Updates and news for the week of January 24 – 30, 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.

Campus Updates  |  University Events Master Calendar  |  UTC News

Spreading the word about “A Moc’s First Year,” QEP and the SACSCOC visit

More than one dozen Roadshow sessions have been scheduled over the next few weeks to educate everyone on campus about “A Moc’s First Year” and the upcoming SACSCOC On-Site Review Team visit.

Sessions taking place this week in the UTC Library Southern Writers Room include:

  • Today (Jan. 24), 9:30 a.m.
  • Thursday (Jan. 26), 6 p.m.
  • Friday (Jan. 27), noon
  • Monday (Jan. 30), noon

“A Moc’s First Year” is intended to increase retention and graduation of first-time, full-time freshmen and will connect a variety of current and new initiatives—culminating in a centralized learning community model. The approach is intended to increase student and faculty interaction, the sense of community on campus, new UTC students’ connection to Chattanooga, and overall UTC student success.

Chancellor’s Blue Ribbon Award Winners

The Chancellor’s Blue Ribbon Award recognizes employees who have gone above and beyond to display excellent job performance, dependability and innovation while promoting a pleasant working environment.

This morning, Chancellor Angle will recognize the Chancellor’s Blue Ribbon Award recipients for the second half of 2022 with a luncheon in the University Center. The honorees are:

  • Ann Laster, administrative specialist, Department of Performing Arts
  • Joseph McCauley, academic advisor, College of Arts and Sciences’ Student Success Center
  • Sandra Cordell, project and program coordinator and Veterans Entrepreneurship Program director, Gary W. Rollins College of Business
  • Kimberly Thomas, administrative assistant, Departments of Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy
  • Angela Foster, UTC campus photographer, Communications and Marketing
  • Emily Rosenquist, assistant director for advocacy and education, Center for Women and Gender Equity

The outstanding people of UTC

Chip Chapman, left, Dr. Shewanee Howard-Baptiste and Grant Knowles

Let’s Chatt host Chip Chapman, left, visits with Dr. Shewanee Howard-Baptiste and Grant Knowles.

Last week, Dr. Shewanee Howard-Baptiste and Hamilton County Schools’ Grant Knowles were live on WDEF-TV’s Let’s Chatt to talk about University High.

Check out these Mocs making a difference:

Coffee with the Chancellor

The first Coffee with the Chancellor of 2023 will be held on Thursday (Jan. 26) from 8:15-9:30 a.m. in the UTC Library’s Roth Reading Room (4th floor).

For those who haven’t attended Coffee with the Chancellor, stop by and chat, grab a cup of coffee and keep the mug. The only agenda is meaningful dialogue, so bring ideas, questions and concerns. Chancellor Angle will take questions from 8:30-9:15 a.m.

Calling Out for Nominations

Do you know a student worker who goes above and beyond in their role on campus? Has a faculty or staff member who supervises student workers contributed to the lives of their students in a positive way? If so, we want to know about them.

The second week of April is National Student Employment Week. UTC will be joining in the festivities this year with the inaugural Student Employee of the Year and Supervisor of the Year Awards.

Nominations are due in MocSync by 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 31. Please direct all questions to Endia-Butler@utc.edu.

Mark your Calendar: UTC Spring Research and Arts Conference

The UTC Spring Research and Arts Conference will take place on April 12.

ReSEARCH Dialogues has been renamed the UTC Spring Research and Arts Conference, with the event taking place April 12 in the University Center. This conference provides a place for students to showcase their academic and creative endeavors. The event will feature displays, presentations and posters from UTC undergrads, graduate students and faculty. Community college students and community partners are also invited to present.

  • The submission deadline for poster/arts, oral and performing arts presentations or to convene a panel is 11 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 26.
  • To learn more about the program and to register for the event, visit the UTC Spring Research and Arts Conference page.

UTC Police Department Cell Phone Drive

This week, the UTC Police Department is hosting a charity donation drive to collect electronic devices for victims of domestic abuse and sexual assault from Jan. 23-28.

The Police Department has partnered with the Mocs women’s basketball team for the donation drive. Patrons bringing any small donatable electronic devices (such as smartphones, tablets or laptops) to the games on Thursday (Jan. 26) vs. UNC Greensboro or Saturday (Jan. 28) vs. Western Carolina will receive a “Buy One, Get One Half Off” offer for a general admission ticket. Donatable devices should be brought to the box office at Gate 2 or Gate 3.

  • If you can’t make it to the games, have an electronic device to recycle and want to help victims of relationship violence, donations can be dropped off at the collection box in the Police Department front lobby (400 Palmetto Street).
  • In turn, as part of a collaboration with the 911 Cell Phone Bank and the Partnership for Families, Children and Adults, the Police Department will be provided reloadable Trac phones to be given—at no charge—to survivors of relationship abuse.

Registration now open for Campus Recreation Summer Youth Programs

Parents, UTC Campus Recreation has opened registration for its Mocs Adventure Summer Camp, Summer Pool Parties and Summer Youth Swim Lessons. Slots are expected to fill up quickly, so don’t delay in booking your child’s spots.

For questions or additional information, email CampusRec@utc.edu.

Center for Wellbeing Open House

The Center for Wellbeing will hold its spring open house from noon-2 p.m. on Wednesday (Jan. 25). Meet the staff, see the University Center space (Suite 350) and learn about resources and upcoming events. The open house will include a taco buffet (with vegan options), a photo booth and affirmation jars to decorate.

Innovations in Honors Information Sessions

Come learn about Innovations in Honors, UTC’s honors program for existing students, at a pair of information sessions on Thursday (Jan. 26). Requirements, benefits and other opportunities will be discussed during sessions taking place at 11 a.m. in the Guerry Center Reading Room and 5 p.m. at the Boling Apartments Community Center. Refreshments will be provided at both sessions.

Click here for more information about Innovations in Honors or email juan-alonso@utc.edu.

Research Meet-Up

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 first event of 2023 will take place from 11 a.m.-noon on Friday (Jan. 27) in the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (Mapp Building, 2nd floor) featuring Deborah McAllister, a UC Foundation professor in the School of Education who just celebrated her 30th year at UTC. She will talk about her recent projects with pre-service and in-service K-12 teachers, which utilize robotics and drones. Lunch will be provided. Register here to attend and email jennifer-skjellum@utc.edu with questions. 

January is Radon Awareness Month

A message from Employee Wellness:

January is Radon Awareness Month. Radon, the second leading cause of lung cancer, is a naturally occurring radioactive gas emitted from the ground. Due to radon being colorless and odorless, the only way to detect it in your home or business is to test for it.

Free radon test kits are available from the state by scanning the QR code or clicking here. For more information, email employeewellness@utc.edu.

Coming soon: Black History Month Kickoff

UTC’s celebration of Black History Month will include special events throughout February, beginning with a kickoff celebration from 3-5 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 1, in Lupton Hall.

The opening event is a combination pep rally and the 2nd annual Taste of Black Chattanooga—hosted by the Office of Multicultural Affairs and the Office of Student Success Programs.

Confianza Panel and Workshop

The Honors College and the Division of Diversity and Engagement are hosting Confianza, a professional skills opportunity for Latino students including a free workshop and a panel discussion, from 5:30-8 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 1, in the Guerry Center Reading Room. Free local Latino food will be included for up to 80 participants.

For more information, email juan-alonso@utc.edu.

Scrappy Wants You to Submit Events for Scrappy Newsletter

The weekly Scrappy Newsletter is emailed to students to students on Monday mornings during the fall and spring semesters to highlight campus events and announcements/deadlines. All student organizations, University departments and offices are invited to submit events and announcements for the newsletter. The deadline for submissions is 9 a.m. the Friday before an 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.

Moc LEAD Organizational Leadership Applications Available

The Moc LEAD Organizational Leadership Experience is a fun and unique 10-week cohort-based experience that helps students prepare for their next steps as leaders in their campus organizations, their communities, part-time jobs, internships, and their future careers. This weekly one-hour program, led by community leaders, is intended to help students explore critical membership areas in an engaging way; discover a new tool or new knowledge; further connect participants to a network of resources; and achieve desired positive-change outcomes.

  • Sessions take place on Tuesdays from 4:30-5:30 p.m. Feb. 7-April 18.
  • Applications close at 4 p.m. on Feb. 6.
  • More information, including academic and retention data and the application, can be found at www.utc.edu/moclead.
  • Email Daniel-Grzesik@utc.edu if you have any questions.

Newly Designated Experiential Learning Classes and Experiences

The following faculty and staff members applied for and received Experiential Learning Designation for their classes and opportunities:

  • ACC 3999-Introduction to Tax Preparation: Steve Davenport
  • CECS INcubating EngineerS for food innovaTion (iNest): Michael Danquah
  • ETCH 2640-Construction Office Practice: Bryan Strickland
  • SOC 1250-Social Problems: Lori Waite
  • THSP 1090-Public Speaking: Ashleigh Pipes

The growing list of over 200 designated classes and experiences can be found at www.utc.edu/beyond, along with more information about the designation process.

  • Spring deadlines for designation applications are February 24 and March 24. Email bengt-carlson@utc.edu with questions or to discuss how to develop an experiential opportunity for students and the resources available here at UTC for doing so.

Walk 30 Miles in 30 Days

The UTC Employee Step Challenge is taking place Jan. 23–Feb. 21. Everyone who signs up for the challenge and walks 30 miles in 30 days will be entered into a drawing for prizes. To sign up, visit this link or use the QR code above. 

“Play4Kay” Campus Cancer Awareness Event

The UTC women’s basketball team will be sponsoring a “Play4Kay” game Feb. 16 against conference-foe Furman University. The “Play4Kay” initiative was started by former North Carolina State Head Women’s Basketball Coach Kay Yow to bring communities together and honor cancer fighters and survivors in the fight against all cancers affecting women. 

Athletics invites all campus cancer warriors to come to the game to be recognized and honored at halftime. For free tickets, email Laura Herron at laura-herron@utc.edu. Please click here to learn about the Kay Yow Fund. 

Saves the Dates: I Love UTC Week 2023

Mark your calendars now for I Love UTC Week 2023, taking place March 20-24. This is a time to celebrate all that makes UTC special. There will be a variety of activities and special events for all members of the Mocs family, whether faculty, staff, student, alumni or friend. The full calendar of events will be shared soon.

If your office is hosting a program during the week of March 20-24 that would be appropriate to include on the I Love UTC Week calendar, email laura-cagle@utc.edu.

February = Financial Wellness

The UTC Financial Wellness Center is inviting campus to participate in a month-long savings challenge.

To participate, please complete this survey.

  • Once the survey is completed, participants will receive information about the challenge.
  • Everyone who signs up will be entered to win Tiffany Aliche’s (The Budgetnista) Get Good with Money and One Week Budget workbook.
  • Click here for more details.

Register for Free Virtual Health Disparities Conference

The School of Nursing will hold a free culturally inclusive care virtual conference titled “Reducing health disparities among indigenous communities, refugee populations, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and patients with disabilities,” from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 7. Register for the virtual event by clicking here. For more information about the Culturally Inclusive Care Conference, click here.

Marble Roller Coaster Competition 2023

The College of Engineering and Computer Science is hosting a Marble Roller Coaster engineering design competition for middle school and high school students on Friday, March 10. The event runs from 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. in the University Center Tennessee Room.

Click here to register to attend. Email CECS-SuccessCenter@utc.edu for more information.

March Madness

March Madness is right around the corner, a time to support the Mocs women’s and men’s basketball teams as they pursue Southern Conference titles. The tournament will take place in Asheville, North Carolina, from March 2-6.

SoCon Tournament week has become an annual rite of spring in the Asheville community, and it’s never too early to start making plans for the conference tournament. Here are website links for which include SoCon hotel rates.

Campus Updates

Human Resources provided a series of January staff development opportunities, with topics ranging from crucial conversations to wellness. Future events are also noted, including February’s theme of financial wellness.

The Honors College invites faculty members from all colleges to submit proposals for special-topics general education seminars to be taught in the 2023-2024 academic year. The Honors College asks faculty to submit classes distinct from those taught in their home departments—classes faculty think would engage and transform students but might not fit easily into a specific degree program. The next deadline for proposals is Feb. 15. Though the application notes that this deadline is limited to Spring 2024 proposals, a few slots remain for Fall 2023 courses. Click here for the application and email William-Kuby@utc.edu with questions.

Jeff Flowers, retirement plan advisor with Empower Retirement (aka Retire Ready Tennessee)—the 401k and 457 provider—will be on campus Wednesday (Jan. 25), Feb. 23 and March 20 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.

A Grant Writing Workshop set for Feb. 2-3 will provide individual, technical assistance consultation sessions. This workshop is highly encouraged for new faculty or faculty who are new to federal proposal development. Click here to register for the workshop and here to register for 1:1 consultations.

Want to study abroad? Come to a Study Abroad 102 session to find out how to have a global adventure while earning UTC credit. Session dates, times, locations and RSVPs can be found here. This session will allow students to meet with a staff member in order to get their general questions answered and work on choosing the right program that matches their academic, personal and professional goals. Haven’t signed up for the Study Abroad 101 Canvas course yet? Register here before attending a session.

Looking ahead

Events posted to this week’s University master calendar include:

Coco Bosman

Coco Bosman

This week’s Mocs Athletics calendar:

  • Wednesday (Jan. 25): Men’s Basketball vs. Wofford (McKenzie Arena), 7 p.m.
  • Thursday (Jan. 26): Women’s Basketball vs. UNC Greensboro (McKenzie Arena), 7 p.m.
  • Friday (Jan. 27): Wrestling at Presbyterian (Clinton, S.C.), 6 p.m.
  • Saturday (Jan. 28): Men’s Tennis vs. Gardner-Webb (UTC Tennis Center), 1 p.m.
  • Saturday (Jan. 28): Women’s Basketball vs. Western Carolina (McKenzie Arena), 2 p.m.
  • Saturday (Jan. 28): Men’s Basketball at ETSU (Johnson City, Tenn.), 4 p.m.
  • Saturday (Jan. 28) Men’s Tennis vs. Young Harris (UTC Tennis Center), 6 p.m.
  • Sunday (Jan. 29): Wrestling at The Citadel (Charleston, S.C.), 2 p.m.
  • Sunday (Jan. 29): Women’s Tennis vs. Lee University (UTC Tennis Center), 6 p.m.

Looking back

The IGNITE program provides first-semester freshmen with an experiential learning opportunity—and interactive sessions—through a paid employment position with UTC Campus Recreation.

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

  • This week is National CRNA Week, a time to celebrate the role of nurse anesthesists. During the past 50 years, over 800 CRNAs have completed UTC’s program.
  • The Dixie Mercerizing mill is undergoing a complete renovation. As part of their senior project, UTC interior architecture and design majors Landon Parker, Selah Robertson and Robyn Wood came up with concepts for one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, common spaces and commercial businesses for the site.

A Big Step for One Small Step

One Small Step: Scar Pardue, left, and Caleb Lawen

One Small Step: Scar Pardue, left, and Caleb Lawen

For the past several months, UTC and the University’s PodLab, managed by Will Davis, have been taking “One Small Step”—an effort to remind the country of the humanity in all of us. The initiative brings strangers together to learn who we are as people, and in this brief excerpt from their conversation, Scar Pardue and Caleb Lawen talk about their differences.

The UTC PodLab, a student podcasting studio for training the next generation of professional podcasters, is one of just six sites in the country selected to host “One Small Step” by StoryCorps, the National Public Radio-affiliated nonprofit that records, preserves and shares stories from everyday Americans. Audio recordings of each interview are archived at the Library of Congress.

  • This semester, students in Davis’ Honors College seminar will be involved in every aspect of editing, packaging, promoting and sharing a multi-episode serial podcast based on the Chattanooga One Small Step conversations.

WUTC Spotlight: Scenic Roots

On a recent episode of Scenic Roots, host and producer Ray Bassett sat down for a UTC MLK Day 2023 conversation with Vice Chancellor for Diversity and Engagement Stacy Lightfoot and Chris Stokes, assistant director of the Office of Multicultural Affairs.

Be Well Tip of the Week: Talk to Someone

“Talk to someone.” We are here to be a resource for understanding recovery. Whether it is substances, food, social media, mental health or whatever has become unmanageable for you, let’s talk about it.

UTC Mocs Recovery Lounge: University Center Room 154

Contact: Cassandra Riddle (Cassandra-riddle@utc.edu).
 

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