Updates and news for the week of August 13-19, 2024

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Updates and news for the week of Aug. 13-19, 2024UTC News | UTC Events Calendar | Campus Updates The UTC Campus Weekly newsletter is distributed every Tuesday morning. If you have news, events or announcements you would like shared with campus, please submit your information to peyton-l-schultz@utc.edu or chuck-wasserstrom@utc.edu in the Division of Communications and Marketing by 3 p.m. on Friday for placement in the following Tuesday’s newsletter.Highlights | Outstanding People of UTC | Mark Your Calendar | Campus Updates | UTC Newsroom | WUTC HighlightsOLIVIA REEVES BRINGS HOME OLYMPIC GOLDOlivia Reeves won a gold medal in the 71 kg women’s weightlifting event. Photo courtesy of USA Weightlifting.On Friday, Aug. 9, Olivia Reeves, a senior sociology student at UTC, became the first U.S. weightlifter to win gold at the Olympics in 24 years. She also set an Olympic record with a snatch of 117 kg (257.9 pounds). ______UTC DUAL ENROLLMENT OPPORTUNITIESUTC has announced a new dual-enrollment initiative designed to provide local high school juniors and seniors with the opportunity to earn college credits while completing their high school education. This initiative aims to enhance educational outcomes, prepare students for future academic success and offer significant financial benefits.Beginning with the start of the University’s 2024-2025 academic year, UTC is offering two on-campus dual-enrollment courses—English 1010 (Rhetoric and Composition 1) and Math 1130 (College Algebra)—to eligible students who have completed their sophomore year of high school while maintaining a 3.0 GPA.These courses, which will meet at UTC from 4-5:15 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays starting Aug. 20, will provide an excellent starting point for high school students to engage in college-level academics and earn transferable credits.The Tennessee Dual Enrollment Grant program covers the cost of dual-enrollment courses, making this opportunity accessible to a broader range of students.To begin the application process, prospective students should visit the UTC Dual Enrollment webpage. For further information, email dual-enrollment@utc.edu. ______UDPATE YOUR MOCS CARDWelcome back students! As a reminder, your MOCS Card does not expire, only the sticker. Please come by the ID Office, located in the University Center next to the bookstore, to get your updated sticker.ID Office hours of operation: Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Questions? Email mocscard@utc.edu or call 423-425-2218. ______FALL 2024 MEAL PLAN CHANGE REQUEST DEADLINEStudents may now request a meal plan change by emailing mocscard@utc.edu. Remember to include your UTC ID number and the meal plan you would like for the fall 2024 semester.Any requests received after Sunday, Sept. 1, will not be accepted.Meal plan eligibility is based on earned credit hours. The University classifies undergraduate students as freshmen, sophomores, juniors or seniors according to the number of credit hours the student has 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 refer to this link for that information: mocsdining.campusdish.com/MealPlans ______OPERATION MOVE INWe could really use your help with Operation Move In from noon-4 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 15. Volunteers are needed to welcome students and parents, assist with unloading cars and guide everyone to their residence halls. This is a great opportunity to make a positive first impression on our new Mocs.Chancellor Angle and other campus leaders will be there to ensure our new students feel right at home. Your friendly presence will make a lasting impact.Sign up now by filling out the Volunteer Sign-Up Form if you can help. You’ll receive a free T-shirt and meal voucher. Departments can also get involved by providing flyers/goodies for on-campus residents or hanging banners on the fence at the UTC Sports Complex. Learn more by clicking here.  ______SUBMIT YOUR EVENTS FOR THE SCRAPPY NEWSLETTERThe Scrappy Newsletter is a weekly email to students highlighting campus events and brief announcements/deadlines. This newsletter is distributed to all students on Monday mornings around 9:30 a.m. during the fall and spring semesters. All student organizations, University departments and offices are invited to submit events and announcements for the newsletter each week. The deadline for submissions is 9 a.m. the Friday before the event occurs or the announcement should be made. Events that exist in MocSync with visibility set as “The Public” or “Students and Staff at UTC” will be automatically included in the Scrappy Newsletter each week if they are added by the weekly submission deadline Events that exist outside of MocSync and announcements/deadlines must be submitted via the Scrappy Newsletter Submission Form by the weekly submission deadline. The next Scrappy Newsletter will be distributed on Monday, Aug. 19. ______HOUSE CALLS 2024House Calls 2024 will be Tuesday, Sept. 10. This is the department initiative for campus partners to help us check in on our students after living on campus within those crucial first six weeks of school. We will provide resources but also engage in meaningful conversations right at the resident’s door. We would love many different offices across campus to participate so our residents can have a versatile experience.The training will be from 5-6 p.m. with dinner provided in the West Campus Multipurpose Room. We will be going to all resident spaces from 6-8 p.m. to check in with residents. Please fill out the form before Monday, Sept. 9 and communicate with Sabrina Sims if your plans have changed or if you have questions. Outstanding People of UTCDr. Liz Hathaway is a faculty-in-residence member in West Campus student housing. If you’re on the UTC campus, it won’t take long for you to run into Dr. Liz Hathaway. In the spirit of mentorship, Hathaway sat down for a Q&A and offered advice to new Mocs students.  ______Dr. Allen Pratt stands outside of Hunter Hall.Dr. Allen Pratt has been named the interim director of the UTC Center for Excellence and Innovation in Education. Pratt, who joined the UTC faculty in 2016, had most recently been the UTC School of Education’s director of strategic partnerships. He moved into that role in March 2024 after serving as interim co-director of the School of Education since 2022. In addition, he has served as executive director of the National Rural Education Association (NREA) since 2016. ______Check out these Mocs making news: Dr. Bradley Harris spoke to the Daily Post Athenian about a new National Science Foundation program that will benefit Meigs County High School students. Will Poindexter, a longtime voice in Chattanooga Athletics, will take over as the new play-by-play announcer for UTC women’s basketball, following the retirement of Hall of Famer Larry Ward after 26 seasons. Olivia Reeves was featured in a Wall Street Journal article about her training routine for the 2024 Paris Olympics. An NPR story explained Reeves’ journey to the 2024 Paris Olympics. Reeves also appeared in an article about her visit with Snoop Dogg. Mark Your CalendarIt’s time for the annual Mocs Resource Fair and School Supply Give-A-Way, which takes place from 2-4 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 15, in Lupton Hall. Departments can sign up to table and sponsor a school supply here. If you have questions, contact Crystal Edenfield at crystal-edenfield@utc.edu. ______The Department of Biology, Geology and Environmental Science and the Geology Club are hosting a rock sale from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 17. All proceeds will benefit the UTC Geology Club and their future planned activities. It will be held on the first floor of Grote Hall, accessed from the gray double doors next to Lot 10. Rocks will range from 25 cents to $7 and only cash will be accepted. ______Excitement is building as the Dell Alienware Tech Explore Bus Tour arrives at UTC. Students, please join us from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 19, and Tuesday, Aug. 20, at Maclellan Gym (between the University Center and Maclellan) for an immersive gaming experience.Highlights include: Alienware Gaming Stations: Test out five high-performance setups, playing some of the most popular games out there today. AI Photo Booth: Snap and share your AI-generated selfies. Spin to Win: Grab some swag or enter to win Alienware products. Accessories Showcase: Explore the latest in Alienware gear. Dell’s tour is in conjunction with the opening of the UTC Esports Complex in Maclellan Gym Room 200, home to our Mocs Esports teams. The complex features 12 high-end gaming systems with games like Call of Duty, Rocket League, Overwatch and more. Open to all students—just bring your student ID or digital device to swipe in. For more information pertaining to this new facility, please visit go.utc.edu/esportscomplex. ______The College of Arts and Sciences is hosting a Welcome Week bash for incoming freshmen from 2-4 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 23, in Lupton 120. There will be free Clumpies ice cream for CAS majors, and students will have the chance to speak to representatives from their new departments. ______UTC is excited to participate in the United Way of Greater Chattanooga’s city-wide “Day of Caring” volunteer service initiative on Friday, Sept. 20. Make your plans to join your fellow Mocs, the United Way and 500-plus volunteers from around Chattanooga. Your servant leadership hands are needed for efforts such as cleaning, sorting, painting, mowing, mulching, moving debris and writing cards.UTC volunteers have an opportunity to address community needs at project sites across the city. Interested volunteers need to be available from 7:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m. A grab-and-go breakfast, transportation and lunch will be available. Click here to register and for additional details. Email Daniel-Grzesik@utc.edu, the director of Leadership Development and Programs, if you have any questions about getting involved with this volunteer service initiative. ______The UTC Graduate School announced that the following student will be presenting final works of research as an advanced degree candidate. Everyone is invited to attend.Thursday (Aug. 14): Crystal Mayer, Zoom, 10 a.m., Calendar Campus UpdatesAs we gear up for 2024-25 year, Facilities Planning and Management wanted to remind the campus who can drive University-owned vehicles. This includes University rental cars from Motor Pool, vehicles assigned or owned by departments and low speed vehicles like club cars and golf carts.
 
For official University business, all faculty, staff and students can drive University owned vehicles.  All drivers must have a valid driver’s license, have a personnel number in IRIS and have a signed Acknowledgment of Policies on file with Transportation Services.
  Additionally, students (including graduate students) must be in work status while driving, have driving as part of their job description and have the permission of their supervisor to drive University-owned vehicles. University gas-powered vehicles have been assigned a WEX fuel card. When in Hamilton county, please use the fuel pump on campus. The fuel pump is located at 400 Palmetto Dr., in the Motor Pool area, and is open 24/7. The person using the WEX card (on or off campus) must be added to our fuel management system. Their personnel number will be their PIN. All vehicles are covered by the State of Tennessee automobile liability insurance.  Accidents and damage must be reported within 24 hours at the UT Safety and Risk Management website. Additionally, any vehicle accident involving a non-UTC vehicle (third party) must call the State of Tennessee call center at 855-253-0629 within 24 hours to avoid possible late fees. The call center will need the same information that your personal automobile insurance company needs as they process all automobile claims for UT. All forms, vehicle fiscal policies and detailed information on rentals and other University vehicles, can be found at www.utc.edu/motorpool.For questions, service or repairs for University-owned vehicles, please contact motorpool@utc.edu. ______Preparations for the University Center renovation are well underway. The Chattanooga Rooms have been converted into surge space; the Foundation Room has been emptied and is offline permanently; and the Game Room has been moved to its temporary location in the Blue and Gold section of the Commons. There have also been some temporary departmental moves that you should be aware of: Mocs One Center – Chattanooga A Career Connections – Chattanooga C Mocs Recovery Program – UC 350 (Center for Wellbeing) Veteran and Military Affairs – Hooper 102 Office of the University Registrar – Library 4th Floor Construction is scheduled to begin on the west side of the building (1st floor and Upper Gallery areas). As always, we encourage everyone to reserve their space for the fall semester early. Reservations for spring 2025 events and meetings will open on Monday, Sept. 30. ______Do you know a young Mocs fan? Now is their chance to join our team and get in on all the fun-filled action that Mocs Athletics has to offer. Scrappy’s Kids Club is the official kids club of Chattanooga Athletics and membership is open to all kids in eighth grade and under, for only $20. Memberships include an official membership pack with tons of Mocs swag, free tickets to select home athletic events, exclusive events and opportunities, monthly emailed newsletters and so much more. ______Two-thirds of Tennessee students are now eligible for free tuition and mandatory fees at the UT campus of their choice, thanks to the expansion of the UT Promise scholarship program.As part of the scholarship, students are matched with a mentor that provides crucial support and guidance, helping them thrive at UT. And that’s where we need your help.To support the growing number of students, we need more mentors than ever. The time commitment is minimal—just two to three hours per semester—but the impact is immeasurable.UT Promise mentors come from all backgrounds. Anyone who meets the requirements can make a difference. Sign up by Thursday, Aug. 15, to shape the lives of Tennessee students. ______For the third consecutive year, the UTC Police Department is collecting old electronic devices for victims of domestic abuse and sexual assault.The UTC Police Department has partnered with 911 Cell Phone Bank—a nationally recognized organization for its work with law enforcement and victim advocate groups—to provide a 100% free service to individuals and businesses to securely recycle electronic devices that are no longer needed or that have been left behind in lost-and-found or property-and-evidence rooms.For further information or to arrange a pickup, contact Sgt. Ken Lloyd at Kenneth-lloyd@utc.edu. The donation collection drop box is located in the front lobby of the UTC Police Department (400 Palmetto St.). UTC NewsroomSchool of Education Director Kim Wingate stands in her Hunter Hall office. Dr. Kim Wingate’s journey from star softball player to director of the UTC School of Education is a testament to her unwavering resilience, adaptability and commitment to students and colleagues. She has not only faced personal and professional challenges head-on but has also inspired those around her to do the same. Chattanooga native Ryan Russell is an associate lecturer of marketing and entrepreneurship in the Gary W. Rollins College of Business.By not taking “no” for an answer, UTC Associate Lecturer Ryan Russell has used his lifelong optimism and tenacity to succeed, even luring Dallas Mavericks billionaire owner Mark Cuban into a Zoom call to a class. The first cohort of the UTC ABSN program attended a pinning ceremony at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. Having conquered a rigorous three-semester, 59-credit-hour curriculum in just one year, the inaugural cohort of the UTC accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program has officially crossed the finish line. ______Here are some other recent UTC stories featured in the Newsroom: Class is officially in session for 41 University High juniors. For the second consecutive year, students are working toward their high school diplomas on the UTC campus as part of the University High program—a Hamilton County Schools initiative. The fall 2024 semester is swiftly approaching as UTC staff and faculty diligently prepare for the arrival of the campus’ new Mocs. While the official “Welcome Week” festivities don’t begin until Aug. 18, UTC has prepared a plethora of activities for new students as they start their college careers. WUTCA recent episode of “Scenic Roots” on WUTC-FM featured Carter Fowler—co-founder of Totem.Totem is a startup in Chattanooga that is launching a friend-finding compass that needs no cell service, wi-fi or Bluetooth. UTC Campus WeeklyContent curated by the Division of Communications and Marketing  
© 2024 University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
 

Content curated by the Division of Communications and Marketing.
© 2024 University of Tennessee at Chattanooga