Updates and news for the week of December 12-18, 2023

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 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

Celebrating the Class of 2023

Fall commencement at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga will be celebrated with three separate ceremonies over two days starting Friday. Nearly 700 undergraduates and 130 graduate students will receive their degrees. In addition, many of the 217 undergraduates and 96 graduate students who completed their degrees in August will return to campus for the festivities.

This will be the 262nd overall commencement for the University, founded in 1886 as the then-private Chattanooga University.

All ceremonies will take place inside McKenzie Arena, beginning with Graduate School commencement at 2:30 p.m. on Friday.  |  Livestream link

Two ceremonies take place on Saturday:

• 9 a.m. for graduates of the College of Arts and Sciences and College of Engineering and Computer Science.  |  Livestream link
• 1 p.m. for graduates of the Gary W. Rollins College of Business and College of Health, Education and Professional Studies.  |  Livestream link

Among the students being celebrated this week:

• With UTC’s 100% online MBA program, students can complete their studies from anywhere in the world. Gentry Whittaker’s experience, though, was unlike most others, as she traveled the country “as a nomad” and gave birth to her daughter, Echo.
• During Friday’s Graduate School commencement exercise, 72-year-old Tony Galloway will take part in a doctoral hooding ceremony—the recipient of a doctorate in Education: Learning and Leadership (Ed.D.). Galloway was Dr. Beth Crawford’s high school history teacher; Crawford will be on stage as part of the ceremony.
• Fatimah Musa, who will receive a bachelor’s degree in mechatronics, was born with cone-rod dystrophy—a type of inherited retinal degeneration affecting the retina’s photoreceptor cells. The condition is characterized by progressive loss of function and death of the eyes’ cone and rod photoreceptor cells, leading to vision loss.
• Isaiah Mark Owens took acting classes in high school and, when all was said and done, the thrill of acting stuck.
• Biochemistry major Mackenzie Smith wants to become the seventh doctor in her immediate family. But first, the two-time all-Southern Conference soccer player has her eye on playing professionally overseas.
• Being a well-balanced student is not an easy feat, and as a student-athlete with a 4.0 GPA, Emmy Davis knows this all too well. The cross country and track and field runner will graduate summa cum laude with a degree in finance.
• Bachelor of Applied Science: Applied Leadership degree (BAS-AL) recipient Lorina Upshaw’s journey toward a bachelor’s degree started 53 years ago on the UTC campus.
• Keely Phillips and Kyndall Blum are the first students to attend UTC as music therapy majors for all four years they were enrolled and are graduating as part of December commencement ceremonies. Joseph Taylor, who transferred from Belmont University in Nashville to UTC as a junior, also is graduating with a music therapy degree—the first transfer student to earn the degree.

Last Chance to Participate in Scrappy’s Cupboard Cap and Gown Loan Program

Graduates, Scrappy’s Cupboard is happy to offer cap and gown (academic regalia) loans to any undergraduate or graduate student who has been approved to participate in a UTC graduation ceremony and cannot afford to purchase the regalia required to participate. Academic Regalia is available for loan up to five days prior to the graduation ceremony and must be returned no later than five days after the ceremony.

To request a cap and gown loan for fall 2023 graduation ceremonies, please complete this request form no later than 5 p.m. today (Dec. 12).

If you have questions, contact the Office of Student Outreach and Support at 423-425-2299 or e-mail scrappyscupboard@utc.edu.

Alumni Affairs Gold Graduation Cords

To all our graduating Mocs, congratulations from UTC Advancement. As your status advances from student to alumnus, you have the opportunity to create a lasting impact here at UTC. By donating just $5 or more, you can receive an exclusive gold cord to wear at commencement that signifies your commitment to future Mocs. This small donation can go a long way in helping to fund scholarships and enhance academic programs all over campus. Plus, wearing the gold cord at commencement will set you apart as a proud UTC supporter. Donate today and leave a legacy for future students at your alma mater.

The outstanding people of UTC

Children’s Center Lead Coordinator Cindy Hornsby

Congratulations to UTC faculty and staff who received awards or submitted proposals for sponsored programs in November. The Office of Research and Sponsored Programs announced that faculty and staff attracted $345,102 in external grant and contract awards during the month and submitted proposals for the potential to generate over $5,248,168 in external funding, if awarded.

Among those receiving awards in November was Children’s Center Lead Coordinator Cindy Hornsby, who received two awards from the Tennessee Department of Human Services totaling $243,302.

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Check out these Mocs making a difference:

• The Greater Chattanooga Sports Hall of Fame announced its newest class and award winners, including three from UTC. Executive Associate Athletics Director for Compliance and Administration and Senior Woman Administrator Laura Herron is the recipient of the Betty Probasco Female Lifetime Achievement Award. Former men’s basketball head coach Ron Shumate and former men’s basketball student-athlete Johnny Taylor will be inducted into the Hall of Fame.
• For just the second time in the history of the Mocs volleyball program, teammates were recognized with Southern Conference Player of the Month honors in the same month. Morgan Romano was named the SoCon Offensive Player of the Month for November while Elaine Redman was selected as Setter of the Month.
• Assistant Professor of Psychology Tomorrow Arnold was interviewed for a Times Free Press story about mental-health obstacles that may come up during the holiday season.
• Scott Willis, an adjunct applied voice instructor in the Music Department, was featured in the Times Free Press for his work with the American Caroling Co.

Coming in 2004: DASH, our New ERP System

The UT System and the Budget and Finance Office here at UTC are launching DASH, a new ERP system, on July 1, 2024. As we get closer to that date, Budget and Finance will notify campus about DASH information and training.

The UT System is hosting a town hall event from 1-4 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 10. Please sign up for the event at DASH Townhall 1.10.24.

• To learn about DASH, resources, the timeline and other information, visit UTC-DASH and sign up to become a Friend of DASH to receive email updates.
• If you have questions or would like to know more about DASH, contact Loman-Martin@utc.edu.

Mark your calendar

The Office of Student and Family Engagement is excited to announce the dates for our Spring Welcome Week: Jan. 8-12, 2024.

During the week, we offer a wide variety of events for our students. If you are hosting an event or program during the first week of classes, please consider submitting your event to the official calendar found on the Winter Welcome website.

• To submit an event, please complete this form.
• The priority deadline for the Winter Welcome calendar is 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 2. The final deadline to submit events is 1 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 5.

Email kidron-bullock@utc.edu with questions.

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The Manage My Housing portal will be open Dec. 6-Jan. 1 for students to change their spring 2024 residential meal plans. Meal plan eligibility is based on earned credit hours. If your fall 2023 credits will change your student classification, please wait until final grades are submitted before you attempt to make a change.

The University classifies undergraduate students as freshmen, sophomores, juniors or seniors according to the number of credit hours completed:

• Freshman: 0-29 semester hours
• Sophomore: 30-59 semester hours
• Junior: 60-89 semester hours
• Senior: 90 or more semester hours

The meal plans are listed by student classification. Please click here for more information.

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Information sessions are taking place for two spring 2024 study abroad courses, which are open to all UTC students. The courses have no prerequisites and include two-week international study trips to Germany and to the Balkan countries of Albania, Greece and North Macedonia. Both are led by UTC Gary W. Rollins College of Business faculty members.

This week’s sessions:

• Today (Dec. 12): Germany/Balkans combined session, Zoom, 4 p.m.
• Wednesday (Dec. 13): Germany, Zoom, 4 p.m.
• Thursday (Dec. 14): Balkans, Zoom, 4 p.m.
• Friday (Dec. 15): Germany/Balkans combined session, Zoom, noon

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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The Office of Planning, Evaluation and Institutional Research (OPEIR) is hosting a series of workshops for faculty to learn about and be guided through the policy for proposing a new academic degree program at UTC. These workshops will cover the various stages of the process and feature guest speakers from departments on campus as well as the Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC). RSVP is not required but will help with planning and communication of events. Information about the next session:

• Thursday (Dec. 14): General information and assistance workshop, UTC Library Room 118A, 2:30 p.m. | Calendar

For further information, email kelli-baker@utc.edu, program coordinator for OPEIR, or call 423- 425-2216.

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A message from the Office of the Bursar:

Spring 2024 is around the corner. If you are an eligible employee who is registered or plan to register for the spring semester and have not completed your employee fee waiver form, please submit your form to Human Resources for processing. The fee payment deadline for spring 2024 is Thursday (Dec. 14).

• Cancellation is an automatic process, and you must submit the required documents each semester to take advantage of your fee waiver benefit.
• If your eligible dependent or spouse is registered for classes and has a balance after processing their discount, the remaining balance must be paid to the Bursar’s Office by Thursday (Dec. 14).
• The Tuition Installment Payment Plan is also available.

If you have questions or need assistance, contact the Bursar’s Office directly at 423-425-4781.

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The Vice Chancellor for Research and the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs invite you to participate in an upcoming site visit to Oak Ridge National Laboratory. The purpose of the trip is to increase awareness of ORNL’s facilities, equipment and resources to enhance collaboration between UTC faculty and researchers at ORNL.

• To participate, you must register for the trip in InfoReady Review by Friday (Dec. 15).  |  Calendar
• Capacity is limited to 30 individuals, and slots will be filled based on the order of registration.

The trip is scheduled for a full day (including travel time) on Feb. 23, 2024, and transportation will be provided. Any UTC faculty member or researcher is eligible to participate; however, because ORNL is a Department of Energy-funded laboratory, additional information will be required from non-U.S. citizens to complete the badging process.

Please direct questions about InfoReady Review to ashley-ledford@utc.edu. Quick guides on how to set up a profile and how to apply are available on ORSP’s webpage.

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Math Kangaroo, an international mathematics competition, is returning to UTC. Math Kangaroo 2024, open to students in grades 1-12, will be held at UTC at 5:30 p.m. on March 21, 2024. Information about the competition and registration can be found on the Math Kangaroo website.

The deadline for registration is Friday (Dec. 15). The registration fee is $21 per student, and financial assistance is available.

Please share this message, the event PDF and the registration information PDF with anyone who might be interested in participating. For more information, click here. If you are new to this program, please read Math Kangaroo History.

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The Prism Center will be conducting a Safe Zone Aspiring Ally training session from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. on Monday (Dec. 18). Space is limited, so please click here to register.

A Safe Zone is a space in which anyone in the LGBTQ+ community will be supported and affirmed. Safe Zone training will help participants learn to create a supportive environment for LGBTQ+ members of campus by providing education, resources and advocacy. The training includes small group activities, an information session and large group discussions. Participants will then be able to display a UTC Safe Zone Aspiring Ally sticker in their office to demonstrate their commitment to the LGBTQ+ community.

Campus Updates

The New Student and Family Programs Office is excited to offer several orientation sessions next summer for new students starting in fall 2024. In addition to multiple in-person orientations, we will offer two online sessions that will be open to transfer students, adult students (23 years of age or older) and freshmen by exception. Registration for fall 2024 orientation will begin Saturday, Jan. 20, and can be found here.

If you are talking with students and/or parents and they have questions about orientation and enrollment, please direct them to call 423-425-5220 or email Orientation@utc.edu.

Freshman sessions:                         

• Wednesday, May 22 … Thursday, June 6 … Friday, June 7 … Monday, June 17 …
  Tuesday, June 18 … Monday, July 15 … Tuesday, July 16 … Thursday, July 25 …
  Friday, July 26

Transfer sessions:

• Tuesday, April 23 (Reading Day) … Tuesday, June 4 … Friday, June 21 …
  Thursday, June 27—online … Thursday, July 18 … Tuesday, July 23—online …
  Thursday, August 1

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The Undergraduate Admissions Office will be hosting the annual Blue and Gold Preview Day- Spring Edition for prospective students and their families on Saturday, March 23. Blue and Gold Preview Day-Spring Edition includes a tour of campus, an academic department fair, a student organization showcase and a residence hall open house.

Looking ahead

Mocs wrestler Kamdyn Munro (photo courtesy of Laura O’Dell/GoMocs.com)

This week’s Mocs home athletics calendar:

• Saturday (Dec. 16): Wrestling vs. Little Rock, Maclellan Gym, 4 p.m.
• Saturday (Dec. 16): Wrestling vs. Queens, Maclellan Gym, 5:30 p.m.
• Sunday (Dec. 17): Women’s basketball vs. Eastern Kentucky, McKenzie Arena, 6 p.m.

Looking back

Left: Assistant Professor of Physics Tian Li, works in the UTC Quantum Physics lab. Right: photo of Quantum facility in the EPB Building.

UTC has become the first academic institution to be connected to EPB Quantum Network℠ powered by Qubitekk. In late 2022, EPB and Qubitekk jointly launched the nation’s first industry-led, commercially available quantum network for running equipment and applications in an established fiber optic environment. UTC is connected to the network via a node within a quantum technology laboratory on campus.

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Kurtis Stechyn wears Hanes the crow on his hand and Madison Roberts holds a Bess Beetle, two elements in their animal physiology research project.

Sixteen projects were on display as part of a collaboration between the animal physiology course taught by Professor Loren Hayes, the meiofaunal biodiversity course taught by Assistant Professor Francesca Leasi and the ant ecology course taught by UC Foundation Associate Professor DeAnna Beasley. The trio began the collaboration, called the Integrative Biology Research Symposium, in fall 2022.

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

• UTC students win top roles in intercollegiate state legislature
• UTC School of Nursing voted tops in nation in Nurse.org competition
• German conference broadens the educational perspective of UTC’s Takeo Suzuki

WUTC Spotlight

As 2023 winds to a close, WUTC-FM hosts Richard Winham, Haley Solomon, Nessa Parrish and Brent Stott wanted to remind listeners about some of the great music released this year. Listen here to the WUTC staff’s top picks of 2023.

About Next Week

UTC Campus Weekly newsletter will be a special double-issue next Tuesday (Dec. 19) before taking a break for the holidays. Yes, even newsletters need a break.

If you have news, events or announcements you would like included in the Jan. 2 Campus Weekly, please submit your information to chuck-wasserstrom@utc.edu by 3 p.m. on Jan. 1 for placement in that newsletter.

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 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

Welcome to Reading Day!

The UTC Library offers extended hours through the end of finals. The building will be staffed 7:30 a.m.-2 a.m. weekdays, 7:30 a.m.-10 p.m. on Friday (Dec. 8), 9 a.m.-8 p.m. on Saturday (Dec. 9) and noon-2 a.m. on Sunday (Dec. 10).

• As part of Reading Day today (Dec. 5), the library is hosting an arts and crafts (all supplies provided) room for creative expression during study breaks. Research consistently shows that taking meaningful breaks can improve studying effectiveness, so all Mocs are invited to drop into Room 101 anytime between 11 a.m.-2 p.m. For more information, click here.
• For another type of creative study break today, the Library’s Studio (Room 305) will host a hand sewing workshop from 3-4 p.m. This study break provides a refreshing brain reset while also providing attendees with a practical skill. Click here for more info.

At various times during finals week, library personnel will convert a book cart into a snack cart and wheel it throughout the library to bring students a tasty treat.

Scrappy’s Cupboard Cap and Gown Loan Program Available

Graduates, Scrappy’s Cupboard is happy to offer cap and gown (academic regalia) loans to any undergraduate or graduate student who has been approved to participate in a UTC graduation ceremony and cannot afford to purchase the regalia required to participate. Academic Regalia is available for loan up to five days prior to the graduation ceremony and must be returned no later than five days after the ceremony.

To request a cap and gown loan for fall 2023 graduation ceremonies, please complete this request form no later than 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 12.

If you have questions, contact the Office of Student Outreach and Support at 423-425-2299 or e-mail scrappyscupboard@utc.edu.

Submit Your Events for the Winter Welcome Calendar

The Office of Student and Family Engagement is excited to announce the dates for our Spring Welcome Week: Jan. 8-12, 2024.

During the week, we offer a wide variety of events for our students. If you are hosting an event or program during the first week of classes, please consider submitting your event to the official calendar found on the Winter Welcome website.

• To submit an event, please complete this form.
• The priority deadline for the Winter Welcome calendar is 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 2. The final deadline to submit events is 1 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 5.

Email kidron-bullock@utc.edu with questions.

Save the Date: March 23, 2024

The Undergraduate Admissions Office will be hosting the annual Blue and Gold Preview Day- Spring Edition for prospective students and their families on Saturday, March 23. Blue and Gold Preview Day includes a tour of campus, an academic department fair, a student organization showcase and a residence hall open house.

Save the Dates: Fall 2024 Orientation 

The New Student and Family Programs Office is excited to offer several orientation sessions next summer for new students starting in fall 2024. In addition to multiple in-person orientations, we will offer two online sessions that will be open to transfer students, adult students (23 years of age or older) and freshmen by exception. Registration for fall 2024 orientation will begin Saturday, Jan. 20, and can be found here.

If you are talking with students and/or parents and they have questions about orientation and enrollment, please direct them to call 423-425-5220 or email Orientation@utc.edu.

Freshman sessions:                         

• Wednesday, May 22 … Thursday, June 6 … Friday, June 7 … Monday, June 17 … Tuesday, June 18 … Monday, July 15 … Tuesday, July 16 … Thursday, July 25 … Friday, July 26

Transfer sessions:

• Tuesday, April 23 (Reading Day) … Tuesday, June 4 … Friday, June 21 … Thursday, June 27—online … Thursday, July 18 … Tuesday, July 23—online … Thursday, August 1

The outstanding people of UTC

Brock Scholar and elementary education major Rebekah Cahill (pictured), who will be graduating from UTC this month, placed second in the 2023 Sloane Prize for Undergraduate Research poster competition at the 58th annual National Collegiate Honors Council conference in Chicago.

Check out these Mocs making a difference:

• When it comes to leading the future generation of leaders, innovators and thinkers, how do you inspire and teach them? Chancellor Angle was a recent guest on the Startup Station podcast to offer his perspective and experience.
• Two UTC political science and public service majors, sophomores Taylor Nelson and Carmen Witt, won top honors at the recent Tennessee Intercollegiate State Legislature mock government competition involving delegations from nearly 30 colleges and universities across Tennessee. Other UTC students honored included Hunter Fowler (elected Supreme Court Justice), Susanne Cooper (elected Speaker Pro Tem of the House), Ashley Ogletree (won Outstanding Lobbyist award) and Elias Griffin (won Outstanding Lobbyist Award).
• A trio of UTC faculty/staff members have recently been featured in Times Free Press stories: Mike Bradshaw, Marcus Mauldin and Ryan Russell.

Mark your calendar

The Manage My Housing portal will be open Dec. 6-Jan. 1 for students to change their spring 2024 residential meal plans. Meal plan eligibility is based on earned credit hours. If your fall 2023 credits will change your student classification, please wait until final grades are submitted before you attempt to make a change.

The University classifies undergraduate students as freshmen, sophomores, juniors or seniors according to the number of credit hours completed:

• Freshman: 0-29 semester hours
• Sophomore: 30-59 semester hours
• Junior: 60-89 semester hours
• Senior: 90 or more semester hours

The meal plans are listed by student classification. Please click here for more information.

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UTC is sponsoring Ice on the Landing in the open air at First Horizon Pavilion, home to the Chattanooga Market. Ice on the Landing is open most days from Nov. 24 through Jan. 28. Click here to learn more.

Don’t forget: Today (Dec. 5), students, faculty, staff and alumni receive an exclusive $2 discount on tickets. Use the code blueandgold at checkout to get your discounted tickets.

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The Office of Multicultural Affairs seeks the submission of engaging and collaborative programs for UTC Black History Month 2024. Click here to apply. The proposals should provide the UTC community with knowledge, resources and experiences that can apply to their everyday lives. We strongly encourage these events to be educational as well as engaging, interactive and creative. We encourage programs that foster collaboration with two or more faculty, staff or university departments in planning the event.

All program proposals are due by 5 p.m. today (Dec. 5).

This year, the Office of Multicultural Affairs has selected the theme of “African Americans and the Arts.” There will be emphasis on the transformative experiences created by African Americans past, present and future pertaining to the artistic expression. This month will showcase the intellectual and collective impact of African Americans in music, dance, art, fashion, literature, theater, film, storytelling, spoken word, poetry, song, entertainment, innovation, arts education and more. For additional information, click here for the Campus Updates post.

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The Prism Center will be conducting Safe Zone Aspiring Ally training sessions on the following dates:

• Today (Dec. 5): 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
• Monday, Dec. 18: 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

A Safe Zone is a space in which anyone in the LGBTQ+ community will be supported and affirmed. Safe Zone training will help participants learn to create a supportive environment for LGBTQ+ members of campus by providing education, resources and advocacy. The training includes small group activities, an information session and large group discussions. Participants will then be able to display a UTC Safe Zone Aspiring Ally sticker in their office to demonstrate their commitment to the LGBTQ+ community.

Space is limited, so please click here to register.

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Staff from Fleet Feet’s Chattanooga store will be in UTC Library Room 209 at 11:30 a.m. today (Dec. 5) to provide their expertise about how to find the right shoe for walking, running and just spending a lot of time on your feet. Join the Department of Health and Human Performance to learn about the difference between various shoe types and how to find your best fit. Plus, everyone has a chance to win prizes from Fleet Feet.

Contact Karissa-peyer@utc.edu with any questions.

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Information sessions are taking place this week for a spring 2024 study abroad course titled “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 Balkan countries of Albania, Greece and North Macedonia (May 5-19, 2024). The course is led by UTC Gary W. Rollins College of Business faculty member Beni Asllani, a native of Albania.

This week’s information sessions:

• Today (Dec. 5): Zoom, 4 p.m.  |  Calendar
• Wednesday (Dec. 6): Zoom, 4 p.m.  |  Calendar
• Thursday (Dec. 7): Zoom, noon  |  Calendar
• Friday (Dec. 8): Zoom, noon  |  Calendar

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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Human Resources provided a series of December staff development opportunities, including an online seminar from 3-4 p.m. on Thursday (Dec. 7) titled “Making the Holidays Happier.” Register here for the session.

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Hunter Hayes’ Flying Solo Tour is coming to the Walker Theatre (located inside the Memorial Auditorium) for an 8 p.m. show on Tuesday, Dec. 12. UTC students, faculty and staff have been offered a 25% discount for the show.

To purchase tickets, click on this link, then enter the code 25STUDENT in the “unlock” button in the upper right-hand corner of the screen for the discount price.

For more information, visit TivoliChattanooga.com.

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A message from the Office of the Bursar:

Spring 2024 is around the corner. If you are an eligible employee who is registered or plan to register for the spring semester and have not completed your employee fee waiver form, please submit your form to Human Resources for processing. The fee payment deadline for spring 2024 is Thursday, Dec. 14.

• Cancellation is an automatic process, and you must submit the required documents each semester to take advantage of your fee waiver benefit.
• If your eligible dependent or spouse is registered for classes and has a balance after processing their discount, the remaining balance must be paid to the Bursar’s Office by Thursday, Dec 14.
• The Tuition Installment Payment Plan is also available.

If you have questions or need assistance, contact the Bursar’s Office directly at 423-425-4781.

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The Office of Planning, Evaluation and Institutional Research (OPEIR) is hosting a series of workshops for faculty to learn about and be guided through the policy for proposing a new academic degree program at UTC. These workshops will cover the various stages of the process and feature guest speakers from departments on campus as well as the Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC). RSVP is not required but will help with planning and communication of events. Information about the next session:

• Thursday, Dec. 14: General information and assistance workshop, UTC Library Room 118A, 2:30 p.m. | Calendar

For further information, email kelli-baker@utc.edu, program coordinator for OPEIR, or call 423- 425-2216.

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The Vice Chancellor for Research and the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs invite you to participate in an upcoming site visit to Oak Ridge National Laboratory. The purpose of the trip is to increase awareness of ORNL’s facilities, equipment and resources to enhance collaboration between UTC faculty and researchers at ORNL.

The trip is scheduled for a full day (including travel time) on Feb. 23, 2024, and transportation will be provided. Any UTC faculty member or researcher is eligible to participate; however, because ORNL is a Department of Energy-funded laboratory, additional information will be required from non-U.S. citizens to complete the badging process.

• To participate, you must register for the trip in InfoReady Review by Friday, Dec. 15.  |  Calendar
• Capacity is limited to 30 individuals, and slots will be filled based on the order of registration.

Please direct questions about InfoReady Review to ashley-ledford@utc.edu. Quick guides on how to set up a profile and how to apply are available on ORSP’s webpage.

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Math Kangaroo, an international mathematics competition, is returning to UTC.

Math Kangaroo 2024, open to students in grades 1-12, will be held at UTC at 5:30 p.m. on March 21, 2024. Information about the competition and registration can be found on the Math Kangaroo website.

The deadline for registration is Friday, Dec. 15. The registration fee is $21 per student, and financial assistance is available.

Please share this message, the event PDF and the registration information PDF with anyone who might be interested in participating. For more information, click here. If you are new to this program, please read Math Kangaroo History.

Campus Updates

To all our graduating Mocs, congratulations from UTC Advancement. As your status advances from student to alumnus, you have the opportunity to create a lasting impact here at UTC. By donating just $5 or more, you can receive an exclusive gold cord to wear at commencement that signifies your commitment to future Mocs. This small donation can go a long way in helping to fund scholarships and enhance academic programs all over campus. Plus, wearing the gold cord at commencement will set you apart as a proud UTC supporter. Donate today and leave a legacy for future students at your alma mater.

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Graduates and families can download the Safe Mocs App and get all the information needed for fall 2023 commencement.

The commencement page has information for graduates, including getting tickets for their family and friends and how to order diplomas and transcripts. It also has information for families, such as commencement schedule, parking and getting into McKenzie Arena. For those who can’t make it to the ceremony, there is information on viewing the livestream.

Go to the Apple or Google Play app stores and search for “Safe Mocs.”

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It’s never too early to think about summer camp! Mocs basketball is hosting a kids camp for girls and boys ages 7-14 on June 24-27, 2024. Camp sessions will run from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. daily.

The cost is $260, including T-shirt and meals, and discounts are available for early bird signups, siblings and UTC employees. To register, visit chattanoogawomensbasketballcamps.com.

For questions, email tyler-r-clark@utc.edu.

Looking ahead

Photo credit: Dale Rutemeyer/GoMocs.com

This week’s Mocs home athletics calendar:

• Saturday (Dec. 9): Women’s basketball vs. North Alabama, McKenzie Arena, 2 p.m.
• Sunday (Dec. 10): Men’s basketball vs. Tennessee Wesleyan, McKenzie Arena, 2 p.m.

Looking back

Lucy Schultz and Catherine Meeks Quinlan

Associate lecturers Lucy Schultz and Catherine Meeks Quinlan are two driving forces behind UTC’s growing environmental studies minor, an interdisciplinary field that examines human interactions and the environment. These include the effects of human societies on the natural world and the role that environments—both natural and built—have played in shaping human cultures.

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

• Chancellor elected to CUMU board of directors
• Unusual instrument played during UTC Percussion Ensemble’s Beat Hunger concert
• Mocs Recovery: Reducing harm in the student body
• Actuarial science major calculating risk for financial freedom, job security
• Combating the heat: UTC students recognized for their work
• Tied to the ‘Thread of Fate’: UTC’s Remote Area Medical chapter prepares students to help others

Tales from the UTC PodLab

Bob Corker and Joda Thongnopnua

“Tennessee Valley Across the Table” is a student-led podcast that brings locals, often strangers with different views, together to learn who we are as people. It is inspired by StoryCorps’ One Small Step program.

In 2022, community members came to the UTC PodLab and opened their lives with stories about their families, their politics and their hopes for the future. This year, UTC Honors students, under the direction of Will Davis, studied the recordings and chose the material that most resonated with them. This episode by UTC political science student Daley Culberson features a conversation between Bob Corker and Joda Thongnopnua.

You can subscribe to “Tennessee Valley Across the Table” on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

WUTC Spotlight: The Haley Solomon Show

Comedian James “Murr” Murray (photo courtesy of Murr)

James “Murr” Murray is one of four comedians behind the hidden-camera reality show “Impractical Jokers.” The show follows four lifelong friends who compete to publicly embarrass each other in front of unsuspecting strangers.

This Saturday (Dec. 9), Murray brings elements of “Impractical Jokers” to Chattanooga’s Walker Theatre with his live standup comedy tour “Murr Live!” The show will feature at least one challenge where a random audience member, armed with a hidden camera and earpiece, is sent onto the streets of Chattanooga to interact with strangers at Murray’s command, all while the audience watches in suspense.

WUTC-FM’s Haley Solomon recently spoke with Murray about the origin of “Impractical Jokers” and the experience of “Murr Live!”

Be Well Tip: Happy Reading Day!

As we gear up for finals, remember that stress is normal. Here are a few tips to ensure stress stays in check and doesn’t become overwhelming:

• Prioritize the magic of sleep: All-nighters often end up hurting more than helping. Your brain and body deserve and need rest. Aim for a solid seven-plus hours of sleep each night to let your mind process the information you’ve learned, then wake up ready to conquer.
• Become a master of planning and time management: Create a list of all your tasks for Finals Week, then break them down into manageable chunks. Make a plan to study in 25-minute power sprints with mini-breaks in between and allow yourself longer breaks every few hours.
• Take care of yourself to take care of those tests: Stress-proof your immune system by giving it some love. Nourish your body with full, nutrient-rich meals, stay hydrated, take study breaks to do things that you enjoy, get some sunshine, move your body in a way that feels good, and remember that breathing is your best friend.

The Center for Wellbeing is here to support you during finals. Check out our Instagram page for a lineup of events happening in our space all week: There will be dogs and naps and massages.

Here’s to finishing the semester strong. You’ve got this!

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 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

Attention graduates: Scrappy’s Cupboard Cap and Gown Loan Program Available

Graduates, Scrappy’s Cupboard is happy to offer cap and gown (academic regalia) loans to any undergraduate or graduate student who has been approved to participate in a UTC graduation ceremony and cannot afford to purchase the regalia required to participate. Academic Regalia is available for loan up to five days prior to the graduation ceremony and must be returned no later than five days after the ceremony.

To request a cap and gown loan for fall 2023 graduation ceremonies, please complete this request form no later than 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 12.

If you have questions, contact the Office of Student Outreach and Support at 423-425-2299 or e-mail scrappyscupboard@utc.edu.

Medication Take Back Takes Place Today

The Center for Wellbeing is holding a Medication Take Back Event from 10 a.m.-noon today (Nov. 28) in the University Center Lobby. Stop by their table to drop off unused or expired medication and let them dispose it for you. They will also be providing Deterra medication disposal packs for home disposal and free prescription lockboxes—which keep your medications safe and ensures only the person prescribed the medication has access to it.

Bring expired or unused prescription, over-the-counter, or pet meds to be entered into a drawing for a $50 gift card.

Why should you participate?

• Flushing and throwing away medication pollutes our water system.
• Leaving unused medications around provides an opportunity for misuse by others.
• Sharing prescribed medication is illegal and dangerous.
• It keeps you organized and frees space in your cabinets.

The collection process:

• Please bring prescriptions in the original containers with your personal information crossed out.
• Bring prescription, over-the-counter and even pet medication.
• DO NOT bring needles, IV bags or radioactive medications. Contact your health care provider for information regarding disposal of these items.

This initiative is aimed at providing our community with a safe way to dispose of expired or unused medication. UTC also has a permanent disposal box located at the UTC Police Department.

Last-second heroics

Clayton Crile, center (photo courtesy of Billy Weeks/GoMocs.com)

On Saturday, a time-expiring 35-yard field goal from Clayton Crile gave the Mocs football team a 24-21 victory over Austin Peay State University in the first round of the FCS Playoffs. After earning its first-ever playoff win on the road, UTC improved to 8-4 overall and advanced to the second round of the playoffs for the first time since 2016.

The Mocs will face 7th-ranked Furman at 1 p.m. this Saturday (Dec. 2) in Greenville, South Carolina. The game will be televised on ESPN+.

• A limited number of tickets in the UTC fan block are available to purchase and are now on sale. To purchase tickets, please click here. Tickets are $30 and are available while supplies last. Seats will be allocated using the Mocs Club Priority Point System.
• The deadline to purchase tickets is 3 p.m. on Wednesday (Nov. 29). After this deadline, all purchased tickets will be assigned. Tickets will be sent via mobile delivery; no tickets will be mailed for this game.

Get your commencement info on the Safe Mocs App

Graduates and families can download the Safe Mocs App and get all the information needed for fall 2023 commencement.

The commencement page has information for graduates, including getting tickets for their family and friends and how to order diplomas and transcripts. It also has information for families, such as commencement schedule, parking and getting into McKenzie Arena. For those who can’t make it to the ceremony, there is information on viewing the livestream.

Go to the Apple or Google Play app stores and search for “Safe Mocs.”

Submit Your Events for the Winter Welcome Calendar

The Office of Student and Family Engagement is excited to announce the dates for our Spring Welcome Week: Jan. 8-12, 2024.

During the week, we offer a wide variety of events for our students. If you are hosting an event or program during the first week of classes, please consider submitting your event to the official calendar found on the Winter Welcome website.

• To submit an event, please complete this form.
• The priority deadline for the Winter Welcome calendar is 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 2. The final deadline to submit events is 1 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 5.

Email kidron-bullock@utc.edu with questions.

The outstanding people of UTC

Jay Person, left, tackles Kennesaw State’s Jonathan Murphy (photo courtesy of Derek Daniel/GoMocs.com)

Along with earning Southern Conference Defensive Player of the Year honors for the second consecutive year, Mocs football senior edge Jay Person learned that he’s a finalist for the Buck Buchanan Award—which goes to the FCS’ top defender. It’s his second straight season as a Buchanan Award finalist.

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During the recent Beat Hunger concert, UTC Percussion Ensemble students Trevor Kight, a junior majoring in mechatronics, and Roland Pullen and Ian Villarubia, both freshmen in music education, performed a musical piece titled “Shui” using crotales.

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Check out these Mocs making a difference:

• Dr. Saeid Golkar co-wrote an Atlantic Council piece titled “Meet the secret IRGC entity purging university professors in Iran.”
• Six Mocs soccer student-athletes were named Academic All-District by the College Sports Communicators: Caroline Ekern, Sylvie Keck, Zoey Mize, Hannah Opie, Mackenzie Smith and Kelly Tuerff. To be named Academic All-District, student-athletes must possess a 3.4 cumulative GPA and compete in at least 90 percent of matches or start in at least 66 percent of contests.

Mark your calendar

UTC is sponsoring Ice on the Landing in the open air at First Horizon Pavilion, home to the Chattanooga Market. Ice on the Landing is open most days from Nov. 24 through Jan. 28. Click here to learn more.

On Tuesday, Dec. 5, students, faculty, staff and alumni receive an exclusive $2 discount on tickets. Use the code blueandgold at checkout to get your discounted tickets.

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Information sessions are taking place this week for two spring 2024 study abroad courses, which are open to all UTC students. The courses have no prerequisites and include two-week international study trips to Germany and to the Balkan countries of Albania, Greece and North Macedonia. Both are led by UTC Gary W. Rollins College of Business faculty members.

This week’s information sessions:

• Today (Nov. 28): Germany, Zoom, noon
• Wednesday (Nov. 29): Balkans (Albania, Greece and North Macedonia), Zoom, 1 p.m.
• Thursday (Nov. 30): Germany, Zoom, noon

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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The UTC Department of Political Science and Public Service is hosting a November PSPS Sweet Research series, where PSPS faculty share their research and favorite desserts. Everyone is welcome to bring a lunch. All Sweet Research events take place from noon-12:50 p.m. in the 540 McCallie Building Room 462D.

On Wednesday (Nov. 29), Dr. Michelle Deardorff is the featured speaker for a talk titled “Rethinking Political Science Education: American Political Science Association’s Presidential Taskforce Preliminary Report.”

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Please join Accounting Services in celebrating Maggie Hall’s 35 years of service to UTC and sending best wishes for a happy retirement!

The party will take place from 2-4 p.m. on Thursday (Nov. 30) in the University Center Chickamauga Room. We would love to see you all stop by to wish her well on her next adventure.

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Please join the Mechanical Engineering Department for a reception honoring Dr. Prakash Dhamshala from 2-4 p.m. on Thursday (Nov. 30) in ECS Room 426 (Maytag Conference Room).

Dr. Dhamshala will be retiring at the end of the fall 2023 semester after 42 years at UTC. Click here to read about his career.

Refreshments will be served. We hope to see you there!

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The Office of Planning, Evaluation and Institutional Research (OPEIR) is hosting a series of workshops for faculty to learn about and be guided through the policy for proposing a new academic degree program at UTC. These workshops will cover the various stages of the process and feature guest speakers from departments on campus as well as the Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC). RSVP is not required but will help with planning and communication of events.

Upcoming sessions:

• Thursday (Nov. 30): Allison Evans (Budget and Finance), Joel Wells (University Registrar) and Rebecca Dragoo (Associate Registrar), UTC Library Room 118A, 2:30 p.m. | Calendar
• Thursday, Dec. 14: General information and assistance workshop, UTC Library Room 118A, 2:30 p.m. | Calendar

For further information, email kelli-baker@utc.edu, program coordinator for OPEIR, or call 423- 425-2216.

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Meet-up for Researchers is an opportunity to share research interests and projects with other faculty, staff, and graduate students and learn more about research and innovation happening at UTC.

The next event takes place from 11 a.m.-noon on Friday (Dec.1) in the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (Mapp Building, second floor). Dr. Lisa Piazza will briefly overview the 2024 UTC Spring Research and Arts Conference and answer questions. In addition, the CIE team has several new initiatives and seed-funding opportunities for faculty and staff that we are excited to share. Lunch will be provided. Contact jennifer-skjellum@utc.edu with questions. Register here to attend. | Calendar

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The Department of Chemistry and Physics concludes its fall seminar series with a talk this Friday (Dec. 1) by Dr. Stephan Schlamminger from the National Institute of Standards and Technology. His lecture, titled “Why is it so difficult to measure small forces and torques accurately?” will take place from 3-4 p.m. in Grote Hall Room 411.

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The Clarence T. Jones Observatory is located at 10 N. Tuxedo Ave. in Chattanooga.

The Clarence T. Jones Observatory will re-open on Sunday (Dec. 3) for its final Star Party of the semester. The evening’s topic will be extraterrestrial life and the featured constellation is Orion.

Come on out and look through Chattanooga’s historic 20.5-inch telescope, view a show with the new planetarium projector, learn about the latest astronomical research and meet members of the Chemistry and Physics department and the Barnard Astronomical Society.

The observatory, owned and operated by UTC, is free and open to the public. Gates open at 5:30 p.m., with a lecture and Planetarium show beginning at 6 p.m. and telescope viewing until 8 p.m.

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The Office of Multicultural Affairs seeks the submission of engaging and collaborative programs for UTC Black History Month 2024. Click here to apply. The proposals should provide the UTC community with knowledge, resources and experiences that can apply to their everyday lives. We strongly encourage these events to be educational as well as engaging, interactive and creative. We encourage programs that foster collaboration with two or more faculty, staff or university departments in planning the event.

All program proposals are due by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 5.

This year, the Office of Multicultural Affairs has selected the theme of “African Americans and the Arts.” There will be emphasis on the transformative experiences created by African Americans past, present and future pertaining to the artistic expression. This month will showcase the intellectual and collective impact of African Americans in music, dance, art, fashion, literature, theater, film, storytelling, spoken word, poetry, song, entertainment, innovation, arts education and more. For additional information, click here for the Campus Updates post.

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The Prism Center will be conducting Safe Zone Aspiring Ally training sessions on the following dates:

• Tuesday, Dec. 5: 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
• Monday, Dec. 18: 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

A Safe Zone is a space in which anyone in the LGBTQ+ community will be supported and affirmed. Safe Zone training will help participants learn to create a supportive environment for LGBTQ+ members of campus by providing education, resources and advocacy. The training includes small group activities, an information session and large group discussions. Participants will then be able to display a UTC Safe Zone Aspiring Ally sticker in their office to demonstrate their commitment to the LGBTQ+ community.

Space is limited, so please click here to register.

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Staff from Fleet Feet’s Chattanooga store will be in UTC Library Room 209 at 11:30 a.m on Tuesday, Dec. 5 (Reading Day) to provide their expertise about how to find the right shoe for walking, running and just spending a lot of time on your feet. Join the Department of Health and Human Performance to learn about the difference between various shoe types and how to find your best fit. Plus, everyone has a chance to win prizes from Fleet Feet.

Contact Karissa-peyer@utc.edu with any questions.

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Hunter Hayes’ Flying Solo Tour is coming to the Walker Theatre (located inside the Memorial Auditorium) for an 8 p.m. show on Tuesday, Dec. 12. UTC students, faculty and staff have been offered a 25% discount for the show.

To purchase tickets, click on this link, then enter the code 25STUDENT in the “unlock” button in the upper right-hand corner of the screen for the discount price.

For more information, visit TivoliChattanooga.com.

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A message from the Office of the Bursar:

Spring 2024 is around the corner. If you are an eligible employee who is registered or plan to register for the spring semester and have not completed your employee fee waiver form, please submit your form to Human Resources for processing. The fee payment deadline for spring 2024 is Thursday, Dec. 14.

• Cancellation is an automatic process, and you must submit the required documents each semester to take advantage of your fee waiver benefit.
• If your eligible dependent or spouse is registered for classes and has a balance after processing their discount, the remaining balance must be paid to the Bursar’s Office by Thursday, Dec 14.
• The Tuition Installment Payment Plan is also available.

If you have questions or need assistance, contact the Bursar’s Office directly at 423-425-4781.

Notice of Final Defense: Upcoming Research Presentations

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.

• Monday (Dec. 4): Nina Rice, ECS Room 415D, 1 p.m., Calendar
• Monday (Dec. 4): Awab Mohammed, ECS Maytag Conference Room, 3 p.m., Calendar

Campus Updates

To all our graduating Mocs, congratulations from UTC Advancement. As your status advances from student to alumnus, you have the opportunity to create a lasting impact here at UTC. By donating just $5 or more, you can receive an exclusive gold cord to wear at commencement that signifies your commitment to future Mocs. This small donation can go a long way in helping to fund scholarships and enhance academic programs all over campus. Plus, wearing the gold cord at commencement will set you apart as a proud UTC supporter. Donate today and leave a legacy for future students at your alma mater.

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Math Kangaroo, an international mathematics competition, is returning to UTC.

Math Kangaroo 2024, open to students in grades 1-12, will be held at UTC at 5:30 p.m. on March 21, 2024. Information about the competition and registration can be found on the Math Kangaroo website.

The deadline for registration is Friday, Dec. 15. The registration fee is $21 per student, and financial assistance is available.

Please share this message, the event PDF and the registration information PDF with anyone who might be interested in participating. For more information, click here. If you are new to this program, please read Math Kangaroo History.

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Free short-term physical therapy services are available for UTC students, faculty and staff. 

The Pro Bono Physical Therapy clinic, located in the Mapp Building, is staffed by UTC Doctor of Physical Therapy students and professors and is 100% free. Clinic hours are 8 a.m.-noon on Tuesdays and 1-5 p.m. on Thursdays. Call University Health Services at 423-425-2266 or email ptclinic@utc.edu for more information.

Looking ahead

Addie Porter (photo credit: Ray Soldano/GoMocs.com)

This week’s Mocs home athletics calendar:

• Sunday (Dec. 3): Women’s basketball vs. Mississippi State, McKenzie Arena, 2 p.m.

Looking back

Hao Luong (pictured), who will be graduating from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in December with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in painting and drawing, is literally leaving her mark on the walls of the institution.

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A new ethnomusicology class at UTC sends students to various venues around town to get an idea of what’s going on musically in Chattanooga. They then report what they’ve discovered over the course of the semester in podcasts, short films or photo essays.

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When Dr. Takeo Suzuki (pictured) agreed to teach a course on Japanese anime and manga culture this fall, he was supposed to have only 10 or 12 students. After the class filled up in the first hour of registration, the dean agreed to expand it—first to 15 and eventually to 35 students.

Tales from the UTC PodLab

Ashton Jolley, left, and Catherine Corcoran

“Tennessee Valley Across the Table” is a student-led podcast that brings locals, often strangers with different views, together to learn who we are as people. It is inspired by StoryCorps’ One Small Step program.

In 2022, community members came to the UTC PodLab and opened their lives with stories about their families, their politics and their hopes for the future. This year, UTC Honors students, under the direction of Will Davis, studied the recordings and chose the material that most resonated with them. This episode by UTC sociology student Mika Nelson features a conversation between Ashton Jolley and Catherine Corcoran.

You can subscribe to “Tennessee Valley Across the Table” on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

WUTC Spotlight: A Tribute to MLK’s Legacy in Downtown Chattanooga

Martin Luther King, Jr. Mural in downtown Chattanooga (photo credit: MLK Neighborhood Association Of Chattanooga)

A recent segment of WUTC-FM’s Scenic Roots featured a trio of guests reflecting on the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.—Dr. Jonathan McNair, the Ruth S. Holmberg Professor of American Music at UTC; Vice Chancellor for Access and Engagement Stacy Lightfoot; and Elijah Cameron, director of community relations at the Bessie Smith Cultural Center.

A tribute to Dr. King’s legacy will be held at the Bessie Smith Cultural Center on Thursday, Jan. 25.

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 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

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving holiday break to all of our UTC students, staff and faculty!

Thanks to the holiday break, please submit all items for next Tuesday’s edition of the Campus Weekly newsletter no later than 10 a.m. on Monday (Nov. 27).

Last chance to register for commencement tickets!

UTC is excited to host fall 2023 commencement to celebrate graduates’ achievements, with ceremonies taking place over two days Dec. 15-16.

Due to McKenzie Arena construction limiting attendance capacity, students must register in advance to get tickets for themselves, family and friends. Please complete the survey from the Registrar’s Office to walk at commencement and request tickets to enter McKenzie Arena. The survey, emailed by the Registrar’s Office earlier this month, is available until Monday (Nov. 27).

Please click here for additional graduation ceremony information.

Attention graduates: Scrappy’s Cupboard Cap and Gown Loan Program Available

Graduates, Scrappy’s Cupboard is happy to offer cap and gown (academic regalia) loans to any undergraduate or graduate student who has been approved to participate in a UTC graduation ceremony and cannot afford to purchase the regalia required to participate. Academic Regalia is available for loan up to five days prior to the graduation ceremony and must be returned no later than five days after the ceremony.

To request a cap and gown loan for fall 2023 graduation ceremonies, please complete this request form no later than 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 12.

If you have questions, contact the Office of Student Outreach and Support at 423-425-2299 or e-mail scrappyscupboard@utc.edu.

FCS Playoffs: Mocs heading to postseason

Photo courtesy of Ray Soldano/GoMocs.com

The 16th-ranked Mocs football team is headed to Clarksville, Tennessee, on Saturday (Nov. 25) to face No. 12 Austin Peay State University in the first round of the 2023 FCS playoffs. The 3 p.m. ET contest will be televised on ESPN+.

This will be the fifth FCS playoff appearance for UTC and just the seventh time the Mocs will face Austin Peay.

Tickets in the “Mocs Block” go on sale on GoMocs.com at 10 a.m. today (Nov. 21). Seats will be allocated based on the Mocs Club priority point system. The deadline to purchase is 3 p.m. on Wednesday (Nov. 22).

Submit Your Events for the Winter Welcome Calendar

The Office of Student and Family Engagement is excited to announce the dates for our Spring Welcome Week: Jan. 8-12, 2024.

During the week, we offer a wide variety of events for our students. If you are hosting an event or program during the first week of classes, please consider submitting your event to the official  calendar found on the Winter Welcome website.

• To submit an event, please complete this form.
• The priority deadline for the Winter Welcome calendar is 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 2. The final deadline to submit events is 1 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 5.

Email kidron-bullock@utc.edu with questions.

The outstanding people of UTC

From left: Tennessee Advanced Energy Business Council Board President Steve Seifried of Ameresco, Dr. Mina Sartipi and Thomas Ballard. Photo courtesy of Piper Communications.

Dr. Mina Sartipi was the recipient of the 2023 Thomas B. Ballard Advanced Energy Leadership Award presented by the Tennessee Advanced Energy Business Council.

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Dr. Stephanie Philipp (right), assistant professor of education and interim director of UTC’s STEM Education Program, was a recent guest on Tennessee STEM Explorers, a TV program produced for elementary and middle school students.

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Check out these Mocs making a difference:

• Senior Brock Scholar and elementary education major Rebekah Cahill recently placed second in the 2023 Sloane Prize for Undergraduate Research poster competition at the national meeting of the National Collegiate Honors Council in Chicago.
• Dr. Allen Pratt was interviewed by the Times Free Press and Local 3 News about the National Forum to Advance Rural Education and the new UTC Center of Excellence and Innovation in Education.
• Associate Professor of Criminal Justice Rick Dierenfeldt was featured for his expertise in a NewsChannel 9 special report.
• Dr. Kristi Wick’s work was featured in a UM News story titled “Engaging in ministry with older adults.”
• Professor of Criminal Justice Tammy Garland was interviewed by NewsChannel 9 about a legal case in Dade County, Georgia.
• A recent episode of the Tamron Hall Show featured an extended segment with Ruben Studdard, including tributes from students Bella Lam, Katie Fair and Rose Carroll.

Mark your calendar

UTC is sponsoring Ice on the Landing in the open air at First Horizon Pavilion, home to the Chattanooga Market. Ice on the Landing is open most days from Nov. 24 through Jan. 28. Click here to learn more.

On Tuesday, Dec. 5, students, faculty, staff and alumni receive an exclusive $2 discount on tickets. Use the code blueandgold at checkout to get your discounted tickets.

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The Center for Wellbeing is holding a Medication Take Back Event from 10 a.m.-noon on Tuesday, Nov. 28, in the University Center Lobby. Stop by their table to drop off unused or expired medication and let them dispose it for you. They will also be providing Deterra medication disposal packs for home disposal and free prescription lockboxes—which keep your medications safe and ensures only the person prescribed the medication has access to it.

Bring expired or unused prescription, over-the-counter, or pet meds to be entered into a drawing for a $50 gift card.

Why should you participate?

• Flushing and throwing away medication pollutes our water system.
• Leaving unused medications around provides an opportunity for misuse by others.
• Sharing prescribed medication is illegal and dangerous.
• It keeps you organized and frees space in your cabinets.

The collection process:

• Please bring prescriptions in the original containers with your personal information crossed out.
• Bring prescription, over-the-counter and even pet medication.
• DO NOT bring needles, IV bags or radioactive medications. Contact your health care provider for information regarding disposal of these items.

This initiative is aimed at providing our community with a safe way to dispose of expired or unused medication. UTC also has a permanent disposal box located at the UTC Police Department.

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The UTC Department of Political Science and Public Service will be hosting a November PSPS Sweet Research series, where PSPS faculty share their research and favorite desserts. Everyone is welcome to bring a lunch. All Sweet Research events take place from noon-12:50 p.m. in the 540 McCallie Building Room 462D. Upcoming events include:

• Wednesday, Nov. 29: Dr. Michelle Deardorff, “Rethinking Political Science Education: American Political Science Association’s Presidential Taskforce Preliminary Report”

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Please join Accounting Services in celebrating Maggie Hall’s 35 years of service to UTC and sending best wishes for a happy retirement!

The party will take place from 2-4 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 30, in the University Center Chickamauga Room. We would love to see you all stop by to wish her well on her next adventure.

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The Office of Planning, Evaluation and Institutional Research (OPEIR) is hosting a series of workshops for faculty to learn about and be guided through the policy for proposing a new academic degree program at UTC. These workshops will cover the various stages of the process and feature guest speakers from departments on campus as well as the Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC). RSVP is not required but will help with planning and communication of events.

Upcoming sessions:

• Thursday, Nov. 30: Allison Evans (Budget and Finance), Joel Wells (University Registrar) and Rebecca Dragoo (Associate Registrar), UTC Library Room 118A, 2:30 p.m. | Calendar
• Thursday, Dec. 14: General information and assistance workshop, UTC Library Room 118A, 2:30 p.m. | Calendar

For further information, email kelli-baker@utc.edu, program coordinator for OPEIR, or call 423- 425-2216.

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Meet-up for Researchers is an opportunity to share research interests and projects with other faculty, staff, and graduate students and learn more about research and innovation happening at UTC.

The next event takes place from 11 a.m.-noon on Friday, Dec.1, in the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (Mapp Building, 2nd floor). Dr. Lisa Piazza will briefly overview the 2024 UTC Spring Research and Arts Conference and answer questions. In addition, the CIE team has several new initiatives and seed funding opportunities for faculty and staff that we are excited to share. Lunch will be provided. Contact jennifer-skjellum@utc.edu with questions. Register here to attend. | Calendar

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The Clarence T. Jones Observatory is located at 10 N. Tuxedo Ave. in Chattanooga.

The Clarence T. Jones Observatory will re-open on Sunday, Dec. 3, for its final Star Party of the semester. The evening’s topic will be extraterrestrial life and the featured constellation is Orion.

Come on out and look through Chattanooga’s historic 20.5-inch telescope, view a show with the new planetarium projector, learn about the latest astronomical research and meet members of the Chemistry and Physics department and the Barnard Astronomical Society.

The observatory, owned and operated by UTC, is free and open to the public. Gates open at 5:30 p.m., with a lecture and Planetarium show beginning at 6 p.m. and telescope viewing until 8 p.m.

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The Center for Women and Gender Equity will be conducting Safe Zone Aspiring Ally training sessions on the following dates:

• Tuesday, Dec. 5: 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
• Monday, Dec. 18: 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

A Safe Zone is a space in which anyone in the LGBTQ+ community will be supported and affirmed. Safe Zone training will help participants learn to create a supportive environment for LGBTQ+ members of campus by providing education, resources and advocacy. The training includes small group activities, an information session and large group discussions. Participants will then be able to display a UTC Safe Zone Aspiring Ally sticker in their office to demonstrate their commitment to the LGBTQ+ community.

Space is limited, so please click here to register.

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Hunter Hayes’ Flying Solo Tour is coming to the Walker Theatre (located inside the Memorial Auditorium) for an 8 p.m. show on Tuesday, Dec. 12. UTC students, faculty and staff have been offered a 25% off discount for the show.

To purchase tickets, click on this link, then enter the code 25STUDENT in the “unlock” button in the upper right-hand corner of the screen for the discount price.

For more information, visit TivoliChattanooga.com.

Notice of Final Defense: Upcoming Research Presentations

The UTC Graduate School announced that the following students will be presenting their final works of research as an advanced degree candidate.

• Monday, Dec. 4: Nina Rice, ECS Room 415D, 1 p.m., Calendar
• Monday, Dec. 4: Awab Mohammed, ECS Maytag Conference Room, 3 p.m., Calendar

Campus Updates

Math Kangaroo, an international mathematics competition, is returning to UTC.

Math Kangaroo 2024, open to students in grades 1-12, will be held at UTC at 5:30 p.m. on March 21, 2024. Information about the competition and registration can be found on the Math Kangaroo website.

The deadline for registration is Friday, Dec. 15. The registration fee is $21 per student, and financial assistance is available.

Please share this message, the event PDF and the registration information PDF with anyone who might be interested in participating. For more information, click here. If you are new to this program, please read Math Kangaroo History.

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Free short-term physical therapy services are available for UTC students, faculty and staff. 

The Pro Bono Physical Therapy clinic, located in the Mapp Building, is staffed by UTC Doctor of Physical Therapy students and professors and is 100% free. Clinic hours are 8 a.m.-noon on Tuesdays and 1-5 p.m. on Thursdays. Call University Health Services at 423-425-2266 or email ptclinic@utc.edu for more information.

Looking ahead

Honor Huff (photo courtesy of Cindy Rice Shelton/GoMocs.com)

This week’s Mocs home athletics calendar:

• Friday (Nov. 24): Men’s basketball vs. Evansville (Coke Zero Sugar Classic), McKenzie Arena, 2 p.m.
• Saturday (Nov. 25): Evansville vs. Southeast Missouri State (Coke Zero Sugar Classic), McKenzie Arena, 2 p.m.
• Sunday (Nov. 26): Men’s basketball vs. Southeast Missouri State (Coke Zero Sugar Classic), McKenzie Arena, 2 p.m.

Looking back

For the fifth consecutive year, the Rocket Mocs have qualified for the NASA United Student Launch Initiative Challenge. The team has to build a rocket that can reach an altitude of at least 4,000 feet—but no higher than 6,000 feet—for their competition launch.

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Zibin Guo teaches Tai Chi, Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2023, in Roland Hayes Concert Hall.

Dr. Zibin Guo began the Wheelchair/Adaptive Tai Chi program in 2016 to train health care workers to teach the smooth, fluid movements of the martial art to veterans with disabilities. The program showed the veterans that, although they might feel powerless and weak, that was never the case, whether they were wheelchair-bound or suffered from PTSD, anxiety or other conditions that veterans sometimes experience.

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

• Alum Sunny Fleming maps out a plan for a career in GIS
• Criminal justice students collaborate with University High to ‘pour for a purpose’
• How to move up the law enforcement ladder with a criminal justice degree

Tales from the UTC PodLab

Kim White, left, and Amy Donahue

“Tennessee Valley Across the Table” is a student-led podcast that brings locals, often strangers with different views, together to learn who we are as people. It is inspired by StoryCorps’ One Small Step program.

In 2022, community members came to the UTC PodLab and opened their lives with stories about their families, their politics and their hopes for the future. This year, UTC Honors students, under the direction of Will Davis, studied the recordings and chose the material that most resonated with them. This episode by UTC psychology student Marissa Lott features a conversation between Kim White and Amy Donahue.

You can subscribe to “Tennessee Valley Across the Table” on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

WUTC Spotlight: Priorities for Rural Education

Dr. Allen Pratt

Dr. Allen Pratt, interim co-director of the UTC School of Education and executive director of the National Rural Education Association, brought the NREA’s 2023 Convention and Research Symposium to Chattanooga last week. Ensuring that current and future teachers are ready to meet the needs of rural schools is vital; case in point, Chattanooga’s surrounding community includes 17 rural districts.

Pratt recently appeared on WUTC-FM’s Scenic Roots to talk about priorities for rural education.

Student Lens: Smashing Pumpkins

It wouldn’t be fall without the smashing pumpkins of Compost-O-Ween, as seen through the lens of Mocs News producer Katie Stevenson, a UTC senior communication major.

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 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

Don’t forget to register for commencement tickets!

UTC is excited to host fall 2023 commencement to celebrate graduates’ achievements, with ceremonies taking place over two days:

• Friday, Dec. 15: Graduate School, 2:30 p.m.
• Saturday, Dec. 16: College of Arts and Sciences and College of Engineering and Computer Science, 9 a.m.
• Saturday, Dec. 16: Gary W. Rollins College of Business and College of Health, Education and Professional Studies, 1 p.m.

Due to McKenzie Arena construction limiting attendance capacity, students must register in advance to get tickets for themselves, family and friends. Please complete the survey from the Registrar’s Office to walk at commencement and request tickets to enter McKenzie Arena.

• The survey was emailed last week and is available until Monday, Nov. 27.
• Please click here for additional graduation ceremony information.

It’s International Education Week

Join the Center for Global Education for International Education Week (IEW), a joint initiative of the U.S. Departments of State and Education recognizing the benefits of international education and exchange worldwide.

Every fall, UTC celebrates IEW through special events related to international learning, leadership and exchange. IEW events celebrate cultural diversity, global awareness and the value that international scholars and students bring to campus communities. Attend events listed below for a chance to win a sweatshirt.

• Today (Nov. 14): How to Build a Faculty-led Study Abroad, University Center Chickamauga Room, 11 a.m.-noon
• Today (Nov. 14): Tai Chi, Lupton Lobby, noon-1 p.m.
• Today (Nov. 14): International Tea Time, Lupton Hall Lobby, 3-4:30 p.m.
• Wednesday (Nov. 15): Dance Around the World, Lupton Hall Lobby, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
• Wednesday (Nov. 15): Global Spotlight: Germany, Lupton Hall Lobby, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
• Thursday (Nov. 16): Faculty and Staff Lunch and Learn: Ask CGE advisors, UTC Library Room 209, noon-1 p.m.
• Thursday (Nov. 16): Passport to Culture, Lupton Hall Lobby, 2-4 p.m.

NREA national conference taking place in Chattanooga

Photo credit: Chattanooga Convention and Visitors Bureau

The National Forum to Advance Rural Education will be held Thursday and Friday (Nov. 16-17) at the Chattanooga Convention Center. Hosted by the National Rural Education Association and the Rural Schools Collaborative, the event is designed to create an environment for collaboration and innovation with a diverse community that includes national experts, K-12 and higher education practitioners, leading researchers, policymakers, and philanthropic leaders from around the country.

Submit Your Events for the Winter Welcome Calendar

The Office of Student and Family Engagement is excited to announce the dates for our Spring Welcome Week: Jan. 8-12, 2024.

During the week, we offer a wide variety of events for our students. If you are hosting an event or program during the first week of classes, please consider submitting your event to the official  calendar found on the Winter Welcome website.

• To submit an event, please complete this form.
• The priority deadline for the Winter Welcome calendar is 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 2. The final deadline to submit events is 1 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 5.

Email kidron-bullock@utc.edu with questions.

Beating the drum to Beat Hunger

Members of the UTC Percussion Ensemble, including (from left) Lucas Marsicano, Scott Keil, Logan Brown, Trevor Kight, Corbin Winters, Roland Pullen and Colton Brown, will Beat Hunger in support of Scrappy’s Cupboard.

The UTC Percussion Ensemble annually hosts a concert/food drive on the Monday before Thanksgiving. This year’s Beat Hunger concert, taking place at 7:30 p.m. on Monday (Nov. 20) in the Fine Arts Center’s Roland Hayes Concert Hall, is partnering with Scrappy’s Cupboard to raise food for students on campus.

Admission to the concert is two cans of non-perishable food items or any other donation to Scrappy’s Cupboard. Click here to find the list of approved items.

The UTC Percussion Ensemble is a chamber music group comprised of music and non-music majors. At the Beat Hunger event, everyone will get to hear the beautiful sound of the marimba paired with the thundering sound of drums—and also get to hear our amazing students play percussion solos throughout the concert.

The outstanding people of UTC

Congratulations to UTC faculty and staff who received awards or submitted proposals for sponsored programs in October. The Office of Research and Sponsored Programs announced that faculty and staff attracted $17,789 in external grant and contract awards during the month and submitted proposals for the potential to generate over $1,009,122 in external funding, if awarded.

Among those receiving awards in October was Health and Human Performance Associate Professor Jennifer Hogg (pictured), who received $13,789 from Trazer, Inc. for the project titled, “Reliability & Validity of Trazer XP.”

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Biochemistry major Zayda Dominick and Assistant Professor Benjamin Stein

In late October, Zayda Dominick and 13 other UTC undergraduates, accompanied by faculty from the Department of Chemistry and Physics, had the opportunity to present the results of their research at the Southeastern Regional Meeting of the American Chemical Society in Durham, North Carolina. Dominick, who presented research she began during her freshman year titled “Understanding how NtrZ affects NtrY in Caulobacter crescentus,” received an undergraduate poster award.

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Check out these Mocs making a difference:

• The Times Free Press came to the Challenger STEM Learning Center on Friday for “Pouring for Purpose: Building Pathways to Ethics and Equity.”  The event, organized by Assistant Professor Katelyn Hancock, was a pour-painting collaboration between UTC criminal justice students and University High juniors.
• To help promote Sunday’s UTC Symphony Orchestra concert, seniors Meaghan Hibbs and Sarita Jetton were guests on WDEF’s Let’s Chatt morning show.
• Three UTC Police Department officers—Gassim Abazid, Jeffrey Muzyn and Jason Tillison—have been promoted to corporal.
• Soccer midfielder Birna Johannsdottir was named the Southern Conference women’s soccer Player of the Month for October.

Mark your calendar

Senior Maegan Whitlock, left, and junior Calista Geralds star in “Alabaster”

A darkly comic Southern drama about love, art and the power of women will soon be coming to the Fine Arts Center’s Dorothy Hackett Ward Theatre stage. The UTC Theatre Co. continues its 2023-2024 season with “Alabaster,” written by award-winning playwright and Alabama native Audrey Cefaly.

Performances will take place at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 14-18, with a 2 p.m. matinee performance on Saturday (Nov. 18). 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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The College of Engineering and Computer Science is hosting two graduate program informational sessions this week. If you’re interested in Graduate School and want to learn more, we will discuss our programs in Engineering, Engineering Management and Computer Science. Bring any questions you may have, and food will be provided.

The following sessions will take place in the Maytag Room (Engineering and Computer Science Room 426):

• Today (Nov. 14): 2:45 p.m.
• Thursday (Nov. 16): 4:45 p.m.

Email Mackenzie-L-Clark@utc.edu with questions and to RSVP.

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Please join UTC’s Interdisciplinary Geospatial Technologies Lab (IGTLab) for GIS Day on Wednesday (Nov. 15)—a day for users of GIS technology to demonstrate real-world applications that are making a difference in our society. Calendar

GIS Day will take place from 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. in the Multidisciplinary Research Building, including a workshop and special guest Sunny Fleming—a UTC alum and environment lead at Esri. This event is open to all UTC students, faculty and staff and the general public. To learn more, click here.

Please RSVP here so the IGTLab knows how many visitors to expect.

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The UTC Department of Political Science and Public Service will be hosting a November PSPS Sweet Research series, where PSPS faculty share their research and favorite desserts. Everyone is welcome to bring a lunch. All Sweet Research events take place from noon-12:50 p.m. in the 540 McCallie Building Room 462D. Upcoming events include:

• Wednesday (Nov. 15): Dr. RJ Groh, “Diaspora Reimagined: Understanding the Generational Component to Victim Diaspora”
• Wednesday, Nov. 29: Dr. Michelle Deardorff, “Rethinking Political Science Education: American Political Science Association’s Presidential Taskforce Preliminary Report”

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The Department of Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures will host a general information meeting at 4 p.m. on Wednesday (Nov. 15) in Lupton Hall Room 239 for students interested in a summer 2024 study abroad program in Alcalá de Henares, Spain. The program will be explained in detail, including options for scholarships and other forms of aid. Please bring your questions (or even better, send them by email in advance). Also, bring friends or classmates you think could be interested. Everybody is welcome. Calendar

Located 22 miles northeast of Madrid, Alcalá de Henares is UNESCO’s World Heritage Site. Students go for a month (June, 9 credit hours) or two months (June-July, 15 credit hours). Courses embrace different aspects of language, culture and literature and include diverse content like arts, film, gastronomy, politics and sports. Students interested should email jose-luis-gastanaga@utc.edu to discuss the benefits of a study abroad program and the details of this program in particular.

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Everyone is invited to celebrate the commitment of our students, their stated goals and what they will continue to do to impact UTC and the Chattanooga community at the Moc LEAD graduation celebration and reception, taking place from 1:45-3 p.m. on Thursday (Nov. 16) in University Center Chattanooga Room C. Calendar

The fall 2023 cohort of the Moc LEAD Self-Awareness Experience has spent the last 10 weeks putting a magnifying glass on their “why” statements, values, strengths and pertinent leadership practices. Through experiential workshops, reflection prompts and exercises, each active participant has grown in skills such as adaptability, accountability, authenticity, communication and relationship building.

• RSVP is not required but highly appreciated. Refreshments and dessert will be served.
• A program beginning at 2:05 p.m. will include brief remarks from select Moc LEAD Self-Awareness Experience graduates and special guest Shadrina Booker, director of community engagement for the City of Chattanooga.

Email Daniel-Grzesik@utc.edu, the director of Leadership Development and Programs, if you have any questions, or call 423-425-4252. To learn more about Moc LEAD, click here.

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The post-Halloween Philosophical Horror Film Fest, sponsored by the UTC Department of Philosophy and Religion, will take place from 5:30-7 p.m. on Thursday (Nov. 16) in the University Center Auditorium. Calendar

Come for free pizza and candy and watch films created by UTC students—with prizes being awarded for the top films.

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The Office of Planning, Evaluation and Institutional Research (OPEIR) is hosting a series of workshops for faculty to learn about and be guided through the policy for proposing a new academic degree program at UTC. These workshops will cover the various stages of the process and feature guest speakers from departments on campus as well as the Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC). RSVP is not required but will help with planning and communication of events.

Upcoming sessions:

• Thursday (Nov. 16): General information and assistance workshop, UTC Library Room 118A, 2:30 p.m., Calendar
• Thursday, Nov. 30: Allison Evans (Budget and Finance), Joel Wells (University Registrar) and Rebecca Dragoo (Associate Registrar), UTC Library Room 118A, 2:30 p.m., Calendar
• Thursday, Dec. 14: General information and assistance workshop, UTC Library Room 118A, 2:30 p.m., Calendar

For further information, email kelli-baker@utc.edu, program coordinator for OPEIR, or call 423- 425-2216.

Notice of Final Defense: Upcoming Research Presentation

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

• Thursday (Nov. 16): John Alpers, Zoom, 10 a.m., Calendar

Campus Updates

A message from UTC Transportation Services

UT Safety and Risk Management has created an online portal for vehicle accident and incident reporting. This applies to accidents or damage while driving a University-owned vehicle, a rental vehicle or a personal-owned vehicle while on official University business. The attached PDF instructions review the steps to take after being involved in an accident as well as the information needed to report the accident to the State of Tennessee Call Center (855-253-0629) when a vehicle not owned by UT is also involved. Note: If the Call Center is not contacted, a fine of $1,000 may apply.

Please click here for the Campus Updates post. For additional information, email  Motorpool@utc.edu or Debby-Corey@utc.edu.

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Math Kangaroo, an international mathematics competition, is returning to UTC.

Math Kangaroo 2024, open to students in grades 1-12, will be held at UTC at 5:30 p.m. on March 21, 2024. Information about the competition and registration can be found on the Math Kangaroo website.

The deadline for registration is Friday, Dec. 15. The registration fee is $21 per student, and financial assistance is available.

Please share this message, the event PDF and the registration information PDF with anyone who might be interested in participating. For more information, click here. If you are new to this program, please read Math Kangaroo History.

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Free short-term physical therapy services are available for UTC students, faculty and staff.

The Pro Bono Physical Therapy clinic, located in the Mapp Building, is staffed by UTC Doctor of Physical Therapy students and professors and is 100% free. Clinic hours are 8 a.m.-noon on Tuesdays and 1-5 p.m. on Thursdays. Call University Health Services at 423-425-2266 or email ptclinic@utc.edu for more information.

Looking ahead

Soccer midfielder Birna Johannsdottir was named the Southern Conference women’s soccer Player of the Month for October.

This week’s Mocs home athletics calendar:

• Today (Nov. 14): Men’s basketball vs. Bellarmine, McKenzie Arena, 7 p.m.
• Saturday (Nov. 18): Women’s basketball vs. UVA Wise, McKenzie Arena, 3 p.m.
• Sunday (Nov. 19): Men’s basketball vs. Tennessee Tech, McKenzie Arena, 2 p.m.

Looking back

Twelve UTC accounting students recently participated in a daylong forensic accounting exercise thanks to a collaboration between the Gary W. Rollins College of Business and the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation division.

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

• Dr. Trey Straussberger named director of UTC Office of National Scholarships
• Military molded Abeer Mustafa into successful UTC associate vice chancellor for enrollment
• UTC crowned top nursing school in Tennessee Student Choice Award voting
• UTC selected to 2023 Military Times Best for Vets: Colleges list
• From limited to limitless: UTC celebrates First Gen Week
• Welcome to campus: UTC set to host Power C Tour, Blue and Gold Preview Day
• Paleo skills workshop takes participants back in time
• Veterans’ impact at UTC: Faculty and staff bring military experience and wisdom to campus
• Each having served in the military, a trio of friends share a special bond at UTC
• The uniform: A retired general reflects on his service
• Power C Tour comes home to UTC campus
• With a ‘profound sense of gratitude and respect’: Thank you, veterans

Tales from the UTC PodLab

Lily Ford, left, and Helene Haile

“Tennessee Valley Across the Table” is a student-led podcast that brings locals, often strangers with different views, together to learn who we are as people. It is inspired by StoryCorps’ One Small Step program.

In 2022, community members came to the UTC PodLab and opened their lives with stories about their families, their politics and their hopes for the future. This year, UTC Honors students, under the direction of Will Davis, studied the recordings and chose the material that most resonated with them. This episode by UTC history and international studies student Jeneva Midgett features a conversation between Lily Ford and Helene Haile.

You can subscribe to “Tennessee Valley Across the Table” on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

WUTC Spotlight: Randy Boyd on Rural Education

UT System President Randy Boyd (photo credit: UT System)

The National Forum to Advance Rural Education will be held Thursday and Friday (Nov. 16-17) at the Chattanooga Convention Center.

UT System President Randy Boyd will give the welcome on the first day of the conference. He recently was a guest on WUTC-FM’s Scenic Roots to talk about rural education.

Center for Wellbeing Medication Take Back Event

The Center for Wellbeing is holding a Medication Take Back Event from 10 a.m.-noon on Tuesday, Nov. 28, in the University Center Lobby. Stop by their table to drop off unused or expired medication and let them dispose it for you. They will also be providing Deterra medication disposal packs for home disposal and free prescription lockboxes—which keep your medications safe and ensures only the person prescribed the medication has access to it.

Bring expired or unused prescription, over-the-counter, or pet meds to be entered into a drawing for a $50 gift card.

Why should you participate?

• Flushing and throwing away medication pollutes our water system.
• Leaving unused medications around provides an opportunity for misuse by others.
• Sharing prescribed medication is illegal and dangerous.
• It keeps you organized and frees space in your cabinets.

The collection process:

• Please bring prescriptions in the original containers with your personal information crossed out.
• Bring prescription, over-the-counter and even pet medication.
• DO NOT bring needles, IV bags or radioactive medications. Contact your health care provider for information regarding disposal of these items.

This initiative is aimed at providing our community with a safe way to dispose of expired or unused medication. UTC also has a permanent disposal box located at the UTC Police Department.

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 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

The Power C Tour Heads to the UC

If a family member, friend or neighbor is starting to think about college, let them know about a couple of upcoming large-scale recruiting events taking place at the University Center.

The Power C Tour, a statewide outreach effort to prospective students on academic programs, admissions, housing, financial aid and campus life at UTC, arrives here on campus from 6-7:30 p.m. on Wednesday (Nov. 8)—giving high school students, transfers, graduate students and their families a feel for UTC. Representatives from the academic colleges, student services, the UTC Executive Leadership Team—and Scrappy—will be on hand to answer questions and make connections in a friendly, relaxed environment. Visit utc.edu/roadtrip for registration information.

On Saturday (Nov. 11), the Undergraduate Admissions Office will host its annual Blue and Gold Preview Day for prospective students and their families. The event includes a campus tour, an academic department fair, a student organization showcase and a residence hall open house. Click here to register for Blue and Gold Preview Day.

Commemorating Veterans Day

On Friday (Nov. 10), UTC commemorates Veterans Day, a day to reflect on the sacrifices and service our veterans and their families have made for our country.

Yesterday, UTC was selected to the 2023 Military Times Best for Vets: Colleges list. UTC takes great pride in being a veteran-friendly campus, with approximately 600 veterans, military-affiliated students, spouses and dependents of veterans enrolled.

As part of the day’s festivities, the University hosts a Veterans Day Luncheon for all students, faculty and staff who are veterans or active military. Dr. Abeer Mustafa will be the keynote speaker; after graduating from high school, she enlisted in the U.S. Army—serving for four years and attaining the rank of E-4.

Celebrating UTC’s First Gen Students

Ja’Toria Powell, left, and Olivia Miller attend the First Gen Week kickoff

National First-Generation College Celebration Day takes place Wednesday (Nov. 8) and honors the anniversary of the signing of the federal Higher Education Act of 1965, which strengthened the educational resources of colleges and universities to provide financial assistance for students in postsecondary and higher education. The Council for Opportunity in Education and the Center for First-Generation Student Success launched the inaugural First-Generation College Celebration in 2017, which has developed into an annual event across the country.

In 2019, UTC Director of Student Success Programs Crystal Edenfield took that celebration a step further, creating First Gen Week—a series of programming recognizing first-generation UTC students who are the first in their families to pursue college degrees. Click here to learn more about this week’s First Gen celebration.

A wicked good time was had by all

The UTC Library was graced with 63 entrants in its annual Halloween Costume Contest, and nearly 1,900 votes were cast to choose the most creative outfits.

Sesame Street’s Bert and Ernie (students Eli Nelson and Gunter Hullander), Cruello DeVille (Jason Harville) and Dalmatian (Stormy Sims) took home top honors.

Submit Your Events for the Winter Welcome Calendar

The Office of Student and Family Engagement is excited to announce the dates for our Spring Welcome Week: Jan. 8-12, 2024.

During the week, we offer a wide variety of events for our students. If you are hosting an event or program during the first week of classes, please consider submitting your event to the official  calendar found on the Winter Welcome website.

• To submit an event, please complete this form.
• The priority deadline for the Winter Welcome calendar is 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 2. The final deadline to submit events is 1 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 5.

Email kidron-bullock@utc.edu with questions.

Commencement Marshals

We are looking for a handful of faculty or staff (around 15) to serve as marshals at each of our undergraduate commencement ceremonies on Saturday, Dec. 16.

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.

OPEIR offering new degree development workshops

The Office of Planning, Evaluation and Institutional Research (OPEIR) is hosting a series of workshops for faculty to learn about and be guided through the policy for proposing a new academic degree program at UTC. These workshops will cover the various stages of the process and feature guest speakers from departments on campus as well as the Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC). RSVP is not required but will help with planning and communication of events.

Upcoming sessions:

• Thursday (Nov. 9): Julie Roberts and Dr. Katie Brackett (THEC), UTC Library Room 209, 1:30 p.m.
• Thursday, Nov. 16: General information and assistance workshop, UTC Library Room 118A, 2:30 p.m.
• Thursday, Nov. 30: Allison Evans (Budget and Finance), Joel Wells (University Registrar) and Rebecca Dragoo (Associate Registrar), UTC Library Room 118A, 2:30 p.m.
• Thursday, Dec. 14: General information and assistance workshop, UTC Library Room 118A, 2:30 p.m.

For further information, email kelli-baker@utc.edu, program coordinator for OPEIR, or call 423- 425-2216.

The outstanding people of UTC

Breanna Evans (photo courtesy of Dr. Gail Dawson)

A research study by UTC senior Breanna Evans titled “Environmental Factors that Contribute to College Students Concerning Sleep and Physical Activity,” earned honorable mention recognition at the annual Black Doctoral Network (BDN) conference in Atlanta.

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From left: Dr. Jose Barbosa, students Nate Fortenberry, Garrett Reynolds and Joseph Patterson-Saeed, Chancellor Emeritus Fred Obear (photo courtesy of Dr. Gretchen Potts)

Last week, Chancellor Emeritus Fred Obear came to campus to donate ferns to the Teaching and Learning Garden and Dr. Jose Barbosa.

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Check out these Mocs making a difference:

• Times Free Press photographer Olivia Ross—a UTC alum—dropped by the UTC Library last Tuesday for Halloween photos of students, faculty and staff.
• With AI at the forefront, both the Times Free Press and News 12 Now visited with Vice Chancellor and Chief Information Officer Vicki Farnsworth and Walker Center for Teaching and Learning Director Victoria Bryan.
• Associate Dean of Students Brett Fuchs was interviewed by the Times Free Press and NewsChannel 9 about UTC’s first off-campus housing fair. The Times Free Press visit included a photo gallery.
• Mocs volleyball junior Elaine Redman has earned Southern Conference Setter of the Week honors five times this fall, establishing a program record.

Mark your calendar

Dr. Chandra Ward, director of community engagement for the Center for Urban Informatics and Progress, will be hosting the UTC Research Institute’s next brown bag lunch from noon-1 p.m. on Wednesday (Nov. 8) in UTC Library Room 435. Each brown bag lunch is designed to engage faculty and staff across campus in identifying opportunities for collaboration.

Thursday’s event is titled “Multidisciplinary participation and community engagement in the era of big data, AI and smart city initiatives.”

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The UTC Department of Political Science and Public Service will be hosting a November PSPS Sweet Research series, where PSPS faculty share their research and favorite desserts. Everyone is welcome to bring a lunch. All Sweet Research events take place from noon-12:50 p.m. in the 540 McCallie Building Room 462D. Upcoming events include:

• Wednesday (Nov. 8): Dr. Chris Acuff, “A Bibliometric Analysis of Urban Greenway Literature: Implications for Interdisciplinary Research on Urban Systems”
• Wednesday, Nov. 15: Dr. RJ Groh, “Diaspora Reimagined: Understanding the Generational Component to Victim Diaspora”
• Wednesday, Nov. 29: Dr. Michelle Deardorff, “Rethinking Political Science Education: American Political Science Association’s Presidential Taskforce Preliminary Report”

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The Latin American and Caribbean Dialogues Speaker Series presents Dr. Jordan Lynton Cox, who will give a lecture titled “Hybrid Diasporas in the Age of Rising China: Tracing Contestations of China’s Presence in the Caribbean” at 5 p.m. on Thursday (Nov. 9) in the University Center Chickamauga Room.

The lecture will examine how colonially mediated ideas of race and identity are reconstituted in conflicts engendered by the extension of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI-China’s reconstruction of the Silk Route) into Jamaica and the broader Caribbean.

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On Friday (Nov. 10), the UTC Criminal Justice students and University High students will come together to launch “Pouring for Purpose: Building Pathways to Ethics and Equity,” a gallery and partner-building event taking place from 1-3 p.m. at the UTC Challenger STEM Learning Center.

The pour-painting event was organized by UTC Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice Katelyn Hancock, who said representatives from various criminal justice and social service organizations in the Chattanooga community will be on hand to create their own unique canvas paintings.

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The Department of Chemistry and Physics continues its seminar series from 3-4 p.m. on Friday (Nov. 10) in Grote Hall Room 411 with a talk by Dr. Trevor Latendresse titled “The Controlled Design of Molecular Clusters for Nanomagnets and Multi-Electron Chemical Transformations.” All are invited to attend.

Latendresse, who graduated from UTC in 2016 with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry, is currently a National Institutes of Health post-doctoral scholar at Harvard University.

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Dr. Katsuya Yuasa and Dr. Ayça Çetin

Duo Esplanade, a dynamic ensemble comprised of Dr. Ayça Çetin on flute and Dr. Katsuya Yuasa on clarinet, will perform at the Cadek Recital Hall at 7:30 p.m. on Friday (Nov. 10). The free concert is open to the public.

Çetin is a visiting lecturer of music theory, teaching musicianship and aural skills at UTC. Yuasa is a UTC adjunct instructor of applied clarinet.

“The audience will be treated to a smorgasbord of sounds, techniques and styles, making for an exciting evening,” said Dr. Jonathan McNair, the Ruth S. Holmberg Professor of American Music.

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The UTC Symphony Orchestra and the Chattanooga High School Center for Creative Arts String Orchestra will present a free public concert at 3 p.m. on Sunday (Nov. 12), in the Fine Arts Center’s Roland Hayes Concert Hall.

The performance will include “Carmen Suites 1 and 2” by Georges Bizet and “Tragic Overture” by Johannes Brahms.

The CCA String Orchestra, which contains students from grades 8-12, will perform selections from “Bach and Roll,” including “Brandenburg Concerto No. 3” by Johann Sebastian Bach and “Brandenburg” by Black Violin.

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Senior Maegan Whitlock, left, and junior Calista Geralds

A darkly comic Southern drama about love, art and the power of women will soon be coming to the Fine Arts Center’s Dorothy Hackett Ward Theatre stage. The UTC Theatre Co. continues its 2023-2024 season with “Alabaster,” written by award-winning playwright and Alabama native Audrey Cefaly.

Performances will take place at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 14-18, with a 2 p.m. matinee performance on Saturday, Nov. 18. 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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Please join UTC’s Interdisciplinary Geospatial Technologies Lab (IGTLab) for GIS Day on Wednesday, Nov. 15—a day for users of GIS technology to demonstrate real-world applications that are making a difference in our society.

GIS Day will take place from 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. in the Multidisciplinary Research Building, including a workshop and special guest Sunny Fleming—a UTC alum and environment lead at Esri. This event is open to all UTC students, faculty and staff and the general public. To learn more, click here.

Please RSVP here so the IGTLab knows how many visitors to expect.

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Everyone is invited to celebrate the commitment of our students, their stated goals and what they will continue to do to impact UTC and the Chattanooga community at the Moc LEAD graduation celebration and reception, taking place from 1:45-3 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 16, in University Center Chattanooga Room C.

The fall 2023 cohort of the Moc LEAD Self-Awareness Experience has spent the last 10 weeks putting a magnifying glass on their “why” statements, values, strengths and pertinent leadership practices. Through experiential workshops, reflection prompts and exercises, each active participant has grown in skills such as adaptability; accountability; authenticity; communication; and relationship building.

• RSVP is not required but highly appreciated. Refreshments and dessert will be served.
• A program beginning at 2:05 p.m. will include brief remarks from select Moc LEAD Self-Awareness Experience graduates and special guest Shadrina Booker, director of community engagement for the City of Chattanooga.

Email Daniel-Grzesik@utc.edu, the director of Leadership Development and Programs, if you have any questions—or call 423-425-4252. To learn more about Moc LEAD, click here.

Online Portal for Vehicle Accident and Incident Reporting

A message from UTC Transportation Services

UT Safety and Risk Management has created an online portal for vehicle accident and incident reporting. This applies to accidents or damage while driving a University-owned vehicle, a rental vehicle or a personal-owned vehicle while on official University business. The attached PDF instructions review the steps to take after being involved in an accident as well as the information needed to report the accident to the State of Tennessee Call Center (855-253-0629) when a vehicle not owned by UT is also involved. Note: If the Call Center is not contacted, a fine of $1,000 may apply.

Please click here for the Campus Updates link. For additional information, email  Motorpool@utc.edu or Debby-Corey@utc.edu.

Campus Updates

Human Resources provided a series of November staff development opportunities, including an online event from 10-11:30 a.m. today (Nov. 7) titled “The Passionate Professional” and a “Making Holidays Happier” Zoom session from 9:30-10:30 a.m. on Thursday (Nov. 9).

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Math Kangaroo, an international mathematics competition, is returning to UTC.

Math Kangaroo 2024, open to students in grades 1-12, will be held at UTC at 5:30 p.m. on March 21, 2024. Information about the competition and registration can be found on the Math Kangaroo website.

The deadline for registration is Dec. 15. The registration fee is $21 per student, and financial assistance is available.

Please share this message, the event PDF and the registration information PDF with anyone who might be interested in participating. For more information, click here. If you are new to this program, please read Math Kangaroo History.

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Free short-term physical therapy services are available for UTC students, faculty and staff.

The Pro Bono Physical Therapy clinic, located in the Mapp Building, is staffed by UTC Doctor of Physical Therapy students and professors and is 100% free. Clinic hours are 8 a.m.-noon on Tuesdays and 1-5 p.m. on Thursdays. Call University Health Services at 423-425-2266 or email ptclinic@utc.edu for more information.

Looking ahead

Junior volleyball player Elaine Redman has been named Southern Conference Setter of the Week five times this fall (photo credit: Ray Soldano/GoMocs.com).

This week’s Mocs home athletics calendar:

• Thursday (Nov. 9): Volleyball vs. Mercer (Maclellan Gym), 6 p.m.
• Friday (Nov. 10): Volleyball vs. Samford (Maclellan Gym), 6 p.m.
• Sunday (Nov. 12): Women’s basketball vs. Marshall (McKenzie Arena), 2 p.m.

Looking back

Dylan Rivera (pictured), a 2020 graduate of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, is the director of policy planning and implementation for the city of Chattanooga. His work directly influences Chattanooga’s minority neighborhoods by bridging the disparities in generational health, safety and prosperity.

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Three online doctoral-level UTC School of Nursing programs were ranked among the Top 20 in the country by EduMed.org. The online source ranked the Nurse Practitioner and BSN-to-DNP Bridge programs at No. 19 and the Nurse Practitioner program at No. 16 as one of the country’s most affordable.

For the second time this year, the School of Nursing was recognized as the best in the state of Tennessee by Nurse.org—this time as the the top vote-getter in the Tennessee Student Choice Award competition (as voted by students and alumni). UTC is now in the running to be named one of the top three nursing schools in the country, with online voting taking place at nurse.org/win.

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

• Power of We: UTC trio recognized for their future health care ambitions
• Picture perfect: Power C Tour takes UTC to Knoxville
• Staff impression: New Mocs hires welcomed to campus
• ROTC students experience Army in the sky on Blackhawk helicopter
• Music to their ears: Funding raised for Marching Mocs members to travel to London for New Year’s Day Parade

Tales from the UTC PodLab

Loman Martin, left, and Reid Belew

“Tennessee Valley Across the Table” is a student-led podcast that brings locals, often strangers with different views, together to learn who we are as people. It is inspired by StoryCorps’ One Small Step program.

In 2022, community members came to the UTC PodLab and opened their lives with stories about their families, their politics and their hopes for the future. This year, UTC Honors students, under the direction of Will Davis, studied the recordings and chose the material that most resonated with them. This episode by UTC communication student James Ortiz features a conversation between Loman Martin and Reid Belew.

You can subscribe to “Tennessee Valley Across the Table” on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

WUTC Spotlight: Unmasking: Elders Speak

UTC senior theatre major Ellen Rich performs Pat Wilcox’s monologue during “Unmasking: Elders Speak.” Photo by Brooke Bragger.

Twelve Chattanooga residents, ranging in age from their 70s to 98 years old, agreed to have their life memories—good and bad—transformed into dramatic monologues for “Unmasking: Elders Speak.” The production was helmed by Dr. Peggy Douglas, adjunct professor of economics in the Gary W. Rollins College of Business, and Dr. Anne Swedberg, associate professor of theater at UTC.

Be Well Tip: Let’s Talk Health Insurance

Your health matters, and we want to make sure you’re informed and covered.

Health insurance is a safety net that provides peace of mind and financial security when health challenges pop up and allows you to receive essential medical services and treatment—along with preventative healthcare. UTC offers a student health insurance option through UnitedHealthcare Student Resources (deadline for spring enrollment is Jan. 31, 2024). Click here to learn more.

• For employees who want to enroll in or make changes to employer-sponsored plans but missed the October enrollment deadline, you are able to request a one-time revision by Dec. 1.
• Students and employees may also be eligible for low or no-cost health insurance through Healthcare.gov (open enrollment lasts until Jan. 15, 2024).

Health insurance options can be intimidating and confusing, but Tennessee Healthcare Campaign is working to make finding the best option for you easier through their Insure All Tennessee initiative. For free enrollment assistance, click here to schedule a phone or in-person appointment.

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 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

Let the Ghoul Times Roll

Happy Halloween! Stop by the UTC Library today—where they put the “BOO” in books—for some Halloween fun. Students, staff and faculty are invited to enjoy costumes, candy, games, buttons, food, prizes and more.

From 1-3 p.m., students in costume should stop by the first floor of the library and pose for a photo. Photos will be uploaded to Facebook and the top three student costumes will win $50, $25 and $15 Starbucks gift cards. Check out MocSync for more details about the Annual Costume Contest, including costume inspiration links from the ghost of past Facebook photo galleries.

Don’t want to dress up? No problem—you can still participate in the Library’s Open House showcasing the best services and materials to save you from everyday horrors. Learn more about how the Library’s materials and services can save you from common college nightmares. As a bonus, all attendees can register to win door prizes.

UTC Student Lens Halloween Edition: Ghost Tracks

On an unsettling pursuit for the supernatural, guests of Chattanooga’s Ghost Tours are provided all the necessary ghost-hunting equipment for a chilling haunt. Parapsychological field investigator Alice Stephens educates their visitors on Chattanooga’s rich and eerie history while providing an interactive spiritual experience.

Click here to see Rising Rock’s Ghost Tracks, filmed and edited by Allie English and Taylor Carmody, written by Sarah Chesek and narrated by Noah Fernandez.

• Rising Rock features student-developed non-fiction stories about greater Chattanooga. The site is a combined effort of the Department of Communication and UTC student media—including The Echo (student newspaper), MocsNews (student video news program) and The Perch (student digital radio station).

The Power C Tour Heads to the UC

If a family member, friend or neighbor is starting to think about college, let them know about a couple of upcoming large-scale recruiting events taking place at the University Center.

The Power C Tour, a statewide outreach effort to prospective students on academic programs, admissions, housing, financial aid and campus life at UTC, takes place from 6-7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 8—giving high school students, transfers, graduate students and their families a feel for UTC. Representatives from the academic colleges, student services, the UTC Executive Leadership Team—and Scrappy—will be on hand to answer questions and make connections in a friendly, relaxed environment. Visit utc.edu/roadtrip for registration information.

On Saturday, Nov. 11, the Undergraduate Admissions Office will host its annual Blue and Gold Preview Day for prospective students and their families. The event includes a campus tour, an academic department fair, a student organization showcase and a residence hall open house. Click here to register for Blue and Gold Preview Day.

Submit Your Events for the Winter Welcome Calendar

The Office of Student and Family Engagement is starting to plan spring 2024 Winter Welcome Week activities.

During the first week of classes (Jan. 8-12), we hope to offer a variety of programs across campus and within different offices. If you are hosting an event or program, please consider submitting your event to the official Winter Welcome calendar found on the Winter Welcome website.

• To submit an event, please complete this form: https://forms.office.com/r/QyxGEhkkC3.
• The deadline for the Winter Welcome calendar is 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 2.

Email kidron-bullock@utc.edu with questions.

University Health Services Sports New Look

Thanks to a grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in collaboration with the Tennessee Department of Health, University Health Services has updated its clinic.

The waiting room furniture has been replaced with chairs which have antimicrobial coverings. Exam rooms have been updated and have non-porous countertops, touchless faucets, soap dispensers and paper towel holders and new cabinets.

While UHS is seeing fewer cases of COVID, please stay vigilant. COVID is still in the area, along with the flu. Click here to learn more.

The outstanding people of UTC

The UTC NAACP executive board includes: Bottom row, from left, Samara Graves, Sierra Mitchell, Sydney Jones, Amani Reid, Trinity Carroll and Nia Hardin. Top row, from left, Camryn Ellis, Dominique Harris, Nia-Grace Sharp, Kaiya Walls, Shakara Pankey, Alivia Lacy and Christiana Appling.

The UTC National Association for the Advancement of Colored People student chapter has been selected for the 2023 Viola Mapp Membership Ruby Hurley Image Award from the Chattanooga-Hamilton County NAACP.

The Ruby Hurley Image Awards highlight those who work to build a viable community and serve as ambassadors from the local community. This year’s awards presentation will take place on Thursday (Nov. 2) at the Chattanooga Convention Center.

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Check out these Mocs making a difference:

• Environmental Science Professor Jose Barbosa is teaching his students the benefits of keeping leaves on the ground.
• Dr. Bento Lobo was featured in a Local 3 News story about the growth of contracted workers.
• Senior men’s golfer Paul Conroy earned his second career win at the Furman Intercollegiate in Greenville, South Carolina.
• The Mocs soccer team placed four players on Southern Conference postseason teams. Mackenzie Smith was named to the all-conference first team while Clarissa Salinas and Kelly Tuerff earned a spot on the second team. Fabia Reinschmidt was selected to the all-freshman team.
• Five Mocs received postseason recognition at the SoCon Cross Country championships. Lesley Boyd was a women’s first-team selection and Maddie Wheatcroft was named to the second team. Aaron Isbell and Jack Martin were both named to the men’s second team. Martin and Lola Baker were chosen to the league’s all-freshmen team.
• The Mocs women’s basketball team was well-represented on the Southern Conference’s preseason all-conference team, as both Raven Thompson and Jada Guinn received recognition.
• Basketball guard Honor Huff, set to make his UTC debut, was selected to the men’s preseason all-SoCon team.

Mark your calendar

Information sessions are taking place for spring 2024 and summer 2024 faculty-led study abroad courses. The courses, led by Gary W. Rollins College of Business faculty members, have no prerequisites, include two-week international study trips and are open to all UTC students.

This week’s information sessions:

• Today (Oct. 31): Balkans (Albania, Greece and North Macedonia), Zoom, noon
• Wednesday (Nov. 1): South Korea, Fletcher Hall Room 109 or Zoom, 2 p.m.
• Thursday (Nov. 2): Germany, Fletcher Hall Room 109, noon
• Friday (Nov. 3): South Korea, Zoom, noon

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.

All UTC students, faculty, staff and members of the Chattanooga business community are invited to join the Gary W. Rollins College of Business for the 2023 Entrepreneurship Breakfast from 7:30-9 a.m. on Wednesday (Nov. 1) in the University Center Tennessee Room. Breakfast will be available starting at 7:30 a.m. and the program will begin around 8 a.m.

The event is free, but registration is requested. Learn more and register here.

The event speaker is Tasia Malakasis, chief executive officer of The Company Lab (CO.LAB) and serial entrepreneur. Click here to learn her story.

“Disability Visibility: First-Person Stories from the Twenty-First Century,” edited by Alice Wong, was selected as the Read to Achieve text for 2023-2024. “Disability Visibility,” a collective anthology of short essays, interview transcripts, articles, blog posts and creative prose, introduces UTC students to conversations in and around disability representation.

In celebration of that book selection, Haben Girma—a human rights lawyer advancing disability justice, the first deafblind person to graduate from Harvard Law School and contributor to “Disability Visibility”—has been invited to UTC to share her story. Girma, named a White House Champion of Change by President Obama and the recipient of a Helen Keller Achievement Award, will speak at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday (Nov. 2) in the University Center Tennessee Room. Her lecture is open to all.

Girma’s visit to UTC is sponsored by Student Success Programs, Department of English, Disability Resource Center, Department of Political Science and Public Service, Division of Access and Engagement, Honors College and Walker Center for Teaching and Learning.

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The Department of Chemistry and Physics continues its seminar series from 3-4 p.m. on Friday (Nov. 3) in Grote Hall Room 411 with a talk by Dr. John Katsaras titled “Biological Membranes – Overview and Recent Developments as Platforms for Biological Memory.” All are invited to attend.

Katsaras works in the Neutron Scattering Division and Shull Wollan Center at Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

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In his documentary “Beautiful Faces,” 2012 UTC alum Dagan Beckett explores the journeys three young patients, their parents and local surgeon Dr. Larry Sargent took through multiple plastic surgeries to address their medical problems.

The Chattanooga premiere of “Beautiful Faces” takes place at 7 p.m. on Friday (Nov. 3) in the Fine Arts Center’s Roland Hayes Concert Hall. The film screening will be followed by a Q&A with the cast and filmmakers. Admission is free for students and $5 for non-students, but registration is required. Click here for the registration link.

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The Tasty Tidbit Leadership Lunch Series, open to UTC students, faculty and staff, continues from noon-1 p.m. Monday (Nov. 6) with a University Center Chattanooga Room C session titled “What Is Servant Leadership Anyway? A Discussion with Ken Jones.” A light lunch will be provided.

Click here to RSVP. Email Daniel-Grzesik@utc.edu, the director of Leadership Development and Programs, to learn more about the Tasty Tidbit series.

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With the basketball season starting on Monday (Nov. 6), a reminder that single-game tickets for both the men’s and women’s basketball teams are now available. Single-game ticket options begin at just $10 (general admission) for the women’s slate and $12 (200 level baseline) on the men’s side. Click here to learn more and to buy tickets.

On Monday, the women take on King University at 11 a.m. at McKenzie Arena, and the men face Covenant College at 7 p.m.

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The UTC Department of Political Science and Public Service will be hosting a November PSPS Sweet Research series, where PSPS faculty share their research and favorite desserts. Everyone is welcome to bring a lunch. All Sweet Research events take place from noon-12:50 p.m. in the 540 McCallie Building Room 462D. Upcoming events include:

• Wednesday, Nov. 8: Dr. Chris Acuff, “A Bibliometric Analysis of Urban Greenway Literature: Implications for Interdisciplinary Research on Urban Systems”
• Wednesday, Nov. 15: Dr. RJ Groh, “Diaspora Reimagined: Understanding the Generational Component to Victim Diaspora”
• Wednesday, Nov. 29: Dr. Michelle Deardorff, “Rethinking Political Science Education: American Political Science Association’s Presidential Taskforce Preliminary Report”

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On Friday, Nov. 10, the UTC Criminal Justice students and University High students will come together to launch “Pouring for Purpose: Building Pathways to Ethics and Equity,” a gallery and partner-building event taking place from 1-3 p.m. at the UTC Challenger STEM Learning Center.

The pour-painting event was organized by UTC Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice Katelyn Hancock, who said representatives from various criminal justice and social service organizations in the Chattanooga community will be on hand to create their own unique canvas paintings.

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Dr. Katsuya Yuasa and Dr. Ayça Çetin

Duo Esplanade, a dynamic ensemble comprised of Dr. Ayça Çetin on flute and Dr. Katsuya Yuasa on clarinet, will perform at the Cadek Recital Hall at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 10. The free concert is open to the public.

Çetin is a visiting lecturer of music theory, teaching musicianship and aural skills at UTC. Yuasa is a UTC adjunct instructor of applied clarinet.

“The audience will be treated to a smorgasbord of sounds, techniques and styles, making for an exciting evening,” said Dr. Jonathan McNair, the Ruth S. Holmberg Professor of American Music.

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The UTC Symphony Orchestra and the Chattanooga High School Center for Creative Arts String Orchestra will present a free public concert at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 12, in the Fine Arts Center’s Roland Hayes Concert Hall.

The performance will include “Carmen Suites 1 and 2” by Georges Bizet and “Tragic Overture” by Johannes Brahms.

The CCA String Orchestra, which contains students from grades 8-12, will perform selections from “Bach and Roll,” including “Brandenburg Concerto No. 3” by Johann Sebastian Bach and “Brandenburg” by Black Violin.

*   *   *   *   *

A darkly comic Southern drama about love, art and the power of women will soon be coming to the Fine Arts Center’s Dorothy Hackett Ward Theatre stage. The UTC Theatre Co. continues its 2023-2024 season with “Alabaster,” written by award-winning playwright and Alabama native Audrey Cefaly.

Performances will take place at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 14-18, with a 2 p.m. matinee performance on Saturday, Nov. 18. 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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Please join UTC’s Interdisciplinary Geospatial Technologies Lab (IGTLab) for GIS Day on Wednesday, Nov. 15—a day for users of GIS technology to demonstrate real-world applications that are making a difference in our society.

GIS Day will take place from 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. in the Multidisciplinary Research Building, including a workshop and special guest Sunny Fleming—a UTC alum and environment lead at Esri. This event is open to all UTC students, faculty and staff and the general public. To learn more, click here.

Please RSVP here so the IGTLab knows how many visitors to expect.

Notice of Final Defense: Upcoming Research Presentations

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.

• Thursday (Nov. 2): Graicen Hixson, Lupton Hall 371, 2 p.m., Calendar
• Friday (Nov. 3): Timothy Wolfe, ECS 415D, 2:30 p.m., Calendar
• Monday (Nov. 6): Heston Friedland, Zoom, 2 p.m., Calendar

Campus Updates

Math Kangaroo, an international mathematics competition, is returning to UTC.

Math Kangaroo 2024, open to students in grades 1-12, will be held at UTC at 5:30 p.m. on March 21, 2024. Information about the competition and registration can be found on the Math Kangaroo website.

The deadline for registration is Dec. 15. The registration fee is $21 per student, and financial assistance is available.

Please share this message and the event PDF with anyone who might be interested in participating. For more information, click here.

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The Information Technology Department wants everyone to be cybersecurity-aware. Here are some helpful resources for keeping yourself safe from phishing emails, scams and other security risks:

• Phishing
• Phish Bowl
• How to Avoid Job Scams
• Security Knowledge Base

Ever wonder why you have to deal with an extra step to get into your account? We promise it’s not to make your life harder. Two-factor authentication (2FA) is meant to provide extra protection for your account. For more information on the benefits of 2FA, visit our 2FA page.

Email ithelp@utc.edu or call 423-425-4000 if you are suspicious of something on your computer or phone.

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The Vice Chancellor for Research and the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs (ORSP) are planning to support a site visit and networking opportunities with researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory and the UT-Oak Ridge Innovation Institute. We are seeking to gather information about faculty interests and preferences to help us plan for the visit and other potential activities in 2024.

Any UTC faculty member or researcher is eligible to participate. Please take a few moments to complete the brief survey here to help us schedule activities of interest to you.

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Injured in intramurals? Tweaked something in the gym? Back and neck soreness from hours of studying? Just need guidance getting back to your favorite activities? Check out UTC’s free physical therapy clinic.

The Pro Bono Physical Therapy clinic, a part of University Health Services, is staffed by UTC Doctor of Physical Therapy students and professors and is 100% free. Clinic hours are 8 a.m.-noon on Tuesdays and 1-5 p.m. on Thursdays. Call University Health Services at 423-425-2266 or email ptclinic@utc.edu for more information.

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It’s never too early to think about summer camp! Mocs basketball is hosting a kids camp for girls and boys ages 7-14 on June 24-27, 2024. Camp sessions will run from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. daily.

The cost is $260, including T-shirt and meals, and discounts are available for early bird signups, siblings and UTC employees. To register, visit chattanoogawomensbasketballcamps.com.

For questions, email tyler-r-clark@utc.edu.

Looking ahead

Senior Paul Conroy, left, earned his second career win at the Furman Intercollegiate (photo credit: Furman Communications)

This week’s Mocs home athletics calendar:

• Saturday (Nov. 4): Football vs. Furman, Finley Stadium, 1:30 p.m.
• Monday (Nov. 6): Women’s basketball vs. King University, McKenzie Arena, 11 a.m.
• Monday (Nov. 6): Men’s basketball vs. Covenant College, McKenzie Arena, 7 p.m.

Looking back

The School of Nursing’s long-held dream of a new building has received the funding needed to become a reality. The Dorothy and Jim Kennedy Health Sciences Building will be the new home of the UTC School of Nursing thanks to an $8 million gift from the Kennedy Foundation, Inc.

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Students in Monica Miles’ Ecology Laboratory 3070 class learned how to use GIS to locate and tag invasive species at Reflection Riding.

Earlier this year, Monica Miles, an associate lecturer in the Department of Biology, Geology and Environmental Science, attended a workshop about geographic information systems (GIS)—a system that creates, manages, analyzes and maps all types of data.

The workshop, put on by the UTC Interdisciplinary Geospatial Technology Lab, made Miles think about ways to introduce GIS to her students.

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

Tales from the UTC PodLab

Briana Phillips and Alyssa Chase

“Tennessee Valley Across the Table” is a student-led podcast that brings locals, often strangers with different views, together to learn who we are as people. It is inspired by StoryCorps’ One Small Step program.

In 2022, community members came to the UTC PodLab and opened their lives with stories about their families, their politics and their hopes for the future. This year, UTC Honors students, under the direction of Will Davis, studied the recordings and chose the material that most resonated with them. This episode by UTC biology student Grace Tang features a conversation between Briana Phillips and Alyssa Chase.

You can subscribe to “Tennessee Valley Across the Table” on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

WUTC Spotlight: Beautiful Faces

“Beautiful Faces” is a new documentary that explores the extraordinary work of a surgeon here in Chattanooga through the journey of three of his patients and their families. On Friday (Nov. 3), the documentary will be screened for its Chattanooga premiere at 7 p.m. in the Fine Arts Center’s Roland Hayes Concert Hall, followed by a Q&A.

A recent segment on WUTC-FM’s Scenic Roots featured filmmaker and UTC alum Dagan Beckett and producer Irv Berner.

It wouldn’t be Halloween without a bloody good story

Earlier this semester, Biological Anthropology Lecturer Derek Boyd’s class participated in a forensic science blood spatter activity.

(Spring Ahead) Fall Behind

Daylight saving time will end at 2 a.m local time on Sunday (Nov. 5). If you are manually setting watches or clocks, don’t forget to move them BACK one hour.

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 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

Building a new future for School of Nursing

Conceptual rendering of the Dorothy and Jim Kennedy Health Sciences Building

UTC received an $8-million gift from the Kennedy Foundation, Inc., to name the forthcoming home of the UTC School of Nursing the Dorothy and Jim Kennedy Health Sciences Building. This is the largest single gift in UTC School of Nursing history.

Chancellor Angle announced this milestone gift at a Monday afternoon press conference alongside the Kennedy family, UTC School of Nursing faculty, students and supporters.

Off-Campus Housing Fair

For the first time, UTC is hosting an Off-Campus Housing Fair. From 11 a.m.-2 p.m. on Thursday (Oct. 26), Off-Campus Student Services will host informational sessions for UTC students wishing to live off campus.

Stop by the University Center Tennessee Room 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. For more information, click here.

GrubHub Coming to Campus on Wednesday

Students, faculty and staff, GrubHub will be on campus for a UTC-centric tabling event from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. on Wednesday (Oct. 25) outside the University Center (Heritage Plaza). Stop by to receive swag, grab a snack and sign up for awesome prizes—and learn about the UTC GrubHub app.

Send in your Information for the UTC Parent and Family Association Newsletter

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. The November newsletter will be emailed to members Wednesday, Nov. 1. Click here to see the October newsletter.

To share information with the families of UTC students—upcoming events, important deadlines, helpful suggestions and departmental news—email hannah-turcotte@utc.edu by Wednesday (Oct. 25).

• Please keep info to one paragraph of 200 (or fewer) words.
• Images or logos to accompany the paragraph may be submitted.

Staying healthy has a new look

Thanks to a grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in collaboration with the Tennessee Department of Health, University Health Services has updated its clinic.

Waiting room furniture has been replaced with chairs that have antimicrobial coverings. Exam rooms have been updated and have non-porous countertops, touchless faucets, soap dispensers and paper towel holders, and new cabinets.

University Health Services reminds students, faculty and staff that testing for COVID-19, flu and RSV continues at no cost to anyone in the University community. While UHS is seeing fewer cases of COVID, please stay vigilant. Click here to learn more.

Let the Ghoul Times Roll

Plan to stop by the UTC Library on Halloween (Tuesday, Oct. 31), where they put the “BOO” in books. Students, staff and faculty are invited to enjoy costumes, candy, games, buttons, food, prizes and more.

From 1-3 p.m., students in costume should stop by the first floor of the library and pose for a photo. Photos will be uploaded to Facebook and the top three student costumes will win $50, $25 and $15 Starbucks gift cards. Check out MocSync for more details about the Annual Costume Contest, including costume inspiration links from the ghost of past Facebook photo galleries.

Don’t want to dress up? No problem—you can still participate in the Library’s Open House showcasing the best services and materials to save you from everyday horrors. Learn more about how the Library’s materials and services can save you from common college nightmares. As a bonus, all attendees can register to win door prizes.

The outstanding people of UTC

Members of the UTC CUIP team include (from left) graduate students Yasir Hassan, Monireh Rahmati, Medhi Khaleghian and Giang Do, Director of Operations/Chief Engineer Austin Harris, graduate student Tuan Nguyen, Grant Writer/Administrator Jordan Gwarjanski and Dr. Mina Sartipi.

The Office of Research and Sponsored Programs (ORSP) provided its first-quarter report for the 2024 fiscal year, including a downloadable PDF: Q1 FY24 YTD Report PDF.

Among those receiving awards in during the first quarter were Dr. Mina Sartipi and the UTC Center for Urban Informatics and Progress (CUIP) team, who were awarded $1.1 million from the Federal Highway Administration for research to enhance detection of “vulnerable road users” within the Smart City Corridor.

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TVFCU’s Dionne Jenkins (yellow sweater), UTC staff and MOC Academy students recognizing TVFCU’s $10,000 gift to MOC Academy on Mocs Give Day.

UTC raised $1,734,947.42 from 2,131 donors during its fourth annual Mocs Give Day on Oct. 3. The day’s original fundraising goals to raise $1,000,000 from 1,500 donors were exceeded by nearly 73% and 42%, respectively.

“Mocs Give Day is all about the collective power of giving. Almost 80% of all gifts were $100 or less,” said UTC Vice Chancellor of Advancement Kim White. “From supporting scholarships and athletics to study abroad opportunities and student support services, alumni and friends of UTC came together to support the areas on campus they are passionate about.”

Mark your calendar

The UTC Honors College invites faculty and staff to attend an Honors Teaching Get-Together  from 5-6:30 p.m. today (Oct. 24) at Cherry Street Brewing (300 Cherokee Ave. in the Northshore). We will treat you to some food and drink as you mingle with other faculty members and brainstorm topics for interdisciplinary, team-taught courses. The event will also feature “academic speed dating”—a terrific opportunity to chat with colleagues and come up with exciting new courses to teach.

Come join us and consider proposing a seminar to teach in 2024-2025 for the Honors College. Click here to learn more about Honors seminar proposals.

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The Tasty Tidbit Leadership Lunch Series, a trio of sessions open to UTC students, faculty and staff, continues from noon-1 p.m. today (Oct. 24) with a West Campus Housing multipurpose room session titled “Aspire to INSPIRE with Taylor Tipton.” A light lunch will be provided. Click here to RSVP.

Coming up next: A Monday, Nov. 6, leadership lunch in University Center Chattanooga Room C, titled “What Is Servant Leadership Anyway? A Discussion with Ken Jones.” Click here to RSVP.

Email Daniel-Grzesik@utc.edu, the director of Leadership Development and Programs, to learn more about the Tasty Tidbit series.

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Information sessions are taking place for two spring 2024 study abroad courses, which are open to all UTC students. The courses have no prerequisites and include two-week international study trips to Germany and to the Balkan countries of Albania, Greece and North Macedonia. Both are led by UTC Gary W. Rollins College of Business faculty members.

Sessions about both courses will be discussed on the following dates:

• Today (Oct. 24): Zoom, 12:30 p.m.
• Friday, (Oct. 27): Zoom, noon

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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Cultural Spotlight: Puerto Rico takes place from 4:45-5:45 p.m. today (Oct. 24) in the Lupton Hall first floor lobby. Come learn about Puerto Rico, its history and its culture and how you can travel there without a passport as an American citizen. Click here for more information.

Cultural Spotlight is a platform through which UTC students and scholars can share their culture and traditions with the UTC community. This program is very casual and may include presentations, dance performances, music, sample foods and Q&As. This cultural exchange and learning between attendees is open to the entire UTC community.

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Clockwise from left: Colum McCann, Ishmael Beah, Felice Bell, Christian J. Collier and Sybil Baker.

National Book Award winner Colum McCann, author of the New York Times bestseller “Let the Great World Spin,” and Ishmael Beah, a Quill Award-nominated author and human rights activist, will participate in a panel discussion called “Changing the World with Stories” from 7-9 p.m. tonight (Oct. 24) in the University Center Auditorium. The event is free and open to the public. To register, visit the Changing the World with Stories website.

“Changing the World with Stories” panelists will also include UC Foundation Professor and Associate Department Head Sybil Baker and Christian J. Collier, a Chattanooga-based spoken-word artist and musician.

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If you’re interested in studying abroad at all during your time at UTC, don’t miss the Center for Global Education Study Abroad program’s biggest event of the year.

Stop by the Study Abroad Fair on Wednesday (Oct. 25) to meet with partners from across the globe, chat with study abroad alumni, eat food from around the world and grab some swag. The event will take place from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. in the University Center Tennessee Room.

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Take Back the Night, taking place at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday (Oct. 25) on Chamberlain Field, is an annual October event that brings awareness to gender-based violence.

The event includes a march against gender-based violence, a survivor speak out, and a candlelight vigil to honor survivors and those lost to gender-based violence. Campus community members interested in volunteering can sign up on the Center for Women and Gender Equity’s volunteer list.

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An eight-week summer 2024 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 on Thursday (Oct. 26) 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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Join Pre-Health Professions Advising on Thursday (Oct. 26) for an inspiring exploration of the ethical considerations doctors encounter as they strive to create a health care landscape that is equitable, affordable and rooted in patient-centered care.

Doctors participating in the panel discussion, taking place from 4-5:30 p.m. in the University Center Chattanooga Room, include a rural emergency medicine physician, a family practice physician, a plastic surgeon and a pediatrician. Everyone is invited—from medical professionals to students from any major to anyone interested in the future of health care ethics.

The discussion will explore topics ranging from health care to the humanities, social sciences and allied health fields. Audience members will deepen their understanding of the innovative approaches doctors apply to the ethical challenges they face.

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Please join UTC Campus Recreation from 6-8 p.m. on Friday (Oct. 27) for a Family Festival: Spooky Waters Pool Party. Tickets may be purchased by UTC Campus Recreation members and non-members. Our pool will be decorated and themed for a not-so-scary family night featuring trunk-or-treat-style booths, log-rolling music and much more.

Tickets are $10 per person in advance and $15 day of event and can be purchased through the  UTC Campus Recreation portal. Email campusrec@utc.edu with questions.

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Carrie Newcomer

Songwriter, recording artist, performer, educator and activist Carrie Newcomer is performing in the UTC Fine Arts Center’s Roland Hayes Concert Hall at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday (Oct. 28). Click here for ticket information.

Newcomer has been described as a “prairie mystic” by the Boston Globe and one who “asks all the right questions” by Rolling Stone magazine. She has 19 nationally released albums on Available Light & Concord/Rounder Records and earned an Emmy Award for her PBS special, “An Evening with Carrie Newcomer.”

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The Office of the University Registrar provided important upcoming registration dates and deadlines.

Monday (Oct. 30) is the last day to withdraw from any full-term course on a course-by-course basis with a grade of W (one or more courses).

Also, online withdrawal is available through 11:59 p.m. on Monday (Oct. 30).

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“Disability Visibility: First-Person Stories from the Twenty-First Century,” edited by Alice Wong, was selected as the Read to Achieve text for 2023-2024. “Disability Visibility,” a collective anthology of short essays, interview transcripts, articles, blog posts and creative prose, introduces UTC students to conversations in and around disability representation.

In celebration of that book selection, Haben Girma—a human rights lawyer advancing disability justice, the first deafblind person to graduate from Harvard Law School and contributor to “Disability Visibility”—has been invited to UTC to share her story. Girma, named a White House Champion of Change by President Obama and the recipient of a Helen Keller Achievement Award, will speak at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 2, in the University Center Tennessee Room. Her lecture is open to all.

Girma’s visit to UTC is sponsored by Student Success Programs, Department of English, Disability Resource Center, Department of Political Science and Public Service, Division of Access and Engagement, Honors College and Walker Center for Teaching and Learning.

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In his documentary “Beautiful Faces,” 2012 UTC alum Dagan Beckett explores the journeys three young patients, their parents and local surgeon Dr. Larry Sargent took through multiple plastic surgeries to address their medical problems.

The Chattanooga premiere of “Beautiful Faces” takes place at 7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 3, in the Fine Arts Center’s Roland Hayes Concert Hall. The film screening will be followed by a Q&A with the cast and filmmakers. Admission is free for students and $5 for non-students, but registration is required. Click here for the registration link.

Research and Networking Opportunity

The Vice Chancellor for Research and the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs (ORSP) are planning to support a site visit and networking opportunities with researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory and the UT-Oak Ridge Innovation Institute. We are seeking to gather information about faculty interests and preferences to help us plan for the visit and other potential activities in 2024.

Any UTC faculty member or researcher is eligible to participate. Please take a few moments to complete the brief survey here to help us schedule activities of interest to you.

Campus Updates

With the start of the basketball season right around the corner, single-game tickets for both the men’s and women’s basketball teams are now available. Single-game ticket options begin at just $10 (general admission) for the women’s slate and $12 (200 level baseline) on the men’s side.

The season opens for both programs on Monday, Nov. 6, at McKenzie Arena—with the women taking on King University at 11 a.m. and the men facing Covenant College at 7 p.m.

Click here to learn more and to buy tickets.

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The Institute of Contemporary Art, housed in the Fine Arts Center, is conducting a planning study to better emphasize areas of growth and change. In order to better understand ourselves and how we can serve you both now and in the future, we request your survey participation as a valued member of the UTC community. This anonymous survey will take approximately 3-5 minutes.

As an incentive for completing the survey, you will have the ability to enter your contact information for a chance to win a $50 gift card. Click here for the survey link.

To learn more about who we are and what we do, visit https://icachatt.org/about.

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Injured in intramurals? Tweaked something in the gym? Back and neck soreness from hours of studying? Just need guidance getting back to your favorite activities? Check out UTC’s free physical therapy clinic.

The Pro Bono Physical Therapy clinic, a part of University Health Services, is staffed by UTC Doctor of Physical Therapy students and professors and is 100% free. Clinic hours are 8 a.m.-noon on Tuesdays and 1-5 p.m. on Thursdays. Call University Health Services at 423-425-2266 or email ptclinic@utc.edu for more information.

Looking ahead

This week’s Mocs home athletics calendar:

• Thursday (Oct. 26): Volleyball vs. UNCG, Maclellan Gym, 6 p.m.
• Friday (Oct. 27): Men’s Tennis at the UTC Steve Baras Fall Classic, UTC Tennis Center, all day
• Friday (Oct. 27): Volleyball vs. ETSU, Maclellan Gym, 6 p.m.
• Saturday (Oct. 28): Men’s Tennis at the UTC Steve Baras Fall Classic, UTC Tennis Center, all day
• Sunday (Oct. 29): Men’s Tennis at the UTC Steve Baras Fall Classic, UTC Tennis Center, all day
• Monday (Oct. 30): Men’s and Women’s Basketball, Boo and Gold Halloween Event, McKenzie Arena, 5:30 p.m.

Looking back

Junior Sam Doss-Watson, left, an environmental geology student, learns from Dr. Ashley Manning-Berg in her Grote Hall lab.

Early this semester, UTC Assistant Professor of Geology Ashley Manning-Berg was one of 32 early-career scientists selected to participate in a NASA workshop at Goddard Space Flight Center near Washington, D.C., for what she called “an intense week coming up with ideas of how to look for life on Mars.”

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

• Student learns crime and punishment (and self-care) through UTC internships
• Learning from service-learning at the East Lake Salvation Army
• Sales Institute prepares students for a career in ‘a noble profession’

Tales from the UTC PodLab

Meghan Phillips and Charlie Yowell

“Tennessee Valley Across the Table” is a student-led podcast that brings locals, often strangers with different views, together to learn who we are as people. It is inspired by StoryCorps’ One Small Step program.

In 2022, community members came to the UTC PodLab and opened their lives with stories about their families, their politics and their hopes for the future. This year, UTC Honors students, under the direction of Will Davis, studied the recordings and chose the material that most resonated with them. This episode by UTC business student Mary Scott features a conversation between Meghan Phillips and Charlie Yowell.

You can subscribe to “Tennessee Valley Across the Table” on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

WUTC Spotlight: Changing the World with Stories

Narrative 4 uses what it calls a “story exchange” to create curiosity and empathy in a first-person format.

Tonight (Oct. 24), Narrative 4 co-founder Colum McCann will participate in a panel discussion titled “Changing the World with Stories.” The events starts at 7 p.m. in the University Center Auditorium.

Over the summer, UTC hosted multiple two-day orientation sessions for new students coming to campus utilizing Narrative 4 techniques. A recent Scenic Roots on WUTC-FM featured several people talking about the “story exchange” experience, including Narrative 4’s Kate Rudder; juniors Georgia Hunley and Emily Waddell, who were among the UTC orientation leaders; and UTC Coordinator of Music Education Lee Harris.

Be Well Tip: Body Acceptance Week

This week we celebrate Body Acceptance Week. Did you know there are three types of body acceptance?

• Body positivity (“I love my body”) encourages unconditional body love no matter what it looks like.
• Body neutrality (“I do not love or hate my body”) prioritizes the body’s function and achievements rather than its appearance, views the body through a neutral lens without judgment or forced positivity, and acknowledges body love is not always realistic or attainable.
• Body liberation (“I am more than my body”) promotes inclusivity, body autonomy, fat acceptance and size diversity and separates a person’s self-worth from their body or appearance.

Check out the Center for Wellbeing’s Instagram page throughout the week to learn more about body acceptance.

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 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

UT Board of Trustees Approves Kennedy Foundation Building Gift

On Friday afternoon, the UT Board of Trustees approved an $8-million gift from the Kennedy Foundation, Inc. to name the future home of UTC’s School of Nursing the Dorothy and Jim Kennedy Health Sciences Building—representing the largest single gift in School of Nursing history.

The building will be the first on campus to be named for a UTC alumna.

Get your tickets now!

With the start of the basketball season right around the corner, single-game tickets for both the men’s and women’s basketball teams are now available. Single-game ticket options begin at just $10 (general admission) for the women’s slate and $12 (200 level baseline) on the men’s side.

The season opens for both programs on Monday, Nov. 6, at McKenzie Arena—with the women taking on King University at 11 a.m. and the men facing Covenant College at 7 p.m.

Click here to learn more and to buy tickets.

Off-Campus Housing Fair

For the first time, UTC is hosting an Off-Campus Housing Fair. From 11 a.m.-2 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 26, Off-Campus Student Services (OCSS)—housed in the Office of Student Outreach and Support (SOS)—will host informational sessions for UTC students wishing to live off campus.

Stop by the University Center Tennessee Room 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. For more information, click here.

Fall Family Weekend 2023

The Office of Student and Family Engagement is gearing up to welcome over 300 families to campus for Fall Family Weekend this Friday-Sunday (Oct. 20-22). To provide the best possible experience for our attending families, we need your help. We are seeking volunteers for various roles over that weekend 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.

Send in your Information for the UTC Parent and Family Association Newsletter

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. The November newsletter will be emailed to members Wednesday, Nov. 1.

To share information with the families of UTC students—upcoming events, important deadlines, helpful suggestions and departmental news—email hannah-turcotte@utc.edu by Wednesday, Oct. 25.

• Please keep info to one paragraph of 200 (or fewer) words.
• Images or logos to accompany the paragraph may be submitted.
• Click here to see the October newsletter.

WUTC Reaches Fall Pledge Drive Goal

WUTC-FM 88.1 achieved its $55,000 fall pledge drive goal early, thanks to 234 contributors—including two individuals who each pledged $11,000 in support.

With $22,000 needed to reach the $55,000 goal last Friday, a donor offered to contribute $11,000 on the condition that a matching $11,000 be donated. Another donor accepted the challenge and made an $11,000 contribution, taking the pledge drive to its goal.

Interested in Studying Abroad?

If you’re interested in studying abroad at all during your time at UTC, don’t miss the Center for Global Education Study Abroad program’s biggest event of the year.

Stop by the Study Abroad Fair on Wednesday, Oct. 25, to meet with partners from across the globe, chat with study abroad alumni, eat food from around the world and grab some swag. The event will take place from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. in the University Center Tennessee Room.

Calling all students!

Mocs students, you should have received an email about the Student Experience Survey. This survey is administered to all 54,000 students across the UT system to learn about your current needs, well-being and preferences, and we need everyone’s help in completing the two-minute questionnaire. Click here to go to the survey. Student feedback informs us about the Mocs experience and helps identify opportunities for the future.

The outstanding people of UTC

Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering Murat Barisik is the principal investigator on a research grant looking at how things move and change in a particular gas environment seen in many applications—such as protecting spacecraft from heat.

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 $4,041,401 in external grant and contract awards during the month and submitted proposals for the potential to generate over $6,052,997 in external funding, if awarded.

Among those receiving awards in September were Dr. Murat Barisik and Dr. Reetesh Ranjan (Mechanical Engineering), who received $562,497 from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Funding for Accelerated, Inclusive Research (FAIR) initiative for the project titled “First principles multiphase modeling of mesoscale gas transport in porous reactive systems.”

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Rocket Mocs (from left): Joshua Tang, Isaiah Schmelzer, Sam Mossbeck, Jared Fiveash, Connor Mackey, Rett Stockman, Adrianne Glover and Canyon Blaylock.

The Rocket Mocs earned NASA recognition as one of the best in the country for a fifth consecutive year. The team is again competing in the NASA Student Launch Challenge, a nine-month-long competition in which student teams from across the U.S. design, build, test and launch high-powered rockets carrying scientific or engineering payloads.

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Check out these Mocs making a difference:

• Three UTC alums will be honored on Wednesday (Oct. 18) as Women of Distinction of Greater Chattanooga: Dr. Kristi Wick, the Vicky B. Gregg Chair of Gerontology and UC Foundation assistant professor in the School of Nursing, UC Foundation trustee Suzanne Forlidas and Cynthia Dale.
• The UTC NAACP student chapter has been selected by the Chattanooga-Hamilton County NAACP Ruby Hurley Image Awards as the recipient of the 2023 Viola Mapp Membership Award.
• School of Nursing Lecturer Laurel Rhyne will be leading a session titled “The Role of a Death Doula” from 10-11 a.m. on Friday (Oct. 20) as part of Welcome Home of Chattanooga’s Demystifying Death conference. The session will take place at First Baptist Church of Chattanooga (401 Gateway Ave.).
• Dr. Jejal Bathi’s microplastics research was recently featured by Teknovation.biz.

Beginning Tai Chi for Mind and Body Wellness

This fall, the College of Arts and Sciences is offering UTC faculty and staff a Beginning Tai Chi for Mind and Body Wellness course, taught and led by Dr. Zibin Guo. The free course will meet from 12:20-1:20 p.m. on Tuesdays from Oct. 24 until Nov. 28. The program has only 15 spots available; click here for course registration.

What is tai chi? Sometimes described as “meditation in motion,” the martial art tai chi is widely recognized for its ability to improve physical and mental health without requiring special equipment or skill level.

Guo, funded by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, recently completed a seven-year journey implementing the wheelchair/Inclusive Tai Chi Chuan program within the U.S. VA health care system.

Mark your calendar

The Tasty Tidbit Leadership Lunch Series, a trio of sessions open to UTC students, faculty and staff, kicks off from noon-1 p.m. on Thursday (Oct. 19) when anxiety relief therapist Sheaba Chacko hosts “Understand What is Holding You Back” in the Aviary Room of the Stacy Town Center. Chacko will be talking about her complicated relationship with school and how she ended up running her own business here in Chattanooga. A light lunch will be provided. Click here to RSVP.

• The ensuing session takes place on Tuesday, Oct. 24, in the West Campus Housing multipurpose room, titled “Aspire to INSPIRE with Taylor Tipton.” Click here to RSVP.
• The third session occurs on Monday, Nov. 6, in University Center Chattanooga Room C, titled “What Is Servant Leadership Anyway? A Discussion with Ken Jones.” Click here to RSVP.

Email Daniel-Grzesik@utc.edu, the director of Leadership Development and Programs, to learn more about the Tasty Tidbit series.

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Washington Post opinion writer Jennifer Rubin joins the Tennessee Democracy Forum on Thursday (Oct. 19) for the next “Conversation on Democracy,” sponsored by the Adolph S. Ochs Professor of Government, the Division of Diversity and Engagement and the Honors College. The event will take place at 7 p.m. in the Guerry Center Reading Room and will also be available via Livestream.

Click here to register for the event.

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The Department of Chemistry and Physics continues its fall seminar series from 3-4 p.m. on Friday (Oct. 20) with a visit from Dr. Christopher Chouinard, a member of the Clemson University Department of Chemistry. The title of the seminar, which will take place in Grote Hall Room 411, is “Leveraging High-Resolution Ion Mobility-Mass Spectrometry Approaches for Improved Biomolecular Identification.” Click here for the Chouinard Research Group website.

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Five writers whose passion for creative writing blossomed during their undergraduate days at UTC will be featured at an upcoming Meacham Writers’ Workshop event. On Saturday (Oct. 21), a UTC Alumni Reading—with conversation and Q&A to follow—will take place from 1-3 p.m. at ArtsBuild (301 E. 11th St. in Chattanooga). Light refreshments will be provided.

The five UTC alums participating in the Meacham Writers’ Workshop program are May 2023 graduate Jude Keef, George Conley Jr., Rebecca Cook, Rachel Crumble and Gwen Mullins.

The Meacham Writers’ Workshop promotes writing as an expressive art and brings together University and community writers and readers.

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The Clarence T. Jones Observatory is located at 10 N. Tuxedo Ave. in Chattanooga.

Look through Chattanooga’s historic 20.5-inch telescope. View a show with the new planetarium projector. Learn about the latest astronomical research. Meet members of the Chemistry and Physics department and the Barnard Astronomical Society.

The Clarence T. Jones Observatory reopens this Sunday (Oct. 22). The observatory, owned and operated by UTC, is free and open to the public. Gates open at 6:30 p.m., with a lecture and Planetarium show beginning at 7 p.m. and telescope viewing until 9 p.m.

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Clockwise from left: Colum McCann, Ishmael Beah, Felice Bell, Christian J. Collier and Sybil Baker.

Can storytelling change the world? A pair of best-selling authors are coming to the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga for a conversation exploring how storytelling can broaden perspectives.

National Book Award winner Colum McCann, author of the New York Times bestseller “Let the Great World Spin,” and Ishmael Beah, a Quill Award-nominated author and human rights activist, will participate in a panel discussion called “Changing the World with Stories” from 7-9 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 24, in the University Center Auditorium. The event is free and open to the public. To register, visit the Changing the World with Stories website.

“Changing the World with Stories” panelists will also include UC Foundation Professor and Associate Department Head Sybil Baker and Christian J. Collier, a Chattanooga-based spoken-word artist and musician.

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The UTC Online Criminal Justice Program is one of the sponsors of the Sinclair Broadcast Group of Chattanooga’s Fifth Annual First Responders Salute from 7 a.m.-2 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 25, at the First Horizon Pavilion (1826 Reggie White Blvd.). Chattanooga area EMTs, EMS, firefighters, law enforcement and medical personnel will be provided breakfast and lunch to thank them for their service. For questions or to learn more, email sherah-basham@utc.edu in the Department of Social, Cultural and Justice Studies.

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Join Pre-Health Professions Advising on Thursday, Oct. 26, for an inspiring exploration of the ethical considerations doctors encounter as they strive to create a health care landscape that is equitable, affordable and rooted in patient-centered care.

Doctors participating in the panel discussion, taking place from 4-5:30 p.m. in the University Center Chattanooga Room, include a rural emergency medicine physician, a family practice physician, a plastic surgeon and a pediatrician. Everyone is invited—from medical professionals to students from any major to anyone interested in the future of health care ethics.

The discussion will explore topics ranging from health care to the humanities, social sciences and allied health fields. Audience members will deepen their understanding of the innovative approaches doctors apply to the ethical challenges they face.

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Please join UTC Campus Recreation from 6-8 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 27, for a Family Festival: Spooky Waters Pool Party. Tickets may be purchased by UTC Campus Recreation members and non-members. Our pool will be decorated and themed for a not-so-scary family night featuring trunk-or-treat-style booths, log-rolling music and much more.

Tickets are $10 per person in advance and $15 day of event and can be purchased through the  UTC Campus Recreation portal. Email campusrec@utc.edu with questions.

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In his documentary “Beautiful Faces,” 2012 UTC alum Dagan Beckett explores the journeys three young patients, their parents and local surgeon Dr. Larry Sargent took through multiple plastic surgeries to address their medical problems.

On Friday, Nov. 3, the Chattanooga premiere of “Beautiful Faces” takes place at 7 p.m. in the Fine Arts Center’s Roland Hayes Concert Hall. The film screening will be followed by a Q&A with the cast and filmmakers. Admission is free for students and $5 for non-students, but registration is required. Click here for the registration link.

Research and Networking Opportunity

The Vice Chancellor for Research and the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs (ORSP) are planning to support a site visit and networking opportunities with researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory and the UT-Oak Ridge Innovation Institute. We are seeking to gather information about faculty interests and preferences to help us plan for the visit and other potential activities in 2024.

Any UTC faculty member or researcher is eligible to participate. Please take a few moments to complete the brief survey here to help us schedule activities of interest to you.

Campus Updates

The Office of the University Registrar provided important upcoming registration dates and deadlines.

The list includes an important date taking place soon:

• Monday, Oct. 30: Last day to withdraw from any full-term course on a course-by-course basis with a grade of W (one or more courses)

MyMocsNet will be unavailable for portions of Oct. 20-22 due to banner maintenance.

Online withdrawal is available through 11:59 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 30.

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The Institute of Contemporary Art, housed in the Fine Arts Center, is conducting a planning study to better emphasize areas of growth and change. In order to better understand ourselves and how we can serve you both now and in the future, we request your survey participation as a valued member of the UTC community. This anonymous survey will take approximately 3-5 minutes.

As an incentive for completing the survey, you will have the ability to enter your contact information for a chance to win a $50 gift card. Click here for the survey link.

To learn more about who we are and what we do, visit https://icachatt.org/about.

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Senior Brock Scholar Katie Hopper is looking for students, faculty or staff to participate in a documentary about first-time hikers. The creative project will include a two-hour guided hike and an interview. Interested participants can sign up here. For more information, email jws712@mocs.utc.edu.

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Injured in intramurals? Tweaked something in the gym? Back and neck soreness from hours of studying? Just need guidance getting back to your favorite activities? Check out UTC’s free physical therapy clinic.

The Pro Bono Physical Therapy clinic, a part of University Health Services, is staffed by UTC Doctor of Physical Therapy students and professors and is 100% free. Clinic hours are 8 a.m.-noon on Tuesdays and 1-5 p.m. on Thursdays. Call University Health Services at 423-425-2266 or email ptclinic@utc.edu for more information.

Looking ahead

Mocs sophomore wide receiver Javin Whatley put on a show on Oct. 7, setting a school record with 353 all-purpose yards.

This week’s Mocs home athletics calendar:

• Wednesday (Oct. 18): Softball Blue-Gold Series, Frost Stadium, 3:30 p.m.
• Thursday (Oct. 19): Softball Blue-Gold Series, Frost Stadium, 3:30 p.m.
• Friday (Oct. 20): Softball Blue-Gold Series, Frost Stadium, 3:30 p.m.
• Saturday (Oct. 21): Wrestling Blue-Gold Match, First Horizon Pavilion, 10 a.m.
• Saturday (Oct. 21): Football vs. ETSU, Finley Stadium, 1 p.m.

Looking back

1969 UTC Marching Band (photo courtesy of Department of Music)

The unofficial birth of the Marching Mocs band is thought to have begun when eight students from the University of Chattanooga got together to play music for a student body meeting. What may have cemented the band’s future happened the next day, though, when the eight played at a football game between UC and Cumberland College. The dates were Oct. 12-13, 1923, making this year the band’s 100th birthday.

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Members of the UTC CUIP team include (from left) graduate students Yasir Hassan, Monireh Rahmati, Medhi Khaleghian and Giang Do, Director of Operations/Chief Engineer Austin Harris, graduate student Tuan Nguyen, Grant Writer/Administrator Jordan Gwarjanski and Dr. Mina Sartipi.

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has awarded $1.1 million for research to enhance detection of “vulnerable road users” within the Smart City Corridor overseen by the Center for Urban Informatics and Progress at UTC. In addition to the funding awarded through the FHWA “Exploratory Advance Research” program, UTC and research partners will invest $300,000 to enable additional technology along the M.L. King Boulevard site to detect “vulnerable road users”—essentially, anyone not traveling inside an enclosed vehicle.

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

Tales from the UTC PodLab

Jill Kinnett and Kurt Faires

“Tennessee Valley Across the Table” is a student-led podcast that brings locals, often strangers with different views, together to learn who we are as people. It is inspired by StoryCorps’ One Small Step program.

In 2022, community members came to the UTC PodLab and opened their lives with stories about their families, their politics and their hopes for the future. This year, UTC Honors students, under the direction of Will Davis, studied the recordings and chose the material that most resonated with them. This episode by UTC creative writing student Koy Skinner features a conversation between Jill Kinnett and Kurt Faires.

You can subscribe to “Tennessee Valley Across the Table” on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

WUTC Spotlight: NPR’s Steve Inskeep

Copies of “Differ We Must” at the Abraham Lincoln Bookshop, Inc. in Chicago.

National Public Radio “Morning Edition” co-host Steve Inskeep, heard weekdays on WUTC-FM 88.1, is an historian. His new book, “Differ We Must: How Lincoln Succeeded in a Divided America,” looks at President Abraham Lincoln’s political strategy.

Inskeep was a recent guest on WUTC’s Scenic Roots.

That’s a Wrap: Looking Back at Homecoming 2023

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 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

It’s Open Enrollment Season

The annual enrollment period for 2024 health insurance benefits continues through Friday (Oct. 13).

Click here for the Campus Updates post about annual enrollment, which includes links to the annual enrollment newsletter, annual enrollment videos and PartnersForHealth.

WUTC Fall Pledge Drive

WUTC’s Fall Pledge Drive continues through Friday (Oct. 13).

A public service of the University, WUTC is home to National Public Radio programming in our area; local hosts Richard Winham, Ray Bassett and Haley Solomon; and learning opportunities for students on the UTC campus.

More than half of WUTC’s funding comes from the community here in Chattanooga and the Tennessee Valley.  Please support WUTC at wutc.org and click the Donate button.

Calling all students!

Mocs students, you should have received an email about the Student Experience Survey. This survey is administered to all 54,000 students across the UT system to learn about your current needs, well-being and preferences, and we need everyone’s help in completing the two-minute questionnaire. Click here to go to the survey. Student feedback informs us about the Mocs experience and helps identify opportunities for the future.

Homecoming Coronation

Dominique Harris and Tred Hill, the 2023 Mocs Homecoming Queen and King

A memorable Homecoming Week came to a close with the crowning of the Homecoming King and Queen—seniors Tred Hill (majoring in graphic design) and Dominique Harris (exercise science). Hill is involved in several campus organizations, including Phi Beta Sigma fraternity and First Gen Mocs. Harris is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority, the Ladies of Gold dance team and the UTC NAACP.

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From left: Public Service Award recipient Emma Sprayberry, Interim Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management and Student Affairs Stacie Grisham, UTC Alumni Board President Ken Jones and Public Service Award recipient Anna Shrum during recognition ceremonies at halftime of Saturday’s Homecoming football game.

The UTC Alumni Board of Directors and the Division of Enrollment Management and Student Affairs announced the two student recipients of Public Service Awards. Senior Anna Shrum (business management/human resource management) and junior Emma Sprayberry (Spanish/international studies/Innovations in Honors) were recognized for their distinguished service to UTC and the Chattanooga community.

Fall Family Weekend 2023

The Office of Student and Family Engagement is gearing up to welcome over 300 families to campus for Fall Family Weekend on Oct. 20-22. To provide the best possible experience for our attending families, we need your help. We are seeking volunteers for various roles over that weekend 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.

Hispanic Heritage Month

The final week of this year’s Hispanic Heritage Month event calendar includes:

• Today (Oct. 10): Study Abroad Spotlight, Lupton Hall first floor, 3:30 p.m.
• Today (Oct. 10): Guest Lecturer Cynthia Orozco, University Center Auditorium, 5 p.m.
• All Month Long: Celebrating Hispanic Heritage with UTC Library, click here to see electronic collections

The outstanding people of UTC

Dr. Brooke Epperson, center, talks with UTC nursing students Mia Robinson, Dean Zeitouni, Katelyn Nash and Abby Walsh in the nursing lab.

A $1.4-million grant from the federal Health Resources and Services Administration has been awarded to the UTC School of Nursing to prepare undergraduate students to meet the needs of rural and medically underserved populations. Dr. Brooke Epperson, assistant professor and undergraduate coordinator in the School of Nursing, is the principal investigator—landing a three-year grant through the HRSA NEPQR-SET program.

Check out these Mocs making a difference:

• Mocs volleyball’s Julie Torbett recorded her 500th career head coaching victory Friday night when UTC earned a 3-0 sweep against Furman.
• Mocs softball outfielder Olivia Lipari, a junior from Oviedo, Florida, was named vice chair of the Southern Conference Student-Athlete Advisory Committee.
• Mocs women’s golfer Makenzie Cooper captured medalist honors at the Evie Odom Invitational in Virginia Beach, Virginia, leading UTC to a third-place finish.
• Dr. Dawn Ford, a member of the Biology, Geology and Environmental Science faculty and the Hamilton County Health Department’s epidemiology department manager, is the new president of the Tennessee Public Health Association.
• UC Foundation Associate Professor of Anthropology Morgan Smith was interviewed for a story appearing in online publications across North America about archaeologists digging underwater.
• UC Foundation Professor Hope Klug was interviewed for a Scientific American magazine feature titled “Cannibalistic Dads May Be Contributing to Hellbender Salamander Declines.”
• UC Foundation Associate Professor of Criminal Justice Rick Dierenfeldt was interviewed by NewsChannel 9 about a well-publicized local arrest.

“Beautiful Faces” to make Chattanooga premiere on UTC campus

In his documentary “Beautiful Faces,” 2012 UTC alum Dagan Beckett explores the journeys three young patients, their parents and local surgeon Dr. Larry Sargent took through multiple plastic surgeries to address their medical problems.

On Nov. 3, the Chattanooga premiere of “Beautiful Faces” will take place in the Fine Arts Center’s Roland Hayes Concert Hall. The film screening will take place at 7 p.m., followed by a Q&A with the cast and filmmakers. Admission is free for students and $5 for non-students, but registration is required. Click here for the registration link.

Beginning Tai Chi for Mind and Body Wellness

This fall, the College of Arts and Sciences is offering UTC faculty and staff a Beginning Tai Chi for Mind and Body Wellness course, taught and led by Dr. Zibin Guo. The free course will meet from 12:20-1:20 p.m. on Tuesdays from Oct. 24 until Nov. 28. The program has only 15 spots available; click here for course registration.

What is Tai Chi? Sometimes described as “meditation in motion,” the martial art Tai Chi is widely recognized for its ability to improve physical and mental health without requiring special equipment or skill level.

Guo, funded by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, recently completed a seven-year journey implementing the wheelchair/Inclusive Tai Chi Chuan program within the U.S. VA health care system.

Mark your calendar

UTC’s bi-annual Bloodanooga Blood Drive, in collaboration with Blood Assurance, is taking place today and Wednesday (Oct. 10-11) from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. in the University Center Tennessee Room. A single blood donation will save three lives in our community.

Blood donors will receive free food and a special event T-shirt. As an extra incentive, all donors will be entered into a drawing to win a turntable sound system and vinyl starter pack. Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to another successful event.

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Dr. Cynthia Orozco, an award-winning and best-selling author, historian, consultant and public speaker, is coming to UTC as part of Hispanic Heritage Month. Orozco, professor emeritus in History and Humanities at Eastern New Mexico University-Ruidoso, will give a public lecture from 5-7 p.m. today (Oct. 10), in the University Center Auditorium. The free guest lecture is open to the public.

A book signing will follow the lecture. Attendees are asked to register for the event for a chance to win a free copy of one of Orozco’s books.

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An eight-week summer 2024 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 on Wednesday (Oct. 11) 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 next UTC Research Institute brown bag lunch will take place from 12:30-2 p.m. on Thursday (Oct. 12) in the UTC Library Room 435. Each brown bag lunch is designed to engage faculty and staff across campus in identifying opportunities for collaboration.

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Human Resources provided a list of October staff development opportunities, including a 1 p.m. Zoom on Thursday (Oct. 12) titled “Overview of the Performance Management Cycle Session for Staff.” Register here for the online session.

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An Access and Engagement open forum will take place from 3-4 p.m. on Thursday (Oct. 12) in the University Center Auditorium.

UTC, alongside our fellow UT system campuses, has been tasked to reimagine our strategies and structures supporting diversity, equity and inclusion. The open forum, dedicated to advancing access and engagement at UTC, is open to all, with a virtual livestream option for those who cannot meet in person.

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The UTC University Club welcomes all faculty, staff and their families for an open house from 5-7 p.m. on Friday (Oct. 13) at UTC’s Patten House, located at the corner of Oak and Palmetto (look for the cannons). Snacks will be provided. Members of the UTC Faculty Club and invited guests may bring their own drinks, with and without alcohol, to the gathering. We will have light fare, good conversation and a chance to meet one another in a social setting.

What is the University Club?  The University Club is a social club open to all UTC faculty, staff and retirees (and their families) and has existed in some form or fashion at UTC since the 1940s. Clubbers meet informally to share goodwill and society two Fridays a month. We hope you can join us! Email patrick-sweetman@utc.edu, the University Club president, if you have any questions.

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The Tasty Tidbit Leadership Lunch Series, a trio of sessions open to UTC students, faculty and staff, kicks off from noon-1 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 19, when anxiety relief therapist Sheaba Chacko hosts “Understand What is Holding You Back” in the Aviary Room of the Stacy Town Center. Chacko will be talking about her complicated relationship with school and how she ended up running her own business here in Chattanooga. A light lunch will be provided. Click here to RSVP.

Other series dates include:

• Tuesday, Oct. 24: Aspire to INSPIRE with Taylor Tipton, West Campus Housing multipurpose room, noon, click here to RSVP.
• Monday, Nov. 6: What Is Servant Leadership Anyway? A Discussion with Ken Jones, University Center Chattanooga Room C, noon, click here to RSVP.

Email Daniel-Grzesik@utc.edu, the director of Leadership Development and Programs, to learn more about the Tasty Tidbit series.

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Washington Post opinion writer Jennifer Rubin joins the Tennessee Democracy Forum on Thursday, Oct. 19, for the next “Conversation on Democracy,” sponsored by the Adolph S. Ochs Professor of Government, the Division of Diversity and Engagement and the Honors College. The event will take place at 7 p.m. in the Guerry Center Reading Room and will also be available via Livestream.

Click here to register for the event.

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Clockwise from left: Colum McCann, Ishmael Beah, Felice Bell, Christian J. Collier and Sybil Baker.

Can storytelling change the world? A pair of best-selling authors are coming to the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga for a conversation exploring how storytelling can broaden perspectives.

National Book Award winner Colum McCann, author of the New York Times bestseller “Let the Great World Spin,” and Ishmael Beah, a Quill Award-nominated author and human rights activist, will participate in a panel discussion called “Changing the World with Stories” from 7-9 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 24, in the University Center Auditorium. The event is free and open to the public. To register, visit the Changing the World with Stories website.

“Changing the World with Stories” panelists will also include UC Foundation Professor and Associate Department Head Sybil Baker and Christian J. Collier, a Chattanooga-based spoken word artist and musician.

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The UTC Online Criminal Justice Program is one of the sponsors of the Sinclair Broadcast Group of Chattanooga’s 5th Annual First Responders Salute from 7 a.m.-2 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 25, at the First Horizon Pavilion (1826 Reggie White Blvd.). Chattanooga area EMTs, EMS, firefighters, law enforcement and medical personnel will be provided breakfast and lunch to thank them for their service. For questions or to learn more, email sherah-basham@utc.edu in Social, Cultural and Justice Studies.

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Please join UTC Campus Recreation from 6-8 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 27, for a Family Festival: Spooky Waters Pool Party. Tickets may be purchased by UTC Campus Recreation members and non-members. Our pool will be decorated and themed for a not-so-scary family night featuring trunk-or-treat-style booths, log-rolling music and much more.

Tickets are $10 per person in advance and $15 day of event and can be purchased through the  UTC Campus Recreation portal. Email campusrec@utc.edu with questions.

Notice of Final Defense: Upcoming Research Presentations

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.

• Today (Oct. 10): Chyanne Smith, Zoom, 1 p.m., Calendar
• Today (Oct. 10): Garrett Billings, Holt Hall Room 119, 3 p.m., Calendar
• Thursday (Oct. 12): Jadon Clark, 540 McCallie Building Room 461, 10:45 a.m., Calendar
• Thursday (Oct. 12): Graicen Hixson, Lupton Hall Room 371, 2 p.m., Calendar
• Thursday (Oct. 12): Eli Durant, ECS Room 426, 3 p.m., Calendar
• Friday (Oct. 13): Nina Rice, ECS Room 415D, 9 a.m., Calendar
• Friday (Oct. 13): Timothy Wolfe, ECS Room 415D, 2:30 p.m., Calendar

Research and Networking Opportunity

The Vice Chancellor for Research and the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs (ORSP) are planning to support a site visit and networking opportunities with researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory and the UT-Oak Ridge Innovation Institute. We are seeking to gather information about faculty interests and preferences to help us plan for the visit and other potential activities in 2024.

Any UTC faculty member or researcher is eligible to participate. Please take a few moments to complete the brief survey here to help us schedule activities of interest to you.

Campus Updates

The Office of the University Registrar provided important upcoming registration dates and deadlines.

The list includes several important dates taking place this month:

• Thursday (Oct. 12): Last day to register for Part of Term 2 courses
• Friday (Oct. 13): Last day to drop a Part of Term 2 course before a W (withdrawal) is recorded
• Monday, Oct. 30: Last day to withdraw from any Full term course on a course-by-course basis with a grade of W (one or more courses)

MyMocsNet will be unavailable for portions of Oct. 20-22 due to banner maintenance.

Online withdrawal is available through 11:59 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 30.

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Important changes are on the horizon for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the upcoming 2024-25 school year. The FAFSA application will now become accessible by Jan. 1, 2024, a departure from the customary opening date of Oct. 1.

The changes come after the passage of the FAFSA Simplification Act, which “represents a significant overhaul of the processes and systems used to award federal student aid starting with the 2024-25 award year,” according to the U.S. Education Department’s FAFSA website.

To apply for federal student aid, such as federal grants, work-study funds and loans, students need to complete the FAFSA form.

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Senior Brock Scholar Katie Hopper is looking for students, faculty or staff to participate in a documentary about first-time hikers. The creative project will include a two-hour guided hike and an interview. Interested participants can sign up here. For more information, email jws712@mocs.utc.edu.

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Injured in intramurals? Tweaked something in the gym? Back and neck soreness from hours of studying? Just need guidance getting back to your favorite activities? Check out UTC’s free physical therapy clinic.

The Pro Bono Physical Therapy clinic, a part of University Health Services, is staffed by UTC Doctor of Physical Therapy students and professors and is 100% free. Clinic hours are 8 a.m.-noon on Tuesdays and 1-5 p.m. on Thursdays. Call University Health Services at 423-425-2266 or email ptclinic@utc.edu for more information.

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All Recovery: Thursdays at 5 p.m. in University Center Room 154 (open to all; come share and be in community with others)

• All Recovery is a weekly group of the Mocs Recovery Program. It is open to those in all stages, pathways and types of recovery including substance use, mental health, disordered eating/eating disorders, process addictions (gambling, social media, shopping, exercise, etc.) and those with loved ones navigating these concerns. This is a supportive space for all and a great starting place to get involved in other groups, social events and initiatives of Mocs Recovery.

SMART Recovery: Wednesdays at 4 p.m. in University Center Room 152

• SMART Recovery is open to those who are sober, sober-curious or interested in reducing harm related to their substance use. All recovery pathways are honored here.

Healing Through Harmony—Mental Health Recovery: Wednesdays at 4 p.m. in University Center Room 154

• Join us as we listen to songs and discuss how the lyrics mirror the struggles we often encounter today—and what we can do to recover from and overcome them. FYI: You don’t need to be able to play an instrument/sing to come. All that’s really required is that you like listening to music. We will sometimes have various other art/media-based activities, but there’s no skill required. This is just a place to talk, learn and meet others you can relate to.

LGBTQ+ All Recovery: Mondays at 5:30 p.m. in Prism Center (Lupton Hall Room 116)

• Open to all but focused on LGBTQ+ students and allies. All types of recovery and pathways welcome.

Looking ahead

Mocs golfer Makenzie Cooper, left, claimed her first career win at the Evie Odom Invitational Sunday in Virginia Beach, Virginia (photo credit: ODU Athletics).

This week’s Mocs home athletics calendar:

• Wednesday (Oct. 11): Softball vs. Chattanooga State, Frost Stadium, 5 p.m.
• Thursday (Oct. 12): Men’s Tennis at ITA Ohio Valley Regional, Champions Club, all day
• Thursday (Oct. 12): Soccer vs. Wofford, Finley Stadium, 6 p.m.
• Friday (Oct. 13): Men’s Tennis at ITA Ohio Valley Regional, Champions Club, all day
• Friday (Oct. 13): Cross Country/Track & Field UTC home meet, Camp Jordan, 9:30 a.m.
• Saturday (Oct. 14): Men’s Tennis at ITA Ohio Valley Regional, Champions Club, all day
• Sunday (Oct. 15): Men’s Tennis at ITA Ohio Valley Regional, Champions Club, all day
• Monday (Oct. 16): Men’s Tennis at ITA Ohio Valley Regional, Champions Club, all day

Looking back

A long-awaited tribute to the legacy of the pioneering African American Greek-letter fraternities and sororities on the UTC campus has formally been unveiled. On Friday, a grand opening ceremony was held to introduce UTC Divine Nine Heritage Park, a monument and destination spot to educate the campus on the origins, history and purpose of the National Panhellenic Council’s “Divine Nine.”

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Tennessee Valley Federal Credit Union Vice President of Corporate Engagement Dionne Jenkins visited Advancement House on Mocs Gift Day to present a $10,000 gift toward MOC Academy.

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

• Homecoming Week hoopla: “UTC and Beyond”
• Power C Tour takes UTC on the road
• Making the grade: Harvard graduate now playing linebacker for the Mocs
• Want to get paid to do research in Spain next summer? Start your application for the UTC Cadiz International Research Program now
• Students live, work and learn on study abroad trip to Vietnam
• UTC grad credits biology professors, pre-health staff for optometry school inspiration
• Micromanagement: Research aims to find, remove plastic particles in Chattanooga’s water
• Nursing students take part in UTC police training
• ‘Beautiful Faces’ documentary looks at local plastic surgeon and his patients

Tales from the UTC PodLab

Shawn Kurrelmeier-Lee and Stephen Rumbaugh

“Tennessee Valley Across the Table” is a student-led podcast that brings locals, often strangers with different views, together to learn who we are as people. It is inspired by StoryCorps’ One Small Step program.

In 2022, community members came to the UTC PodLab and opened their lives with stories about their families, their politics and their hopes for the future. This year, UTC Honors students, under the direction of Will Davis, studied the recordings and chose the material that most resonated with them. This episode by UTC elementary education student Mackenzie Longmire features a conversation between Shawn Kurrelmeier-Lee and Stephen Rumbaugh.

You can subscribe to “Tennessee Valley Across the Table” on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

WUTC Spotlight: Scenic Roots

Mike Bradshaw, director of the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, recently was a guest on WUTC-FM’s Scenic Roots to talk about what’s going on at the CIE.

The Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, part of the Gary W. Rollins College of Business, engages, equips and encourages innovators and entrepreneurs at UTC.

Be Well Tip: Breast Cancer Awareness Month

As we observe Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October, it is crucial for all individuals, regardless of gender identity, to be aware of breast and chest health. Watch for any breast/chest irregularities or symptoms such as lumps or masses (which may or may not be painful), swelling under arms or around the collarbone, general and/or nipple pain, redness/thickening/itching of the skin, discharge, and unusual warmth in the chest area.

We encourage everyone to incorporate monthly self-exams—in the shower, in front of a mirror or while lying down—both visually and by physically using the pads of your fingers in circular motions to feel for any noticeable changes.

• Contact your health care provider immediately if you detect any changes.
• For more information, visit us in the Center for Wellbeing (University Center Room 350) for a “how-to” self-exam tool as well as other breast and chest health resources.