June 16-22, 2026

Updates and news for the week of June 16-22, 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.

UTC News  |  UTC Events Calendar  |  Campus Updates  |  In the Media

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Highlights

Introducing the MocsBooks Total Access Program

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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VOTE UTC PD FOR TENNESSEE’S BEST-LOOKING CRUISER AWARD

Photo by Angela Foster

The Tennessee Highway Safety Office is accepting votes for its inaugural Tennessee’s Best-Looking Cruiser Award, and the UTC Police Department needs your support. Faculty, staff, students and alumni are encouraged to cast a vote and select “UT Chattanooga PD” as their first-place choice.

Voting is open through 5 p.m. on Friday, June 19. Participants are asked to rank three agencies, with first-place votes earning three points, second-place votes earning two points and third-place votes earning one point.

The winning agency will be recognized at the Law Enforcement Challenge awards ceremony in September. Click here to vote.

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UTC made its debut at the Chattanooga Corporate Challenge June 4 through June 6, competing alongside 21 other organizations in a weekend of events that drew nearly 2,000 participants. UTC placed third in the overall standings. UTC competed in Division III, bringing just over 90 registrants across the weekend’s events, marking a strong first showing for the Mocs and a great foundation to build on in the years ahead. 

Outstanding People of UTC

Dr. Marisa Colston and Dr. Lynette Carlson at the Tennessee Athletic Trainers’ Society awards ceremony. Photo courtesy of Dr. Lynette Carlson.

UTC’s Dr. Lynette Carlson, an associate professor and director of clinical education for athletic training, has been named the Jerry Robertson Educator of the Year by the Tennessee Athletic Trainers’ Society.

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UTC Quantum Center team members Evan Humberd, Dr. Mohmad Junaid Ul Haq and Dr. Tian Li at the CLEO Science Slam. Photo courtesy of Dr. Mohmad Junaid Ul Haq.

Dr. Mohmad Junaid Ul Haq, a postdoctoral research associate in the UTC Quantum Center, placed second in the annual CLEO Science Slam, which challenges scientists, students and postdoctoral researchers to present complex work in laser science, optics and quantum technology in a clear, engaging way.

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At UTC, supporting student wellbeing is a shared responsibility. The Center for Wellbeing is proud to recognize the employees who have completed all requirements to become Mental Health Allies for the 2025-2026 academic year. Through training in suicide prevention, Mental Health First Aid and Psychological First Aid, these faculty and staff members have strengthened their ability to recognize distress, respond with compassion and connect others to appropriate support. Their commitment helps create a campus culture where every member of our community feels seen, supported and valued.

Please join us in celebrating our 2025–2026 Mental Health Allies: Alexandra Wills, Andrew Akridge, Ashleigh Pipes, Ashton Kelley, Charlene Simmons, Chelsea Couch, Cheryl Dickens, Irene Hillman, Jamie Newberg, Jordan Harris, Juan Aponte Ortiz, Kaylee Spezia, Marshall Parrent, and Mary Beth Ondrusek.

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Dr. Ashleigh Pipes

With support from a Division of Access and Engagement Professional Development Award, Ashleigh Pipes traveled to Shantou, Guangdong, China, in May to attend the International Association for the Psychology of Language Learning conference.

Pipes presented two research projects focused on creativity and second-language acquisition: “Innovative or Inappropriate? Language Teachers’ Perceptions of Student Creativity” and “Piecing It Together: The Role of Creativity in Second Language Listening Skills.”

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Check out these Mocs in the news:

• College of Nursing Dean Chris Smith did a Q&A with teknovation.biz about the new Dorothy and Jim Kennedy Health Science Building.
• Scott L. Probasaco Jr. Distinguished Chair of Free Enterprise Claudia Kramer spoke to PsyPost about her study on free speech.
• Mocs women’s basketball head coach Deandra Schirmer spoke to Local 3 News about a Mocs community cleanup event.
• Mocs women’s soccer head coach Gavin McKinney joined Jed & JR Mornings to discuss the World Cup.
• UTC Research Institute affiliate Maged Shoman was featured by Teknovation.biz for his company ApexAI and app ApexVision.
• Biology, Geology and Environmental Science Professor David Aborn spoke to NewsChannel 9 about Canadian geese, which are currently more aggressive due to molting season.
• WUTC General Manager Susan Lazenby talked to the Times Free Press about covering the Spanish national team’s visit to Chattanooga.
• UC Foundation Associate Professor of Political Science Saeid Golkar spoke to Europe Says about the war in Iran.

Mark Your Calendar

The Gary W. Rollins College of Business will hold virtual information sessions for the Master of Business Administration, MS Management, MS Data Analytics, and Master of Accountancy graduate programs. The Rollins College of Business graduate programs provide flexible course options and exclusive career support resources to elevate your education and advance your career. 

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Please save the date for 2026 Weeks of Welcome, which will take place Aug. 23-Sept. 5. This year, UTC is moving to a two-week model designed to create more opportunities for students and campus partners to connect while better incorporating events already taking place during the second week of classes, particularly those hosted by student organizations.

Campus departments are not expected to add new events because of the expanded schedule. Instead, the two-week model is intended to provide greater flexibility, reduce scheduling overlap and make it easier for students to explore programs, services, departments and student organizations across campus.

The Center for Student Leadership, Engagement and Community will share information in June about submitting events for the Weeks of Welcome calendar and meeting with departments interested in participating. Questions can be directed to engage@utc.edu.

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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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The UTC Graduate School announced that the following student will present final works of research as an advanced degree candidate. Everyone is invited to attend.

• Thursday, June 18: Merna Abdrabo, ECS Room 403, 2:30 p.m., Calendar

Campus Updates

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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Click here to read the latest Content Compass for website updates, including the approved re-theme design, accessibility progress, Silktide changes, the next deployment date and a behind-the-scenes Schema improvement.

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The University of Tennessee Press is seeking volunteers to serve on its Editorial Board. The board helps guide the press’s publishing program by assisting with manuscript acquisition and evaluation while ensuring publications meet the standards expected of a major research institution.

Membership is open to University of Tennessee faculty and authors across the UT System. Appointments are for three-year terms and may be renewed once for a maximum of six years of continuous service. The board meets at least three times each year.

Faculty interested in serving should email Katie Hannah, director of the University of Tennessee Press, by Friday, July 24, and include a current CV.

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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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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. Today (June 16) through 5 p.m. Friday, June 19
• 4 p.m. Wednesday, June 24, through 5 p.m. Friday, June 26
• 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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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.

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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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UTC students, faculty and staff can explore the city through the UTC Library’s Chattanooga Passport program, which provides free access to a variety of local attractions and events through community partnerships.

Participants can check out passes or reserve tickets for experiences such as the Tennessee Aquarium, Chattanooga Zoo, Chattanooga Football Club, Tivoli Theatre performances, Chattanooga Symphony and Opera, Hunter Museum of American Art, Ruby Falls and more. Passes may be available in physical or digital formats, with details provided upon reservation.

Each user may reserve one pass or set of tickets per partner per calendar year and must present a valid UTC Mocs ID when redeeming or picking up passes. Click here to learn more and check out passes.

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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 June 1-July 31; activities include climbing, swimming, sports and games; $320 per week.
• Challenger Exploration Camp (rising 3rd-6th graders): July 6-31; space missions, coding, robotics, rocket launches and local excursions; $290.50 per week.
• Chattanooga Volleyball Camps (various ages): June and July sessions; costs vary.
• Men’s Basketball Camps (ages 7-17): June 22-25 and 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

Carol Prosser

UTC rising senior Carol Prosser, currently pursuing a double major in accounting and finance, is one of the world’s top female League of Legends players.

WUTC

Mackenzie Carr, a student intern for WUTC’s “Scenic Roots” and student in UTC’s Department of Communication, spoke about the “Cinderella + Bluegrass” ballet performed on UTC’s campus.