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Updates and news for the week of August 20-26, 2024
The UTC Campus Weekly newsletter is distributed every Tuesday morning. If you have news, events or announcements you would like shared with campus, please submit your information to peyton-l-schultz@utc.edu or chuck-wasserstrom@utc.edu in the Division of Communications and Marketing by 3 p.m. on Friday for placement in the following Tuesday’s newsletter.
Highlights
Welcome to Welcome Week 2024
The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga is gearing up for another exciting Welcome Week, an annual tradition that introduces new students to campus life.
More than 70 events are on the Welcome Week calendar and most can be found in MocSync—the University’s student engagement platform.
In case you missed it:
- The fall semester is officially here, and the first few weeks of your college experience are crucial. Fortunately, UTC likes to make things fun and easy. Here are six things freshmen should know about their first semester at UTC.
- A barrage of TVs, suitcases and plastic totes were moved into dorms across the UTC campus last Thursday when first-year students began their academic careers living on campus.
- Convocation—the annual celebration of incoming students at UTC—was held on Friday at McKenzie Arena for the class of 2028. With the help of the Marching Mocs, Ladies of Gold and Spirit Squad, UTC welcomed its new students in style as music and dancing filled the arena throughout the program.
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Come see the Dell Alienware Tech Explore Bus
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. today (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 and is open to all students; just bring your student ID or digital device to swipe in. For more information pertaining to this new facility, visit go.utc.edu/esportscomplex.
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Update your Mocs Card
Welcome 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.
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Registration dates and deadlines
A message from the Office of the Registrar:
The fall semester is underway.
Below is a list of upcoming important dates and deadlines pertaining to registration.
- Wednesday, Aug. 21: Part of Term 1, Last day to register for classes including to add a section or change sections and last day to change from credit to audit.
- Thursday, Aug. 22: Part of Term 1, Last day to drop a class before a grade of W (withdrawal) is recorded.
- Friday, Aug. 23: Full Term, Last day to change any registrations from credit to audit or from audit to credit. You must contact the Mocs One Center by 5:00 p.m.
- Sunday, Aug. 25: Full Term, Last day to register for courses including to add a section or change sections.
Information regarding refunds and charges is published by the Office of the Bursar.
Registration forms are published here.
Additional Academic Calendar information is available here. You can subscribe to these dates/deadlines by following the instructions linked here.
Outstanding People of UTC
 UTC police chief Sean O’Brien worked with the Chattanooga Police Department for 17 years. Sean O’Brien was officially sworn in as the UTC police chief this past May. He participated in a Q&A so students can learn more about his role on campus.
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Check out these Mocs making news:
- Associate Professor of Psychology Zack Simoni talked to NewsChannel 9 about his former student, UTC Olympic gold medalist Olivia Reeves.
- Numerous UTC personnel, including Men’s Basketball Coach Dan Earl, College of Health, Education and Professional Studies Dean Valerie Rutledge and Social Media Specialist Kaylah Santos were interviewed by News 12 Now as part of Thursday’s Operation Move In.
- Local 3 News interviewed incoming students and parents during Operation Move In.
- Austin Harris, CUIP director of operations and chief engineer, was featured on NewChannel 9’s ARC Chattanooga.
- Interim Assistant Dean of the Graduate School Christina Policastro was recently on Local 3’s 3 Plus You to discuss some tips to help make graduate school more affordable and more obtainable.
- Daniel Grzesik, director of Leadership Development and Programs, has been elected to a two-year Member At-Large position for the Leadership Chattanooga Alumni Association and selected for a two-year term on the Leadership Committee for the United Way of Greater Chattanooga’s Emerging Leaders Program. In these roles, Grzesik will support leadership training, networking and civic engagement opportunities. More information can be found here or by emailing Daniel-Grzesik@utc.edu
Mark Your Calendar
Come check out the Center for Wellbeing from 12-2 p.m. today (Aug. 20) in the University Center Room 350 to build your own wellbeing kit for the semester. We’ll be providing lunch and lots of giveaways. Our brand new massage chairs will also be available.
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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.
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The director of the Tennessee Legislative Internship Program will be available to meet students in the University Center lobby from 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m on Tuesday, Aug. 27. Students participating in this program can earn academic credit while learning about the legislative process by doing meaningful work with legislative members and committees during the spring legislative session in Nashville. Stop by to learn more, visit www.capitol.tn.gov/Intern, or contact Dr. Jeremy Strickler (Jeremy-Strickler@utc.edu) about the 2025 application process. Details about the application process will be distributed early this fall.
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Get the latest on the UTC Artificial Intelligence Initiative—or CHAI, for Chattanooga’s Artificial Intelligence—at a listening party to launch the new CH-AI Brews podcast. The event is from 5-6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 29, and will offer free pizza and T-shirts.
Save the date and reserve your spot by registering here.
You’ll hear brief excerpts from the student-led first season of the UTC CH-AI Brews podcast, to which you can subscribe here on Spotify. Season one covers topics from academic integrity to AI course innovations to what AI could mean for the job market. UTC Vice Chancellor for Information Technology Vicki Farnsworth also will give a update on the AI Initiative.
UTC is excited to participate in the United Way of Greater Chattanooga’s city-wide “Day of Caring” volunteer service initiative on Friday, Sept. 20. Make your plans to join your fellow Mocs, the United Way and 500-plus volunteers from around Chattanooga. Your servant leadership hands are needed for efforts such as cleaning, sorting, painting, mowing, mulching, moving debris and writing cards.
UTC volunteers have an opportunity to address community needs at project sites across the city. Interested volunteers need to be available from 7:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m. A grab-and-go breakfast, transportation and lunch will be available. Click here to register and for additional details.
Email Daniel-Grzesik@utc.edu, the director of Leadership Development and Programs, if you have any questions about getting involved with this volunteer service initiative.
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The Center for Women and Gender Equity will be conducting Safe Zone Aspiring Ally training sessions on the following dates:
- Thursday, Sept. 5: 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
- Monday, Oct. 7: 1-5 p.m.
- Monday, Dec. 16: 1-5 p.m.
- Thursday, Feb. 6: 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
- Wednesday, March 5: 1-5 p.m.
- Tuesday, April 1: 1-5 p.m.
- Monday, May 5: 1-5 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.
Campus Updates
Welcome back staff and students! As you settle into the new semester, remember to prioritize wellbeing.
A healthy routine can make all the difference in managing the challenges of university life. Start by setting a consistent sleep schedule—aim for seven to eight hours each night to recharge your mind and body.
- Don’t forget to stay active; even a 20-minute walk between classes can boost your mood and energy levels.
- Finally, make time for mindfulness—whether through meditation, journaling or simply taking a few deep breaths.
Check out the Center for Wellbeing’s Instagram page (@utc_cw) for programs all week to help you prioritize wellness. Here’s to kicking off the semester on the right foot.
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Construction Services reminds campus of some construction activities that you may encounter on campus this semester. Click here to learn more about projects taking place at the pedestrian way between the ARC and the Fifth St. garage, University Center, Brock Hall, 540 McCallie Ave. Building, Fletcher Hall, Health Sciences Building and McKenzie Arena.
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Students 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
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House 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.
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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.
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The Chattanooga Mocs ticket office has new options available this week for the upcoming football season.
Season tickets are $60 for five games, with additional benefits for Mocs Club members. Mini-plans allow you to pick any three games for $36. Single-game tickets start at $15, with prices increasing on game days.
A Skybox Suite at Finley Stadium is available for $2,500 per game, including 18 tickets, three parking passes, and a food and beverage credit.
To learn more, visit the link.
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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.).
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The 2025 UT Grand Challenges Summit will take place Feb. 13-14, 2025, at the Embassy Suites in Murfreesboro.
Join the UT System for an impactful summit aimed at addressing Tennessee’s most pressing issues. By convening a diverse group of experts and stakeholders to think in terms of wholes rather than fragmented parts, the summit’s goal is to foster innovative solutions and strategic partnerships to drive meaningful change across the state. This is a unique opportunity to delve into interconnected challenges and collaboratively explore ways to advance our communities.
The Grand Challenge areas are overcoming addiction, advancing K-12 education and strengthening Tennessee’s rural communities.
The UT System also is seeking engaging presentations from University-affiliated faculty and staff for this summit. Share your insights and lead discussions by providing an overview of your work. Click here to apply to be a presenter; the submission deadline is Sept. 1.
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Preparations for the University Center renovation are well underway. The Chattanooga Rooms have been converted into surge space; the Foundation Room has been emptied and is offline permanently; and the Game Room has been moved to its temporary location in the Blue and Gold section of the Commons. There have also been some temporary departmental moves that you should be aware of:
- Mocs One Center – Chattanooga A
- Career Connections – Chattanooga C
- Mocs Recovery Program – UC 350 (Center for Wellbeing)
- Veteran and Military Affairs – Hooper 102
- Office of the University Registrar – Library 4th Floor
Construction is scheduled to begin on the west side of the building (1st floor and Upper Gallery areas).
As always, we encourage everyone to reserve their space for the fall semester early. Reservations for spring 2025 events and meetings will open on Monday, Sept. 30.
UTC Newsroom
 Dr. 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.
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Here are some other recent UTC stories featured in the Newsroom:
- UTC and the Department of Energy’s (DOE) Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) are entering into a memorandum of understanding with the intent to collaborate in efforts to research, develop, deploy and evaluate technology and analytically based solutions to challenges in the area of quantum information science and engineering, including networking, sensing and computing.
- Last Wednesday, new UTC faculty members embarked on a bus tour, visiting various Chattanooga landmarks.
WUTC
Nancy Manet recently joined Richard Winham as the guest for this episode of WUTC’s “Live in the Library,” recorded live downtown at The Chattanooga Public Library.
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