Lecture and planetarium show begin at 6 p.m. Telescope viewing until 8 p.m.

Seating is limited, so arrive early.

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Katie Forrester, left, and Ellen Rich in “Bus Stop,” performing at the UTC Fine Arts Center’s Dorothy Hackett Ward Theatre from Nov. 19-23.

Katie Forrester, left, and Ellen Rich in “Bus Stop,” performing at the UTC Fine Arts Center’s Dorothy Hackett Ward Theatre from Nov. 19-23.

The UTC Theatre Co. continues its 2024-2025 season with “Bus Stop,” taking place at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 19-23 at the UTC Fine Arts Center’s Dorothy Hackett Ward Theatre—with a 2 p.m. matinee performance on Saturday, Nov. 23. William Inge’s “Bus Stop” is a quintessentially American story about bus passengers stranded by a blizzard in a diner.

Tickets can be purchased online by clicking here and through the UTC Box Office—in person or by phone (423-425-4369). Tickets are $20 for general admission and $15 for students (with proof of student ID) and seniors.

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Come celebrate GIS day on Wednesday, Nov. 20, with UTC’s Interdisciplinary Geospatial Technologies Lab.

To celebrate GIS Day, the IGTLab will offer a free cartography workshop from 9-11:30 a.m., followed by two guest speakers from noon-1 p.m. who are leaders in remote sensing and imagery analysis:

  • Biology, Geology and Environmental Science Associate Professor Azad Hossain will speak about his NASA-funded research using remote sensing of water quality in the Tennessee River.
  • Paul Dudley, location intelligence analyst with the State of Tennessee, will speak about the work services that his office provides.

GIS Day events are open to the campus and the public. To register, click here. For more information, click here.

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The Office of Planning, Evaluation and Institutional Research (OPEIR) will host another faculty workshop regarding the process for creating and implementing new academic programs. An overview will be provided on the required procedural steps and potential research used to support the proposal of new degree majors, degree concentrations and certificate programs.

RSVP is not required to attend but will help with planning communication. RSVP here.

  • Wednesday, Nov. 20: Program feasibility studies, 9 a.m., UTC Library Room 118A. This session will dive into the analysis of program and labor market data used to determine the feasibility and support for developing a new academic program. Attendance at the previous session is not required but suggested.

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The campus community is invited to join bi-weekly sessions of a forum to discuss select topics in Quantum Information Science and Engineering in which important developments are underway at UTC or elsewhere. All sessions are from 4-5 p.m. in Lupton Hall Room 389. For more information, visit utc.edu/research/quantum-center.

Upcoming discussion dates and topics:

The series resumes in 2025 on these dates: Jan. 9, Jan. 23, Feb. 6 and Feb. 20. Details on topics will be shared as soon as they are finalized.

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The Department of Chemistry and Physics continues its fall semester seminar series from 3-4 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 22, in Grote Room 411, with a talk presented by Professor Charles M. Garner from the University of Memphis.

The discussion, titled, “Prospecting for new organic reactions: New ways to use GC instruments in heterogeneous catalysis discovery,” explores cost-effective methods from the Garner Lab that use gas chromatography to uncover new chemical reactions by testing different catalysts and materials, making cutting-edge research more accessible to a wide range of labs.

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Mark you calendars for Chamique Holdsclaw, a mental health advocate, Olympic gold medalist and WNBA Hall of Famer, who will be holding a conversation at 1 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 25, in the UC Auditorium.

Hailed as the “female Michael Jordan,” Chamique Holdsclaw was a basketball superstar. From leading The University of Tennessee Lady Volunteers to three straight NCAA national championships with her team and legendary Coach Pat Summitt to the Olympics to the WNBA, nearly no one has had more focus or drive on the court. And yet underneath, she was pushing down mental health issues that eventually led to a total mental and physical breakdown.

The event is free and open to the public. Please reach out with any questions at mcc@utc.edu.

Campus Updates

The month of November is centered around thankfulness and connection as we enter the holiday season. Nov. 11 is Veterans Day, which is about thanking a member of the military who has transitioned from active service to normal civilian life. As we progress to the end of the month, we have Thanksgiving, which is dedicated to being thankful and surrounding ourselves with loved ones.

Even though this time of year is centered around connectivity and appreciation, it can also be a challenging and isolating season for some. Here are a few tips on how to stay connected and say thank you this month.

  • Check out MocSync and attend an event of interest
  • Check in with a loved one
  • Volunteer on campus or within Chattanooga
  • Enjoy an escape room downtown with friends

Let’s do our best to remember how important it is for our Mocs community during this time to stay connected, be kind to those around you and appreciate those who mean the most to us. Instagram (utc_cw)

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It is time to start budget planning for fiscal year 2026 (July 1, 2025–June 30, 2026). We will be kicking off budget season with three campus-wide budget input sessions. With a focus on transparency and communication, these budget input sessions will be structured to provide participants with meaningful information that is intended to encourage input.  Budget planning is better when we hear a variety of perspectives across a variety of topics. We want to hear from you!

Please take the opportunity to attend and participate in as many of the University Center Auditorium sessions as you would like. Once input is collected, we will report back to campus to share what we heard.

  • Thursday, Nov. 14: 3-4:30 p.m.
  • Friday, Nov. 15: 9-10:30 a.m.

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Light therapy is one way to help treat Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a form of depression associated with the lack of natural light during the winter months. The Center for Wellbeing offers students, faculty and staff the ability to check out light boxes to try for free for two-four weeks during the fall, winter or spring semesters.

During light therapy, you sit near a device called a light therapy box. The box gives off bright light that mimics natural outdoor light. Light therapy is thought to possibly affect brain chemicals linked to mood and sleep, easing symptoms of SAD.

Lights can be checked out in-person on a first come, first served basis. They are available from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Center for Wellbeing in the UC (on the third floor).

To check out a light box, you will need to:
  • show your UTC ID
  • complete a screening including a 15-30-minute educational session
  • sign consent and fill our survey

Students should return the light to the same location where it was checked out. Please email Amy Kyriakidis with any questions. Book a session here to check out a box.

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Mocs showed off their incredible creativity in the UTC Library’s Halloween costume contest, and campus voting determined the top three costumes in each category. Check out the prize-winning student and employee costumes or visit this link to see all of the amazing costumes.


UTC Newsroom

Mocs football player Reuben Lowery III, shown here on Homecoming 2024, is a member of the NCAA Football Oversight Committee/Student-Athlete Connection Group.

Mocs football player Reuben Lowery III, shown here on Homecoming 2024, is a member of the NCAA Football Oversight Committee/Student-Athlete Connection Group.

UTC nickleback Reuben Lowery III is one of two Mocs named to the prestigious Senior Bowl Watchlist, but he is better known off the football field for his academics, including a 3.78 GPA and a degree in engineering.

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Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas (left), Andrew Gaddis and his wife, Meredith Gaddis, at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. Photo by Tia Dufour.

Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas (left), Andrew Gaddis and his wife, Meredith Gaddis, at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. Photo by Tia Dufour.

Andrew Gaddis, a criminal justice major at UTC, received the Secretary’s Meritorious Service Silver Medal at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary’s Award Ceremony in October.

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Here are some other recent UTC stories featured in the Newsroom:

  • This fall, students in Dr. Katelyn Hancock’s “Ethics in Criminal Justice” course are confronting complex ethical issues in policing, courts and corrections through the lens of art.
  • The unlikely story of how his hometown transformed itself from a maligned Southern city into a tech darling is one Charlie Brock might know as well as his personal career story. Those winding paths and how they have now converged was the focus of Brock’s keynote address at the Gary W. Rollins College of Business 2024 Entrepreneurship Breakfast on Thursday, Oct. 31.
  • Hundreds of prospective students and their families explored UTC during Blue and Gold Preview Day. In addition to campus tours, information sessions and an application workshop, UTC faculty, advisors and current students set up booths in the Aquatic and Recreation Center. Representatives from each academic department shared insights and answered questions from prospective students and their families.

WUTC

Olympic gold medalist and UTC student Olivia Reeves joined WUTC-FM 88.1 for an episode of “Scenic Roots” to discuss her weightlifting career and what it was like to be honored with a parade through campus.


 

November 5-11, 2024

Updates and news for the week of November 5-11, 2024

The UTC Campus Weekly newsletter is distributed every Tuesday morning. If you have news, events or announcements you would like shared with campus, please submit your information to peyton-l-schultz@utc.edu or chuck-wasserstrom@utc.edu in the Division of Communications and Marketing by 3 p.m. on Friday for placement in the following Tuesday’s newsletter.

UTC News  UTC Events Calendar  |  Campus Updates


Click here to view this week’s newsletter in your browser

Highlights

Election 2024 preparation series

As we approach a critical time in our democratic process, it is important that our University community explore ways to increase civic participation, foster productive dialogue and find common ground. Over the coming weeks, the Election Preparation Series will feature several panels related to the voting process, election administration and the current dynamics of the presidential and congressional campaigns.

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First Gen Week

Arly Perez-Morales, shown in the Civil Engineering Materials Laboratory in the College of Engineering and Computer Science, is a junior at UTC.

This week, UTC is celebrating First Gen Week with a series of events and activities.

Click here to read about first-generation student stories and to see the calendar of First Gen Week events.

One first-gen student, Arly Perez-Morales, is navigating uncharted waters—and redefining what’s possible along the way. Perez-Morales, a junior at UTC, is a first-generation college student pursuing civil engineering—a field historically underrepresented among women and Hispanic/Latinx professionals. With a desire to make a difference, her first-gen story reflects the purpose and the importance of family support.

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Home Sweet Home

The UTC Power C Tour, a statewide outreach effort to prospective students on academic programs, admissions, housing, financial aid and campus life at UTC, is returning home.

The Power C Tour Chattanooga stop, which takes place from 6-7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 13, in the UC Tennessee Room, gives local high school students, transfers, graduate students and their families a feel for UTC. The event features presentations, information booths, light refreshments and cool prizes—including an opportunity to win UTC scholarships. Faculty and staff are invited to bring their families.

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CALL FOR COMMENCEMENT MARSHALS

We are looking for faculty and staff to serve as marshals at our two December commencement ceremonies:
  • Friday, Dec. 13: Graduate School, 2:30 p.m.
  • Saturday, Dec. 14: Undergraduate, 9 a.m.

Marshal duties include lining up students before the ceremony, leading students into the arena at the start of the ceremony, and directing students from their chairs to the stage and back during the ceremony. Marshals will need to arrive one hour before the ceremony starts, so please schedule accordingly. We will have a marshals lunch and training session on Thursday, Dec. 12. Attendance is not required but highly encouraged.

If you would like to volunteer to be a marshal, please register here and indicate which commencement ceremony(ies) you are available to marshal. Questions or concerns related to commencement marshals should be directed to Charlene-Simmons@utc.edu.


Outstanding People of UTC

Chattanooga Mocs senior defensive back Reuben Lowery III is a finalist for the FedEx Doris Robinson Scholar-Athlete Award.

“Reuben is special,” Coach Rusty Wright said. “On the field, off the field and everywhere in between. He’s exactly what you want in a student-athlete. His impact for us is evident every week, but if you go to the Engineering department, you’ll hear the same things about him as a student. We are thankful he chose Chattanooga.”

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Movita “Mo” Steiner with 2024 Steiner Scholarship recipients Levi Kirk (left) and Ryan Davenport (not pictured: Amy Johnson). Photo courtesy of Ruby Falls.

Movita “Mo” Steiner with 2024 Steiner Scholarship recipients Levi Kirk (left) and Ryan Davenport (not pictured: Amy Johnson). Photo courtesy of Ruby Falls.

Ruby Falls has awarded three graduate student employees—two who attend the UTC—with the annual John Thomas Steiner, Sr. Memorial Scholarship. Environmental science students Amy Johnson and Ryan Davenport were honored with the award for their “commitment to academic achievement and dedicated service to the community.”

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Check out these Mocs in the news:

  • Dr. Sherah Basham appeared on “The Daily Refreshto discuss the UTC criminal justice department’s role in organizing the First Responders Salute.
  • Dr. Chris Smith was featured in a NewsChannel 9 story about UTC nursing students gaining hands-on experience at the new health department facility.
  • Dr. Sarah Heise gave tips to help voters make informed political decisions in a Local 3 News story.
  • Last week, philosophy and religion professors hosted a roundtable discussion on how their research and teaching relates to the upcoming election as part of the “Mocs Go Vote” series. Faculty members Ethan Mills, Jaclyn Michael and Barry Matlock did Q&As with the Times Free Press.

Mark Your Calendar

Photo credit: gomocs.com

Photo credit: gomocs.com

This week’s Mocs home athletics calendar:

  • Thursday, Nov. 7: Women’s Basketball vs. Tennessee Tech, McKenzie Arena, 6 p.m.
  • Friday, Nov. 8: Women’s Tennis UTC Fall Invite, UTC Tennis Complex, All day
  • Saturday, Nov. 9: Women’s Tennis UTC Fall Invite, UTC Tennis Complex, All day
  • Sunday, Nov. 10: Women’s Tennis UTC Fall Invite, UTC Tennis Complex, All day

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UTC is hosting an Off-Campus Housing Fair from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. today (Nov. 5) in the UC Tennessee Room, where Off-Campus Student Services (OCSS) will host informational sessions for UTC students wishing to live off campus.

Stop by for free food, giveaways and prizes—and meet representatives from off-campus properties, utility companies and municipal services to learn more about the options now available to students.

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The Gary W. Rollins College of Business will hold virtual information sessions about UTC’s Master of Business Administration, MS Management, MS Data Analytics, Master of Accountancy, and Business Analytics Certificate graduate programs. The Rollins College of Business graduate degree programs provide flexible course options and career advancement resources to advance your education and elevate your career!

MAcc Information Sessions

MBA Information Sessions

MSDA Information Sessions

MSM Information Sessions

Business Analytics Certificate Information Session

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The Office of Planning, Evaluation and Institutional Research (OPEIR) will host two faculty workshops regarding the process for creating and implementing new academic programs. An overview will be provided on the required procedural steps and potential research used to support the proposal of new degree majors, degree concentrations and certificate programs.

RSVP is not required to attend but will help with the planning and communication of each session. RSVP here.

  • Wednesday, Nov. 6: Process overview, 9 a.m., UTC Library Room 206. This session will provide attendees with an overview of the procedural steps required with proposing a new academic program at any level as well as the support OPEIR provides.
  • Wednesday, Nov. 20: Program feasibility studies, 9 a.m., UTC Library Room 118A. This session will dive into the analysis of program and labor market data used to determine the feasibility and support for developing a new academic program. Attendance at the previous session is not required but suggested.

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Nov. 6-12 is National French Week. UTC will join hundreds of colleges and universities across the country in celebrating French culture, and we invite you to join us. All events are free and open to the public.

  • Wednesday, Nov. 6: French Club: La République Crêpe, 6 p.m., MCLL Language Lab, Lupton 239. Learn how to make crêpes, then eat them.
  • Thursday, Nov. 7: Le Tour de France, 6 p.m., MCLL Language Lab, Lupton 239. Take a virtual tour of France with our expert guides. Presentations by French students, in Franglais.
  • Monday, Nov. 11: MCLL Game Hour, 3:30 p.m., Chamberlin Pavilion; Rain date: MCLL Language Lab, Lupton 239. Try your hand at pétanque! This foreign language game hour will be devoted to learning how to play the French ball game.
Also, come study with us in Paris this summer. Join us for two information sessions to find out more about how you can spend your summer in France. The opportunity is open to all majors, even if you don’t speak French.
  • Monday, Nov. 11: 12:30 p.m., Lupton 239 (lunch will be provided)
  • Tuesday, Nov. 12: 4 p.m., Lupton 239

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Employees and students showcased incredible creativity in the UTC Library’s Halloween costume contest last week. You can view all of the great costumes in the galleries on the library webpage.

Help us choose the winners. All current employees and students can login to vote for their favorite costumes. The three costumes with the most votes in both the student and the employee contests will win prizes. To vote, click the voting link on the top of library webpage before noon on Wednesday, Nov. 6.

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UTC’s Undergraduate Curriculum Committee will meet at 3:15 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 7, via Zoom. For a list of the proposals that will be considered, log on to Curriculog and select the Curriculum – Nov 7, 2024 agenda.

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Join the Department of History for the screening of the documentary “5 Broken Cameras” at 5 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 7, in the UC Raccoon Mountain Room.

This award-winning documentary chronicles the contestation between the Israeli military and the residents of the West Bank village of Bil’in over the construction of a seperation wall on the village’s lands.

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The campus community is invited to join bi-weekly sessions of a forum to discuss select topics in Quantum Information Science and Engineering in which important developments are underway at UTC or elsewhere. All sessions are from 4-5 p.m. in Lupton Hall Room 389. For more information, visit utc.edu/research/quantum-center.

Discussion dates and topics through 2024 are:

  • Thursday, Nov. 7: Edward Steele, “Machine Learning-Aided Scattering Mitigation in a Quantum System” … summary of work recently published at Arxiv
  • Thursday, Nov. 21: Chris Cox, “Summary of Proceedings of recent SIAM workshop on Quantum Information Sciences
  • Thursday, Dec. 5: Tam Bang, “Quantum Computing in Intelligent Transportation Systems”

The series resumes in 2025 on these dates: Jan. 9, Jan. 23, Feb. 6 and Feb. 20. Details on topics will be shared as soon as they are finalized.

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Meet-up for Researchers––taking place from 11 a.m.-noon on Friday, Nov. 8, in the Library Southern Writers Room––is an opportunity to share research interests and projects with other faculty, staff and graduate students. Attend to learn more about the research and innovation happening at UTC. Join fellow faculty and researchers to connect and share new research projects and updates.

This month, guests from the UT Research Foundation and Dr. Tom Lyons will talk about the MOC Innovate Mini-Grant Competition for 2025. Lunch will be provided.

Register to attend here. For questions, contact Jennifer Skjellum at jennifer-skjellum@utc.edu.

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Technology Managers from UTRF will be on campus from 1-3 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 8, in the Maytag Conference Room (ECS 426) to meet with innovators to discuss their technology and answer questions about the commercialization process.

Register to attend here. For questions, contact Jennifer Skjellum at jennifer-skjellum@utc.edu.

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The Department of Chemistry and Physics continues its Departmental Seminar Series from 3-4 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 8, in Grote Hall Room 411 with a talk presented by Professor Allison Roessler from Oglethorpe University.

The seminar, “A computational approach to mechanochemistry for the development of functional materials,” explores advanced, stimulus-responsive materials with applications from packaging to cancer drug delivery, highlighting undergraduate research on mechanochemical processes. Click here to view the event on MocSync.

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Join Donuts with the Dean, a meet and greet with the Graduate School, from 8:30-9:30 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 11, in the first-floor lobby of Lupton Hall. Guests will have the opportunity to:

  • Connect with the Graduate School dean and staff
  • Learn more about advanced degrees at UTC
  • Discover valuable resources for graduate students
  • Enjoy light refreshments and donuts

The event is open to all students and faculty interested in graduate studies at UTC.

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Join the Asian Studies program at 2 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 11, in the UC Signal Mountain Room for the fall lecture, “Islamic Piety as Sovereign Transcendence in the Tablighi Jamaat in Pakistan,” presented by Dr. Arsalan Khan, an associate professor at UT Knoxville.

Sponsored by Asian Studies, Social, Cultural and Justice Studies, Political Science and Public Service, Philosophy and Religion, and the Center for Global Education, the event offers the first 10 students who register a complimentary copy of Khan’s book to pick up at the event. Register on MocSync. For questions, contact Jaclyn-michael@utc.edu

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Join the Constitution Day public lecture by Dr. Elizabeth Kaufer Busch, “Reestablishing the Constitutional Integrity of Title IX,” at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 11, in the UC Auditorium.

Busch is the Laura and Pete Walker professor in American studies, co-director of the Center for American Studies and director of American studies at Christopher Newport University, where she teaches a wide range of courses. Busch was the recipient of CNU’s highest honor, the Alumni Society Award for Excellence in Teaching and Mentoring. She earned a Ph.D. in political science from Michigan State University, with specializations in American politics and political theory. She serves on the Board of Directors and chairs the Academic Council of the Jack Miller Center for Founding American Principles and History and the Virginia Institute for American History.

The event is sponsored by the Jack Miller Center for Teaching America’s Founding Principles and History, UTC’s Center for Reflective Citizenship, and the College of Health, Education and Professional Studies.

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The Jericho Brass Band of Chattanooga will be performing a Veterans Day concert at 7 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 11, at the Roland Hayes Concert Hall.

The concert, “A Veterans Day Salute,” will honor the men and women of our military services with patriotic songs and hymns. One piece, titled “Five,” was written and composed by UTC’s Kenyon Wilson.

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Join UTC Center for Professional Education and ChaTech from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 13, for “The AI Landscape,” part of the CHAIN AI Sessions.

This in-person session, taking place in the Mapp Building, will focus on “The AI Landscape” and will feature three panelists who will share how they are incorporating AI technology within their organization—Vicki Farnsworth (UTC), Satish Vadlamani (Kenco Group) and Aaron Welch (city of Chattanooga).

Tickets are $25 and include lunch. Register here.

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The Sweet Research Series recently featured political science student presenters.

The Sweet Research Series recently featured political science students presenting their research.

The Department of Political Science and Public Service invites the entire UTC community to our Sweet Research Series, where we will share exciting research and enjoy dessert together. These sessions offer an excellent opportunity to engage with new ideas and connect with peers. All events are from noon-12:50 p.m. on Wednesdays in 540 McCallie Building Room 268 (PSPS Suite Conference Room). Upcoming events include:

  • Wednesday, Nov. 13: Dr. Hassan Afzal, “Pocketbook and Sociotropic Economic Voting: How Does Inflation Affect Voting Decisions?”

*   *   *   *   *

William Inge’s “Bus Stop,” a quintessentially American story about bus passengers stranded by a blizzard in a diner, is coming to the UTC Fine Arts Center’s Dorothy Hackett Ward Theatre stage.

The UTC Theatre Co. continues its 2024-2025 season with “Bus Stop,” taking place at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 19-23—with a 2 p.m. matinee performance on Saturday, Nov. 23.

Tickets can be purchased online by clicking here and through the UTC Box Office—in person or by phone (423-425-4369). Tickets are $20 for general admission and $15 for students (with proof of student ID) and seniors.

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Come celebrate GIS day on Wednesday, Nov. 20, with UTC’s Interdisciplinary Geospatial Technologies Lab.

To celebrate GIS Day, the IGTLab will offer a free cartography workshop from 9-11:30 a.m., followed by two guest speakers from noon-1 p.m. who are leaders in remote sensing and imagery analysis:

  • Biology, Geology and Environmental Science Associate Professor Azad Hossain will speak about his NASA-funded research using remote sensing of water quality in the Tennessee River.
  • Paul Dudley, location intelligence analyst with the State of Tennessee, will speak about the work services that his office provides.

GIS Day events are open to the campus and the public. To register, click here. For more information, click here.

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Mark you calendars for Chamique Holdsclaw, a mental health advocate, Olympic gold medalist and WNBA Hall of Famer, who will be holding a conversation at 1 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 25, in the UC Auditorium.

Hailed as the “female Michael Jordan,” Chamique Holdsclaw was a basketball superstar. From leading The University of Tennessee Lady Volunteers to three straight NCAA national championships with her team and legendary Coach Pat Summitt to the Olympics to the WNBA, nearly no one has had more focus or drive on the court. And yet underneath, she was pushing down mental health issues that eventually led to a total mental and physical breakdown.

The event is free and open to the public. Please reach out with any questions at mcc@utc.edu.

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The UTC Graduate School announced that the following student will be presenting final works of research as an advanced degree candidate. Everyone is invited to attend.


Campus Updates

It is time to start budget planning for fiscal year 2026 (July 1, 2025–June 30, 2026). We will be kicking off budget season with three campus-wide budget input sessions. With a focus on transparency and communication, these budget input sessions will be structured to provide participants with meaningful information that is intended to encourage input.  Budget planning is better when we hear a variety of perspectives across a variety of topics. We want to hear from you!

Please take the opportunity to attend and participate in as many of the University Center Auditorium sessions as you would like. Once input is collected, we will report back to campus to share what we heard.

  • Monday, Nov. 11: 2-3:30 p.m.
  • Thursday, Nov. 14: 3-4:30 p.m.
  • Friday, Nov. 15: 9-10:30 a.m.

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The Office of Research and Sponsored Programs is pleased to announce that the FY24 Annual Report has been published on our webpage. The annual report captures UTC faculty and staff’s commitment to teaching and learning, outreach, creative endeavors and scholarly inquiry through sponsored activity achievements.

Please check out the report to see more information regarding these outstanding achievements. We hope you’ll join us in recognizing the good efforts of the UTC community.

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A message from the Office of the Registrar:

Please note the upcoming dates as we prepare for the spring 2025 semester.

  • Nov. 13-21: Spring 2025 priority registration for currently enrolled UTC students

Students may check time ticket, registration status, and holds on their My Profile or Prepare for Registration pages.

*   *   *   *   *

Light therapy is one way to help treat Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a form of depression associated with the lack of natural light during the winter months. The Center for Wellbeing offers students, faculty and staff the ability to check out light boxes to try for free for two-four weeks during the fall, winter or spring semesters.

During light therapy, you sit near a device called a light therapy box. The box gives off bright light that mimics natural outdoor light. Light therapy is thought to possibly affect brain chemicals linked to mood and sleep, easing symptoms of SAD.

Lights can be checked out in-person on a first come, first served basis. They are available from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Center for Wellbeing in the UC (on the third floor).

To check out a light box, you will need to:
  • show your UTC ID
  • complete a screening including a 15-30-minute educational session
  • sign consent and fill our survey

Students should return the light to the same location where it was checked out. Please email Amy Kyriakidis with any questions. Book a session here to check out a box.


UTC Newsroom

The ceremonial dirt turning for the Dorothy and Jim Kennedy Health Sciences Building included (from left) Rep. Patsy Hazlewood, Elizabeth Kennedy Spratlin, Molly Kennedy, Jim Kennedy III, Dr. Chris Smith, Chancellor Steven R. Angle, UT System President Randy Boyd, Sen. Bo Watson, Rep. Yusuf Hakeem, U.S. Rep. Chuck Fleischmann, and UTC Student Nurses Association President Olivia Walls.

The ceremonial dirt turning for the Dorothy and Jim Kennedy Health Sciences Building included (from left) Rep. Patsy Hazlewood, Elizabeth Kennedy Spratlin, Molly Kennedy, Jim Kennedy III, Dr. Chris Smith, Chancellor Steven R. Angle, UT System President Randy Boyd, Sen. Bo Watson, Rep. Yusuf Hakeem, U.S. Rep. Chuck Fleischmann, and UTC Student Nurses Association President Olivia Walls.

The future home of UTC’s School of Nursing, the Dorothy and Jim Kennedy Health Sciences Building, broke ground yesterday. Located at the corner of Palmetto and East 3rd streets, this new building will be approximately 90,000 square feet with state-of-the-art classrooms and a cutting-edge simulation lab. The new facility will also allow for a 152% enrollment increase in the School of Nursing, which currently accepts approximately 50% of applicants and turns down eligible students due to space and class size limitations.

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Natural Research Project Coordinator Lucy Ellis shows environmental studies students the Warner Park bioretention gardens and Deanna Beasley’s Chronolog project.

Natural Research Project Coordinator Lucy Ellis shows environmental studies students the Warner Park bioretention gardens and Deanna Beasley’s Chronolog project.

Dr. DeAnna Beasley is leading an initiative to raise awareness about the bioretention garden at Warner Park. Supported by a partnership with the city of Chattanooga and the Chattanooga Zoo, her project, funded by Tennessee American Water, invites visitors to contribute to a time-lapse of the garden’s evolution through the Chronolog photo monitoring system.

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Here are some other recent UTC stories featured in the Newsroom:

  • Department of Art Assistant Professor Bart Pushaw is a self-described “art historian of the colonial Americas, focusing on the circumpolar North and Central America between 1700 and 1950.” When he was a postdoctoral fellow in the international research group “The Art of Nordic Colonials: Writing Transcultural Art Histories” in Copenhagen, he emphasized “the global entanglements of material and visual culture of the indigenous Arctic, especially when it coincides with the Black Atlantic and Pacific.”
  • Chattanooga was recently the host site for a global gathering of researchers, industry leaders and policymakers for a multifaceted focus on urban mobility: Chattanooga Connect 2024. The inaugural conference, held Oct. 21-23, achieved its aims and set a high bar for next year.
  • In celebration of National Chemistry Week, 11 members of the UTC College of Engineering and Computer Science brought chemistry to life for Orchard Knob Elementary School students on Oct. 25, as part of an ongoing Department of Energy (DOE) research project.

WUTC

“Scenic Roots” on WUTC-FM 88.1 aired two episodes of the “You Might Be Right” podcast, hosted by former Tennessee governors Phil Bredesen and Bill Haslam. One episode was recorded in the UTC Library, and the other episode was recorded at the Rotary Club of Chattanooga.


 

October 29-November 4, 2024

Updates and news for the week of October 29-November 4, 2024

The UTC Campus Weekly newsletter is distributed every Tuesday morning. If you have news, events or announcements you would like shared with campus, please submit your information to peyton-l-schultz@utc.edu or chuck-wasserstrom@utc.edu in the Division of Communications and Marketing by 3 p.m. on Friday for placement in the following Tuesday’s newsletter.

UTC News  UTC Events Calendar  |  Campus Updates


Click here to view this week’s newsletter in your browser

Highlights

DASH System Launch

A DASH Business Readiness Town Hall today (Oct. 29), will focus on two crucial areas.

  • Human Resources (HCM), 1:30 p.m.
  • Finance (ERP), 2:30 p.m.

Each session will provide targeted training to ensure employees are prepared for the upcoming transition.

For an IRIS to DASH Cutover overview, dates and FAQs, visit DASH Cutover Hub.

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SEND IN YOUR INFORMATION FOR THE UTC PARENT AND FAMILY ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER

UTC Parent and Family Association newsletter logo

It is again time to recruit campus partners to send in information for the UTC Parent and Family Association newsletter, a monthly roundup distributed to more than 5,400 parents/family members.

To share information with the families of UTC students—upcoming events, important deadlines, helpful suggestions and departmental news—email hannah-turcotte@utc.edu by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 30. The November newsletter will be emailed to members Wednesday, Nov. 6.

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Groundbreaking Event taking place Nov. 4

The campus community is invited to attend the groundbreaking for the Dorothy and Jim Kennedy Health Sciences Building––the future home of the UTC School of Nursing––at 3 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 4, at the corner of East 3rd and Palmetto streets. Register to attend here.

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Election 2024 preparation series

As we approach a critical time in our democratic process, it is important that our University community explore ways to increase civic participation, foster productive dialogue and find common ground. Over the coming weeks, the Election Preparation Series will feature several panels related to the voting process, election administration and the current dynamics of the presidential and congressional campaigns.

Join the Department of Philosophy and Religion from noon-1 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 30, in Derthick Hall Room 101 for “Philosophy, Religion, and Ethnicity: New Perspectives on the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election.” Philosophy and religion professors will host a roundtable discussion on how their research and teaching relates to the upcoming election.

  • Jaclyn Michael: “The Rise of Indian Americans in US Politics and the Invisible History of Indian-Black American Solidarities”
  • Ethan Mills:  “Democracy to Tyranny?: Lessons from Plato’s Critique of Democracy”
  • Barry Matlock: “Christian Nationalism and Current American Politics”

Upcoming events also include:

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A picture-perfect Homecoming Week

An array of photos of Homecoming Week 2024 activities captured through the lens of UTC photographer Angela Foster.


Outstanding People of UTC

After a full week of events and celebration, the Mocs’ football win against Virginia Military Institute on Saturday capped off Homecoming Week 2024 at UTC. 

During halftime, the long-awaited coronation of the Homecoming King and Queen took center stage with the crowning of seniors Braden Stillwell and Chamyra Teasley. 

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Public Service Award winners Nevaeh Morris (left) and Jordan Walker (right).

Public Service Award winners Nevaeh Morris (left) and Jordan Walker (right).

During Homecoming game halftime ceremonies, Public Service Award winners Nevaeh Morris and Jordan Walker both received a $1,000 scholarship for displaying the most distinguished service to UTC and the Chattanooga community. 

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Alicea Wilson (left) and Tennessee Association of School Psychologists President Pam Haggard pose with the William Ballard Award. Photo courtesy of Amanda Hardin.

Alicea Wilson (left) and Tennessee Association of School Psychologists President Pam Haggard pose with the William Ballard Award. Photo courtesy of Amanda Hardin.

Alicea Wilson, a Chattanooga native and third-year student in the School Psychology graduate program at UTC, was awarded the 2024 William Ballard Award for her hard work and dedication to school psychology. 

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Check out these Mocs in the news:

  • Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice Andrew Denney was interviewed by the Times Free Press about UTC’s involvement with Hamilton County’s Recidivism Reduction Initiative.
  • Vice Chancellor Stacy Lightfoot, a graduate of Chattanooga School for the Arts & Sciences, received the 2024 Hamilton County Schools Foundation “Heroes Award” at an awards luncheon last Friday. The event recognized outstanding teachers and alumni for their exceptional contributions to education and the community.

Mark Your Calendar

With Halloween festivities and basketball season on deck, the Chattanooga Mocs men’s and women’s basketball programs are set to host its annual “Boo and Gold” fan event today (Oct. 29) inside McKenzie Arena. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.

The event is free and open to the public as kids are encouraged to attend in their best Halloween costumes. Trick-or-treating around the concourse will kick off the night’s festivities and will run from 5:30-6:25 p.m. before basketball activities begin.

This week’s Mocs home athletics calendar:

  • Today, Oct. 29: Basketball Boo and Gold Halloween event, McKenzie Arena, doors open at 5:30 p.m.
  • Friday, Nov. 1: Volleyball vs. Mercer, Maclellan Gym, 6 p.m.
  • Saturday, Nov. 2: Volleyball vs. Furman, Maclellan Gym, 4 p.m.
  • Monday, Nov. 4: Women’s basketball vs. Shorter University, McKenzie Arena, 6 p.m.

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Join the UTC Bookstore from 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m. today, Oct. 29, in a celebration of our December 2024 graduates.

Stop by to learn more about Oakhall graduation regalia pickup or last-minute purchase availability, Josten’s ring and formal invitation ordering, and complimentary photography with the ability to order photos. Numerous departments will be attending to provide insight, advice and assistance for after graduation. Snacks and drinks will be available, and guests can enter to win door prizes.

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You’re invited to the annual Library Halloween Costume Contest and Open House Party!

Drop by the UTC Library first floor from 1-3 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 31, to enjoy door prizes, candy, buttons, games (like pumpkin pong) and activities (like crafting a mini monster horn) at the Open House Party. Enter the costume contest for a chance to win prizes and to show off your creativity. Celebrate Halloween with your campus friends while enjoying free coffee and hot chocolate as well as some sweet treats.

New this year:

  • The Walker Center for Teaching and Learning, the Center for Academic Support, and Advisement are joining the fun and will host tables at the Open House Party.
  • There are even more ways to enter the Costume Contest this year, including online entries.

Click here to find more details about the Open House Party and Costume Contest.

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The UTC Bookstore will host a Halloween De-Stress event from noon-4 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 31, complete with corn hole, coloring books, board games, and arts and crafts.

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UTC is hosting an Off-Campus Housing Fair from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 5, in the UC Tennessee Room, where Off-Campus Student Services (OCSS) will host informational sessions for UTC students wishing to live off campus.

Stop by for free food, giveaways and prizes—and meet representatives from off-campus properties, utility companies and municipal services to learn more about the options now available to students.

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The Office of Planning, Evaluation, and Institutional Research (OPEIR) will host two faculty workshops regarding the process for creating and implementing new academic programs. An overview will be provided on the required procedural steps and potential research used to support the proposal of new degree majors, degree concentrations and certificate programs.

RSVP is not required to attend but will help with the planning and communication of each session. RSVP here

  • Wednesday, Nov. 6: Process overview, 9 a.m., UTC Library Room 206. This session will provide attendees with an overview of the procedural steps required with proposing a new academic program at any level as well as the support OPEIR provides.
  • Wednesday, Nov. 20: Program feasibility studies, 9 a.m., UTC Library Room 118A. This session will dive into the analysis of program and labor market data used to determine the feasibility and support for developing a new academic program. Attendance at the previous session is not required but suggested.

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UTC’s Undergraduate Curriculum Committee will meet at 3:15 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 7 via Zoom. For a list of the proposals that will be considered, log on to Curriculog and select the Curriculum – Nov 7, 2024 agenda.

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The campus community is invited to join bi-weekly sessions of a forum to discuss select topics in Quantum Information Science and Engineering in which important developments are underway at UTC or elsewhere. All sessions are from 4-5 p.m. in Lupton Hall Room 389. For more information, visit utc.edu/research/quantum-center.

Discussion dates and topics through 2024 are:

  • Thursday, Nov. 7: Edward Steele, “Machine Learning-Aided Scattering Mitigation in a Quantum System” … summary of work recently published at Arxiv
  • Thursday, Nov. 21: Chris Cox, “Summary of Proceedings of recent SIAM workshop on Quantum Information Sciences
  • Thursday, Dec. 5: Tam Bang, “Quantum Computing in Intelligent Transportation Systems”

The series resumes in 2025 on these dates: Jan. 9, Jan. 23, Feb. 6 and Feb. 20. Details on topics will be shared as soon as they are finalized.

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The Gary W. Rollins College of Business will hold virtual information sessions about UTC’s Master of Business Administration, MS Management, MS Data Analytics, Master of Accountancy, and Business Analytics Certificate graduate programs. The Rollins College of Business graduate degree programs provide flexible course options and career advancement resources to advance your education and elevate your career!

MSDA Information Sessions

MBA Information Sessions

MSM Information Sessions

Business Analytics Certificate Information Session

MAcc Information Sessions

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Meet-up for Researchers––taking place from 11 a.m.-noon on Friday, Nov. 8 in the Library Southern Writers Room––is an opportunity to share research interests and projects with other faculty, staff and graduate students. Attend to learn more about the research and innovation happening at UTC. Join fellow faculty and researchers to connect and share new research projects and updates.

This month, guests from the UT Research Foundation and Dr. Tom Lyons will talk about the MOC Innovate Mini-Grant Competition for 2025. Lunch will be provided.

Register to attend here. For questions, contact Jennifer Skjellum at jennifer-skjellum@utc.edu.

*   *   *   *   *

Technology Managers from UTRF will be on campus from 1-3 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 8, in the Maytag Conference Room (ECS 426) to meet with innovators to discuss their technology and answer questions about the commercialization process.

Register to attend here. For questions, contact Jennifer Skjellum at jennifer-skjellum@utc.edu.

*   *   *   *   *

Join Donuts with the Dean, a meet and greet with the Graduate School, from 8:30-9:30 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 11, in the first floor lobby of Lupton Hall. Guests will have the opportunity to:

  • Connect with the Graduate School dean and staff
  • Learn more about advanced degrees at UTC
  • Discover valuable resources for graduate students
  • Enjoy light refreshments and donuts

The event is open to all students and faculty interested in graduate studies at UTC.

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The Jericho Brass Band of Chattanooga will be performing a Veteran’s Day concert at 7 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 11, at the Roland Hayes Concert Hall.

The concert, “A Veteran’s Day Salute,” will honor the men and women of our military services with patriotic songs and hymns. One piece, titled “Five,” was written and composed by UTC’s Kenyon Wilson.

*   *   *   *   *

Join UTC Center for Professional Education and ChaTech from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 13, for “The AI Landscape,” part of the CHAIN AI Sessions.

This session, taking place in the Mapp Building, will feature a panel discussion highlighting applications of AI across industries, AI for social good, and real-world case studies and success stories. Tickets are $25 and include lunch. Register here.

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The Sweet Research Series recently featured political science student presenters.

The Sweet Research Series recently featured political science students presenting their research.

The Department of Political Science and Public Service invites the entire UTC community to our Sweet Research Series, where we will share exciting research and enjoy dessert together. These sessions offer an excellent opportunity to engage with new ideas and connect with peers. All events are from noon-12:50 p.m. on Wednesdays in 540 McCallie Building room 268 (PSPS Suite Conference Room).

Fall 2024 Sweet Research Series Schedule:

  • Wednesday, Nov. 13: Dr. Hassan Afzal, “Pocketbook and Sociotropic Economic Voting: How Does Inflation Affect Voting Decisions?”
  • Wednesday, Nov. 20: Dr. Michelle D. Deardorff, “The Art of Authoring Textbook”

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Come celebrate GIS day on Wednesday, Nov. 20, with UTC’s Interdisciplinary Geospatial Technologies Lab.

To celebrate GIS Day, the IGTLab will offer a free cartography workshop from 9-11:30 a.m., followed by two guest speakers from noon-1 p.m. who are leaders in remote sensing and imagery analysis:

  • Biology, Geology and Environmental Science Associate Professor Azad Hossain will speak about his NASA-funded research using remote sensing of water quality in the Tennessee River.
  • Paul Dudley, location intelligence analyst with the State of Tennessee, will speak about the work services that his office provides.

GIS Day events are open to the campus and the public. To register, click here. For more information, click here.

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The UTC Graduate School announced that the following student will be presenting final works of research as an advanced degree candidate. Everyone is invited to attend.


Campus Updates

Getting back into the groove of school after midterms and fall break can be challenging, especially with colder weather and shorter days. It’s crucial to prioritize your physical and mental well-being during this transition. Fortunately, there are plenty of resources on campus to support you.

  • Each residence hall offers walk-in tutoring events throughout the week, and you can also find peer academic tutoring at the library and assistance at the Math Plaza.
  • The ARC hosts weekly group classes like Pilates, spin and F45 for a physical boost.
  • Don’t forget to take breaks; enjoying the beautiful fall foliage can be a wonderful way to recharge mentally.
  • Remember, prioritizing self-care is essential for your well-being and success.
  • Don’t forget to check your student email for the weekly newsletter, where you’ll find exciting events happening on campus for your study breaks.
  • Stay engaged and enjoy the fun. Take a moment each day to check in with yourself and practice mindfulness—it can make a world of difference!

Instagram: utc_cw

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It is time to start budget planning for fiscal year 2026 (July 1, 2025–June 30, 2026). We will be kicking off budget season with three campus-wide budget input sessions. With a focus on transparency and communication, these budget input sessions will be structured to provide participants with meaningful information that is intended to encourage input.  Budget planning is better when we hear a variety of perspectives across a variety of topics. We want to hear from you!

Please take the opportunity to attend and participate in as many of the University Center Auditorium sessions as you would like. Once input is collected, we will report back to campus to share what we heard.

  • Monday, Nov. 11: 2-3:30 p.m.
  • Thursday, Nov. 14: 3-4:30 p.m.
  • Friday, Nov. 15: 9-10:30 a.m.

*   *   *   *   *

A message from the Office of the Registrar:

Please note the upcoming dates as we prepare for the spring 2025 semester.

  • Nov. 13-21: Spring 2025 priority registration for currently enrolled UTC students

Students may check time ticket, registration status, and holds on their My Profile or Prepare for Registration pages.

*   *   *   *   *

Are you a first-generation college graduate?

Student Success Programs is updating its list of faculty and staff who are first-generation graduates. A first-generation graduate is an individual who earned a bachelor’s degree and whose parents did not earn a bachelor’s degree. If this is you, please complete this form.

Mark your calendars for First Gen Week, which takes place Nov. 4-8.


UTC Newsroom

Tian Li works in the Quantum Physics lab.

Thanks to an almost $800,000 funding award from the National Science Foundation, the Quantum Information Science and Engineering (QISE) program at UTC is off to a great start.

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From left, judges Tom Greenholtz, Jill Bartee Ayers and Kyle A. Hixson of the Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals preside over cases in the UTC Library Roth Grand Reading Room on Oct. 23, 2024.

From left, judges Tom Greenholtz, Jill Bartee Ayers and Kyle A. Hixson of the Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals preside over cases in the UTC Library Roth Grand Reading Room.

Last Wednesday, the Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals took to the road and heard three cases in the UTC Library’s Roth Grand Reading Room, allowing UTC students the opportunity to witness the legal process in action.

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The Power C Tour gives local high school students, transfers, graduate students and their families a feel for UTC.

The Power C Tour gives local high school students, transfers, graduate students and their families a feel for UTC.

The third annual Power C Tour—a statewide outreach effort to prospective students on academic programs, admissions, housing, financial aid and campus life at UTC—visited the Knoxville Convention Center last Wednesday.


WUTC

Singer-songwriter Richard Daigle shared songs from his latest album, “Cajun People,” on an episode of WUTC-FM 88.1’s  “Live in the Library.”


 

October 22-28, 2024

Updates and news for the week of October 22-28, 2024

The UTC Campus Weekly newsletter is distributed every Tuesday morning. If you have news, events or announcements you would like shared with campus, please submit your information to peyton-l-schultz@utc.edu or chuck-wasserstrom@utc.edu in the Division of Communications and Marketing by 3 p.m. on Friday for placement in the following Tuesday’s newsletter.

UTC News  UTC Events Calendar  |  Campus Updates


Click here to view this week’s newsletter in your browser

Highlights

And they lived … Scrappy Ever After

With a week of “Scrappy Every After” themed events, this year’s UTC Homecoming Week activities will be nothing short of a fairytale.

Numerous campus departments have prepared activities to bring students, alumni, faculty and staff together to feel the UTC school spirit. Follow @utchomecoming and visit utc.edu/homecoming to see the full schedule of events.

For questions, email kidron-bullock@utc.edu.

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Food Fight

Show your campus pride during Homecoming and help restock Scrappy’s Cupboard Food pantry by joining our Homecoming Week food fight through Saturday, Oct. 26, with UTC student organizations and offices going head-to-head in a competition to collect donations for Scrappy’s Cupboard.

At the end of Homecoming Week, the organization and campus department that donates the most will receive recognition on our Scrappy’s Cupboard Food Fight Plaque and a small gift of appreciation from Scrappy’s Cupboard.

No group but want to give back? Individuals may donate to Scrappy’s Cupboard through the UC Foundation or Amazon Wishlist. Contact scrappyscupboard@utc.edu with questions.

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Election 2024 preparation series

As we approach a critical time in our democratic process, it is important that our University community explore ways to increase civic participation, foster productive dialogue and find common ground. Over the coming weeks, the Election Preparation Series will feature several panels related to the voting process, election administration and the current dynamics of the presidential and congressional campaigns.

  • Wednesday, Oct. 23, Polling and state of the race, noon-1 p.m., Derthick Lecture Hall 201
  • Wednesday, Nov. 6, Post-election wrap-up, noon-1 p.m., UC Auditorium
  • Wednesday, Nov. 20, Post-election wrap-up, noon-1 p.m., UC Auditorium

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Groundbreaking Event taking place Nov. 4

The campus community is invited to attend the groundbreaking for the Dorothy and Jim Kennedy Health Sciences Building––the future home of the UTC School of Nursing––at 3 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 4, at the corner of East 3rd and Palmetto streets. Register to attend here.

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October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month

A friendly reminder from the IT Security team:

Beware of cyber ghosts! Just like the classic Halloween tales, the internet has its fair share of ghoulish threats. Here are some spine-tingling tips to keep your digital life secure:

  • Don’t be haunted by weak passwords: Create strong, unique passwords for each of your accounts. Use a mix of letters, numbers and symbols to keep those cyber-spirits at bay.
  • Beware of phishing: Don’t let fake emails lure you into their traps. Always check the sender’s address and think twice before clicking on any links.
  • Keep your software from turning into a zombie: Update your devices and applications regularly to close any security gaps.
  • Two-factor authentication: Enable 2FA for an extra layer of protection. It’s like having a trusty sidekick to fend off the digital monsters.

Stay informed and don’t fall for tricks!

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DASH System Launch

Prepare for the DASH system launch in January with K@TE Training Sessions. Employees will receive their first introduction to DASH through K@TE, the University’s online training platform. These sessions offer a foundational look at key processes and outline important DASH terminology.

A Business Readiness Day on Tuesday, Oct. 29, will focus on two crucial areas.

  • Human Resources (HCM), 1:30 p.m.
  • Finance (ERP), 2:30 p.m.

Each session will provide targeted training to ensure employees are prepared for the upcoming transition.


Outstanding People of UTC

Dr. Tian Li

Dr. Tian Li

Congratulations to UTC faculty and staff who received awards or submitted proposals for sponsored programs in September. The Office of Research and Sponsored Programs announced that faculty and staff attracted $4,287,706 in external grant and contract awards during those two summer months and submitted proposals for the potential to generate over $2,857,637 in external funding if awarded.

Among those receiving awards in September was a group led by Dr. Tian Li (UTC Research Institute), Dr. Tatiana Allen (Chemistry and Physics), Dr. Christopher Cox (Mathematics), Dr. Yu Liang (Computer Science and Engineering), Dr. Reinhold Mann (Vice Chancellor for Research) and Dr. Donald Reising (Electrical Engineering), who received $3,500,000 from the National Institute of Standards and Technology for the project titled “UTC Quantum Center.”

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Collaborators on the new Erlanger Acute Care Physical Therapy Residency with UTC include Erlanger PT team lead and UTC alum Alexis Bennett, left, and Dr. Stephanie Eton, assistant professor of practice in the UTC Department of Physical Therapy and director of residency education.

Collaborators on the new Erlanger Acute Care Physical Therapy Residency with UTC include Erlanger PT team lead and UTC alum Alexis Bennett, left, and Dr. Stephanie Eton, assistant professor of practice in the UTC Department of Physical Therapy and director of residency education.

For the first time, the UTC Department of Physical Therapy includes a post-doctoral residency. The newly created Erlanger Acute Care Physical Therapy Residency involves licensed physical therapist residents serving as clinical instructors for UTC physical therapy students during clinical rotations and assisting with teaching didactic coursework in the University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program—with an emphasis on acute care. The residency curriculum, developed collaboratively by Erlanger clinicians and UTC faculty, includes both live patient care and didactic instruction.

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The Recidivism Reduction Initiative principal investigators from UTC include (from left) criminal justice faculty members Dr. Andrew Denney, Dr. Rick Dierenfeldt, Dr. Gale Iles and Dr. Sherah Basham.

The Recidivism Reduction Initiative principal investigators from UTC include (from left) criminal justice faculty members Dr. Andrew Denney, Dr. Rick Dierenfeldt, Dr. Gale Iles and Dr. Sherah Basham.

A UTC Criminal Justice collaboration with Hamilton County Alternative Sentencing Programs involving faculty members Dr. Rick Dierenfeldt, Dr. Andrew Denney, Dr. Gale Iles and Dr. Sherah Basham recently landed an $844,294 grant from the U.S. Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Assistance. The Recidivism Reduction Initiative, a three-year project, is designed to improve public safety by reducing recidivism rates among justice-involved individuals in Hamilton County’s misdemeanor supervision programs.

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The Athletics Department introduced the newest members of its Hall of Fame last Friday during the Class of 2024 induction ceremony/banquet at the Chattanooga Golf and County Club.  The inductees: Kim Bush Franklin (women’s basketball, 1985-86), Jim Foster (women’s basketball head coach, 2014-18), Brooke Loudermilk Hodge (softball, 2007-10), Greg Moore (football, 1983-86), Derek Rende (men’s golf, 2007-10) and Kathleen Turchin (cross country/track and field, 2003-07).  Also receiving recognition are Hall of Fame special award winners Eddie and Kathy O’Brien (Gordon Davenport Award), Quonta Vance (Joe Morrison Award), Neva Clark (Scrappy Moore Award) and Bud Hennebaul (Harold Wilkes Award).

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Check out these Mocs making news:

  • The UTC Interior Architecture and Design program’s implementation of the Council for Interior Design Qualification’s national examination was recognized and highlighted by CIDQ. The program now requires all graduating seniors to apply for and take the IDFX portion of the NCIDQ exam as a part of their curriculum. “This has the potential to be a game-changer for our students and a positive contribution to the profession,” Professor Dana Moody said.
  • Amy Kyriakidis, assistant director for suicide education and prevention, was interviewed by Tennessee Firefly after being recognized by the Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network for her contributions to suicide prevention.
  • Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice Andrew Denney was interviewed by NewsChannel 9 about UTC’s involvement with Hamilton County’s Recidivism Reduction Initiative.

Mark Your Calendar

Photo courtesy of Ray Soldano/GoMocs.com

Photo courtesy of Ray Soldano/GoMocs.com

This week’s Mocs home athletics calendar:

  • Thursday, Oct. 24: Volleyball vs. Wofford, Maclellan Gym, 6 p.m.
  • Saturday, Oct. 26: Football vs. VMI, Finley Stadium, 4 p.m.
  • Saturday, Oct. 26: Wrestling Blue-Gold Match, Maclellan Gym
  • Saturday, Oct. 26: Men’s Tennis Alumni Event, UTC Tennis Complex
  • Saturday, Oct. 26: Women’s Tennis Alumni Event, UTC Tennis Complex
  • Sunday, Oct. 27: Soccer vs. Western Carolina, Finley Stadium, 2 p.m.

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Unlock your potential and elevate your professional growth by attending Graduate School professional development workshops. Each workshop will be held in the UTC Library room 435. Snacks, refreshments and giveaways will be available for attendees. Registration for each workshop is required. Register here.

  • Today, Oct. 22, Interviews, 4-5 p.m. Creating a Lasting Impression: Tips and tricks on how to prepare for and respond to interview questions that help you stand out and win the job.

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The Gary W. Rollins College of Business will hold virtual information sessions about UTC’s Master of Business Administration, MS Management, MS Data Analytics, Master of Accountancy, and Business Analytics Certificate graduate programs. The Rollins College of Business graduate degree programs provide flexible course options and career advancement resources to advance your education and elevate your career!

MSDA Information Sessions

MBA Information Sessions

MSM Information Sessions

Business Analytics Certificate Information Session

MAcc Information Sessions

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Information sessions are taking place for the spring 2025 study abroad course, Doing Business in The Balkans, which is open to all UTC students. The course has no prerequisites and includes a two-week international study trip to The Balkans, visiting Albania, Greece and Turkey (tentatively scheduled for May 4-17).

The Balkans course is led by Dr. Beni Asllani, department head of Data Analytics and a native of Albania.

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Three mental health ally training workshops will take place today, Oct. 22, in the Center for Wellbeing Lounge in the University Center. The workshops to become a mental health ally are available for free to all UTC staff, faculty and students. Descriptions of the workshops are available at utc.edu/wellbeing.

  • 11 a.m.-noon: QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer)
  • Noon-1 p.m.: C-SSRS (Columbia Suicide Scale)
  • 1-2 p.m.: Psychological First Aid/SAFE-R

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From 11 a.m.-2 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 23, join the Center for Wellbeing for “Happy Scrappy Friendships Ever After” on Chamberlain Field. Enjoy Crumbl cookies, popcorn, yard games, music and a table for making friendship bracelets. “Happy Scrappy Friendships Ever After” is an opportunity for new and current students to introduce themselves to one another. This event involves handing out name tags to students, faculty and staff and encouraging them to say “hey” to each other.

  • The event will include an inflatable jail escape room. Escape rooms are a great way to challenge your critical thinking, teamwork and problem-solving skills while having fun with other UTC students. The idea of trying to “bust out of jail” in just 10 minutes adds an intense, adrenaline-filled atmosphere, making every second count as you decipher clues and puzzles.

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The Tennessee Criminal Appellate Court will be hearing three cases on the UTC campus (Library Fourth Floor Reading Room) on Wednesday, Oct. 23—at 10 a.m., 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.—with the presenting lawyers providing a brief Q&A session for students after each hearing. The campus is invited to attend this unique event. Click here to view the docket brochure.

Judge Tom Greenholtz, a UTC alum and adjunct professor, will be one of the three presiding judges.

For more information or details about the cases, please contact Michelle D. Deardorff, Adolph S. Ochs Professor of Government, at Michelle-Deardorff@utc.edu.

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The Meacham Writers’ Workshop will be hosting 2013 UTC alum Jared Sullivan on Wednesday, Oct. 23, for a pair of events linked to the launch of his new book, “Valley So Low.”

Sullivan will give a talk on editing and pitching—and participate in a Q&A—from 2:30-4 p.m. in the Lupton Hall first floor common area. Refreshments will be provided and books will be available for purchase.

A reading and reception for “Valley So Low” will take place from 5-7 p.m. at ArtsBuild (301 E. 11th St.).

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Mocs Field Games are now open to students, faculty and staff. Join in on the fun of homecoming on Thursday, Oct. 24; get a team together of four to six people and bring your “A” game for the chance to win the Ultimate Tailgate Package at an upcoming Mocs football game. For more information or to sign up, click here.

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Join the Gary W. Rollins College of Business from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 24, in the University Center Auditorium for a review of education policy and a panel discussion featuring a variety of education specialists. The panel discussion will be moderated by Dr. Claudia Williamson Kramer and will also feature an opportunity for the audience to submit questions for the group.

This event is free, but registration is requested.

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Actors From The London Stage Present Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night” Oct. 25-26 on the Roland Hayes Concert Hall stage.

Actors From The London Stage Present Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night” Oct. 25-26 on the Roland Hayes Concert Hall stage.

The UTC Fine Arts Center will host Actors From The London Stage Present Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night” on Friday, Oct. 25, and Saturday, Oct. 26. Click here for ticket information.

In conjunction with their visit, Dr. Andrew McCarthy, Department Head of English and Shakespeare scholar, has agreed to give a pop-up lecture for faculty and staff on “Twelfth Night” prior to the performances. We have room for 24 faculty and staff to participate.

His lecture will take place from 2-3 p.m. today (Oct. 22), in the UTC Library Southern Writer’s Room.  Registration at this link is limited to 24. Participants will receive two complimentary tickets to one of the performances and a copy of the play.

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Lt. Adam Emery, a UTC alum who oversees the homicide division at the Chattanooga Police Department, chats with UTC Criminal Justice Professor Sherah Basham about the University’s online bachelor’s degree program at the 2023 first-responder appreciation event. Photo by Charlie Reed.

Lt. Adam Emery, a UTC alum with the Chattanooga Police Department, chats with UTC Criminal Justice Professor Sherah Basham at the 2023 first-responder appreciation event. Photo by Charlie Reed.

The UTC Criminal Justice program is a sponsor for the 6th Annual First Responders Salute hosted by the Sinclair Broadcast Group of Chattanooga, taking place from 7 a.m.-1 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 28, at First Horizon Pavilion. This is our opportunity to honor and thank our Chattanooga-area first responders.

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Join the UTC Bookstore from 11 a.m.-5:30 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 28, and from 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 29, in a celebration of our December 2024 graduates.

Stop by to learn more about Oakhall graduation regalia pickup or last-minute purchase availability, Josten’s ring and formal invitation ordering, and complimentary photography with the ability to order photos. Numerous departments will be attending to provide insight, advice and assistance for after graduation. Snacks and drinks will be available—and you can enter to win door prizes.

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The UTC Bookstore will host a Halloween De-Stress event from noon-4 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 31, complete with corn hole, coloring books, board games, and arts and crafts.

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Join Donuts with the Dean, a meet and greet with the Graduate School, from 8:30-9:30 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 11, in the first floor lobby of Lupton Hall. Guests will have the opportunity to:

  • Connect with the Graduate School dean and staff
  • Learn more about advanced degrees at UTC
  • Discover valuable resources for graduate students
  • Enjoy light refreshments and donuts

The event is open to all students and faculty interested in graduate studies at UTC.

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Join UTC Center for Professional Education and ChaTech from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 13, for “The AI Landscape,” part of the CHAIN AI Sessions.

This session, taking place in the Mapp Building, will feature a panel discussion highlighting applications of AI across industries, AI for social good, and real-world case studies and success stories. Tickets are $25 and include lunch. Register here.

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The Sweet Research Series recently featured political science student presenters.

The Sweet Research Series recently featured political science students presenting their research.

The Department of Political Science and Public Service invites the entire UTC community to our Sweet Research Series, where we will share exciting research and enjoy dessert together. These sessions offer an excellent opportunity to engage with new ideas and connect with peers. All events are from noon-12:50 p.m. on Wednesdays in 540 McCallie Building room 268 (PSPS Suite Conference Room).

Fall 2024 Sweet Research Series Schedule:

  • Wednesday, Nov. 13: Dr. Hassan Afzal, “Pocketbook and Sociotropic Economic Voting: How Does Inflation Affect Voting Decisions?”
  • Wednesday, Nov. 20: Dr. Michelle D. Deardorff, “The Art of Authoring Textbook”

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The UTC Graduate School announced that the following student will be presenting final works of research as an advanced degree candidate. Everyone is invited to attend.


Campus Updates

A message from the Office of the Registrar:

Please note the upcoming dates as we prepare for the spring 2025 semester.

Nov. 2: All registration holds applied

  • Advisement hold—students are required to meet with their academic advisor to plan for registration. The advisement hold must be cleared prior to registering for the spring semester. While you have this hold, you will not be able to register for any courses.

Students may check time ticket, registration status, and holds on their My Profile or Prepare for Registration pages.

Nov. 13-21: Spring 2025 priority registration for currently enrolled UTC students

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It is time to start budget planning for fiscal year 2026 (July 1, 2025–June 30, 2026). We will be kicking off budget season with three campus-wide budget input sessions. With a focus on transparency and communication, these budget input sessions will be structured to provide participants with meaningful information that is intended to encourage input.  Budget planning is better when we hear a variety of perspectives across a variety of topics. We want to hear from you!

Please take the opportunity to attend and participate in as many of the University Center Auditorium sessions as you would like. Once input is collected, we will report back to campus to share what we heard.

  • Monday, Nov. 11: 2-3:30 p.m.
  • Thursday, Nov. 14: 3-4:30 p.m.
  • Friday, Nov. 15: 9-10:30 a.m.

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Are you a first-generation college graduate?

Student Success Programs is updating its list of faculty and staff who are first-generation graduates. A first-generation graduate is an individual who earned a bachelor’s degree and whose parents did not earn a bachelor’s degree. If this is you, please complete this form.

Mark your calendars for First Gen Week, which takes place Nov. 4-8.

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Join the Office of Innovative Technologies for the 2025 UT IT Symposium as one of the presenters. Bring your unique perspective and expertise and share your experiences with your innovative IT solutions, collaborations, research, education and more. The call for presenters is open now through Thursday, Oct. 31. Visit this link to submit a proposal to present.

The symposium is a UT system-wide event that is taking place Jan. 28-29, 2025, at the Knoxville Convention Center. All full- or part-time staff, faculty and graduate students involved in information technology work, learning or research are able to attend.


UTC Newsroom

UTC raised $2,899,459.06 from 2,201 donors during its fifth annual Mocs Give Day on Oct. 1. The day’s original fundraising goal of $2,000,000 from 2,000 donors was exceeded by nearly 45% in dollars raised. With 688 first-time donors to UTC giving on Mocs Give Day, nearly 400 faculty and staff members, 122 students and 919 alumni gave to support UTC’s annual day of giving.

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Dr. Jordan King

Dr. Jordan King

Dr. Jordan King arrived at UTC in July as the new director of the Innovations in Honors program in the Honors College. King, who recently sat down for a Q&A interview, is working to help students make meaningful connections in the community.

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Joshua Clay

Joshua Clay

Joshua Clay didn’t choose a traditional route to college, but for him, that was part of the plan. Clay, a junior accounting major at UTC and member of the Innovations in Honors program, started his academic journey at Chattanooga State Community College, where he received two free years of education and graduated with an associate degree in accounting.

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STEAMagination’s different stations included a miniature soccer game featuring robot players. Photo by Noah Camacho.

STEAMagination’s different stations included a miniature soccer game featuring robot players, courtesy of Tennessee Valley Robotics. Photo by Noah Camacho.

The Challenger STEM Learning Center hosted its second-ever STEAMagination Festival on Saturday, Oct. 12, an event designed for students in grades K-8 and their families.


WUTC

From left: Tim Piersant (photo courtesy of Chattanooga Whiskey) and George McDonald (photo courtesy of Catesa Farms)

From left: Tim Piersant (photo courtesy of Chattanooga Whiskey) and George McDonald (photo courtesy of Catesa Farms)

Tim Piersant, founder and CEO of Chattanooga Whiskey, and 2024 Tennessee Famer of the Year George McDonald, owner and operator of Catesa Farms, recently were guests on “Scenic Roots” on WUTC-FM 88.1.


 

October 15-21, 2024

Updates and news for the week of October 15-21, 2024

The UTC Campus Weekly newsletter is distributed every Tuesday morning. If you have news, events or announcements you would like shared with campus, please submit your information to peyton-l-schultz@utc.edu or chuck-wasserstrom@utc.edu in the Division of Communications and Marketing by 3 p.m. on Friday for placement in the following Tuesday’s newsletter.

UTC News  UTC Events Calendar  |  Campus Updates


Click here to view this week’s newsletter in your browser

Highlights

Election 2024 preparation series

As we approach a critical time in our democratic process, it is important that our University community explore ways to increase civic participation, foster productive dialogue and find common ground. Over the coming weeks, the Election Preparation Series will feature several panels related to the voting process, election administration and the current dynamics of the presidential and congressional campaigns.

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SEND IN YOUR INFORMATION FOR THE UTC PARENT AND FAMILY ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER

UTC Parent and Family Association newsletter logo

It is again time to recruit campus partners to send in information for the UTC Parent and Family Association newsletter, a monthly roundup distributed to more than 5,400 parents/family members.

To share information with the families of UTC students—upcoming events, important deadlines, helpful suggestions and departmental news—email hannah-turcotte@utc.edu by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 30. The November newsletter will be emailed to members Wednesday, Nov. 6.

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Get ready for Scrappy Ever After

Once upon a time at UTC…Get ready to have your Scrappy Ever After Homecoming as students, alumni, faculty, staff and community showcase UTC spirit. Join us for Homecoming Week Saturday, Oct. 19-Saturday, Oct. 26.

Follow us @utchomecoming and visit utc.edu/homecoming to see our full schedule of events.

For questions, email kidron-bullock@utc.edu.

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Food Fight

Show your campus pride during Homecoming and help restock Scrappy’s Cupboard Food pantry by joining our Homecoming Week food fight Saturday, Oct. 19-Saturday, Oct. 26, with UTC student organizations and offices going head-to-head in a competition to collect donations for Scrappy’s Cupboard. Groups must sign up here by noon on Friday, Oct. 18, to participate.

At the end of Homecoming, the organization and campus department that donates the most will receive recognition on our Scrappy’s Cupboard Food Fight Plaque and a small gift of appreciation from Scrappy’s Cupboard.

No group but want to give back? Individuals may donate to Scrappy’s Cupboard through the UC Foundation or Amazon Wishlist. Contact scrappyscupboard@utc.edu with questions.

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DASH System Launch

Prepare for the DASH system launch in January with K@TE Training Sessions. Employees will receive their first introduction to DASH through K@TE, the University’s online training platform. These sessions offer a foundational look at key processes and outline important DASH terminology.

A Business Readiness Day on Tuesday, Oct. 29, will focus on two crucial areas.

  • Human Resources (HCM), 1:30 p.m.
  • Finance (ERP), 2:30 p.m.

Each session will provide targeted training to ensure employees are prepared for the upcoming transition.

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Open enrollment ends Friday

Annual enrollment for 2025 benefits is running through Friday, Oct. 18, offering you the opportunity to review and adjust your current benefits. To learn more, visit this link.

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Groundbreaking Event taking place Nov. 4

The campus community is invited to attend the groundbreaking for the Dorothy and Jim Kennedy Health Sciences Building––the future home of the UTC School of Nursing––at 3 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 4, at the corner of East 3rd and Palmetto streets. Register to attend here.

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October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month

A friendly reminder from the IT Security team:

Beware of cyber ghosts! Just like the classic Halloween tales, the internet has its fair share of ghoulish threats. Here are some spine-tingling tips to keep your digital life secure:

  • Don’t be haunted by weak passwords: Create strong, unique passwords for each of your accounts. Use a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols to keep those cyber-spirits at bay.
  • Beware of phishing: Don’t let fake emails lure you into their traps. Always check the sender’s address and think twice before clicking on any links.
  • Keep your software from turning into a zombie: Update your devices and applications regularly to close any security gaps.
  • Two-factor authentication: Enable 2FA for an extra layer of protection. It’s like having a trusty sidekick to fend off the digital monsters.

Stay informed and don’t fall for tricks!

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Thank you for your support of the hurricane donation drive

Thank you to all who contributed to UTC’s donation drive for victims of Hurricane Helene, sponsored by Environmental Studies, Students for a Sustainable Society (S3), EDGE and SGA. Thousands of dollars worth of food, water, blankets, toiletries, and other items were collected and delivered to North Carolina over the past two weeks.

Donations will no longer be collected on campus, but there are other relief efforts continuing throughout Chattanooga for those still wanting to donate. Click here for more information on ways you can help.


Outstanding People of UTC

UTC Center for Wellbeing Director Megan McKnight and Dr. Rahul Gupta (left), director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, and Dr. Michael Hole, White House Fellow with the Domestic Policy Council.

UTC Center for Wellbeing Director Megan McKnight and Dr. Rahul Gupta (left), director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, and Dr. Michael Hole, White House Fellow with the Domestic Policy Council.

Last Tuesday, UTC Center for Wellbeing Director Megan McKnight was invited to a Washington, D.C., summit hosted by the White House Domestic Policy Council and the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy. The White House Challenge to Save Lives from Overdose event honored McKnight and nearly 250 other stakeholders for expanding access to lifesaving opioid overdose reversal medication and reducing preventable drug overdose deaths.

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Dr. Tian Li

Dr. Tian Li

The Office of Research and Sponsored Programs (ORSP) provided its first-quarter report for the 2025 fiscal year, including a downloadable PDF: Q1 FY25 YTD Report PDF.

Among those receiving awards during the quarter was Dr. Tian Li (Chemistry and Physics), who received $792,705 from the National Science Foundation for the project titled, “ExpandQISE: Track 1: Demonstration of distributed quantum sensing with Heisenberg scaling by creating multipartite entanglement on a metropolitan scale quantum network.”

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Amy Kyriakidis

Amy Kyriakidis (pictured), assistant director for suicide education and prevention in the UTC Center for Wellbeing, has been recognized for her exceptional contributions to suicide prevention. She recently received the Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network (TSPN) Southeast Regional Suicide Prevention Award.


Mark Your Calendar

Photo credit: Ray Soldano, Chattanooga Athletics

Photo credit: Ray Soldano, Chattanooga Athletics

This week’s Mocs home athletics calendar:

  • Wednesday, Oct. 16: Softball Blue-Gold Game 1, Frost Stadium, 5 p.m.
  • Thursday, Oct. 17: Softball Blue-Gold Game 2, Frost Stadium, 5 p.m.
  • Thursday, Oct. 17: Volleyball vs. ETSU, Maclellan Gym, 6 p.m.
  • Friday, Oct. 18: Men’s Tennis UTC Steve Baras Fall Classic, UTC Tennis Complex, all day
  • Friday, Oct. 18: Cross Country and Track & Field, Camp Jordan, 10 a.m.
  • Friday, Oct. 18: Softball Blue-Gold Game 3, Frost Stadium, 5 p.m.
  • Friday, Oct. 18: Volleyball vs. Western Carolina, Maclellan Gym, 6 p.m.
  • Saturday, Oct. 19: Men’s Tennis UTC Steve Baras Fall Classic, UTC Tennis Complex, all day
  • Saturday, Oct. 19: Football vs. Wofford, Finley Stadium, 1:30 p.m.

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Join the UTC Center for Professional Education and ChaTech from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 16, in the Mapp Building for “Workplace Tools: AI for Everyday Tasks” as part of the CHAIN AI Sessions. 

Neil Morelli, chief I-O psychologist and head of Assessment Science at Codility, will explore practical applications of AI in the workplace, streamlining workflows with AI tools and developing an AI adoption strategy.

Tickets are $25 and include lunch. Limited scholarships are available to attend at no cost. For more details, email info@chatech.orgRegister here. 

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Dr. Catherine R Womack, MD, FACP and associate dean of Student Affairs and Admissions at the UT Health Science Center College of Medicine, is visiting UTC from 3-4 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 16, in the UC Signal Mountain Room.

She will share what it’s like to be a medical student at UTHSC and will host a Q&A panel with current third- and fourth-year medical students from UTHSC who are currently doing their clinicals at the Chattanooga campus.

The UTC Pre-Medical Society is co-sponsoring the event. View the calendar information here.

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The College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Engineering and Computer Science are teaming up to offer high school juniors and seniors—and their families—an immersive campus experience tailored to students interested in pursuing professional careers in health care, STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) and computer science.

College Quest, taking place from 12:45-5 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 18 (during Hamilton County Schools’ fall break), offers prospective students a unique opportunity to explore their specific academic and professional interests far beyond the traditional campus tour—including visits to lab spaces.

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The Office of Student and Family Engagement is gearing up to welcome families to campus for Fall Family Weekend on Oct. 18-20. To provide the best possible experience for our attending families, we need your help. We are seeking volunteers for various roles across the weekend of events to help welcome, check-in, engage and serve the families of our current students.

Please visit our volunteer sign-up form to review the roles and sign up to volunteer with us. We appreciate your support.

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Join Chemistry and Physics students on the fourth floor of Grote Hall from 3-4:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 18, as they present research they have done in the form of posters. Come and walk around and talk to your fellow students and professors about research opportunities. A reception will immediately follow in Grote 403.

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Unlock your potential and elevate your professional growth by attending Graduate School professional development workshops. Each workshop will be held in the UTC Library room 435. Snacks, refreshments and giveaways will be available for attendees. Registration for each workshop is required. Register here.

  • Tuesday, Oct. 22, Interviews, 4-5 p.m.
    Creating a Lasting Impression: Tips and tricks on how to prepare for and respond to interview questions that help you stand out and win the job.

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Mocs Field Games are now open to students, faculty and staff. Join in on the fun of homecoming on Thursday, Oct. 24; get a team together of four to six people and bring your “A” game for the chance to win the Ultimate Tailgate Package at an upcoming Mocs football game. For more information or to sign up, click here.

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Join the Gary W. Rollins College of Business from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 24, in the University Center Auditorium for a review of education policy and a panel discussion featuring a variety of education specialists. The panel discussion will be moderated by Dr. Claudia Williamson Kramer and will also feature an opportunity for the audience to submit questions for the group.

This event is free, but registration is requested.

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Actors From The London Stage Present Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night” Oct. 25-26 on the Roland Hayes Concert Hall stage.

Actors From The London Stage Present Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night” Oct. 25-26 on the Roland Hayes Concert Hall stage.

The UTC Fine Arts Center will host Actors From The London Stage Present Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night” on Friday, Oct. 25, and Saturday, Oct. 26. Click here for ticket information.

In conjunction with their visit, Dr. Andrew McCarthy, Department Head of English and Shakespeare scholar, has agreed to give a pop-up lecture for faculty and staff on “Twelfth Night” prior to the performances. We have room for 24 faculty and staff to participate.

His lecture will take place from 2-3 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 22, in the UTC Library Southern Writer’s Room.  Registration at this link is limited to 24. Participants will receive two complimentary tickets to one of the performances and a copy of the play.

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Lt. Adam Emery, a UTC alum who oversees the homicide division at the Chattanooga Police Department, chats with UTC Criminal Justice Professor Sherah Basham about the University’s online bachelor’s degree program at the 2023 first-responder appreciation event. Photo by Charlie Reed.

Lt. Adam Emery, a UTC alum with the Chattanooga Police Department, chats with UTC Criminal Justice Professor Sherah Basham at the 2023 first-responder appreciation event. Photo by Charlie Reed.

The UTC Criminal Justice program is a sponsor for the 6th Annual First Responders Salute hosted by the Sinclair Broadcast Group of Chattanooga, taking place from 7 a.m.-1 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 28, at First Horizon Pavilion. This is our opportunity to honor and thank our Chattanooga-area first responders.

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Join the Office of Innovative Technologies for the 2025 UT IT Symposium as one of the presenters. Bring your unique perspective and expertise and share your experiences with your innovative IT solutions, collaborations, research, education and more. The call for presenters is open now through Thursday, Oct. 31. Visit this link to submit a proposal to present.

The symposium is a UT system-wide event that is taking place Jan. 28-29, 2025, at the Knoxville Convention Center. All full- or part-time staff, faculty and graduate students involved in information technology work, learning or research are able to attend.

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Join Donuts with the Dean, a meet and greet with the Graduate School, from 8:30-9:30 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 11, in the first floor lobby of Lupton Hall. Guests will have the opportunity to:

  • Connect with the Graduate School dean and staff
  • Learn more about advanced degrees at UTC
  • Discover valuable resources for graduate students
  • Enjoy light refreshments and donuts

The event is open to all students and faculty interested in graduate studies at UTC.

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The UTC Graduate School announced that the following students will be presenting their final works of research as advanced degree candidates. Everyone is invited to attend.


Campus Updates

We are finally feeling the chill of fall which is exciting and life-giving for many of us after the exhaustion of the summer heat. With the cooler weather coming in, it also means that our days are getting shorter and we are getting less sunlight, which can impact our mood. As it continues to get colder, we also may be spending less time outdoors. Knowing this, we want to encourage you to beat those wintertime blues by:

  • Spending time with friends
  • Having a consistent sleep schedule
  • Getting exercise by doing an at-home workout or visiting the ARC if it’s too cold outside
  • Being mindful of what you are eating by making sure that you have lots of colors on your plate

The Center for Wellbeing is also starting a new program this winter where you can rent a “HappyLight” for two weeks for free. A HappyLight mimics sunlight to help boost moods, increase energy and focus, and assist in better sleep. Keep an eye out for more announcements on how you can rent a HappyLight this winter. (Instagram: utc_cw)

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Are you a first-generation college graduate?

Student Success Programs is updating its list of faculty and staff who are first-generation graduates. A first-generation graduate is an individual who earned a bachelor’s degree and whose parents did not earn a bachelor’s degree. If this is you, please complete this form.

Mark your calendars for First Gen Week, which takes place Nov. 4-8.


UTC Newsroom

CMA students Riley Ottinger (left) and Skylen Casrill learn to use medical instruments.

CMA students Riley Ottinger (left) and Skylen Casrill learn to use medical instruments.

A new partnership between the UTC Center for Professional Education (CPE) and Erlanger Baroness Hospital is helping to eliminate that barrier, offering 10 students the opportunity to earn their Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) license for free with secure, paid employment at Erlanger. 

Launched in August, the program is designed for students interested in pursuing medical or physician assistant (PA) school. The initiative is a response to Erlanger’s shortage of CMAs in conjunction with students’ need for paid medical experience.

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Masumi Sugiyama presents her research at the 2022 Research Dialogues in the University Center.

Masumi Sugiyama presents her research at the 2022 Research Dialogues in the University Center.

In August 2024, Masumi Sugiyama received a Ph.D. in computational science with an applied mathematics concentration. Her research focused on knot theory, which she used to study neurodegenerative diseases. In June, Sugiyama successfully defended her doctoral research titled “Topology of Neurodegenerative Diseases.” 

Using her previous research, Sugiyama will apply her knowledge and skills at the International Institute for Sustainability with Knotted Chiral Meta Matter at Hiroshima University in Japan. 

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Here are some other recent UTC stories featured in the Newsroom:

  • Trevor Lessenberry was sitting on the beach during the summer of 2023, mobile phone in hand, when an email popped up and showed him his future. The message described the UTC accelerated Bachelor of Applied Science: Information Technology in Cybersecurity, or BAS-IT CyS, program—which launched in January 2023.
  • The UTC Department of Communication is partnering with 10 local nonprofits to help students gain real work experience outside the classroom. Lecturer David Norman and Assistant Professor Anthony Cepak are the two UTC faculty members leading the course, which is a combination of Public Relations Campaigns and Publication Design II classes.

WUTC

Todd Mayo, the founder of The Caverns, was a guest of “Scenic Roots” on WUTC-FM 88.1 to discuss his book “Caveman Chronicles.”


 

October 8-14, 2024

Updates and news for the week of October 8-14, 2024

The UTC Campus Weekly newsletter is distributed every Tuesday morning. If you have news, events or announcements you would like shared with campus, please submit your information to peyton-l-schultz@utc.edu or chuck-wasserstrom@utc.edu in the Division of Communications and Marketing by 3 p.m. on Friday for placement in the following Tuesday’s newsletter.

UTC News  UTC Events Calendar  |  Campus Updates


Click here to view this week’s newsletter in your browser

Highlights

UTC-Alert Test Set for 11 a.m. Today

The Department of Public Safety will conduct a test of the University’s emergency alerting system, UTC-ALERT, at 11 a.m. today (Oct. 8). This will include alerts via text message, SafeMocs app, email, UTC-owned computers, electronic displays, emergency beacons, UTC website, UTC Learn/Canvas and social media.

If you have questions about how to sign up or update your UTC-ALERT contact information, visit utc.edu/utc-alert.

To report any issues or concerns, please email dps@utc.edu.

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DASH System Launch

Prepare for the DASH system launch in January with K@TE Training Sessions. Employees will receive their first introduction to DASH through K@TE, the University’s online training platform. These sessions offer a foundational look at key processes and outline important DASH terminology.

A Business Readiness Day on Tuesday, Oct. 29, will focus on two crucial areas.

  • Human Resources (HCM), 1:30 p.m.
  • Finance (ERP), 2:30 p.m.

Each session will provide targeted training to ensure employees are prepared for the upcoming transition.

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IT’S Open enrollment season

Annual enrollment for 2025 benefits is running through Friday, Oct. 18, offering you the opportunity to review and adjust your current benefits. To learn more, visit this link.

Human Resources is here to help you navigate the enrollment changes and options this year. Q&A sessions will be held via Zoom at the following times:

  • 9-9:45 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 9
  • 3-3:45 p.m., Monday, Oct. 14
  • 10-10:45 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 15

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APPLICATIONS FOR THE 2024 PUBLIC SERVICE AWARD

The UTC Alumni Board of Directors and the Division of Enrollment Management and Student Affairs are taking applications for the Public Service Award. Two student awardees, who will be recognized during homecoming festivities, will receive a $1,000 scholarship for their dedication to voluntary service, whether through campus organizations, community involvement or philanthropic endeavors.

The application deadline is Thursday, Oct. 10, and can be found here.

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Hurricane Helene Donation drive continues this week

In partnership with Garage Bound LLC, UTC faculty and students are collecting donations to be delivered to our neighbors in Eastern Tennessee and Western North Carolina who were affected by Hurricane Helene.

Items needed include: propane stoves and bottles, hand warmers, charcoal grills or small grills, small Coleman heaters, solar or battery-powered table lanterns, lights (larger-sized, cleaned and used are okay), batteries, heaters, kerosene (as much as possible, along with jugs to store it), warm gloves, hats, scarves, coats, sweaters, face coverings, toboggans, kitchen brooms, push brooms, snow shovels, headlamps, flashlights, table candles, horse feed or hay, pots and pans for cooking, small generators, blankets and sleeping bags.

Drop-off locations include the Lupton Hall lobby, University Center (across from the bookstore), 540 McCallie entrance, Decosimo Apartments and the UTC Library.

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Hispanic Heritage Month

UTC is celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month, which takes place through Oct. 15.

This year’s theme is “Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together,” and UTC’s festivities will include a lineup of events, activities and educational programs designed to foster a greater understanding and appreciation of the range of cultures and backgrounds within Hispanic and Latino communities. 

The Office of Multicultural Affairs, in collaboration with numerous campus and community partners, coordinates the UTC Hispanic Heritage Month celebration. Here is a list of this week’s events: 

  • Thursday, Oct. 10: Game Night: Lotería, 7-9 p.m., Lupton Hall first floor 
  • All Month: Hispanic Heritage Month Timeline, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Multicultural Center (Lupton Hall 119)
  • All Month: Celebrating Hispanic Heritage with UTC Library, all day

For more information, visit the Hispanic Heritage Month webpage.

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Election 2024 preparation series

As we approach a critical time in our democratic process, it is important that our University community explore ways to increase civic participation, foster productive dialogue and find common ground. Over the coming weeks, the Election Preparation Series will feature several panels related to the voting process, election administration and the current dynamics of the presidential and congressional campaigns.

  • Wednesday, Oct. 16, Voting and election administration, noon-1 p.m., UC Auditorium
  • Wednesday, Oct. 23, Polling and state of the race, noon-1 p.m., Derthick Lecture Hall 201
  • Wednesday, Nov. 6, Post-election wrap-up, noon-1 p.m., UC Auditorium
  • Wednesday, Nov. 20, Post-election wrap-up, noon-1 p.m., UC Auditorium

Outstanding People of UTC

Biochemistry major Zayda Dominick, left, and biophysics major Olivia Ziemer

Biochemistry major Zayda Dominick, left, and biophysics major Olivia Ziemer

A group of UTC students, including Zayda Dominick, Olivia Ziemer, Grace Tang, Skylen Casrill and Bryce Danjou, recently attended the Southeastern Medical Scientist Symposium at Vanderbilt University. They are believed to be the first UTC students to attend the symposium, which has rotating host sites of Vanderbilt University, Emory University and the University of Alabama at Birmingham. 

“This was the first time we received any sort of invitation to attend,” said Theresa Blackman, assistant director of pre-health student services at UTC, who added that a grant from the Bess Taylor Cofer Professional Health Care Student Advocacy Fund was used to help sponsor the travel.

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Rizwaan Abdulkadir, of Soddy Daisy, and Grant Powell, of Jamestown, Tennessee, are majoring in computer engineering and are due to graduate from UTC in December.

Rizwaan Abdulkadir, of Soddy Daisy, and Grant Powell, of Jamestown, Tennessee, are majoring in computer engineering and are due to graduate from UTC in December.

What started as an undergraduate capstone project has become an entrepreneurial adventure for two UTC students. Rizwaan Abdulkadir and Grant Powell, both UTC computer engineering majors set to graduate in December, were part of a five-student team that designed a device to replace the logic board used in the “Digital Logic and Introduction to Computer Hardware” course.

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Power C Tour. Photo courtesy of Philip Sparn

Power C Tour. Photo courtesy of Philip Sparn.

Representatives from UTC visited Memphis as part of the Power C Tour, a statewide outreach effort to prospective students on academic programs, admissions, housing, financial aid and campus life.

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Check out these Mocs in the news:

  • UTC students and faculty spoke about women outpacing men in college enrollment for a Times Free Press article.
  • Dr. Chris Smith and Hannah Barger were featured in a NewsChannel 9 story about Tennessee’s nurse shortage after Hurricane Helene.
  • Dr. Amir Alakaam spoke to the Times Free Press about the benefits of brunch.

Mark Your Calendar

Photo credit: gomocs.com

Photo credit: gomocs.com

This week’s Mocs home athletics calendar:

  • Today, Oct. 8: Volleyball vs. Alabama A&M, Maclellan Gym, 6 p.m.
  • Wednesday, Oct. 9: Softball vs. Cleveland State (DH), Frost Stadium
  • Thursday, Oct. 10: Soccer vs. The Citadel, Finley Stadium, 5 p.m.
  • Friday, Oct. 11: Volleyball vs. The Citadel, Maclellan Gym, 6 p.m.
  • Saturday, Oct. 12: Volleyball vs. UNCG, Maclellan Gym, 4 p.m.

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Walgreens will be on campus to offer flu vaccine clinics in the UC Tennessee Room from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. today (Oct. 8) and Friday, Oct. 11.

No appointment is needed. Just bring your current insurance card. If you don’t have insurance, free vouchers will be available. To streamline the process, please download, print and complete this vaccine form PDF before your visit.

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An eight-week summer 2025 business research internship opportunity in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, is available for up to five UTC students. Click here for information about the program. 

An information session about the internship with Dr. Robert Dooley, dean of the Gary W. Rollins College of Business, will take place at 12:15 p.m. today (Oct. 8), in Fletcher Hall Room 109. Lunch will be provided. RSVP to COBInternational@utc.edu. The application deadline is Nov. 1; click here to apply. 

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The UTC School of Nursing and Sigma Nursing Honor Society are hosting a fall festival from 4:30-6:30 p.m. today (Oct. 8) at the Metropolitan Building (518 Oak St.). All pre-nursing students, nursing students, faculty and staff are invited. Any UTC or community members who are interested in learning more about the UTC School of Nursing are invited.

There will be games, popcorn, caramel apples, pumpkin painting, snacks and a Halloween movie. Come and go as you please. Please RSVP here.

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Join the UTC Environmental Studies program and Read2Achieve for the highly acclaimed C-Change Conversations Primer, a non-partisan, innovative and science-based presentation about our changing climate.

“Climate Change Primer: A Cool-Headed Discussion of a Hot Topic” will take place from 5:30-6:45 p.m. today (Oct. 8) in the Lupton Hall first floor common area. Click here to RSVP.

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Unlock your potential and elevate your professional growth by attending Graduate School professional development workshops. Each workshop will be held in the UTC Library room 435. Snacks, refreshments and giveaways will be available for attendees.

  • Today (Oct. 8), Applications, 4-5 p.m.
    Crafting Applications that Open Opportunities: Best practices to create position-specific job application materials that get noticed.
  • Tuesday, Oct. 22, Interviews, 4-5 p.m.
    Creating a Lasting Impression: Tips and tricks on how to prepare for and respond to interview questions that help you stand out and win the job.

Registration for each workshop is required. Register here.

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Join Career Connections for the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) takeover from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. today (Oct. 8) on Chamberlain Field. Discover your next career move with TVA by learning about exciting internships and open positions, and see what it’s like to work for a company powering the region.

Visitors will have the opportunity to connect with TVA representatives and employees, and see Spot the robot dog.

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Visit the Biology, Geology and Environmental Science fall festival from 3:30-5 p.m. today (Oct. 8) on the sidewalk between Holt Hall and Grote Hall. There will be be games, sweets and representatives from student clubs. CAS Hub Advising, Career Connections and pre-health professions will also be represented. Free plants from the Teaching and Learning Garden will be available for “adoption” while they last.

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While scientific consensus about climate change is widespread, implementing policies to combat the effects of climate change on local, regional, national and international scales remains a challenge. Why is there such a disconnect and what can be done on a local level to bridge the divide?

Join renowned climate change communicator Kathleen Biggins in conversation with three local leaders––John Bilderback, Marisa Ogles and Erik Schmidt––in the realms of policy, planning and funding at noon on Wednesday, Oct. 9, in the Mapp Building Room 102, as they discuss strategies for effectively communicating the impacts of climate change to stakeholders. RSVP here.

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Come to the Psychology Career Fair from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 10, in the University Center Tennessee Room. The career fair is designed to help you learn about a wide range of opportunities and to find your perfect fit. You will be exposed to a diverse group of employers offering jobs, internships, volunteer positions and much more.

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Information sessions are taking place for the spring 2025 study abroad course, “Doing Business in The Balkans,” which is open to all UTC students. The course has no prerequisites and includes a two-week international study trip to The Balkans, visiting Albania, Greece and Turkey (tentatively scheduled for May 4-18, 2025). The Balkans course is led by Dr. Beni Asllani, department head of data analytics and native of Albania. 

An information session will take place at noon on Thursday, Oct. 10Click here for the Zoom link.   

Students earn three credit hours on the undergraduate level (MGT 4950) or graduate level (MGT 5950). For more information, contact COBInternational@utc.edu or visit COB International Programs. 

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UTC’s Undergraduate Curriculum Committee will meet at 3:15 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 10, via Zoom.

For a list of the proposals that will be considered, log in to Curriculog and select the “Curriculum – October 10, 2024” agenda.

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The Challenger STEM Learning Center is hosting “STEAMagination”—an exciting and educational event designed for K-8 students and their families—from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 12. Admission and parking for the event are free. For more information, visit this link.

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Once upon a time at UTC…Get ready to have your Scrappy Ever After Homecoming as students, alumni, faculty, staff and community showcase UTC spirit. Join us for Homecoming Week Saturday, Oct. 19-Saturday, Oct. 26. Learn how to get involved as an individual, student organization or campus office/department below. Follow us @utchomecoming and visit utc.edu/homecoming to see our full schedule.

  • Organization Banner Painting: Registration now open through 5 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 11. Click here to register your student organization. Limited spots available.
  • Office/Residence Hall Decorating: Registration is now open through 11:59 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 11. Click here to register as an individual office space, campus department or residence hall.
  • UTC Day of Service: Registration opens soon. You can register as an individual or student organization on MocSync. Limited spots available.

For questions, email kidron-bullock@utc.edu.

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Join the UTC Center for Professional Education and ChaTech from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 16, in the Mapp Building for “Workplace Tools: AI for Everyday Tasks” as part of the CHAIN AI Sessions. 

Neil Morelli, chief I-O psychologist and head of Assessment Science at Codility, will explore practical applications of AI in the workplace, streamlining workflows with AI tools and developing an AI adoption strategy.

Tickets are $25 and include lunch. Limited scholarships are available to attend at no cost. For more details, email info@chatech.orgRegister here. 

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Dr. Catherine R Womack, MD, FACP and associate dean of Student Affairs and Admissions at the UT Health Science Center College of Medicine, is visiting UTC from 3-4 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 16, in the UC Signal Mountain Room.

She will share what it’s like to be a medical student at UTHSC and will host a Q&A panel with current third- and fourth-year medical students from UTHSC who are currently doing their clinicals at the Chattanooga campus.

The UTC Pre-Medical Society is co-sponsoring the event. View the calendar information here.

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The College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Engineering and Computer Science are teaming up to offer high school juniors and seniors—and their families—an immersive campus experience tailored to students interested in pursuing professional careers in health care, STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) and computer science.

College Quest, taking place from 12:45-5 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 18 (during Hamilton County Schools’ fall break), offers prospective students a unique opportunity to explore their specific academic and professional interests far beyond the traditional campus tour—including visits to lab spaces.

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Show your campus pride during Homecoming and help restock Scrappy’s Cupboard Food pantry by joining our Homecoming Week food fight Saturday, Oct. 19-Saturday, Oct. 26, with UTC student organizations and offices going head-to-head in a competition to collect donations for Scrappy’s Cupboard.

Groups must sign up here by noon on Friday, Oct. 18, to participate.

At the end of Homecoming, the organization and campus department that donates the most will receive recognition on our Scrappy’s Cupboard Food Fight Plaque and a small gift of appreciation from Scrappy’s Cupboard.

No group but want to give back? Individuals may donate to Scrappy’s Cupboard through the UC Foundation or Amazon Wishlist. Contact scrappyscupboard@utc.edu with questions.

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Join the Gary W. Rollins College of Business from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 24, in the University Center Auditorium for a review of education policy and a panel discussion featuring a variety of education specialists. The panel discussion will be moderated by Dr. Claudia Williamson Kramer and will also feature an opportunity for the audience to submit questions for the group.

This event is free, but registration is requested. Register here.

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Join the Office of Innovative Technologies for the 2025 UT IT Symposium as one of the presenters. Bring your unique perspective and expertise and share your experiences with your innovative IT solutions, collaborations, research, education and more. The call for presenters is open now through Thursday, Oct. 31. Visit this link to submit a proposal to present.

The symposium is a UT system-wide event that is taking place Jan. 28-29, 2025, at the Knoxville Convention Center. All full- or part-time staff, faculty and graduate students involved in information technology work, learning or research are able to attend.

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Join Donuts with the Dean, a meet and greet with the Graduate School, from 8:30-9:30 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 11, in the first floor lobby of Lupton Hall. Guests will have the opportunity to:

  • Connect with the Graduate School dean and staff
  • Learn more about advanced degrees at UTC
  • Discover valuable resources for graduate students
  • Enjoy light refreshments and donuts

The event is open to all students and faculty interested in graduate studies at UTC.

*   *   *   *   *

The UTC Graduate School announced that the following students will be presenting their final works of research as advanced degree candidates. Everyone is invited to attend.


Campus Updates

Are you a first-generation college graduate?

Student Success Programs is updating its list of faculty and staff who are first-generation graduates. A first-generation graduate is an individual who earned a bachelor’s degree and whose parents did not earn a bachelor’s degree. If this is you, please complete this form.

Mark your calendars for First Gen Week, which takes place Nov. 4-8.


UTC Newsroom

Exercise science major Maddie Wheatcroft performs a test on the treadmill administered by faculty and students in the HHP Sports Lab.

Exercise science major Maddie Wheatcroft performs a test on the treadmill administered by faculty and students in the HHP Sports Lab.

The Health and Human Performance Sports Lab is setting the stage for students to dive deep into careers in sports science, exercise physiology and public health. Through a collaboration with Fast Break Athletics, a local running specialty store, the lab offers hands-on learning opportunities that translate into real-world skills—all while strengthening Chattanooga’s fitness community.

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UTC professors Edwin and Krista Murillo are both first-generation college graduates and ambassadors for UTC’s study abroad programs.

UTC professors Edwin and Krysta Murillo are both first-generation college graduates and ambassadors for UTC’s study abroad programs.

Dr. Edwin Murillo, UTC associate professor of Spanish and director of Latin American studies, will lead UTC students in a summer abroad program in Costa Rica next year. He is currently working on his third book and is the author of the short story collection “Midnight Vallenato.”

His wife, Dr. Krysta Murillo, is an associate professor in the UTC School of Education whose research focuses on early childhood education, play studies, Belizean (her parents are natives) early childhood education, cultural studies, family and community partnerships, curriculum and instruction.

Read more about the Murillos here.

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Every May 2024 the UTC Bachelor of Science in Nursing graduate has passed the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) on the first attempt, fulfilling the requirement for licensure as a registered nurse.


WUTC

Karen Shostak, deputy director of Hamilton County Parks and Recreation, went on an episode of WUTC-FM 88.1’s “Scenic Roots” to discuss this year’s Little Debbie Hamilton County Fair.


 

October 1-7, 2024

Updates and news for the week of October 1-7, 2024

The UTC Campus Weekly newsletter is distributed every Tuesday morning. If you have news, events or announcements you would like shared with campus, please submit your information to peyton-l-schultz@utc.edu or chuck-wasserstrom@utc.edu in the Division of Communications and Marketing by 3 p.m. on Friday for placement in the following Tuesday’s newsletter.

UTC News  UTC Events Calendar  |  Campus Updates


Click here to view this week’s newsletter in your browser

Highlights

TODAY IS MOCS GIVE DAY

Today is Mocs Give Day, UTC’s annual day of giving. There are nine special Mocs Give Day matches and challenges spanning from Mocs Club to the Counseling Center to each college. You can make a bigger impact on the places around campus that matter to you just by giving today.

With a goal of raising $2 million from 2,000 donors, help us reach this goal and make your gift to UTC!

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IT’S Open enrollment season

Annual enrollment for 2025 benefits is running from Oct. 1-18, offering you the opportunity to review and adjust your current benefits. To learn more, visit this link.

Human Resources is here to help you navigate the enrollment changes and options this year. Q&A sessions will be held via Zoom at the following times:

  • 1-1:45 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 3
  • 9-9:45 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 9
  • 3-3:45 p.m., Monday, Oct. 14
  • 10-10:45 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 15

Join from PC, Mac, Linux, iOS or Android here.

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Nominations and applications for the 2024 public service award

The UTC Alumni Board of Directors and the Division of Enrollment Management and Student Affairs are taking applications and nominations for the Public Service Award. Two student awardees, who will be recognized during homecoming festivities, will receive a $1,000 scholarship for their dedication to voluntary service, whether through campus organizations, community involvement or philanthropic endeavors.

The nomination deadline is Friday, Oct. 4, and can be found here. The application deadline is Thursday, Oct. 10, and can be found here.

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Hispanic Heritage Month

UTC is celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month, which takes place from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15.

This year’s theme is “Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together,” and UTC’s festivities will include a lineup of events, activities and educational programs designed to foster a greater understanding and appreciation of the range of cultures and backgrounds within Hispanic and Latino communities. 

The Office of Multicultural Affairs, in collaboration with numerous campus and community partners, coordinates the UTC Hispanic Heritage Month celebration. Here is a list of this week’s events: 

  • Tuesday, Oct. 1-Saturday, Oct. 5: UTC Theatre Co. Presents “Blood Wedding” by Federico García Lorca, Dorothy Hackett Ward Theatre
  • Saturday, Oct. 5: Fiestaval: A Taste of Latin America, 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Miller Park 
  • All Month: Hispanic Heritage Month Timeline, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Multicultural Center (Lupton Hall 119)
  • All Month: Celebrating Hispanic Heritage with UTC Library, all day

For more information, visit the Hispanic Heritage Month webpage.

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Encore! Encore!

Freshman Prince Jackson, left, and senior Caton Taylor are two of the UTC students performing in Federico García Lorca’s “Blood Wedding.”

Freshman Prince Jackson, left, and senior Caton Taylor are two of the UTC students performing in Federico García Lorca’s “Blood Wedding.”

Cycles of violence and revenge churn in a mythic tale coming to the UTC Fine Arts Center’s Dorothy Hackett Ward Theatre stage.  

The UTC Theatre Co. begins its 2024-2025 season with its production of legendary poet and playwright Federico García Lorca’s “Blood Wedding.” Performances will take place at 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 1-5, with a 2 p.m. matinee performance on Saturday, Oct. 5. 

Tickets can be purchased online by clicking here and through the UTC Box Office—in person or by phone (423-425-4369). Tickets are $20 for general admission and $15 for students (with proof of student ID) and seniors. 


Outstanding People of UTC

UTC’s Dr. Bradley Harris and other UTC faculty and students worked with Brainerd High School students earlier this year as part of an engineering challenge.

UTC’s Dr. Bradley Harris and other UTC faculty and students worked with Brainerd High School students earlier this year as part of an engineering challenge.

Fifty Brainerd High School students showed Dr. Bradley Harris the power of “problem-based learning” (PBL) and are the inspiration behind a winning proposal for a UT System “Grand Challenges” grant. Harris, associate professor and head of the Department of Chemical Engineering, is principal investigator for the proposal titled “Thermal runaway in EV batteries: A transformational PBL unit for high school chemistry.” Dr. Stephanie Philipp, assistant professor of education and director of the UTC STEM Education Program, is co-principal investigator.

Four other UTC-lead projects landed “Grand Challenges” grants:

  • Neurodivergent Education Transition (NET): Partnership between neurodivergent self-advocates, the Mosaic Program (Amy Rutherford and Hayleigh Weissenbach), the School of Education (Amanda Hardin and April Wilson) and other system partners.
  • Reading The Room | Navigating Social Interactions: Co-project leads are Mosaic Program Director Amy Rutherford and School Psychology Assistant Professor Amanda Hardin.
  • Tempo-Spatial Analysis of Rural Gentrification in TN: Co-principal investigators are Engineering Management Assistant Professor Serkan Varol and GIS Director Charlie Mix.
  • Enhancing Community Tools and Recovery Supports for Those at Risk of HIV Transmission and Substance Misuse Through the Recovery+ Program: Project leaders are Dr. Tyler Oberheim(Counselor Education), Megan McKnight (Center for Wellbeing) and Jami Hargrove (Center for Wellbeing).

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UTC’s Kynedi Jennings was one of six statewide recipients of BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Foundation BlueCross Power of We Health Equity Scholarships (photo courtesy of BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee).

UTC’s Kynedi Jennings was one of six statewide recipients of BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Foundation BlueCross Power of We Health Equity Scholarships (photo courtesy of BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee).

Kynedi Jennings, a sophomore nursing major at UTC, was one of six Tennessee college students selected for $10,000 awards as recipients of the 2024 BlueCross Power of We Health Equity Scholarship, funded by the BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Foundation.

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Check out these Mocs in the news:

  • UTC students Karlee Ming and Caton Taylor appeared on The Daily Refresh to discuss upcoming UTC Theatre Co. performances of “Blood Wedding.”
  • New UTC Literacy Director Yvette Stewart was featured in a Times Free Press article.
  • Dr. Irv Resnick, who is part of an international scholar cohort at the College for Social Sciences and Humanities in Essen, Germany, was featured in a University Alliance Ruhr article.
  • Dr. Amy Brock Hon discussed two sinkholes in McMinn County for a NewsChannel 9 story.
  • Local 3 News spoke to Dr. David Aborn about bird migration.
  • Dr. Gary Wilkerson gave facts and advice about overcoming clumsiness in an Experience Life blog.
  • Daniel Grzesik, director of Leadership Development and Programs, was named co-chair of the leadership committee for the United Way of Greater Chattanooga’s Emerging Leaders Program.

Mark Your Calendar

Photo credit: gomocs.com

Photo credit: gomocs.com

This week’s Mocs home athletics calendar:

  • Thursday, Oct. 3: Softball vs. Chattanooga State, Frost Stadium, 5 p.m.
  • Sunday, Oct. 6: Soccer vs. East Tennessee State, Finley Stadium, 5 p.m.
  • Monday, Oct. 7: Softball vs. Lee University, Frost Stadium, 5 p.m.

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Join a conversation about sex education, body positivity and reproductive health at 6 p.m. today (Oct. 1) in the Guerry Center Reading Room.

Speakers include Kinsey Institute Director Justin Garcia, UTC Assistant Professor of Sociology Natalie Blanton, Mandy Crowley with Step Ahead and UTC students involved in Generation Action.

The event is sponsored by the Commission on the Status of Women; Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies Program; Division of Access and Engagement; Department of Art; Department of Social, Cultural and Justice Studies; the UTC Honors College; and the Department of History.

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Mark your calendars for the 2024 Study Abroad Fair. If you’re interested in studying abroad during your time at UTC, don’t miss the biggest study abroad event of the year. Stop by the University Center Tennessee Room from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 2, to talk to our partners from across the globe, chat with study abroad alumni, eat food from around the world and grab some swag T-shirts, magnets, stickers and more.

If you’re interested in studying abroad and haven’t joined the Study Abroad 101 Canvas course, you can sign up here.

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Interested in advancing your career and elevating education?

Attend the UTC Grad Fair from 3-5 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 2, in the University Center Tennessee Room to chart your own path and unlock your potential.

  • Explore programs: Discover your path with UTC’s advanced degrees.
  • Meet experts: Connect with faculty, staff and program representatives.
  • Get answers: Gain insight on career paths and admissions processes.

The event is open to anyone interested in transforming their future with a graduate degree from UTC.

Free application fee waivers and giveaways will be available for attendees.

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The Department of Political Science and Public Service invites the entire UTC community to our Sweet Research Series, where we will share exciting research and enjoy dessert together. These sessions offer an excellent opportunity to engage with new ideas and connect with peers. All events are from noon-12:50 p.m. on Wednesdays in 540 McCallie Building room 268 (PSPS Suite Conference Room).

Fall 2024 Sweet Research Series Schedule:

  • Wednesday, Oct. 2: Dr. Sarah Heise, “Gender and Party Issue Ownership: Gained Electoral Advantages Based on Candidate Gender”
  • Wednesday, Oct. 9 (Student Edition): Brylee Downing, “The Effect of Work Stress on a Person’s Sleep Habits” … Alice Hall, “Perceptions of Immigrants in America” … Jacqueline Alvarado, “Self-perception of Immigrants Towards Their Mental Health” … Parker Simons, “Retirement Divided on Class Lines” … Bella Craig, “The Effect of Media Confidence on Partisans’ Decisions to Vote”
  • Wednesday, Nov. 13: Dr. Hassan Afzal, “Pocketbook and Sociotropic Economic Voting: How Does Inflation Affect Voting Decisions?”
  • Wednesday, Nov. 20: Dr. Michelle D. Deardorff, “The Art of Authoring Textbook”

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The College of Arts and Sciences faculty and staff are invited to a meet and greet with the CAS Inclusive Excellence Committee from 1:30-3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 2, in Lupton Hall Room 120.

This is an opportunity to connect, celebrate our accomplishments and learn about the inspiring initiatives that CAS Inclusive Excellence Committee has planned for this academic year. Enjoy light refreshments while engaging with colleagues and discovering how we can all contribute to creating an inclusive environment.

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Join the Gary W. Rollins College of Business for an exploration of U.S. tax policy with Dr. Arthur B. Laffer, from 4:30-5:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 3, in the University Center Tennessee Room.

Laffer’s groundbreaking influence on public policy in the 1980s earned him the title, “The Father of Supply-Side Economics.” He served on President Ronald Reagan’s Economic Policy Advisory Board from 1981-1989, was a key member of the Reagan/Bush Finance Committee in 1984 and advised Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher on fiscal policy in the 1980s. In 2019, he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Donald Trump.

This event is free, but registration is requested.

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The Hoodoo Men will perform Delta blues during their Oct. 4 performance in the Roland Hayes Concert Hall.

The Hoodoo Men will perform Delta blues during their Oct. 4 performance in the Roland Hayes Concert Hall.

The UTC Fine Arts Center, a premier venue for outstanding music and theatre, has announced its much-anticipated UTC LIVE! 2024-2025 Performing Arts Series.

UTC LIVE! fall events include:

  • Thursday, Oct. 3: Bill Steber Presentation
  • Friday, Oct. 4: The Hoodoo Men
  • Friday, Oct. 25-Saturday, Oct. 26: Actors From The London Stage Present Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night”

For ticket information, visit utc.edu/arts-and-sciences/fine-arts-center.

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Join Donuts with the Dean, a meet and greet with the Graduate School, from 8:30-9:30 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 4, and Monday, Nov. 11, in the first floor lobby of Lupton Hall. Guests will have the opportunity to:

  • Connect with the Graduate School dean and staff
  • Learn more about advanced degrees at UTC
  • Discover valuable resources for graduate students
  • Enjoy light refreshments and donuts

The event is open to all students and faculty interested in graduate studies at UTC.

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The Tennessee Legislative Internship Program provides juniors and seniors an outstanding opportunity to learn about law, state government and the legislative process. Interns live in Nashville for the spring 2025 semester and do very “real” work, helping to manage committees, conducting bill research and assisting with constituent relations. Interns are paid $500 a week plus a $500 relocation stipend. To learn more, first read the information provided by the program here. For those interested in applying, instructions and forms are available here.

Application materials are due by noon on Friday, Oct. 4. Please contact Dr. Jeremy Strickler for more information.

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The Read to Achieve Steering Committee is seeking volunteers for its Selection Committee for 2025-2026 text. The deadline for submission is Friday, Oct. 4.

The selected text has a variety of criteria to meet, chief among those are:

  • Readability and potential for engaging students
  • Accurate and respectful portrayals of diverse cultures and identities
  • Relevance to first-year students, current society, and/or local community
  • Possibilities for additional programming, especially inclusion in first-year courses or other areas of the curriculum
  • Reasonable Cost (less than $20)
  • Manageable Length (around 200-300 pages)

The Selection Committee reviews and selects from suggestions submitted to this link.

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The Department of Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures is inviting the entire campus community and general public to attend Fiestaval: A Taste of Latin America from 11 a.m.-9 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 5, in Miller Park (928 Market St.).

The department has partnered with the event organizers, including Pedro Abriles of the River City Company Emerging Producers Program, for the grand finale of “Canta: Festival de la Canción en Español” as part of Fiestaval. The participants all sang on campus on Sept. 6, and finalists—including a UTC student—selected that day will be presenting again in Fiestaval, where winners will be selected and prizes will be awarded.

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Walgreens will be on campus to offer flu vaccine clinics in the UC Tennessee Room from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the following dates:

  • Monday, Oct. 7
  • Tuesday, Oct. 8
  • Friday, Oct. 11

No appointment is needed. Just bring your current insurance card. If you don’t have insurance, free vouchers will be available. To streamline the process, please download, print and complete this vaccine form PDF before your visit.

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The UTC School of Nursing and Sigma Nursing Honor Society are hosting a fall festival from 4:30-6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 8, at the Metropolitan Building (518 Oak St.). All pre-nursing students, nursing students, faculty and staff are invited. Any UTC or community members who are interested in learning more about the UTC School of Nursing are invited.

There will be games, popcorn, caramel apples, pumpkin painting, snacks and a Halloween movie. Come and go as you please. Please RSVP here.

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Join the UTC Environmental Studies program and Read2Achieve for the highly acclaimed C-Change Conversations Primer, a non-partisan, innovative and science-based presentation about our changing climate.

“Climate Change Primer: A Cool-Headed Discussion of a Hot Topic” will take place from 5:30-6:45 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 8, in the Lupton Hall first floor common area. Click here to RSVP.

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Unlock your potential and elevate your professional growth by attending Graduate School professional development workshops. Each workshop will be held in the UTC Library room 435. Snacks, refreshments and giveaways will be available for attendees.

  • Tuesday, Oct. 8, Applications, 4-5 p.m.
    Crafting Applications that Open Opportunities: Best practices to create position-specific job application materials that get noticed.
  • Tuesday, Oct. 22, Interviews, 4-5 p.m.
    Creating a Lasting Impression: Tips and tricks on how to prepare for and respond to interview questions that help you stand out and win the job.

Registration for each workshop is required. Register here.

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Join Career Connections for the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) takeover from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 8, on Chamberlain Field. Discover your next career move with TVA by learning about exciting internships and open positions, and see what it’s like to work for a company powering the region.

Visitors will have the opportunity to connect with TVA representatives and employees, and see Spot the robot dog.

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While scientific consensus about climate change is widespread, implementing policies to combat the effects of climate change on local, regional, national and international scales remains a challenge. Why is there such a disconnect and what can be done on a local level to bridge the divide?

Join renowned climate change communicator Kathleen Biggins in conversation with three local leaders––John Bilderback, Marisa Ogles and Erik Schmidt––in the realms of policy, planning and funding at noon on Wednesday, Oct. 9, in the Mapp Building Room 102, as they discuss strategies for effectively communicating the impacts of climate change to stakeholders. RSVP here.

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Come to the Psychology Career Fair from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 10, in the University Center Tennessee Room. The career fair is designed to help you learn about a wide range of opportunities and to find your perfect fit. You will be exposed to a diverse group of employers offering jobs, internships, volunteer positions and much more.

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Human Resources provided a list of October staff development opportunities. Upcoming events include a Friday, Oct. 11 online session titled “How to Understand Non-Verbal Communication.” Click here to register for the Optum training.

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The Challenger STEM Learning Center is hosting “STEAMagination”—an exciting and educational event designed for K-8 students and their families—from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 12. Admission and parking for the event are free.

For more information, visit this link.

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Once upon a time at UTC…Get ready to have your Scrappy Ever After Homecoming as students, alumni, faculty, staff and community showcase UTC spirit. Join us for Homecoming Week Saturday, Oct. 19-Saturday, Oct. 26. Learn how to get involved as an individual, student organization or campus office/department below. Follow us @utchomecoming and visit utc.edu/homecoming to see our full schedule.

  • Organization Banner Painting: Registration now open through 5 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 11. Click here to register your student organization. Limited spots available.
  • Office/Residence Hall Decorating: Registration is now open through 11:59 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 11. Click here to register as an individual office space, campus department or residence hall.
  • UTC Day of Service: Registration opens soon. You can register as an individual or student organization on MocSync. Limited spots available.

For questions, email kidron-bullock@utc.edu.

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Join the UTC Center for Professional Education and ChaTech from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 16, in the Mapp Building for “Workplace Tools: AI for Everyday Tasks” as part of the CHAIN AI Sessions. 

Neil Morelli, chief I-O psychologist and head of Assessment Science at Codility, will explore practical applications of AI in the workplace, streamlining workflows with AI tools and developing an AI adoption strategy. 

Tickets are $25 and include lunch. Limited scholarships are available to attend at no cost. For more details, email info@chatech.orgRegister here. 

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The College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Engineering and Computer Science are teaming up to offer high school juniors and seniors—and their families—an immersive campus experience tailored to students interested in pursuing professional careers in health care, STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) and computer science.

College Quest, taking place from 12:45-5 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 18 (during Hamilton County Schools’ fall break), offers prospective students a unique opportunity to explore their specific academic and professional interests far beyond the traditional campus tour—including visits to lab spaces.

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Join the Gary W. Rollins College of Business from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 24, in the University Center Auditorium for a review of education policy and a panel discussion featuring a variety of education specialists. The panel discussion will be moderated by Dr. Claudia Williamson Kramer and will also feature an opportunity for the audience to submit questions for the group.

This event is free, but registration is requested. Register here.

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The UTC Graduate School announced that the following students will be presenting their final works of research as advanced degree candidates. Everyone is invited to attend.


Campus Updates

Caffeine––you probably love it––and if not, you’ve likely heard about it, seen it and/or consumed it.

It may surprise you that one in four Americans report they can’t go a day without caffeine, while 97% of Americans drink caffeine at some point in their lives. The widespread use of caffeine can likely be attributed to caffeine’s improvement to your mood, psychomotor functioning and immune response. Caffeine has also been shown to reduce the risk of Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease and liver disease. As you’re reading, you may think, “Wow, caffeine is amazing and has so many benefits, I might as well drink it all the time every day.”

However, like with many things, there are risks to be aware of when consuming caffeine.

  • Caffeine is an addictive substance that can result in tolerance increases with regular use, alongside withdrawal symptoms from a decrease or stop in use.
  • When choosing your caffeinated beverages, it is also important to understand the amount of caffeine you’re ingesting. The recommended daily caffeine intake is 400mg of caffeine. This is most commonly consumed through coffee, with coffee being one of the most popular drinks containing caffeine and being widely sold in many stores and cafes.
  • It is important to understand the average amount of caffeine in your coffee drinks.

So, enjoy your coffee, energy drinks and tea, but do your research and be mindful of the things you consume this semester. Instagram (utc_cw)

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Are you a first-generation college graduate?

Student Success Programs is updating its list of faculty and staff who are first-generation graduates. A first-generation graduate is an individual who earned a bachelor’s degree and whose parents did not earn a bachelor’s degree. If this is you, please complete this form.

Mark your calendars for First Gen Week, which takes place Nov. 4-8.


UTC Newsroom

Dr. Trey Straussberger, director of the Office of National Scholarships, answered some questions to explain how he can help students accomplish their college dreams.

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Dr. Yvette Stewart

Dr. Yvette Stewart

Dr. Yvette Stewart has been named assistant professor and literacy director for the UTC School of Education and the Center for Excellence and Innovation in Education. Stewart, who has worked for Hamilton County Schools since 2018, will begin her new role at UTC on Oct. 21.

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Here are some other recent UTC stories featured in the Newsroom:

  • Dr. Hassan Afzal’s path to UTC is anything but typical, with an academic background as varied as it is impressive. He holds a bachelor’s degree in electrical and electronics engineering from American International University-Bangladesh, two master’s degrees—in IT and business—from the University of Dhaka, an MBA from Idaho State University and a Ph.D. from Kent State University in Ohio.
  • UTC is using real-life experiences to prepare its students for their future careers. A near NFL tragedy that unfolded during a national TV broadcast has been turned into a learning experience to educate and inspire the next generation of UTC health care workers, dietitians, athletic trainers, physical therapists, occupational therapists and social workers.

WUTC

Katie Owens, a teaching artist with the Wolf Trap program at the Arts-Based Collaborative on campus, shared her journey as a writer and artist in a recent interview on WUTC-FM 88.1’s “Scenic Roots.”


 

September 24-30, 2024

The UTC Campus Weekly newsletter is distributed every Tuesday morning. If you have news, events or announcements you would like shared with campus, please submit your information to peyton-l-schultz@utc.edu or chuck-wasserstrom@utc.edu in the Division of Communications and Marketing by 3 p.m. on Friday for placement in the following Tuesday’s newsletter.

UTC News  UTC Events Calendar  |  Campus Updates


Click here to view this week’s newsletter in your browser

Highlights

Mocs Give Day is October 1

Tuesday, Oct. 1, is Mocs Give Day—UTC’s annual day of giving—when proud alumni, faculty, staff, students and friends unite and give generously to make a difference for UTC. With nine matches and challenges across campus supporting every college, athletics and more, your gift to UTC can go further just by giving.

You can also be a Mocs Give Day Advocate. You’ll receive an exclusive T-shirt when you commit to making a gift on Oct. 1 and encourage others to donate as well. Visit mocsgiveday.utc.edu to learn more.

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Share your info with UTC Parents

UTC Parent and Family Association newsletter logo

Send in information for the UTC Parent and Family Association newsletter, a monthly roundup distributed to more than 5,400 parents/family members.

To share information with the families of UTC students—upcoming events, important deadlines, helpful suggestions and departmental news—email hannah-turcotte@utc.edu by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 25. The newsletter will be emailed to members Wednesday, Oct. 2.

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Hazing Prevention Week

Sept. 23-27 is Hazing Prevention Week, and UTC is hosting a week of events as part of “Mocs Don’t Haze.”

Today (Sept. 24), Dr. Jamison Keller, the assistant dean and director of fraternity and sorority life at the Georgia Institute of Technology, will host a workshop (4:30-5:30 p.m. in the UC Chickamauga Room) and keynote presentation (6:30-7:30 p.m. in the Roland Hayes Auditorium) about hazing prevention.

To see the full lineup of events, visit this link.

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Hispanic Heritage Month

UTC is celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month, which takes place from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15.

This year’s theme is “Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together,” and UTC’s festivities will include a lineup of events, activities and educational programs designed to foster a greater understanding and appreciation of the range of cultures and backgrounds within Hispanic and Latino communities. 

The Office of Multicultural Affairs, in collaboration with numerous campus and community partners, coordinates the UTC Hispanic Heritage Month celebration. Here is a list of this week’s events: 

  • Thursday, Sept. 26: Latin Dance Night, 7-9 p.m., Lupton Hall first floor 
  • Friday, Sept. 27: Spanish Conversation Table/Mesa de Español, noon, Lupton Hall 239 
  • Friday, Sept. 27: MCLL Hispanic Heritage Month Reception with Tomás Q. Morín, 10-10:50 a.m., Lupton Hall 239 
  • Friday, Sept. 27: Hispanic Heritage Month Reception with HOLA with Tomás Q. Morín, 2-3 p.m., Multicultural Center (Lupton Hall 119) 
  • Friday, Sept. 27: Meacham Writers’ Workshop with Tomás Q. Morín, 5-7 p.m., UTC Library Roth Reading Room 
  • All Month: Hispanic Heritage Month Timeline, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Multicultural Center (Lupton Hall 119)
  • All Month: Celebrating Hispanic Heritage with UTC Library, all day

For more information, visit the Hispanic Heritage Month webpage.


Outstanding People of UTC

Dr. Tian Li, left, and Dr. Loren Hayes

Dr. Tian Li, left, and Dr. Loren Hayes

Congratulations to UTC faculty and staff who received awards or submitted proposals for sponsored programs in August. The Office of Research and Sponsored Programs announced that faculty and staff attracted $3,932,829 in external grant and contract awards during those two summer months and submitted proposals for the potential to generate over $3,216,257 in external funding if awarded.

Among those receiving awards in August were:

  • Dr. Tian Li (Chemistry and Physics), who received $792,705 from the National Science Foundation for the project titled, “ExpandQISE: Track 1: Demonstration of distributed quantum sensing with Heisenberg scaling by creating multipartite entanglement on a metropolitan scale quantum network.”
  • Dr. Loren Hayes (Biology, Geology and Environmental Science), Dr. Azad Hossain (Biology, Geology and Environmental Science), Dr. Krysta Murillo (School of Education) and Dr. Jin Wang (Mathematics), who received $749,999 from the National Science Foundation for the project titled, “IRES: Integrating biological, geospatial, and math modeling to understand how a changing climate impacts animal social systems.”

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UC Foundation Professors (from left) Karen Babine, Jared Pienkos, Chandra Ward, Prashant Srivastava, Raga Ahmed, Marissa McElrone and Noah Lasley

UC Foundation Professors (from left) Karen Babine, Jared Pienkos, Chandra Ward, Prashant Srivastava, Raga Ahmed, Marissa McElrone and Noah Lasley

The UC Foundation continues its support for faculty each academic year with a new class of faculty members honored with UC Foundation Professorships. These selective awards are made to exceptionally productive junior faculty on the tenure track. This year’s recipients are:

  • Dr. Karen Babine, Associate Professor, Department of English
  • Dr. Jared Pienkos, Associate Professor, Department of Chemistry and Physics
  • Dr. Chandra Ward, Associate Professor, Department of Social, Cultural and Justice Studies
  • Dr. Prashant Srivastava, Associate Professor, Department of Marketing and Entrepreneurship
  • Dr. Raga Ahmed, Associate Professor, Department of Electrical Engineering
  • Dr. Marissa McElrone, Assistant Professor, Department of Health and Human Performance
  • Professor Noah Lasley, Associate Professor University Archivist, Library

Each faculty member above receives a $2,500 increase to their base salary, graciously supplied by the UC Foundation.

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Check out these Mocs in the news:


Mark Your Calendar

This week’s Mocs home athletics calendar:

  • Thursday, Sept. 26: Softball vs. Snead State (DH), Frost Stadium, 4 p.m.
  • Saturday, Sept. 28: Football vs. Portland State, Finley Stadium, 7 p.m.
  • Sunday, Sept. 29: Soccer vs. UNC Greensboro, UTC Sports Complex, 1 p.m.
  • Sunday, Sept. 29: Volleyball vs. Samford, Maclellan Gym, 2 p.m.

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Walgreens will be on campus to offer flu vaccine clinics in the UC Tennessee Room from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the following dates:

  • Today (Sept. 24)
  • Monday, Oct. 7
  • Tuesday, Oct. 8
  • Friday, Oct. 11

No appointment is needed. Just bring your current insurance card. If you don’t have insurance, free vouchers will be available. To streamline the process, please download, print and complete this vaccine form PDF before your visit.

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Experience Caribbean cuisine, great music, swag, a photo booth and much more at the “International Festival: A Taste of the Caribbean” from noon-2 p.m. today (Sept. 24) in the Lupton Hall lobby.

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An eight-week summer 2025 business research internship opportunity in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, is available for up to five UTC students. Click here for information about the program.

An information session about the internship with Dr. Robert Dooley, dean of the Gary W. Rollins College of Business, will take place at noon today (Sept. 24) in Fletcher Hall room 109. Lunch will be provided. RSVP to COBInternational@utc.edu. The application deadline is Nov. 1; click here to apply.

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The UTC Honors College is hosting an event from 4-5 p.m. today (Sept. 24) in the Guerry Center Reading Room to welcome the new director of the Innovations in Honors program, Dr. Jordan King. Refreshments will be provided.

Attendees will learn about King’s vision for the program and its contributions to UTC students and Chattanooga. In addition to providing an overview of the community-based, solution-oriented teaching opportunity for faculty and the engaging experience that the program provides for students, King will facilitate an interactive activity for participants to provide their ideas for linking learning to real-world, local impact.

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September is Recovery Month. Check out the Center for Wellbeing’s lineup of events to emphasize the importance of recovery supports:

  • Today (Sept. 24), Recovery Allyship Training: How to Support Students Who Are Struggling or Have Struggled with Substance Use, sign up here, open to faculty and staff, 9-11 a.m.
  • Thursday, Sept. 26, Save a Life Day: Naloxone Distribution Event, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Chamberlain Field
  • Friday, Sept. 27, Recovery Allyship Training: How to Support Students Who Are Struggling or Have Struggled with Substance Use, sign up here, open to faculty and staff, 9-11 a.m.
  • Monday, Sept. 30, Mocs Recovery Open House: Horticulture Hour, 1-3 p.m., Mocs Recovery at Stacy Town Center

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Unlock your potential and elevate your professional growth by attending Graduate School professional development workshops. Each workshop will be held in the UTC Library room 435. Snacks, refreshments and giveaways will be available for attendees.

  • Today (Sept. 24), Presentations, 4-5 p.m.
    Delivering Messages that Matter: Essential skills for structuring, designing and delivering engaging presentations.
  • Tuesday, Oct. 8, Applications, 4-5 p.m.
    Crafting Applications that Open Opportunities: Best practices to create position-specific job application materials that get noticed.
  • Tuesday, Oct. 22, Interviews, 4-5 p.m.
    Creating a Lasting Impression: Tips and tricks on how to prepare for and respond to interview questions that help you stand out and win the job.

Registration for each workshop is required. Register here.

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Actors From The London Stage Present Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night” Oct. 25-26 on the Roland Hayes Concert Hall stage.

Actors From The London Stage Present Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night” Oct. 25-26 on the Roland Hayes Concert Hall stage.

The UTC Fine Arts Center, a premier venue for outstanding music and theatre, has announced its much-anticipated UTC LIVE! 2024-2025 Performing Arts Series.

UTC LIVE! fall events include:

  • Wednesday, Sept. 25: Bill Steber exhibit
  • Thursday, Oct. 3: Bill Steber Presentation
  • Friday, Oct. 4: The Hoodoo Men
  • Friday, Oct. 25-Saturday, Oct. 26: Actors From The London Stage Present Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night”

For ticket information, visit utc.edu/arts-and-sciences/fine-arts-center.

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Explore amazing opportunities from employers seeking talented students just like you. The fall 2024 Job and Internship fair—from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 25, in the University Center—is a chance to show your skills, talk about your talents and take in the possibilities.

  • Interested in an internship? Employers will be ready to tell you about great opportunities to give you valuable experiences in a field you are interested in.
  • Looking for a job? There are organizations in our region that are eager to meet you and discuss current and future ways you can work with them.
  • Just looking to browse? Not only are these employers excited to meet you, they are excited to share with you about their impact in the community and how you can be a part of it.

For assistance, contact Career Connections at 423-425-4184 or via email at career@utc.edu. Career Connections is located in the University Center, Chattanooga Room C.

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From left: Christian J. Collier (photo credit: Ian Riley), Tomás Q. Morín (photo credit: Jeff Fitlow) and Ira Sukrungruang (photo courtesy of buddhistboy.com) will be participating in the upcoming 2024 Meacham Writers’ Workshop.

From left: Christian J. Collier (photo credit: Ian Riley), Tomás Q. Morín (photo credit: Jeff Fitlow) and Ira Sukrungruang (photo courtesy of buddhistboy.com) will be participating in the upcoming 2024 Meacham Writers’ Workshop.

The 2024 Meacham Writers’ Workshop, a free event open to the public, takes place from Sept. 26-28 at the UTC Library, the University Center and at Stove Works (1250 E. 13th St.). The workshop’s mission is to provide UTC students and underserved community members with greater access to the literary arts.

To learn more about the Meacham Writers’ Workshop, including full event details and signup links, visit utc.edu/arts-and-sciences/english/meachamwriters. Books are available for purchase at most of the events.

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Freshman Prince Jackson, left, and senior Caton Taylor are two of the UTC students performing in Federico García Lorca’s “Blood Wedding.”

Freshman Prince Jackson, left, and senior Caton Taylor are two of the UTC students performing in Federico García Lorca’s “Blood Wedding.”

Cycles of violence and revenge churn in a mythic tale coming to the UTC Fine Arts Center’s Dorothy Hackett Ward Theatre stage.  

The UTC Theatre Co. begins its 2024-2025 season with its production of legendary poet and playwright Federico García Lorca’s “Blood Wedding.” Performances will take place at 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 1-5, with a 2 p.m. matinee performance on Saturday, Oct. 5. 

Tickets can be purchased online by clicking here and through the UTC Box Office—in person or by phone (423-425-4369). Tickets are $20 for general admission and $15 for students (with proof of student ID) and seniors. 

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Interested in advancing your career and elevating education?

Attend the UTC Grad Fair from 3-5 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 2, in the University Center Tennessee Room to chart your own path and unlock your potential.

  • Explore programs: Discover your path with UTC’s advanced degrees.
  • Meet experts: Connect with faculty, staff and program representatives.
  • Get answers: Gain insight on career paths and admissions processes.

The event is open to anyone interested in transforming their future with a graduate degree from UTC.

Free application fee waivers and giveaways will be available for attendees.

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Mark your calendars for the 2024 Study Abroad Fair. If you’re interested in studying abroad during your time at UTC, don’t miss the biggest study abroad event of the year. Stop by the University Center Tennessee Room from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 2, to talk to our partners from across the globe, chat with study abroad alumni, eat food from around the world and grab some swag T-shirts, magnets, stickers and more.

If you’re interested in studying abroad and haven’t joined the Study Abroad 101 Canvas course, you can sign up here.

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The Department of Political Science and Public Service invites the entire UTC community to our Sweet Research Series, where we will share exciting research and enjoy dessert together. These sessions offer an excellent opportunity to engage with new ideas and connect with peers. All events are from noon-12:50 p.m. on Wednesdays in 540 McCallie Building room 268 (PSPS Suite Conference Room).

Fall 2024 Sweet Research Series Schedule:

  • Wednesday, Oct. 2: Dr. Sarah Heise, “Gender and Party Issue Ownership: Gained Electoral Advantages Based on Candidate Gender”
  • Wednesday, Oct. 9 (Student Edition): Brylee Downing, “The Effect of Work Stress on a Person’s Sleep Habits” … Alice Hall, “Perceptions of Immigrants in America” … Jacqueline Alvarado, “Self-perception of Immigrants Towards Their Mental Health” … Parker Simons, “Retirement Divided on Class Lines” … Bella Craig, “The Effect of Media Confidence on Partisans’ Decisions to Vote”
  • Wednesday, Nov. 13: Dr. Hassan Afzal, “Pocketbook and Sociotropic Economic Voting: How Does Inflation Affect Voting Decisions?”
  • Wednesday, Nov. 20: Dr. Michelle D. Deardorff, “The Art of Authoring Textbook”

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Join the Gary W. Rollins College of Business for an exploration of U.S. tax policy with Dr. Arthur B. Laffer, from 4:30-5:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 3, in the University Center Tennessee Room.

Laffer’s groundbreaking influence on public policy in the 1980s earned him the title, “The Father of Supply-Side Economics.” He served on President Ronald Reagan’s Economic Policy Advisory Board from 1981-1989, was a key member of the Reagan/Bush Finance Committee in 1984 and advised Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher on fiscal policy in the 1980s. In 2019, he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Donald Trump.

This event is free, but registration is requested.

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Join Donuts with the Dean, a meet and greet with the Graduate School, from 8:30-9:30 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 4, and Monday, Nov. 11, in the first floor lobby of Lupton Hall. Guests will have the opportunity to:

  • Connect with the Graduate School dean and staff
  • Learn more about advanced degrees at UTC
  • Discover valuable resources for graduate students
  • Enjoy light refreshments and donuts

The event is open to all students and faculty interested in graduate studies at UTC.

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The Tennessee Legislative Internship Program provides juniors and seniors an outstanding opportunity to learn about law, state government and the legislative process. Interns live in Nashville for the spring 2025 semester and do very “real” work, helping to manage committees, conducting bill research and assisting with constituent relations. Interns are paid $500 a week plus a $500 relocation stipend. To learn more, first read the information provided by the program here. For those interested in applying, instructions and forms are available here.

Application materials are due by noon on Friday, Oct. 4. Please contact Dr. Jeremy Strickler for more information.

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The Challenger STEM Learning Center is hosting “STEAMagination”—an exciting and educational event designed for K-8 students and their families—from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 12. Admission and parking for the event are free.

For more information, visit this link.

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Once upon a time at UTC…Get ready to have your Scrappy Ever After Homecoming as students, alumni, faculty, staff and community showcase UTC spirit. Join us for Homecoming Week Saturday, Oct. 19-Saturday, Oct. 26. Learn how to get involved as an individual, student organization or campus office/department below. Follow us @utchomecoming and visit utc.edu/homecoming to see our full schedule (coming soon).

  • Organization Banner Painting: Registration now open through 5 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 11. Click here to register your student organization. Limited spots available.
  • Office/Residence Hall Decorating: Registration is now open through 11:59 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 11. Click here to register as an individual office space, campus department or residence hall.
  • UTC Day of Service: Registration opens soon. You can register as an individual or student organization on MocSync. Limited spots available.

For questions, email kidron-bullock@utc.edu.

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Join the Gary W. Rollins College of Business from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 24, in the University Center Auditorium as Dr. Corey DeAngelis, author of “The Parent Revolution” and leading expert in education policy, explores ways empowered families can exercise educational freedom.

DeAngelis has been recognized for his influential work on shaping the future of education and has made significant contributions to the national conversation on education reform. He will review national education policy and then be joined by a panel of education specialists––Dr. Olivia Bagby, Dr. Eric Wearne and Ms. Pam Fields––for a Q&A on policy impacts moderated by Dr. Claudia Williamson Kramer.

This is a free event, but registration is requested.

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The UTC Graduate School announced that the following student will be presenting final works of research as an advanced degree candidate. Everyone is invited to attend.


Campus Updates

Over 180 students residing in Decosimo Apartments at UTC are gearing up for a year of living and learning among their peers with the Arts and Sciences Residential College (A&SRC). 

The highlight of this year’s service initiative is the inaugural A&SRC Food Drive, running through Thursday, Sept. 26. Partnering with Scrappy’s Cupboard, the drive will be led by A&SRC student volunteers. 

Volunteers from each residential learning community will decorate collection boxes, which will be placed in the main offices of academic departments across campus to encourage donations.

Learn more about A&SRC community service initiatives here.

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Show off your Mocs spirit on game days and help cheer on your students to victory. For being a UTC Faculty and Staff member, you get discounts on season tickets.

  • Football:

General Admission Tickets = $45 (Discount available only to faculty/staff becoming a first time season ticket buyer.)

  •  Men’s Basketball:

100/200 level reserved seat = $130

200 level baseline reserved seat = $105

  •  Women’s Basketball:

General admission seat = $80 general admission

Use promo code: MOCSFS online

Click here to purchase or call the UTC Ticket Office at 423-266-6627 Monday-Friday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Please note, football chairback seats and basketball padded reserved require a $100 Mocs Club donation.

Discounts are only available in advance of game day and only on a season ticket basis. No faculty/staff discounts will be offered on the day of the game.

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Are you a first-generation college graduate?

Student Success Programs is updating its list of faculty and staff who are first-generation graduates. A first-generation graduate is an individual who earned a bachelor’s degree and whose parents did not earn a bachelor’s degree. If this is you, please complete this form.

Mark your calendars for First Gen Week, which takes place Nov. 4-8.

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Mocs Recovery is a peer-led program open to those who are in recovery, curious about recovery, or have loved ones impacted by substance use and/or mental health. All recovery pathways are respected here.

Due to the start of construction in the University Center, Mocs Recovery has moved to South Campus. The new space is attached to Stacy Town Center (815 University St.). The entrance is through the double doors right off the street in between the picnic tables. 

Fall groups include:

  • Healing Through Harmony: Mondays 2-3 p.m.
  • All Recovery: Tuesdays 2-3 p.m.
  • SMART Recovery: Wednesdays 4-5 p.m.

For more information, including scholarship opportunities and recovery areas, visit this link.

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The Read to Achieve Steering Committee is seeking volunteers for its Selection Committee for 2025-2026 text.

The selected text has a variety of criteria to meet, chief among those are:

  • Readability and potential for engaging students
  • Accurate and respectful portrayals of diverse cultures and identities
  • Relevance to first-year students, current society, and/or local community
  • Possibilities for additional programming, especially inclusion in first-year courses or other areas of the curriculum
  • Reasonable Cost (less than $20)
  • Manageable Length (around 200-300 pages)

The Selection Committee reviews and selects from suggestions submitted to this link.

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Preparations for the University Center renovation are well underway. The Chattanooga Rooms have been converted into surge space; the Foundation Room has been emptied and is offline permanently; and the Game Room has been moved to its temporary location in the Blue and Gold section of the Commons. There have also been some temporary departmental moves that you should be aware of:

  • Mocs One Center – Chattanooga A
  • Career Connections – Chattanooga C
  • Mocs Recovery Program – Stacy Town Center
  • Veteran and Military Affairs – Hooper 102
  • Office of the University Registrar – Library 4th Floor

Reservations for spring 2025 events and meetings will open on Monday, Sept. 30.


UTC Newsroom

Fletcher Hall is the home of the Gary W. Rollins College of Business.

Fletcher Hall is the home of the Gary W. Rollins College of Business.

UTC announced a transformative $3.5 million gift and research grant from the Journey Health Foundation to establish a Research Center for Health and Economic Analytics within the Gary W. Rollins College of Business. The new center, which will be named in honor of the foundation, marks a major step in the use of data-driven research to combat long-standing health care disparities in the region and will serve as a role model across the United States.

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Dr. Derek Liuzzo, pictured in the Department of Physical Therapy’s Functional Mobility Lab in the Mapp Building.

Dr. Derek Liuzzo, pictured in the Department of Physical Therapy’s Functional Mobility Lab in the Mapp Building.

Dr. Derek Liuzzo, assistant professor and assistant program director of the Department of Physical Therapy at UTC, has been named the 2024 recipient of the Emerging Educator Award by the American Council of Academic Physical Therapy.

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Vice Chancellor for Advancement and Executive Director of the UC Foundation Kim White

Vice Chancellor for Advancement and Executive Director of the UC Foundation Kim White

UTC Vice Chancellor for Advancement and Executive Director of the UC Foundation Kim White will transition into a new role of executive advisor to the UC Foundation, effective Jan. 1, 2025.

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Here are some other recent UTC stories featured in the Newsroom:

  • Groups of UTC students, faculty and staff volunteered at six Hamilton County locations—including Habitat for Humanity ReStore, Red Bank Middle School, YMCA, CHATT Foundation, Normal Park Trail and UTC’s campus—as part of United Way of Greater Chattanooga’s Day of Caring.
  • Dr. Zack Simoni’s recent research paper, “Social class and informal caregiving for family members with Alzheimer’s disease: the role of economic capital, cultural health capital, and social capital,” has been accepted for publication in Sociological Spectrum—the official journal of the Mid-South Sociological Association.
  • Last Tuesday, 242 members of the UTC family were recognized for reaching important service milestones during the UTC Service Awards Annual Luncheon at the Wolford Family Athletic Center. Honorees included 34 individuals who have reached at least 25 years of service.

WUTC

Roger Payne, music director at Whitwell Middle School, discussed the opening of a state-of-the-art piano lab at the school in an episode of WUTC-FM 88.1’s “Scenic Roots.”


 

September 17-23, 2024

Updates and news for the week of September 17-23, 2024

The UTC Campus Weekly newsletter is distributed every Tuesday morning. If you have news, events or announcements you would like shared with campus, please submit your information to peyton-l-schultz@utc.edu or chuck-wasserstrom@utc.edu in the Division of Communications and Marketing by 3 p.m. on Friday for placement in the following Tuesday’s newsletter.

UTC News  UTC Events Calendar  |  Campus Updates


Click here to view this week’s newsletter in your browser

Highlights

Happy 138th Anniversary!

Chancellor Steve Angle delivers State of the University.

Chancellor Steve Angle delivers State of the University.

The Founder’s Week 2024 calendar offers a distinct lineup of events designed to celebrate UTC’s past while looking forward to its future.

Highlights include:

  • Scrappy’s Cupboard Founder’s Week Food Drive (Monday-Friday, all week)
  • Leadership and Ethics Speaker Series (Tuesday, Sept. 17, 4 p.m., University Center Auditorium)
  • Coffee with the Chancellor (Wednesday, Sept. 18, 8:15-9:30 a.m., Wolford Family Athletic Center)
  • Rollins Day (Thursday, Sept. 19, 2-5 p.m., Fletcher Hall lawn)
  • United Way Day of Caring (Friday, Sept. 20, 7:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m.)

The week kicked off with the annual State of the University given by Chancellor Angle, as well as a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Wolford Family Athletic Center. In case you missed it, here are the links to the State of the University story and the Wolford Center grand opening story.

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Celebrating the People of UTC

Each year, UTC honors staff and faculty who have reached significant service milestones. This year, 242 members of the UTC family will be recognized for reaching important service milestones during the UTC Service Awards Annual Luncheon today (Sept. 17)—one of the highlights of Founder’s Week. The luncheon provides University administrators with a chance to express their appreciation for their employees’ dedicated service.

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Hispanic Heritage Month

UTC is celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month, which takes place from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15.

This year’s theme is “Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together,” and UTC’s festivities will include a lineup of events, activities and educational programs designed to foster a greater understanding and appreciation of the range of cultures and backgrounds within Hispanic and Latino communities. 

The Office of Multicultural Affairs, in collaboration with numerous campus and community partners, coordinates the UTC Hispanic Heritage Month celebration. Here is a list of this week’s events: 

  • Saturday, Sept. 21: Hispanic Heritage Festival with La Paz, 12-7 p.m., Highland Park Commons
  • All Month: Hispanic Heritage Month Timeline, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Multicultural Center (Lupton Hall 119)
  • All Month: Celebrating Hispanic Heritage with UTC Library, all day

For more information, visit the Hispanic Heritage Month webpage. 

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Mark your Calendars for Mocs Give Day

Tuesday, Oct. 1, is Mocs Give Day—UTC’s annual day of giving—when proud alumni, faculty, staff, students and friends unite and give generously to make a difference for UTC. With nine matches and challenges across campus supporting every college, athletics and more, your gift to UTC can go further just by giving.

You can also be a Mocs Give Day Advocate. You’ll receive an exclusive T-shirt when you commit to making a gift on Oct. 1 and encourage others to donate as well. Visit mocsgiveday.utc.edu to learn more.

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It’s Free Application Week at UTC

Tell your brothers, sisters, children, friends and neighbors that this is Free Application Week at UTC. Undergraduate applicants save $30 each through Friday, Sept. 20. Applicants must use FREEAPP25 when prompted for a discount code in the regular UTC application portal. Learn more here.

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UTC Parent and Family Association newsletter logo

Send in information for the UTC Parent and Family Association newsletter, a monthly roundup distributed to more than 5,400 parents/family members.

To share information with the families of UTC students—upcoming events, important deadlines, helpful suggestions and departmental news—email hannah-turcotte@utc.edu by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 25. The newsletter will be emailed to members Wednesday, Oct. 2.


Outstanding People of UTC

Belinda Lee

Belinda Lee

The Office of Research and Sponsored Programs (ORSP) provided its fourth-quarter report for the 2024 fiscal year, including a downloadable PDF: Q4 FY24 Report PDF.

Among those receiving awards during the quarter was Upward Bound Program Director Belinda Lee in the Center for Community Career Education, who received $374,217 from the U.S. Department of Education for the project titled, “University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Upward Bound Program.”

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Guerry Professors (from left) John Swanson, Loren Hayes, Mengjun Xie, Nagwan Zahry, Rahul Bhosale

Guerry Professors (from left) John Swanson, Loren Hayes, Mengjun Xie, Nagwan Zahry, Rahul Bhosale

For over 60 years, UTC has awarded Guerry Professorships to tenured faculty who have distinguished themselves nationally through teaching, research, scholarship and other significant contributions to their respective fields. This year, five new faculty members were welcomed as Guerry Professors:

  • Dr. John Swanson, Professor, Department of History
  • Dr. Loren Hayes, Professor, Department of Biology, Geology and Environmental Science
  • Dr. Mengjun Xie, Professor, Department of Computer Science and Engineering
  • Dr. Nagwan Zahry, Associate Professor, Department of Communication
  • Dr. Rahul Bhosale, Assistant Professor, Department of Chemical Engineering

Each faculty member holds a Guerry Professorship for five years and receives a $10,000 stipend each academic year to support continuation and expansion of their work.

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Lambda Theta Phi members (from left to right) Joseph Morales, Alex De La Cruz, Anthony Bracero, Mateo Jimenez and Christopher Bracero. Photo courtesy of Anthony Bracero.

Lambda Theta Phi members (from left) Joseph Morales, Alex De La Cruz, Anthony Bracero, Mateo Jimenez and Christopher Bracero. Photo courtesy of Anthony Bracero.

UTC’s first Latino fraternity, Lambda Theta Phi, will be receiving a proclamation presented by the city of Chattanooga’s Department of Equity & Community Engagement at the 2024 Hispanic Heritage Festival hosted by La Paz—a Chattanooga advocacy group for the Latino community.

UTC student Mateo Jimenez oversaw the creation of Lambda Theta Phi at UTC, which officially welcomed its first five members on Feb. 25. Click here to read more about the fraternity’s creation.

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UTC Quantum Center CTO and Assistant Professor of Physics Tian Li (sitting, second from left) and other leaders from Qubitekk, EPB and Oak Ridge National Laboratory gather at the EPB Quantum Network℠ powered by Qubitekk in Chattanooga. Photo courtesy of EPB.

UTC Quantum Center CTO and Assistant Professor of Physics Tian Li (sitting, second from left) and other leaders from Qubitekk, EPB and Oak Ridge National Laboratory gather at the EPB Quantum Network℠ powered by Qubitekk in Chattanooga. Photo courtesy of EPB.

For the first time, Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) will run equipment developed at its research facilities on a commercially available quantum network at EPB Quantum NetworkSM powered by Qubitekk. Starting this month, ORNL is testing its Automatic Polarization Compensation, a key technology needed to convey quantum data across a network while maintaining all its complexities and probabilities.

UTC is the first American university to host a permanent connection to a commercially available quantum network, is also participating in the effort to validate the technology’s commercial viability.

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Check out these Mocs making news:

  • Jennifer Corbin and Caleh Kizer have joined the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs pre-award team as grants specialists. Corbin comes from Clemson University, where she served as a project manager for two USDA-funded projects. Kizer joins UTC from a DOE Atmospheric Radiation Measurement observatory, where she served as the site operations manager.
  • Chancellor Angle spoke to the Times Free Press about UTC welcoming its largest student enrollment in school history.
  • UTC is launching a search for a highly accomplished researcher and educator to join its quantum program as a Governor’s Chair scientist with a joint appointment at UTC and Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).

Mark Your Calendar

The Division of Access and Engagement will host a campus screening of the critically acclaimed documentary “How to Sue the Klan” from 6-7:30 p.m. today (Sept. 17) in the UTC Fine Arts Center’s Roland Hayes Concert Hall. A panel discussion will follow the screening. Click here to register for the screening.

“How to Sue the Klan” is a powerful documentary that recounts the courageous story of five Black women from Chattanooga who, in 1982, took a bold legal stand against the Ku Klux Klan. In this landmark civil case, they fought for justice and accountability, setting a historic legal precedent in the fight against organized hate. The film highlights their determination and the lasting impact of their efforts.

  • The panel discussion will feature a conversation with renowned civil rights attorney Ben Crump and Emmy-nominated documentary filmmaker John Beder. The panel will delve into the film’s themes, the legal battle’s historical significance, and its ongoing relevance in contemporary social justice movements.
  • The screening is made possible through the collaboration of the Division of Access and Engagement with contributions from the UTC Library Archives and Dr. Susan Eckelmann, associate professor of history and Africana studies.

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Join the Gary W. Rollins College of Business for the inaugural “Leading Responsibly” speaker series featuring BJ Coleman—former UTC quarterback, College Football All-American and Green Bay Packer—from 4-5:30 p.m. today (Sept. 17) in the University Center Auditorium.

Now the group CEO of a leading behavioral health company, Coleman brings invaluable insights from both the sports and business worlds in his talk, “Life in 2.5 Seconds: Ethical Lessons for the Game of Life.” He will explore how split-second decisions shape our lives and why choosing the ethical path matters.

This event is free, but seating is limited. Register here.

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Test your Constitution trivia knowledge at Constitution Day Trivia Night at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 18, in Derthick Hall room 101. There will be prizes for the most knowledgeable and door prizes for those who want to celebrate the Constitution.

The event is sponsored by PSPS 3310 American Constitutional Law Fall 2024 class, the Provost’s Office and the Adolph S. Ochs Professor of Government.

Dr. Lucien Ellington, the longtime driving force behind UTC’s Constitution Day celebration, passed away over the summer after spending 40 years as a member of the UTC faculty. He was a professor in the School of Education and director of the Asia Program and the Center for Reflective Citizenship.

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The Gary W. Rollins College of Business will hold virtual information sessions about UTC’s Master of Business Administration, MS Management, MS Data Analytics, Master of Accountancy, and Business Analytics Certificate graduate programs. The Rollins College of Business graduate degree programs provide flexible course options and career advancement resources to advance your education and elevate your career.

MSDA Information Sessions 

MSM Information Sessions 

MAcc Information Sessions 

MBA Information Sessions 

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Walgreens will be on campus to offer flu vaccine clinics in the UC Tennessee Room from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the following dates:

  • Friday, Sept. 20
  • Monday, Sept. 23
  • Tuesday, Sept. 24
  • Monday, Oct. 7
  • Tuesday, Oct. 8
  • Friday, Oct. 11

No appointment is needed. Just bring your current insurance card. If you don’t have insurance, free vouchers will be available.

To streamline the process, please download, print and complete this vaccine form PDF before your visit.

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Park(ing) Day is a one-day global event where people across the world temporarily reprise street parking spaces and convert them to tiny parks and places for art, play and activism. Chattanooga Design Studio hosts this event to create a safer, greener and livelier street in the heart of downtown Chattanooga.

One parking space at a time, Broad Street will be transformed into a dreamy place that inspires activity, playfulness and connection. UTC’s Student Sustainability Society has been given a “parklet” to design. The temporary installation will be from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 20, between 6th St. and 7th St. on Broad. There is no fee to attend the event and no sales are allowed.

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UTC is excited to participate in the United Way of Greater Chattanooga’s city-wide “Day of Caring” volunteer service initiative on  Friday, Sept. 20. Make your plans to join your fellow Mocs, the United Way and 500-plus volunteers from around Chattanooga. Your servant leadership hands are needed for efforts such as cleaning, sorting, painting, mowing, mulching, moving debris and writing cards.

UTC volunteers have an opportunity to address community needs at project sites across the city. Interested volunteers need to be available from 7:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m.  A grab-and-go breakfast, transportation and lunch will be available. Click here to register and for additional details.

Email Daniel-Grzesik@utc.edu, the director of Leadership Development and Programs, if you have any questions about getting involved with this volunteer service initiative.

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The UTC Department of History will host the Southern Labor Studies Association (SLSA) conference Sept. 19-22 at various locations around campus, bringing together scholars, labor activists and community members to explore the rich history and evolving dynamics of labor in the southern United States. 

The theme of this year’s bi-annual SLSA conference, “Crossroads of Resistance,” will explore the intersection of rising reactionary movements and opportunities for radical change in southern labor history. The event will include various activities such as breakout sessions, film screenings and performances, all aimed at fostering a deeper understanding of the historical and current struggles of southern working people. 

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Once upon a time at UTC…Get ready to have your Scrappy Ever After Homecoming as students, alumni, faculty, staff and community showcase UTC spirit. Join us for Homecoming Week Saturday, Oct. 19–Saturday, Oct. 26. Learn how to get involved as an individual, student organization or campus office/department below. Follow us @utchomecoming and visit utc.edu/homecoming to see our full schedule (coming soon).

  • Homecoming Court: Applications now open through 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 22. Click here to apply.
  • Lip Sync Competition: Registration now open through 11:59 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 20. Click here to register your student organization or your own team of enrolled students
  • Organization Banner Painting: Registration now open through 5 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 11. Click here to register your student organization. Limited spots available.
  • Office/Residence Hall Decorating: Registration is now open through 11:59 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 11. Click here to register as an individual office space, campus department or residence hall.
  • UTC Day of Service: Registration opens soon. You can register as an individual or student organization on MocSync. Limited spots available.

For questions, email kidron-bullock@utc.edu.

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The UTC Honors College is hosting an event from 4-5 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 24, in the Guerry Center Reading Room to welcome the new director of the Innovations in Honors program, Dr. Jordan King. Refreshments will be provided.

Attendees will learn about King’s vision for the program and its contributions to UTC students and Chattanooga. In addition to providing an overview of the community-based, solution-oriented teaching opportunity for faculty and the engaging experience that the program provides for students, King will facilitate an interactive activity for participants to provide their ideas for linking learning to real-world, local impact.

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September is Recovery Month. Check out the Center for Wellbeing’s lineup of events to emphasize the importance of recovery supports:

  • Tuesday, Sept. 24, Recovery Allyship Training: How to Support Students Who Are Struggling or Have Struggled with Substance Use, sign up here, open to faculty and staff, 9-11 a.m.
  • Thursday, Sept. 26, Save a Life Day: Naloxone Distribution Event, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Chamberlain Field
  • Friday, Sept. 27, Recovery Allyship Training: How to Support Students Who Are Struggling or Have Struggled with Substance Use, sign up here, open to faculty and staff, 9-11 a.m.
  • Monday, Sept. 30, Mocs Recovery Open House: Horticulture Hour, 1-3 p.m., Mocs Recovery at Stacy Town Center

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Unlock your potential and elevate your professional growth by attending Graduate School professional development workshops. Each workshop will be held in the UTC Library room 435. Snacks, refreshments and giveaways will be available for attendees.

  • Tuesday, Sept. 24, Presentations, 4-5 p.m.
    Delivering Messages that Matter: Essential skills for structuring, designing and delivering engaging presentations.
  • Tuesday, Oct. 8, Applications, 4-5 p.m.
    Crafting Applications that Open Opportunities: Best practices to create position-specific job application materials that get noticed.
  • Tuesday, Oct. 22, Interviews, 4-5 p.m.
    Creating a Lasting Impression: Tips and tricks on how to prepare for and respond to interview questions that help you stand out and win the job.

Registration for each workshop is required. Register here.

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Actors From The London Stage Present Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night” Oct. 25-26 on the Roland Hayes Concert Hall stage.

Actors From The London Stage Present Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night” Oct. 25-26 on the Roland Hayes Concert Hall stage.

The UTC Fine Arts Center, a premier venue for outstanding music and theatre, has announced its much-anticipated UTC LIVE! 2024-2025 Performing Arts Series.

UTC LIVE! fall events include:

  • Sept. 25—UTC LIVE!: Bill Steber exhibit
  • Oct. 3—UTC LIVE!: Bill Steber Presentation
  • Oct. 4—UTC LIVE!: The Hoodoo Men
  • Oct. 25-26—UTC LIVE!: Actors From The London Stage Present Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night”

For ticket information, visit utc.edu/arts-and-sciences/fine-arts-center.

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Explore amazing opportunities from employers seeking talented students just like you. The fall 2024 Job and Internship fair—from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 25, in the University Center—is a chance to show your skills, talk about your talents and take in the possibilities.

  • Interested in an internship? Employers will be ready to tell you about great opportunities to give you valuable experiences in a field you are interested in.
  • Looking for a job? There are organizations in our region that are eager to meet you and discuss current and future ways you can work with them.
  • Just looking to browse? Not only are these employers excited to meet you, they are excited to share with you about their impact in the community and how you can be a part of it.

For assistance, contact Career Connections at 423-425-4184 or via email at career@utc.edu. Career Connections is located in the University Center, Chattanooga Room C.

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From left: Christian J. Collier (photo credit: Ian Riley), Tomás Q. Morín (photo credit: Jeff Fitlow) and Ira Sukrungruang (photo courtesy of buddhistboy.com) will be participating in the upcoming 2024 Meacham Writers’ Workshop.

From left: Christian J. Collier (photo credit: Ian Riley), Tomás Q. Morín (photo credit: Jeff Fitlow) and Ira Sukrungruang (photo courtesy of buddhistboy.com) will be participating in the upcoming 2024 Meacham Writers’ Workshop.

The 2024 Meacham Writers’ Workshop, a free event open to the public, takes place from Sept. 26-28 at the UTC Library, the University Center and at Stove Works (1250 E. 13th St.). The workshop’s mission is to provide UTC students and underserved community members with greater access to the literary arts.

To learn more about the Meacham Writers’ Workshop, including full event details and signup links, visit utc.edu/arts-and-sciences/english/meachamwriters. Books are available for purchase at most of the events.

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Cycles of violence and revenge churn in a mythic tale coming to the UTC Fine Arts Center’s Dorothy Hackett Ward Theatre stage.  

The UTC Theatre Co. begins its 2024-2025 season with its production of legendary poet and playwright Federico García Lorca’s “Blood Wedding.” Performances will take place at 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 1-5, with a 2 p.m. matinee performance on Saturday, Oct. 5. 

Tickets can be purchased online by clicking here and through the UTC Box Office—in person or by phone (423-425-4369). Tickets are $20 for general admission and $15 for students (with proof of student ID) and seniors. 

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Mark your calendars for the 2024 Study Abroad Fair. If you’re interested in studying abroad during your time at UTC, don’t miss the biggest study abroad event of the year. Stop by the UC Tennessee Room from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 2, to talk to our partners from across the globe, chat with study abroad alumni, eat food from around the world and grab some swag T-shirts, magnets, stickers and more.

If you’re interested in studying abroad and haven’t joined the Study Abroad 101 Canvas course, you can sign up here.

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The Department of Political Science and Public Service invites the entire UTC community to our Sweet Research Series, where we will share exciting research and enjoy dessert together. These sessions offer an excellent opportunity to engage with new ideas and connect with peers. All events are from noon-12:50 p.m. on Wednesdays in 540 McCallie Building room 268 (PSPS Suite Conference Room).

Fall 2024 Sweet Research Series Schedule:

  • Wednesday, Oct. 2:
    Dr. Sarah Heise, “Gender and Party Issue Ownership: Gained Electoral Advantages Based on Candidate Gender”
  • Wednesday, Oct. 9 (Student Edition):
    Brylee Downing, “The Effect of Work Stress on a Person’s Sleep Habits”
    Alice Hall, “Perceptions of Immigrants in America”
    Jacqueline Alvarado, “Self-perception of Immigrants Towards Their Mental Health”
    Parker Simons, “Retirement Divided on Class Lines”
    Bella Craig, “The Effect of Media Confidence on Partisans’ Decisions to Vote”
  • Wednesday, Nov. 13:
    Dr. Hassan Afzal, “Pocketbook and Sociotropic Economic Voting: How Does Inflation Affect Voting Decisions?”
  • Wednesday, Nov. 20:
    Dr. Michelle D. Deardorff, “The Art of Authoring Textbook”

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Join Donuts with the Dean, a meet and greet with the Graduate School, from 8:30-9:30 a.m. on Oct. 4 and Nov. 11, in the first floor lobby of Lupton Hall. Guests will have the opportunity to:

  • Connect with the Graduate School dean and staff
  • Learn more about advanced degrees at UTC
  • Discover valuable resources for graduate students
  • Enjoy light refreshments and donuts

The event is open to all students and faculty interested in graduate studies at UTC.

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The Tennessee Legislative Internship Program provides juniors and seniors an outstanding opportunity to learn about law, state government and the legislative process. Interns live in Nashville for the spring 2025 semester and do very “real” work, helping to manage committees, conducting bill research and assisting with constituent relations. Interns are paid $500 a week plus a $500 relocation stipend. To learn more, first read the information provided by the program here. For those interested in applying, instructions and forms are available here.

Application materials are due by noon on Friday, Oct. 4. Please contact Dr. Jeremy Strickler for more information.


Campus Updates

September is both Suicide Prevention Awareness Month and Recovery Month. As we go through this time, remember how important acts of kindness and support can impact those around you. Reach out to other students, hold space for your friends and remind those in need that they are not alone.

As a campus, we can provide a supportive and inclusive environment where we can all thrive in recovery and resiliency. Let’s shift negative public perception, spread hope to all and be kind to one another—not just this month but in the months that follow. Check out the Center for Wellbeing and Mocs Recovery pages for suicide prevention events and recovery resources happening all month.

Visit the Counseling Center for on-campus support, save the CARE Line (423-425-2273) on your phone for after-hours support or call/text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline 24/7 at 988. (Instagram: utc_cw)

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A&SRC to host Food Drive

Over 180 students residing in Decosimo Apartments at UTC are gearing up for a year of living and learning among their peers with the Arts and Sciences Residential College (A&SRC). 

The highlight of this year’s service initiative is the inaugural A&SRC Food Drive, running through Thursday, Sept. 26. Partnering with Scrappy’s Cupboard, the drive will be led by A&SRC student volunteers. 

Volunteers from each residential learning community will decorate collection boxes, which will be placed in the main offices of academic departments across campus to encourage donations.

Learn more about A&SRC community service initiatives here.

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Show off your Mocs spirit on game days and help cheer on your students to victory. For being a UTC Faculty and Staff member, you get discounts on season tickets.

  • Football:

General Admission Tickets = $45 (Discount available only to faculty/staff becoming a first time season ticket buyer.)

  •  Men’s Basketball:

100/200 level reserved seat = $130

200 level baseline reserved seat = $105

  •  Women’s Basketball:

General admission seat = $80 general admission

Use promo code: MOCSFS online

Click here to purchase or call the UTC Ticket Office at 423-266-6627 Monday-Friday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Please note, football chairback seats and basketball padded reserved require a $100 Mocs Club donation.

Discounts are only available in advance of game day and only on a season ticket basis. No faculty/staff discounts will be offered on the day of the game.

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Are you a first-generation college graduate?

Student Success Programs is updating its list of faculty and staff who are first-generation graduates. A first-generation graduate is an individual who earned a bachelor’s degree and whose parents did not earn a bachelor’s degree. If this is you, please complete this form.

Mark your calendars for First Gen Week, which takes place Nov. 4-8.

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Mocs Recovery is a peer-led program open to those who are in recovery, curious about recovery, or have loved ones impacted by substance use and/or mental health. All recovery pathways are respected here.

Due to the start of construction in the University Center, Mocs Recovery has moved to South Campus. The new space is attached to Stacy Town Center (815 University St.). The entrance is through the double doors right off the street in between the picnic tables. 

Fall groups include:

  • Healing Through Harmony: Mondays 2-3 p.m.
  • All Recovery: Tuesdays 2-3 p.m.
  • SMART Recovery: Wednesdays 4-5 p.m.

For more information, including scholarship opportunities and recovery areas, visit this link.

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The Read to Achieve Steering Committee is seeking volunteers for its Selection Committee for 2025-2026 text.

The selected text has a variety of criteria to meet, chief among those are:

  • Readability and potential for engaging students
  • Accurate and respectful portrayals of diverse cultures and identities
  • Relevance to first-year students, current society, and/or local community
  • Possibilities for additional programming, especially inclusion in first-year courses or other areas of the curriculum
  • Reasonable Cost (less than $20)
  • Manageable Length (around 200-300 pages)

The Selection Committee reviews and selects from suggestions submitted to this link.

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Preparations for the University Center renovation are well underway. The Chattanooga Rooms have been converted into surge space; the Foundation Room has been emptied and is offline permanently; and the Game Room has been moved to its temporary location in the Blue and Gold section of the Commons. There have also been some temporary departmental moves that you should be aware of:

  • Mocs One Center – Chattanooga A
  • Career Connections – Chattanooga C
  • Mocs Recovery Program – Stacy Town Center
  • Veteran and Military Affairs – Hooper 102
  • Office of the University Registrar – Library 4th Floor

Reservations for spring 2025 events and meetings will open on Monday, Sept. 30.


UTC Newsroom

May 2024 graduate Emily Patton has been selected as a National Collegiate Honors Council Portz Scholar.

May 2024 graduate Emily Patton has been selected as a National Collegiate Honors Council Portz Scholar.

For the first time in the history of the UTC Honors College, one of its students has been rewarded in the National Collegiate Honors Council’s (NCHC) annual competition for outstanding undergraduate honors papers.

Emily Patton, a May 2024 graduate and Brock Scholar who earned bachelor’s degrees in environmental science and humanities: international studies, has been selected as one of four 2024 Portz Scholars—one of the most prestigious honors for undergraduate students in honors programs across the country.

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Bill Haslam (left) and Phil Bredesen record their “You Might Be Right” podcast in the UTC Library studio. Photo by Angela Foster.

Bill Haslam (left) and Phil Bredesen record their “You Might Be Right” podcast in the UTC Library studio. Photo by Angela Foster.

If you were in the UTC Library on Aug. 22, you may have bumped into two prominent figures—former Tennessee Governors Phil Bredesen and Bill Haslam. 

The two visited campus to record an episode of their podcast series, “You Might Be Right,” in the library’s recording studio.

The episode recorded at UTC featured Rachel Kleinfeld, an international relations scholar and senior fellow in the Democracy, Conflict and Governance program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, who discussed research on the roots and repercussions of polarization in American politics. Click here for the podcast link.

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This summer, a new wave of future global business leaders was guided by the expertise of UTC faculty members who brought their teachings across the Pacific. Dr. David Witt, Dr. Damitha Bandara, Dr. Navid Aghakhani and Dr. John McKinney, all with the Gary W. Rollins College of Business; Dr. Jennifer Goodrich, an engineering management lecturer in the College of Engineering and Computer Science; and former UTC Marketing Lecturer Kennedy Horton traveled in teams of three—over two-week stretches—to teach business classes at Shanghai Normal University’s Tianhua College.


WUTC

Singer, songwriter and UTC alumna Rachel McIntyre Smith joined Richard Winham live on WUTC-FM 88.1 to talk about her new recording, “Honeysuckle Friend.”


 

September 10-16, 2024

Updates and news for the week of September 10-16, 2024

The UTC Campus Weekly newsletter is distributed every Tuesday morning. If you have news, events or announcements you would like shared with campus, please submit your information to peyton-l-schultz@utc.edu or chuck-wasserstrom@utc.edu in the Division of Communications and Marketing by 3 p.m. on Friday for placement in the following Tuesday’s newsletter.

UTC News  UTC Events Calendar  |  Campus Updates


Click here to view this week’s newsletter in your browser

Highlights

Coming soon: Founder’s Week 2024

Every September, the UTC commemorates its creation during Founder’s Week—a weeklong celebration of the first day in the University’s history. This year’s Founder’s Week is highlighted by the grand opening of the Wolford Family Athletic Center—the site of Chancellor Angle’s annual State of the University address.

The Founder’s Week 2024 calendar offers a distinct lineup of events designed to celebrate UTC’s past while looking forward to its future. Highlights include:

  • Scrappy’s Cupboard Founder’s Week Food Drive (Monday-Friday, all week)
  • Mocs Flock Finley (Saturday, Sept. 14)
  • Leadership and Ethics Speaker Series (Tuesday, Sept. 17, 4 p.m., University Center Auditorium)
  • Coffee with the Chancellor (Wednesday, Sept. 18, 8:15-9:30 a.m., Wolford Family Athletic Center)
  • Rollins Day (Thursday, Sept. 19, 2-5 p.m., Fletcher Hall lawn)
  • United Way Day of Caring (Friday, Sept. 20, 7:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m.)

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Mocs Flock Finley

One of UTC’s great campus traditions is Mocs Flock Finley, an event welcoming new students to UTC football—with first-year students leading the team through the tunnel. The students are the guests of honor for food, fun, freebies and pregame tailgating outside the First Horizon Pavilion before they get to run across the football field. The football team begins its home campaign on Saturday, Sept. 14, with a 6 p.m. kickoff against Mercer.

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Mark your Calendars for Mocs Give Day

Tuesday, Oct. 1, is Mocs Give Day—UTC’s annual day of giving—when proud alumni, faculty, staff, students and friends unite and give generously to make a difference for UTC. With nine matches and challenges across campus supporting every college, athletics and more, your gift to UTC can go further just by giving.

You can also be a Mocs Give Day Advocate. You’ll receive an exclusive T-shirt when you commit to making a gift on Oct. 1 and encourage others to donate as well. Visit mocsgiveday.utc.edu to learn more.

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A&SRC to host Food Drive

Over 180 students residing in Decosimo Apartments at UTC are gearing up for a year of living and learning among their peers with the Arts and Sciences Residential College (A&SRC). 

The highlight of this year’s service initiative is the inaugural A&SRC Food Drive, kicking off on Wednesday, Sept. 11, and running through Thursday, Sept. 26. Partnering with Scrappy’s Cupboard, the drive will be led by A&SRC student volunteers. 

Volunteers from each residential learning community will decorate collection boxes, which will be placed in the main offices of academic departments across campus to encourage donations.

Learn more about A&SRC community service initiatives here.

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Free Application Week is Sept. 16-20

Tell your brothers, sisters, children, friends and neighbors. Free Application Week at UTC is Sept. 16-20 and will save undergraduate applicants $30 each. Applicants must use FREEAPP25 when prompted for a discount code in the regular UTC application portal. Learn more here.


Outstanding People of UTC

On Tuesday, Sept. 3, Olympic gold medalist and UTC student Olivia Reeves was honored in a parade and pep rally where she was presented the key to the city.

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From left: Jannatul Ferdoush, Tyler Oberheim, Jared Pienkos, Reetesh Ranjan, Sean Richards, Kathryn Taylor

From left: Jannatul Ferdoush, Tyler Oberheim, Jared Pienkos, Reetesh Ranjan, Sean Richards, Kathryn Taylor

The Ruth S. Holmberg Grants support faculty members who have demonstrated the potential and ability to function at a higher level of scholarship, engage students in addressing problems of contemporary importance through research efforts, or work with tenured faculty or the administration in building innovative curriculum. Each Holmberg recipient will receive up to $5,000 in funding to support their proposal. The recipients of the Holmberg Grants for 2024-2025 are below, along with their funded proposal’s title.

  • Dr. Jannatul Ferdoush, Assistant Professor, Department of Biology, Geology and Environmental Science; Project Title: Potential Therapeutics Against Cancer via Understanding Overexpression of Taf2
  • Dr. Tyler Oberheim, Assistant Professor, Counselor Education; Project Title: Substance Use Patterns in College Students with ADHD
  • Dr. Jared Pienkos, Associate Professor, Department of Chemistry and Physics; Project Title: The Synthesis of Tunable Ruthenium Molecular Squares and Analysis of Electron-transfer within these Squares
  • Dr. Reetesh Ranjan, Associate Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering; Proposal Title: Numerical Investigation of Fundamental Features and Efficient Modeling of High-Speed Wall-Bounded Turbulent Flows
  • Dr. Sean Richards, Professor, Department of Biology, Geology and Environmental Science; Proposal Title: Proposal for Training in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning to Apply Cutting-Edge Metabolomics in Women’s Health Research
  • Dr. Kathryn Taylor, Assistant Professor, Department of History; Proposal Title: Censors and Readers in Early Modern Italy

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Dr. JAy Blackman

Dr. JAy Blackman

Dr. JAy Blackman has been appointed the University’s vice chancellor of communications and marketing, effective Oct. 1. Blackman has worked for UTC since 2008 and has served as the University’s deputy athletics director for internal operations since April 2021.

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From left: Francesca Leasi, David Giles, Loren Hayes and Azad Hossain

From left: Francesca Leasi, David Giles, Loren Hayes and Azad Hossain

A trio of research proposals led by UTC Department of Biology, Geology and Environmental Science faculty members Francesca Leasi, David Giles, Loren Hayes and Azad Hossain has secured over $1.8 million in external grant and contract awards, marking a successful summer for funding.

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Check out these Mocs making news:

  • UTC communication student Mason Edwards wrote an article for the Times Free Press about viral fake images of fire halos over Chattanooga, featuring Director of English Graduate Studies Rik Hunter.
  • Professor David Aborn spoke to the Times Free Press for an article about his collaboration with the Tennessee River Gorge Trust and other nonprofit organizations. The project focuses on studying the declining wood thrush population by tracking the species with radio transmitters.

Mark Your Calendar

Photo credit: Ray Soldano/GoMocs.com

Photo credit: Ray Soldano/GoMocs.com

This week’s Mocs home athletics calendar:

  • Today (Sept. 10): Volleyball vs. Jacksonville State, Maclellan Gym, 6 p.m.
  • Saturday, Sept. 14: Football vs. Mercer, Finley Stadium, 6 p.m.

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The Division of Access and Engagement will host a campus screening of the critically acclaimed documentary “How to Sue the Klan” from 6-7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 17, in the UTC Fine Arts Center’s Roland Hayes Concert Hall. A panel discussion will follow the screening. Click here to register for the screening.

“How to Sue the Klan” is a powerful documentary that recounts the courageous story of five Black women from Chattanooga who, in 1982, took a bold legal stand against the Ku Klux Klan. In this landmark civil case, they fought for justice and accountability, setting a historic legal precedent in the fight against organized hate. The film highlights their determination and the lasting impact of their efforts.

  • The panel discussion will feature a conversation with renowned civil rights attorney Ben Crump and Emmy-nominated documentary filmmaker John Beder. The panel will delve into the film’s themes, the legal battle’s historical significance, and its ongoing relevance in contemporary social justice movements.
  • The screening is made possible through the collaboration of the Division of Access and Engagement with contributions from the UTC Library Archives and Dr. Susan Eckelmann, associate professor of history and Africana studies.

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The Department of Physical Therapy, the Nutrition and Dietetics program, and the Center for Wellbeing have teamed up to create a pilot interdisciplinary wellness program–Mocs Wellness Initiative–for full-time faculty and staff. The Mocs Wellness Initiative is part of a research study approved by the UTC Institutional Review Board.

Key program content:

  • Physical therapy examination and weekly training at the ARC
  • Nutrition assessment including diet and body composition analysis
  • Regular health coaching
  • Unlimited ARC membership from September 2024–January 2025
  • Those who consistently participate for the duration of the program will be entered into raffles for prizes, including an Instant Pot and a three-month ARC membership extension
  • Surveys related to the research project

Eligibility (partial criteria):

  • Full-time UTC employee
  • Willingness to participate in the associated research study
  • Available to attend weekly training Thursdays from 3:15-5:15 p.m.

The program will take place from Sept. 12-Nov. 21, with a program wrap up mid-January 2025 and a post program survey in May 2025.

The program is free to employees who are biweekly or whose salaries are less than $50,000. The program will cost $77.50 for employees who earn at least $50,000.

Limited spots available for fall 2024. For more information please contact betsy-myers@utc.edu.

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Sept. 8-14 is Suicide Prevention Awareness Week, and the Center for Wellbeing is hosting events throughout the week, including:

  • Today (Sept. 10), “Rock Painting and Stories of Hope” at the Power C on Vine Street, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
  • Thursday, Sept. 12, “Hope Lives @ UTC,” 6-8 p.m. This event seeks to bring the UTC community together to learn about on and off campus resources available and canvas the campus with messages of hope for those who may be struggling. There will be live music by “In the Company of Wolves,” food, games, free long sleeve T-shirts, resources and more.

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Unlock your potential and elevate your professional growth by attending Graduate School professional development workshops. Each workshop will be held in the UTC Library room 435. Snacks, refreshments and giveaways will be available for attendees.

  • Today (Sept. 10), Resilience,  4-5 p.m.
    Thriving Through Adversity: Strategies to keep students healthy, focused and functioning for the long term.
  • Tuesday, Sept. 24, Presentations, 4-5 p.m.
    Delivering Messages that Matter: Essential skills for structuring, designing and delivering engaging presentations.
  • Tuesday, Oct. 8, Applications, 4-5 p.m.
    Crafting Applications that Open Opportunities: Best practices to create position-specific job application materials that get noticed.
  • Tuesday, Oct. 22, Interviews, 4-5 p.m.
    Creating a Lasting Impression: Tips and tricks on how to prepare for and respond to interview questions that help you stand out and win the job.

Registration for each workshop is required. Register here.

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The Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship will host “Understanding Intellectual Property: Strategies for Innovation and Protection” at 2 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 13, via Zoom. Please click here to register in advance.

UT Research Foundation Associate Technology Manager Gregory Sechrist will provide an overview of intellectual property and best practices for protecting research outcomes, reporting inventions and utilizing UTRF’s free services. Angie Morelock, director of award services in the UTC Office of Research and Sponsored Programs (ORSP), will provide an overview of intellectual property and related topics for faculty to consider regarding sponsored research projects.

For more information or questions, contact Commercialization Counselor Jennifer Skjellum at jennifer-skjellum@utc.edu.

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The Gary W. Rollins College of Business will hold virtual information sessions about UTC’s Master of Business Administration, MS Management, MS Data Analytics, Master of Accountancy, and Business Analytics Certificate graduate programs. The Rollins College of Business graduate degree programs provide flexible course options and career advancement resources to advance your education and elevate your career.

Business Analytics Certificate Information Sessions 

MSDA Information Sessions 

MSM Information Sessions 

MAcc Information Sessions 

MBA Information Sessions 

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The Department of Chemistry and Physics kicks off its fall semester seminar series with a talk presented by Dr. Ada Sedova, an associate research scientist in the Molecular Biophysics Group at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, from 3-4 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 13, in Grote Hall 411. Sedova’s presentation is titled “What is HPC, and how can it be used in the physical and chemical sciences?” Click here to learn more.

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The Star Party season opens Sunday, Sept. 15, at UTC’s Clarence T. Jones Observatory. The public is invited to attend this free event.

Gates open at 6:30 p.m., with the lecture and planetarium show beginning at 7 p.m. and rotating every half hour. A telescope viewing will be available until 9 p.m., featuring Chattanooga’s historic 20.5-inch telescope. Visitors can enjoy a planetarium show, learn about the latest astronomical research and meet members of the UTC Chemistry and Physics Department as well as the Barnard Astronomical Society.

Seating is limited, so attendees are encouraged to arrive early. The Clarence T. Jones Observatory is located at 10 N. Tuxedo Avenue, Chattanooga, TN, 37411.

For more information, visit the Observatory webpage.

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Join the Gary W. Rollins College of Business for the inaugural “Leading Responsibly” speaker series featuring BJ Coleman—former UTC quarterback, College Football All-American and Green Bay Packer—from 4-5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 17, in the University Center Auditorium.

Now the group CEO of a leading behavioral health company, Coleman brings invaluable insights from both the sports and business worlds in his talk, “Life in 2.5 Seconds: Ethical Lessons for the Game of Life.” He will explore how split-second decisions shape our lives and why choosing the ethical path matters.

This event is free, but seating is limited. Register here.

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Walgreens will be on campus to offer flu vaccine clinics in the UC Tennessee Room from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the following dates:

  • Friday, Sept. 20
  • Monday, Sept. 23
  • Tuesday, Sept. 24
  • Monday, Oct. 7
  • Tuesday, Oct. 8
  • Friday, Oct. 11

No appointment is needed. Just bring your current insurance card. If you don’t have insurance, free vouchers will be available.

To streamline the process, please download, print and complete this vaccine form PDF before your visit.

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The UTC Department of History will host the Southern Labor Studies Association (SLSA) conference Sept. 19-22 at various locations around campus, bringing together scholars, labor activists and community members to explore the rich history and evolving dynamics of labor in the southern United States. 

The theme of this year’s bi-annual SLSA conference, “Crossroads of Resistance,” will explore the intersection of rising reactionary movements and opportunities for radical change in southern labor history. The event will include various activities such as breakout sessions, film screenings and performances, all aimed at fostering a deeper understanding of the historical and current struggles of southern working people. 

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UTC is excited to participate in the United Way of Greater Chattanooga’s city-wide “Day of Caring” volunteer service initiative on  Friday, Sept. 20. Make your plans to join your fellow Mocs, the United Way and 500-plus volunteers from around Chattanooga. Your servant leadership hands are needed for efforts such as cleaning, sorting, painting, mowing, mulching, moving debris and writing cards.

UTC volunteers have an opportunity to address community needs at project sites across the city. Interested volunteers need to be available from 7:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m.  A grab-and-go breakfast, transportation and lunch will be available. Click here to register and for additional details.

Email Daniel-Grzesik@utc.edu, the director of Leadership Development and Programs, if you have any questions about getting involved with this volunteer service initiative.

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From Sept. 20-22, Mocs Recovery will be taking students to YMCA Camp Cosby in Alpine, Alabama, to join collegiate recovery programs from across the southeast. We will enjoy a weekend making new friends, canoeing, paddle boarding, rock climbing and engaging in recovery peer support spaces. All meals, travel and lodging are provided.

The retreat is open to currently enrolled students who identify as in recovery related to substance use. Interested participants should contact megan-mcknight@utc.edu.

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Explore amazing opportunities from employers seeking talented students just like you. The fall 2024 Job and Internship fair—from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 25, in the University Center—is a chance to show your skills, talk about your talents and take in the possibilities.

  • Interested in an internship? Employers will be ready to tell you about great opportunities to give you valuable experiences in a field you are interested in.
  • Looking for a job? There are organizations in our region that are eager to meet you and discuss current and future ways you can work with them.
  • Just looking to browse? Not only are these employers excited to meet you, they are excited to share with you about their impact in the community and how you can be a part of it.

For assistance, contact Career Connections at 423-425-4184 or via email at career@utc.edu. Career Connections is located in the University Center, Chattanooga Room C.

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Mark your calendars for the 2024 Study Abroad Fair. If you’re interested in studying abroad during your time at UTC, don’t miss the biggest study abroad event of the year. Stop by the UC Tennessee Room from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 2, to talk to our partners from across the globe, chat with study abroad alumni, eat food from around the world and grab some swag T-shirts, magnets, stickers and more.

If you’re interested in studying abroad and haven’t joined the Study Abroad 101 Canvas course, you can sign up here.

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Join Donuts with the Dean, a meet and greet with the Graduate School, from 8:30-9:30 a.m. on Oct. 4 and Nov. 11, in the first floor lobby of Lupton Hall. Guests will have the opportunity to:

  • Connect with the Graduate School dean and staff
  • Learn more about advanced degrees at UTC
  • Discover valuable resources for graduate students
  • Enjoy light refreshments and donuts

The event is open to all students and faculty interested in graduate studies at UTC.

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The Tennessee Legislative Internship Program provides juniors and seniors an outstanding opportunity to learn about law, state government and the legislative process. Interns live in Nashville for the spring 2025 semester and do very “real” work, helping to manage committees, conducting bill research and assisting with constituent relations. Interns are paid $500 a week plus a $500 relocation stipend. To learn more, first read the information provided by the program here. For those interested in applying, instructions and forms are available here.

Application materials are due by noon on Friday, Oct. 4. Please contact Dr. Jeremy Strickler for more information.


Campus Updates

The Institute of Contemporary Art, housed in the UTC Fine Arts Center, has opened its fall exhibition—”Groanings Which Cannot Be Uttered” by Reginald Sylvester II. The exhibition is on view through Nov. 9.

ICA’s new fall hours are Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Friday, 12-6 p.m.; and Saturday, 12-5 p.m. Free campus parking is available after 5 p.m. on weekdays and weekends.

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The Read to Achieve Steering Committee is seeking volunteers for its Selection Committee for 2025-2026 text.

The selected text has a variety of criteria to meet, chief among those are:

  • Readability and potential for engaging students
  • Accurate and respectful portrayals of diverse cultures and identities
  • Relevance to first-year students, current society, and/or local community
  • Possibilities for additional programming, especially inclusion in first-year courses or other areas of the curriculum
  • Reasonable Cost (less than $20)
  • Manageable Length (around 200-300 pages)

The Selection Committee reviews and selects from suggestions submitted to this link.

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Preparations for the University Center renovation are well underway. The Chattanooga Rooms have been converted into surge space; the Foundation Room has been emptied and is offline permanently; and the Game Room has been moved to its temporary location in the Blue and Gold section of the Commons. There have also been some temporary departmental moves that you should be aware of:

  • Mocs One Center – Chattanooga A
  • Career Connections – Chattanooga C
  • Mocs Recovery Program – UC 350 (Center for Wellbeing)
  • Veteran and Military Affairs – Hooper 102
  • Office of the University Registrar – Library 4th Floor

Construction is scheduled to begin on the west side of the building (1st floor and Upper Gallery areas).

As always, we encourage everyone to reserve their space for the fall semester early. Reservations for spring 2025 events and meetings will open on Monday, Sept. 30.


UTC Newsroom

Tim Gritten, the new dean of the UTC Library, sat down to answer a few questions about his transition to UTC and his plans for the library.

Drop by the library’s first floor checkout desk to pick up a free keepsake button featuring “epistemic humility,” an intellectual virtue that Gritten highly values.

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MPH Program Director Amir Alakaam gives remarks at the accreditation ceremony on Wednesday, Sept. 4.

MPH Program Director Amir Alakaam gives remarks at the accreditation ceremony on Wednesday, Sept. 4.

The UTC Master of Public Health (MPH) in Nutrition and Dietetics was granted full accreditation status by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics. The achievement was recognized with an accreditation ceremony last week in the University Center Chickamauga Room.

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UTC Vice Chancellor for Information Technology Vicki Farnsworth discussed the podcast with host Daniel Duggin. Photo by Taryn Brooks.

UTC Vice Chancellor for Information Technology Vicki Farnsworth discussed the podcast with host Daniel Duggin. Photo by Taryn Brooks.

More than 80 people—students, faculty, staff and visitors—turned out to celebrate the launch of a student-led podcast from the UTC Artificial Intelligence Initiative. Also known as “Chattanooga’s Artificial Intelligence,” the CH-AI team hosted the Thursday, Aug. 29, launch party for “CH-AI Brews: Infusing Conversations About AI” in the Guerry Center.


WUTC

Dr. Mina Sartipi, executive director of UTC’s Research Institute and founding director of the Center for Urban Informatics and Progress, discussed the future of urban transportation and its connection to Chattanooga in an episode of WUTC-FM 88.1’s “Scenic Roots.”


 

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