|
Updates and news for the week of August 22 – 28, 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.
A big “Go Mocs” to the Class of 2027!
Prepare to stay healthy this fall
COVID-19’s pandemic status ended in May, but it remains a very contagious virus and cases are on the rise.
University Health Services (UHS) has identified a few simple steps all of us can take to help avoid contracting or transmitting COVID-19. Click here to learn more.
Honors College signs strategic partnership with City of Chattanooga
 Honors College Dean Linda Frost and Steve Wilson, Director of Innovation and Special Projects for the city of Chattanooga, sign the innovation partnership. The Honors College is joining forces with the city of Chattanooga to find new and better ways to solve some of the city’s problems.
The UTC Innovations in Honors program and the Chattanooga Department of Innovation Delivery and Performance have agreed to collaborate on developing solutions to citywide challenges involving public housing and health during the 2023-2024 academic year.
A new program is coming to UTC
A new Master of Science in Management online degree program at UTC begins with the spring 2024 semester. The addition of the program, housed within the Gary W. Rollins College of Business, was made official last week after its confirmation from the Tennessee Higher Education Commission.
Learn more about the MS Management degree, including enrollment information for spring 2024, by visiting utc.edu/MSM.
Submit Events for the Scrappy Newsletter
As it’s a new semester, a reminder to the campus community: The 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.
Download the new Safe Mocs App
The UTC SafeMocs app is a tool for quickly reaching campus police, reporting safety concerns and accessing the campus Crisis Support system for behavioral health issues. SafeMocs is free and available for iPhone and Android, and students, faculty, staff and their families are encouraged to download it.
The app also can connect users with the Counseling Center, University Health Services and student outreach and support services including academic tutoring, advising, career services and interactive campus maps. During campus emergencies the app will receive UTC-ALERT messages and provide access to emergency plans and the UT Reconnect site to let family and friends know you are safe.
Go to the Apple or Google Play app stores and search for “Safe Mocs.”
The outstanding people of UTC
 From left: Dr. Mengjun Xie, Dr. Joseph Kizza, Dr. Hong Qin Congratulations to UTC faculty and staff who received awards or submitted proposals for sponsored programs in July. The Office of Research and Sponsored Programs announced that faculty and staff attracted $2,686,964 in external grant and contract awards during the month and submitted proposals for the potential to generate over $7,649,884 in external funding, if awarded.
Among those receiving awards in July were Dr. Mengjun Xie, Dr. Joseph Kizza and Dr. Hong Qin (Computer Science and Engineering) who, in collaboration with Tuskegee University, have received $808,576 from the National Science Foundation for the project titled, “Renewal: Strengthening the National Cybersecurity Workforce.”
* * * * *
The Athletics Department announced the Class of 2023 inductees into the UTC Athletics Hall of Fame—representing four decades of Mocs athletics history. Michelle Fuzzard LaCourse (softball, 2008-2012), Stephan Jaeger (men’s golf, 2006-2009), Bobby Orand (wrestling, 1977-1980), Frank Reed (softball head coach since 2002) and Anastasia Zhukova (women’s tennis, 2006-2007) make up this year’s class.
The Hall of Fame also recognizes four individual award winners: Hiren Desai (Gordon Davenport Award), Cedric Greenway (Joe Morrison Award), McClendon Curtis (Scrappy Moore Award) and Dr. Frank Trundle Jr. (Harold Wilkes Award).
The inductees and award winners will be honored at the annual Hall of Fame Banquet on Friday, Oct. 6, in the University Center Tennessee Room. The banquet is open to the public, but seating is limited and reservations are required. Click here to purchase tickets.
* * * * *
Following the birth of her second daughter in 2018, Shari McKinney was diagnosed with breast cancer. She faced the diagnosis head-on and today—alongside her family—continues to help raise awareness of this disease.
Her husband, Gavin—head coach of the Mocs women’s soccer team—has been named an ambassador for the American Cancer Society’s “Men Wear Pink” campaign. McKinney is raising funds for and awareness of the fight against breast cancer. Click here to learn more and to contribute.
* * * * *
Check out these Mocs making a difference:
- Dr. Jejal Bathi, environmental engineering coordinator and assistant professor in civil engineering, was recently awarded a $25,000 grant for a research project titled “Microplastics Sampling for Stormwater Management” from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s People, Prosperity, and the Planet program. NewsChannel 9 interviewed Bathi and his students about the research.
- Associate Dean of Students Brett Fuchs and freshman Adrian Senentz were interviewed for a Times Free Press story about the opening of the academic year.
- Carling Wilson in Housing and Residence Life and senior Ali Lemmons were interviewed by Local 3 News for Operation Move In.
- Mike Bradshaw being named the new director of the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship was featured in the business section of the Times Free Press.
- Associate Professor of History Annie Tracy Samuel was interviewed for a story titled, “The Power Behind Iranian Terror,” that appeared in numerous online publications—including Military.com.
- A recent segment of News 12 Now’s More to the Story with Staley featured the Center for Professional Education’s Freight Broker Professional Program.
Mark your calendar
 From left: Louie, Scrappy and Louise at UTC Night at the Chattanooga Lookouts baseball game (photo credit: GoMocs.com). The Chattanooga sports community will be coming together from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. today (Aug. 22) on Chamberlain Field to welcome UTC students back to campus.
Mocs student-athletes are slated to be joined by members of the Chattanooga Lookouts, the Double-A baseball affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds, and Chattanooga FC—currently sitting atop the National Independent Soccer Association. The event is sponsored by Coca-Cola. Click here to learn more.
* * * * *
The Institute of Contemporary Art, located in the Fine Arts Center lobby, will open its fall event series on Thursday (Aug. 24), featuring a concert by folk guitarist Jake Xerxes Fussell beginning at 6 p.m. in the Roland Hayes Concert Hall. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. for the concert, which is free and open to the public.
Following the performance, the ICA will debut its fall exhibition, artist Kevin McNamee-Tweed’s “When the World’s on Fire.” The gallery will be open until 9 p.m.; light food and drink will be offered.
Click here for more information.
* * * * *
Don’t miss your opportunity as a member of the UTC family to experience professional soccer live and in-person at upcoming Chattanooga Football Club home games. Thanks to a UTC + CFC partnership, a limited supply of up to 50 tickets per game are available to UTC students, faculty and staff on a first-come, first-served basis through CFC’s current season. Be there to watch the soccer match and celebrate as UTC faculty, staff and students are recognized throughout the game. Your next opportunity for free tickets is on Thursday (Aug. 24) when the UTC Student Government Association will be honored.
Learn more and get your tickets here:https://linktr.ee/cfctix.
* * * * *
The next UTC Research Institute brown bag lunch will take place from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. on Friday (Aug. 25) in the UTC Library Room 435. Each brown bag lunch is designed to engage faculty and staff across campus in identifying opportunities for collaboration. | Calendar Info
* * * * *
The Institute of Internal Auditors Chattanooga chapter is hosting a networking event and student night from 5:30-8 p.m. on Friday (Aug. 25) in 540 McCallie Ave. Building Room 104. The event is open to all business and computer science majors who are interested in learning about careers in internal auditing. Dinner is provided and chapter members from several large employers will be in attendance, including those in the corporate, nonprofit and governmental spaces. This is a fantastic opportunity for students, particularly those majoring in accounting, finance or computer science, to learn about the industry and network with hiring managers in an informal setting. Seating is limited and registration is required. | Calendar Info
* * * * *
The Center for Wellbeing and the Mocs Recovery program have assisted in organizing two upcoming events for International Overdose Awareness Day. For more information on both, visit the Center’s MocSync page.
An opioid overdose prevention and Narcan training session will take place from 1-2:30 p.m. on Monday (Aug. 28) in the University Center Signal Mountain Room. This training, presented by Debra Clark from the Hamilton County Coalition, will provide data on opioid overdoses in our state and county, discuss addiction stigma, warning signs for opioid overdose and how to administer naloxone nasal spray (Narcan) to save a life. Attendees will be able to receive Narcan from Clark. Email megan-mcknight@utc.edu in the Center for Wellbeing with any questions.
An International Overdose Awareness Day in Hamilton County event will take place from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 31, at the Downtown YMCA (301 W. Sixth St.), featuring guest speakers, giveaways, educational resources, support groups and more. IOAD is the world’s largest annual campaign to end overdose, remember without stigma those who have died from an overdose and acknowledge the grief of the family and friends left behind. The Mocs Recovery program will be present to provide resources to the community.
* * * * *
Undergraduate Admissions would like to get the following “Save the Date” reminders on everyone’s calendar:
- Monday (Aug. 28): UTC campus tours begin
- Thursday, Oct. 5: Power C Tour—Memphis
- Tuesday, Oct. 24: Power C Tour—Nashville
- Monday, Oct. 30: Power C Tour—Knoxville
- Wednesday, Nov. 8: Power C Tour—Chattanooga
- Saturday, Nov. 11: Blue and Gold Preview
- Saturday, March 23, 2024: Blue and Gold Spring Preview
Moc LEAD (Leaders Encouraging a Difference) Self-Awareness Experience Applications Now Available
Faculty and staff, encourage your students to invest in their potential by participating in Moc LEAD, a 10-week certificate program that helps them prepare for their next steps as leaders in their organizations, their communities, their internships and their future careers. Active participants can expect to explore leadership in a fun way, discover their “why” and communication style, connect with a network of resources and achieve their goals. There will be plenty of free food and giveaways along the way. Students will also have the opportunity to earn a scholarship reward.
- Sessions take place on Thursdays from 2-3 p.m. from Sept. 14 through Nov. 16.
- More information, including academic and retention data and the application, can be found at www.utc.edu/moclead. Please pass this link on to students.
- Applications close at 4 p.m. on Sept. 13.
Email Daniel-Grzesik@utc.edu, the director of Leadership Development and Programs, if you have any questions or if you are interested in getting involved as a faculty/staff member.
MyMocsNet Leveled Up
A reminder that MyMocsNet leveled up this summer and is now available at mymocs.utc.edu and as a mobile app. Users are now able to customize their portal, access key systems and resources, and stay up-to-date on important announcements and tasks.
Visit utc.edu/mymocsnet-info to download the app and check out the video tutorials.
UTC Pro Bono Student/Faculty Physical Therapy Clinic
Do you feel like you need direction returning from an injury or getting back into a workout routine? Do you have a running injury? Is your back or neck sore from “study posture?” Make an appointment for physical therapy.
The Pro Bono Physical Therapy clinic, a part of University Health Services, offers free physical therapy to UTC students, faculty and staff. Clinic hours are 8 a.m.-noon on Tuesdays and 1-5 p.m. on Thursdays. Call University Health Services at 423-425-2266 to schedule an appointment, or email ptclinic@utc.edu for more information.
UTC Students and Faculty to Participate in Remote Area Medical Clinic
Remote Area Medical, a major nonprofit provider of pop-up clinics delivering free, quality dental, vision and medical care to those in need, will hold a free, two-day clinic on Sept. 9-10 at the Camp Jordan Arena (323 Camp Jordan Parkway in East Ridge). RAM provides these services to any person that requests them, regardless of their past, legal situation, or financial means, and services are offered by volunteers from around the region—including a significant UTC presence.
- Social Work students and faculty will provide social services and follow-up services to clinic patients.
- Music Therapy will provide services to patients, practitioners and clinic staff.
- Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures will have individuals on-hand to serve as interpreters.
- Nurse Practitioner program students and staff will provide health screenings.
- The Master of Public Health program will conduct clinic support.
Apply for a Study abroad opportunity in Spain
A study abroad opportunity in Spain is available through the International Studies Program at the Universidad de Alcala de Henares.
Dr. Katelyn Hancock from the Social, Cultural, and Justice Studies Department will be teaching a Sexual Victimization course for the program, which runs from Jan. 15-April 12. Students earn 12 credit hours for the program semester. The Office of Study Abroad has scholarship funding (three scholarships at $1,500 per student) for eligible students participating in this program.
Click here to learn more about the program. For additional information, email katelyn-hancock@utc.edu.
Information Technology Says Welcome Back
Starting a new semester is busy enough without technology getting in your way. To make things as easy as possible, the Information Technology department is here to help get you started with a quick guide to technology resources.
If you need assistance, please stop by the IT Solution Center in University Center Room 212 or contact IT by clicking here.
UTC Solar Decathlon Team is looking for motivated students
Want to learn how to build a house from professional builders? Want to make positive local community impacts? Want to visit Orange County, California, in October?
The UTC Solar Decathlon team is building a house in Engel Stadium funded by the government of California—and is looking to hire 20 motivated students. All UTC students (any major and any academic year) are welcome to apply. Contact sungwoo-yang@utc.edu with a brief description about yourself, a transcript and reference information. For more information, click here or here.
Campus Updates
In accordance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security and Campus Crime Statistics Act, UTC publishes an Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (ASFR).
The ASFR contains information on crime statistics for the past three years, crime prevention, crime reporting, law enforcement policies and procedures, fire safety and statistics for the past three years, emergency response and evacuation procedures, and missing student notification policies and procedures. The new report, which will cover crime and fire statistics and the above policies and procedures for years 2020–2022, will be published Oct. 1. Click here for more information.
* * * * *
The Office of Research and Special Projects is accepting Notices of Intent for two limited submission programs—the National Endowment for the Arts’ Grants for Arts Projects and the National Science Foundation’s AI Research Institutes. Both programs have a submission deadline of Friday, Sept. 8. Click here to learn more.
More information about InfoReady Review, including help guides, is available on ORSP’s webpage. Direct questions about InfoReady Review to ashley-ledford@utc.edu.
* * * * *
Residential students, the fall 2023 meal plan change request deadline is Sunday, Sept. 3. Students may 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 2023 semester. Requests received after Sept. 3 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 students have 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.
* * * * *
The student organization re-registration process for the 2023-2024 academic year is now open. All UTC student organizations are required to complete re-registration annually to maintain active status and campus privileges.
Re-registration eligibility, steps, deadlines and resources can be found here. Contact Laura-Petrus@utc.edu with any questions.
* * * * *
UTC has launched the new Off-Campus Student Services (OCSS) program for the 2023-2024 academic year. Housed in the Office of Student Outreach and Support, Off-Campus Student Services aims to help students find off-campus housing, educate students on their rights and responsibilities as renters, and assist with other needs they may experience living off-campus.
In addition, UTC has entered a partnership with College Pads, which provides an online tool to help students become more-educated renters, compare off-campus housing options, and find potential roommates. The link to College Pads’ Chattanooga off-campus housing listings can be found here.
* * * * *
A message from the Office of the Bursar …
This message is for all students who are continuing the UTC experience. The process for completing payment of fees for fall 2023 has begun in the Office of the Bursar.
- Students who have registered for fall 2023 should view their E-Mocs statement via their MyMocsNet accounts. The first E-Mocs statement was available on July 13.
- Employees and dependents, ensure that you have submitted the proper documentation for the tuition waiver if applicable.
- All students are encouraged to set up ACH/Direct Deposit for refunds through their MyMocsNet accounts. Note that a paper check mailed to the permanent address on file can take 5-10-plus days via USPS. If assistance is needed in adding the refund account information, please go to utc.edu/bursar, click the “Video Instructions” tab in the middle of the page, and click on the video titled, “Bursar Series: Direct Deposit.”
If you have any general questions, please contact our office at 423-425-4781 or email Bursars-Office@utc.edu. The office is open weekdays from 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Ensure that anyone permitted to discuss your account has a MyMocsPass Passphrase to receive specific information about your account.
* * * * *
“The First Amendment, the Academy, and the Media: Restoring a Marketplace of Ideas,” is the topic of the 13th Annual Dr. Richard Gruetzemacher Constitution Day Lecture Series, which takes place at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 13, in the University Center Tennessee Room. The lecture series is presented by the UTC Center for Reflective Citizenship.
The featured speaker is Joshua Dunn, the inaugural executive director of the Institute of American Civics at the Howard H. Baker School for Public Policy and Public Affairs. For more information, contact the Center for Reflective Citizenship at crc@utc.edu or call 423-425-5603. | Livestream Link | Calendar Info
* * * * *
Exempt employees (and/or non-exempt employees with supervisory responsibilities) of any UT campus are welcome to register for the inaugural BEST Man Forum to be held Sept. 19 at the UT Conference Center in Knoxville. The forum will be based on the book “Of Boys and Men” with keynote remarks from the author, Richard Reeves. The one-day event will include facilitated small-group sessions based on chapters of the book, an executive leadership panel, extensive networking and a vendor session.
The UTC Division of Diversity and Engagement is sponsoring transportation to this event for UTC employees, leaving campus at 6:30 a.m. and returning at 6 p.m. the same day.
- Learn more about the conference and register here.
- Resources may be available through UTC’s Career Development Fund to help defray the cost of this event for non-exempt employees. Visit that website to see if you’re eligible for financial assistance.
* * * * *
Jeff Flowers, retirement plan advisor with Empower Retirement (aka Retire Ready Tennessee)—the 401k and 457 provider—will be on campus Tuesday, Sept. 19, for in-person retirement planning meetings. Meetings will be held in UTC Library Room 429. To schedule an appointment, follow this link to see available times: https://jeff-flowers.empowermytime.com.
* * * * *
Timothy Tubbs, UTC’s TIAA Financial Consultant, will be visiting UTC on Wednesday, Sept. 20, for in-person Optional Retirement Program consultations. Meetings will be held in UTC Library Room 429. To schedule an appointment, follow this link to see available times: www.tiaa.org/schedulenow.
* * * * *
Mocs Card Services is issuing new ID cards to all faculty, staff, and students. As campus card readers are being replaced, this new card will be necessary for door access and use.
The ID Office summer hours of operation are 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday. Please anticipate a higher-than-normal volume of customers on Orientation days.
What is the difference in the current Mocs Card and the new Mocs Card? The new Mocs Card is embedded with an RFID chip (tap technology) that will coincide with the installation of new card readers across campus.
- Bring your current Mocs Card to the ID Office in University Center Room 262 to exchange for the new card.
- If you do not bring your current ID, there is a $30 replacement fee. Replacement fees are processed in the Bursar’s Office (University Center Room 274).
- Contact Mocs Card Services (423-425-5819) or the ID Office (423-425-2218) with questions.
* * * * *
UTC will be rolling out a new events calendar using software from Localist. The new UTC calendar will enable members of the campus community to easily share, manage and publicize events from a single, convenient platform. Event information shared via this platform also is accessible to the public.
In addition to enabling easily adding an event to the calendar, the platform will automatically incorporate events from other calendars—such as events hosted by Mocs Athletics, the UTC Library and more. The new calendar tool will offer:
- Ease of use
- Customizability
- Possibility of improved engagement/turnout at campus events
Looking ahead:
 Photo credit: Ray Soldano/GoMocs.com This week’s Mocs Athletics calendar:
- Thursday (Aug. 24): Soccer at North Alabama (Florence, Alabama), 7 p.m.
- Friday (Aug. 25): Volleyball vs. New Orleans at Georgia State Invite (Atlanta), 11 a.m.
- Friday (Aug. 25): Volleyball vs. South Carolina State at Georgia State Invite (Atlanta), 3:30 p.m.
- Saturday (Aug. 26): Volleyball vs. Georgia State at Georgia State Invite (Atlanta), 2 p.m.
Looking back
Operation Move In brought the newest flock of Mocs to UTC. All last week at the residential housing units on campus, cars, pickups, SUVs and minivans pulled in, often stuffed to the brim and unloaded by students, parents, siblings and other relatives.
* * * * *
What do you do after moving in? Start your Mocs career at Convocation. Click here to read the Convocation story and see the UTC Mythbusters video.
* * * * *
Here are some other recent UTC stories featured in the Newsroom:
- This month, Wanda Lockhart was the first awardee of the Essentials of Leadership Certificate—the first undergraduate certificate program offered by UTC. Lockhart is the director of clinical reporting for BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee.
- This summer, Chattanooga’s greenways became a laboratory for 10 undergraduate students from across the country. Intertwining ecology, biology, geography and public policy, the students used their interdisciplinary research in hopes to improve the Tennessee Riverwalk and South Chickamauga Creek Greenway. The Urban Greenspace Research Collaborative REU was led by Dr. DeAnna Beasley and Dr. Chris Acuff.
- During his time in the U.S. Navy, recent UTC graduate Heber Gutierrez saw the world, but his experience as an opportunity fellow for an art workshop taught him the most about life. With a passion for art, glassblowing and especially pottery, he decided to pursue a degree in studio art.
Tales from the UTC PodLab
 Michelle Deardorff and Tucker McClendon “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 Michelle Deardorff and Tucker McClendon.
You can subscribe to “Tennessee Valley Across the Table” on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
WUTC Spotlight: The Rock Show
 Members of The Otis Band Boone Froggett, guitarist and vocalist for The Otis Band, recently sat down with Nessa Parrish of WUTC-FM’s The Rock Show to describe what it’s like being a musician during the pandemic, beating thyroid cancer and his clear path to music.
|
