July 7-13, 2026
Updates and news for the week of July 7-13, 2026
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 Schultz (peyton-l-schultz@utc.edu) in the Division of Communications and Marketing by 3 p.m. on Friday for placement in the following Tuesday’s newsletter.
Highlights
Planned Service Outages and Temporary Office Relocations
The Department of Facilities Planning and Management advises that the planned cooling outage at the UTC Library remains in effect today (July 7) through 5 p.m. Wednesday, July 8, as part of ongoing campus renovation and expansion projects. Additional work on the building’s heating and cooling systems is scheduled for Thursday, July 9-Friday, July 10, and may affect building temperatures.
During the cooling outage, the following services are temporarily relocated today (July 7) through Wednesday, July 8:
- Center for Academic Support and Advisement: Lupton Hall, Room 242
- UTC Library services: Lupton Hall, Room 120 (Collaboration Space)
- Walker Center for Teaching and Learning: Lupton Hall, Suite 118
- Writing Center: Lupton Hall, Suite 118
Directional signage will be posted to assist visitors. Questions may be directed to the Department of Facilities Planning and Management at (423) 425-2254.
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Celebrate UTC’s 140th Anniversary
UTC will kick off a yearlong celebration of its 140th anniversary on Founder’s Day, Sept. 15, honoring the university’s history while highlighting its continued impact on Chattanooga and beyond.
As part of the celebration, the campus community is invited to participate in two anniversary initiatives:
- 1886 Challenge: Faculty, staff and students will work together to complete 18,860 hours of community service during the anniversary year.
- 140 Community Events for 140 Years: UTC will recognize and support 140 community-focused events led by faculty, staff and students that strengthen connections with the Chattanooga community.
Additional information about Founder’s Week events, the anniversary initiatives and ways to participate will be shared in the coming weeks.
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SUBMIT YOUR EVENTS FOR WEEKS OF WELCOME 2026
The goal for Weeks of Welcome 2026 is to offer a calendar full of fun and engaging events that welcome our students to the start of a new semester, and your help is needed.
If you are hosting an event or program during the first two weeks of classes (Aug. 23-Sept. 5), please submit your event to the official calendar found on the Weeks of Welcome webpage. Click here to access the event submission form. The priority deadline to submit events for the Weeks of Welcome calendar is Friday, July 17. The final deadline is Friday, Aug. 7.
More information about submitting an event for the Weeks of Welcome calendar can be found here. Contact Laura Petrus with any questions.
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Volunteer for Operation Move In
 Dr. Andrew McCarthy helps unload belongings from a pickup truck into a move-in bin during 2025’s Operation Move In. Operation Move In (OMI) 2026 is scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday, Aug. 19-20, in residential spaces for new students across campus.
OMI provides an opportunity for faculty, staff, students and organizations to come together and create a welcoming, supportive environment for incoming students and their families. A campuswide committee is coordinating the two-day event, with volunteer roles including unloading, moving, parking and greeting.
Those interested in volunteering can register here. For more information, contact the OMI Volunteer Committee co-chairs Erica Holmes Trujillo and Dr. Andrew McCarthy at omi@utc.edu.
Outstanding People of UTC
 Rebecca Brantley Art historian and curator Rebecca Brantley has joined the UTC as curator and director of the Institute of Contemporary Art and a faculty associate in the Department of Art.
Brantley comes to UTC from Piedmont University in Demorest, Georgia, where, as director of the Mason-Scharfenstein Museum of Art and an associate professor, she developed an exhibition program centered on the American South, expanded the museum’s audience and collection, and helped lead a 58% increase in attendance in recent years.
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 UTC students Kyrklinn Moores and Hanna Lewie (holding trophy), along with alums and chapter leadership (from left) Ansley Davis, Beth Painter, Karen O’Toole, Rikki Heard, Fran Bryan, Stephanie Marrano, Kacie Sherrell, Suzanne Forlidas, Stephanie Blaine, Kari Hudson, Beth Gentry Mannle, Mandy Holland Savage, and Nicole Castle. Photo courtesy of CPD events. The UTC chapter of Alpha Delta Pi (Beta Beta) received the Golden Lion Hall of Fame Award, the sorority’s highest honor for chapter excellence, during Alpha Delta Pi’s 175th Anniversary Grand Convention in Palm Desert, California.
The recognition comes as Beta Beta celebrates the 100th anniversary of its founding. The chapter was one of 15 selected for the award from Alpha Delta Pi’s 149 active collegiate chapters, recognizing excellence in academics, leadership, member development, campus involvement, philanthropy and chapter operations.
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Check out these Mocs in the news:
- Interim Vice Chancellor for Research Mina Sartipi and Director of Quantum Center Rick Mukherjee were featured in a Physics World story about UTC’s Quantum Center.
- UC Foundation Associate Professor of Political Science Saeid Golkar spoke to the New York Times about Iran following the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Golkar also published an essay in the Project Muse Journal of Democracy.
- Vice Provost for Academic Affairs Elizabeth O’Brien joined Jed & JR Mornings to discuss the long-term effects of insomnia.
- Professor of Interior Architecture and Design Dana Moody talked to Local 3 News about the Chattanooga home designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.
- UTC alum and Chattanooga Fire Department Lt. Allen Green was named 2026 Company Officer of the Year.
- Associate Professor of Psychology Ruth Walker spoke to the Times Free Press about her goals as a Hixson area Hamilton County school board member.
- Dr. Daniel Sánchez-Piñol, postdoctoral research assistant to Dr. Claudia Williamson Kramer, the Scott L. Probasco Distinguished Chair of Free Enterprise, was featured in The Misesian’s “Mises Spotlight,” which highlights scholars and their research.
Mark Your Calendar
The Staff Senate Curiosity Committee invites faculty and staff to the Summer Staff Conference, taking place from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on Thursday, July 23, in the Lupton Hall Lobby. The day is dedicated to community, learning and professional growth, and participants will have the opportunity to learn more about the work taking place across campus and explore strategies for navigating the workplace, regardless of office or division.
Those interested in attending can complete the RSVP form by Thursday, July 16. Click here to register.
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UTC departments seeking student employees are invited to participate in the Part-Time Job Fair during Weeks of Welcome. The event will take place from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 27, in the University Center Tennessee Room and provides an opportunity to connect with students looking for part-time employment opportunities on campus.
Departments interested in participating can contact Marli Wolff, assistant director of community and employer relations, for registration information.
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 Photo courtesy of Derek Daniel/GoMocs.com Kickoff times and promotions have been announced for the Chattanooga Mocs’ 2026 home football schedule at Finley Stadium:
- Sept. 5 vs. Tennessee Tech, 6 p.m.
- Future Fans Night (free admission for children 12 and younger)
- Annual Little Mocs Walk
- Light-up rally towel giveaway for the first 1,000 fans
- Sept. 19 vs. Wofford, 6 p.m.
- White Out Game
- UTC Fall Family Weekend
- Mocs Flock Finley
- Academic Night
- Oct. 10 vs. Samford, 1 p.m.
- Oct. 31 vs. VMI, 1 p.m.
- Halloween with the Mocs
- Scrappy Kids Club Day
- Senior Day
- Nov. 7 vs. Mercer, 1 p.m.
- Homecoming
- Fan Appreciation Game
- Band Day
Season tickets are on sale now through GoMocs.com.
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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.
- Wednesday, July 8: Corbin Hedges, Zoom, 8:30 a.m., Calendar
- Wednesday, July 8: Margaret Reisser, Zoom, 2 p.m., Calendar
- Friday, July 10: William Moore, Zoom, 10 a.m., Calendar
- Friday, July 10: Ashley Raburn, Zoom, 1:30 p.m., Calendar
Campus Updates
The Institute of Contemporary Art Chattanooga is now showcasing “Reconsidered Recollections,” a new exhibition co-curated by UTC students featuring works from the ICA’s permanent collection. The exhibition explores themes of identity, memory and interpretation through artworks that are rarely on public display.
The exhibition is free and open to the public at the Fine Arts Center on UTC’s campus. Learn more about gallery hours and programming at ICA Chattanooga.
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The UTC Library is making it easier for students, faculty and staff to explore all the city has to offer.
Through the Chattanooga Passport program, members of the UTC community can check out passes to some of the area’s most popular attractions, including the Tennessee Aquarium, Chattanooga Zoo, Ruby Falls, Chattanooga Theatre Centre and Chattanooga Football Club.
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UTC is launching the MocsBooks Total Access Program for undergraduate students beginning in fall 2026. The new course material delivery program provides required materials for participating courses by the first day of class, with costs included on the university billing statement at $22 per credit hour. The program is expected to save students 35-50% compared to purchasing materials individually. Click here to learn more.
How it works:
- Register for classes as usual.
- Approximately one month before classes begin, students will receive an email from the bookstore partner with instructions for reviewing courses and selecting how they would like to receive materials.
- The UTC Bookstore will prepare course materials and notify students when they are ready.
- Physical materials can be picked up at the UTC Bookstore or shipped directly to students.
- Digital materials will be available through Canvas.
- Students with rental materials will receive reminders about return deadlines at the end of the semester.
Benefits include:
- Lower costs on required course materials
- Access to course materials by the first day of class
- Digital materials delivered directly through Canvas
- One streamlined process for obtaining required course materials
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Due to nearby construction, the Oak Street entrance to Lot 26A is closed and several parking spaces near that entrance have been temporarily fenced off. The closure is expected to remain in place through Aug. 1.
Faculty, staff and students should use the McCallie Avenue entrance to access Lot 26A during this time. Please plan accordingly and allow extra time when traveling to campus.
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Last year, UTC faculty and staff stepped into the Esports Complex to compete, connect and enjoy some friendly competition. This summer, we’re bringing the tournament back. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer, a casual player or simply looking for a fun way to engage with colleagues, we’d love to have you join us.
Help us choose this year’s featured game by completing our quick survey. The game receiving the most votes will be featured in our faculty and staff tournament later this summer. We’ll follow up with survey participants once registration opens and event details are finalized.
The Esports Complex is usually reserved for our students, but this is your chance to claim a seat, test your skills and see who earns campus bragging rights.
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If someone experiences an opioid overdose on UTC’s campus, University leaders want a life-saving resource nearby.
This spring, UTC completed the installation of 52 ONEbox naloxone stations across campus, placing them in buildings alongside other emergency equipment such as automated external defibrillators (AEDs).
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Starting this summer, UTC will begin a modernization project for campus telephone services. As part of this initiative, we will be transitioning from Avaya to RingCentral to provide an improved and more modern telecommunications experience across campus.
The migration will take place in phases beginning this summer, one building at a time. IT will communicate directly with department leadership before any work begins within their area, to provide additional details, timelines, and expectations for that phase of the transition. Visit the RingCentral project page for the latest information.
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Please be advised that Vine Street, between Palmetto Street and the University Greenway, will be temporarily closed to vehicular traffic during Freshman Orientation sessions on the following dates and times:
- 4 p.m. Wednesday, July 15, through 5 p.m. Friday, July 17
- 4 p.m. Tuesday, July 28, through 5 p.m. Thursday, July 30
Parking Lots 10, 11 and 12 will remain open. Access to these lots will be available through the detour route via Parking Lot 15. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the UTC Department of Public Safety at (423) 425-4357 or dps@utc.edu.
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The Manage My Housing portal is open now until 5 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 2, for students to change their fall 2026 residential meal plan. Meal plan eligibility is based on earned credit hours. If your spring 2026 or summer 2026 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 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.
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A Moc’s First Year is seeking faculty and staff volunteers to host a First Class session on Friday, Aug. 21, immediately following Convocation.
Volunteers will spend about an hour welcoming new students, leading a brief activity, sharing tips for a successful first week and helping students feel more comfortable as they begin their college experience. Click here to volunteer.
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The National Science Foundation Noyce Track 2 fellowship project is accepting applications from STEM-degreed professionals to prepare to teach secondary mathematics and science through the Master of Education degree program. Please contact Deborah McAllister or click this link for project details.
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UTC Choruses has openings for tenor and bass singers for the upcoming academic year, with scholarship opportunities available for select positions.
Openings are available in the UTC Chamber Singers and Orpheus Chorale. The Chamber Singers is an advanced, auditioned ensemble with a history of regional, national and international touring. Auditions take approximately 10 minutes and include a brief vocal selection, range check and sight-reading. Students interested in auditioning can contact Kevin Ford to schedule a time.
Students can also join Chattanooga Singers (MUS 0020) or Orpheus Chorale (MUS 0027), both of which are open to all experience levels and do not require an audition. All ensembles are offered for one credit or zero credit, allowing flexibility for students with varying course loads.
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Two new Oracle Fusion Data Intelligence (FDI) reporting resources are now available in DASH, offering enhanced tools for reviewing payroll and labor data. Step-by-step guidance is available through the job aid links, and users can access the dashboards via the FDI Landing Page.
The Payroll Balances – Department Dashboard (roadmap ID #54) allows departments to review and verify payroll totals, pay composition and potential outliers. Replacing the IRIS Check Register, the dashboard provides current information to help identify issues early, prevent errors from carrying forward and reduce the risk of unexpected budget impacts. A brief review after each payroll run is recommended to better understand key payroll drivers, including regular pay, overtime and other variances. Access to this dashboard is limited to users with Human Resources roles.
The Labor Encumbrance Dashboard (roadmap ID #13) provides compensation distribution and encumbrance amounts for compensation, fringe and F&A. The dashboard includes three levels of detail—Department, Project and Person—for streamlined navigation and reporting.
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An Academic Meeting Professionals Conference will take place Aug. 27-28 in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, offering professional development and networking opportunities for meeting and event planners across the University of Tennessee System.
Designed specifically for UT employees, the conference features sessions focused on event planning, logistics, budgeting, communication, vendor management and guest experience. Attendees will hear from industry professionals, including Dollywood experts, and have the opportunity to connect with UT colleagues and a range of vendors. Click here to register.
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UTC is gearing up for a summer full of camps for local K-12 students, with options ranging from quantum computing to sports clinics. Designed to keep students active and engaged, camps are led by UTC faculty, staff and athletics programs and offer opportunities for elementary, middle and high school students to explore new interests and sharpen skills.
- Mocs Adventure Camp (K-8): Weekly sessions through July 31; activities include climbing, swimming, sports and games; $320 per week.
- Chattanooga Volleyball Camps (various ages): July sessions; costs vary.
- Men’s Basketball Camp (ages 7-17): July 20-23; $310.
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The Counseling Center has partnered with Parkridge Mental Health Therapy Center to offer extended services on the UTC campus. Parkridge at UTC is open from 11 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and offers individual therapy, group therapy and intensive outpatient services for students, faculty and staff.
The Parkridge Mental Health Therapy Center is located off the UC Foundation Apartments courtyard (Suite 5217). To schedule an initial appointment, call 423-468-5213. Students who are already receiving services through the UTC Counseling Center are encouraged to speak with their provider about whether Parkridge at UTC is a good fit for their needs.
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UT Promise is a last-dollar scholarship that covers remaining tuition and mandatory fees for eligible Tennessee residents at UTC and includes required mentoring and community service. Student Success Programs has received requests from UT Promise students for mentors to help support them during their time at UTC, with students required to meet with a mentor at least once per semester for guidance, questions and goal-focused encouragement. Faculty and staff can complete the interest form or contact Student Success Programs with questions, and additional information will be shared with those who express interest.
UTC Newsroom
 Chancellor Lori Bruce On June 30, 2025, Dr. Lori Bruce became the chancellor of UTC and the 19th leader in the University’s history.
As she prepared to begin year two, Dr. Bruce sat down for a Q&A about what surprised her most in year one, what she has learned about UTC and herself, and what she sees ahead.
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 Terrence Banks Spend a few minutes with Terrence Banks and it becomes clear how much he cares about UTC. Though not in his job description, Banks often emcees events for incoming and prospective students, such as the Power C Tour and Convocation. He is frequently the first friendly face students see at the beginning of their UTC experience.
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 UTC student Dylan Castellanos is a mentor to high school students who participated in Supreme Court in My Hometown. For two weeks in June, local high school students spent part of their summer break at UTC learning how the federal court system works.
Twenty-five high schoolers participated in “The Supreme Court in My Hometown,” a national civics education program sponsored by the Supreme Court Historical Society, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee and the Adolph S. Ochs Professor of Government at UTC, Dr. Michelle D. Deardorff.
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 Dr. Trevor Elliott fires rockets on Chamberlain Field with summer camp students from GPS. Countdowns and cheers filled Chamberlain Field as Girls Preparatory School summer campers launched model rockets they designed during a weeklong camp led by UC Foundation Associate Professor Trevor Elliott, faculty advisor for the Rocket Mocs. Campers learned the basics of aerodynamics, built and decorated their own rockets, then watched them take flight on campus.
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Here are some other recent UTC stories featured in the Newsroom:
- Operation Move In at UTC kicks off Aug. 19-20 and marks the beginning of Fall Opening. Whether you’re moving in or just helping unload, a few smart steps can make the day go more smoothly.
- In early June, UTC’s GEAR UP program welcomed Bedford County middle school students to campus for a two-day, overnight visit designed to give them a hands-on look at college life. During the visit, students took part in activities led by UTC faculty and staff, including a shark dissection, a Lunar Quest simulation and a visit to the Mocs News TV studio.
WUTC
 Chancellor Lori Bruce In the latest edition of WUTC’s “Chatting with the Chancellor,” Dr. Lori Bruce discusses UTC’s quantum partnership with EPB, the Tennessee Valley Corridor National Summit, new campus leadership and the retirement of Provost Jerold Hale.
IN Memoriam
Longtime UTC professor Dr. James Moreland Henry died on May 22, 2026. He spent most of his life teaching chemical engineering and control systems at UTC. He was a pioneer in online laboratories, setting up the world’s first lab available across the globe for students to run actual experiments at UTC, thus benefiting students in smaller engineering programs that hadn’t previously had access to laboratory experience. He was also instrumental in designing software to allow researchers on the ground to conduct experiments and collect data from the International Space Station. A service in Jim’s memory will be held Saturday, Aug. 1, at First Christian Church on McCallie Avenue, with visitation in the sanctuary at 1 p.m. and the service at 2 p.m.
A full obituary is available here.
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This section is reserved for memorial announcements of current and former UTC employees as the Office of Communications and Marketing becomes aware. To publish an announcement, a publicly available obituary must be provided. Please send any announcements to Vice Chancellor JAy Blackman at jay-blackman@utc.edu.
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