March 10-16, 2026
Updates and news for the week of March 10-16, 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
NEW FEDERAL ADA DIGITAL ACCESSIBILITY REQUIREMENTS TAKE EFFECT IN APRIL 2026
Beginning Friday, April 24, all government entities—including public universities—must comply with new ADA Title II requirements for digital accessibility. This update from the U.S. Department of Justice impacts websites, documents, videos, learning systems, mobile apps and other digital tools.
UTC is updating its IT0006 Accessibility policy to align with these federal standards. The UT System is taking a coordinated, systemwide approach involving the Office of General Counsel, Audit and Compliance, Technology Solutions, and campus subject matter experts to guide implementation and ensure compliance.
Faculty and staff are encouraged to begin identifying high-priority, public-facing digital content and review it for accessibility. A Central Hub page has been created with resources, guidance and ongoing updates as we prepare for the 2026 deadline.
Click here to learn more about ADA Title II compliance. Additional information and next steps will be shared by campus leadership as work progresses.
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Outstanding People of UTC
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The Gary W. Rollins College of Business’ online Master of Science in Data Analytics program has been ranked No. 21 in TechGuide’s 2026 list of Best Online Master’s in Data Analytics Programs, recognizing the program’s strength in preparing students for careers in data analytics.
The rankings are based on official data from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), which U.S. colleges and universities report annually to the U.S. Department of Education. The evaluation considers factors including admissions selectivity, class size, faculty support, financial aid availability, graduation outcomes and total enrollment. Click here to view the full 2026 rankings.
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Haley Robert Slifko, a 2014 UTC graduate with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, was honored with the Gen. Robert Neyland Young Engineer of the Year award during the Engineering Week Social Event at the Chattanooga Whiskey Event Hall.
Slifko also holds a master’s degree in civil engineering and currently works as a senior transportation project manager at Arcadis in Chattanooga. She also serves as a local officer for the American Society of Highway Engineers (ASHE).
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Check out these Mocs in the news:
- UC Foundation Associate Professor Saeid Golkar joined Jed & JR Mornings and spoke to NewsChannel 9 about the U.S. conflict with Iran. He also wrote a piece for the publication, Persuasion.
- Nurse Practitioner Program Director Amber Roaché and project manager for UTC’s Clinical Academic Partnerships Farron Kilburn spoke to Jed & JR Mornings about UTC’s Inclusive Care Conference.
Mark Your Calendar
 Photo credit: Ray Soldano/GoMocs.com Upcoming Mocs home athletics calendar:
- Tuesday, March 10: Men’s Tennis vs. Jacksonville State, UTC Tennis Center, 1 p.m.
- Friday, March 13: Women’s Tennis vs. Tennessee Wesleyan, UTC Tennis Center, 3 p.m.
- PEYTON—CHECK WITH JAY FOR THIS WEEK! Monday, March 16: Chat With the Mocs, Miller’s Ale House (Hixson), 96.1 FM, 7 p.m.
- Tuesday, March 17: Softball vs. Kennesaw State, Frost Stadium, 5 p.m.
- Saturday, March 21: Women’s Tennis vs. Wofford, UTC Tennis Center, noon
- Saturday, March 21: Softball vs. Wofford (doubleheader), Frost Stadium, 1 p.m.
- Sunday, March 22: Softball vs. Wofford, Frost Stadium, 2 p.m.
- PEYTON—CHECK WITH JAY FOR THIS WEEK! Monday, March 23: Chat With the Mocs, Miller’s Ale House (Hixson), 96.1 FM, 7 p.m.
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The Gary W. Rollins College of Business will hold virtual information sessions for the Master of Business Administration, MS Management, MS Data Analytics, Business Analytics Certificate 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.
MSDA Information Sessions
MBA Information Sessions
MAcc Information Sessions
MSM Information Sessions
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Dr. Haocun Yu, assistant professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at UT Knoxville, will present “Quantum Sensing with Gaussian and Non-Gaussian Light: From Fundamentals to Applications” from 4-5 p.m. on Thursday, March 12, in UTC Library Room 435 as part of the Quantum Colloquium Series.
Yu will discuss how advanced quantum optical techniques are transforming quantum sensing and enabling unprecedented precision in observing the universe. Her talk will explore how squeezed light enhances the sensitivity of gravitational-wave detectors like LIGO and how photon interferometry using two-photon states can detect phenomena such as Earth’s rotation with extraordinary precision. These approaches open new possibilities for precision measurement, dark matter detection and the future of quantum information processing. See all speakers and details on the Quantum Center – QCS Events page.
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“The End: Books and Conversations on Death and Dying” is a monthly book club dedicated to thoughtfully exploring themes of death and dying. Through shared reading and discussion, participants aim to demystify death and open space for conversation about a topic often considered culturally taboo.
The next meeting will take place at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 18, in the UTC Library Room 209. The featured book is “The Five Invitations: Discovering What Death Can Teach Us About Living Fully” by Frank Ostaseski, described by Macmillan as “an exhilarating meditation on the meaning of life and how maintaining an ever-present consciousness of death can bring us closer to our truest selves.”
Whether you’ve finished the book, just started or are simply curious, all are welcome to join the conversation. For questions, contact Jill Tyson.
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Faculty, staff and students are encouraged to register for the UT Innovative Technologies Symposium, taking place Tuesday through Thursday, March 24-26, at the Knoxville Convention Center. Hosted by UT’s Office of Innovative Technologies, the three-day event will focus on everyday IT challenges, shared interests and emerging solutions while fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing among higher education IT professionals across Tennessee.
The symposium will feature keynote speakers, breakout sessions and networking opportunities with peers, industry experts and technology companies serving higher education. The event is open to all Tennessee higher education institutions; a $150 registration fee applies to non-UT attendees. Learn more and register here.
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“Take Five 2026: Americans Abroad” invites the UTC campus and broader community to take part in a shared reading experience exploring what happens when Americans travel abroad—for both high and low adventure.
Upcoming selections and presenters include:
- Tuesday, March 24: Verbie Prevost presents “Daisy Miller” by Henry James
- Tuesday, April 7: Bryan Hampton presents “The English Experience” by Julie Schumacher
All sessions take place at 6 p.m. on Tuesday evenings in the University Center Tennessee Room. A light dinner will be served. Books may be ordered through any online retailer or at the UTC Bookstore. Questions can be directed to Aaron Shaheen.
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Dr. Xiunan Wang is organizing a Mathematical Biology Webinar Series as part of her NSF LEAPS-MPS program, supporting learning and engagement with mathematical modeling in biological systems. Hosted online, the series is open to undergraduate and graduate students, educators and others interested in the intersection of mathematics and biology, and features speakers from a range of institutions and career stages.
The upcoming webinar from 2-3 p.m. on Wednesday, March 4, will feature Dr. Sebastian Stockmaier, assistant professor in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at UT Knoxville. He will present “Merging Behavioral and Disease Ecology: Insights from Vampire Bats,” exploring how animal behavior and infectious disease interact to shape pathogen transmission. Using vampire bats as a model system, Stockmaier examines infection-induced behavioral changes, rabies-driven aggression and cross-species transmission dynamics linking bats and livestock.
Upcoming webinar date:
- Wednesday, March 25, 3-4 p.m.: Dr. Veronica Ciocanel, Duke University
Click here for Zoom links, passwords and additional details.
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Join the UTC Grad School from 4-5:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 26, in the University Center Admissions Tour Room for a campus tour and learn more about advanced degree opportunities at UTC–plus an added bonus for engineering students.
This guided tour will introduce you to UTC’s historic campus, modern facilities and graduate student experience, while providing an overview of available graduate programs and campus resources. Attendees interested in engineering will also have the opportunity to preview UTC’s engineering labs and facilities firsthand. Click here to learn more and reserve your spot.
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UTC will host the 2026 meeting of the Tennessee Section of the American Association of Physics Teachers (TAAPT) on March 27-28, bringing high school teachers, university faculty and students to campus for a statewide conference.
Organized by the UTC Department of Physics and Astronomy in collaboration with the UTC Quantum Center, the statewide meeting is designed to support physics educators through professional development, research exchange and networking opportunities. For more information and to register, visit the TAAPT website.
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Interested in graduate school? The UTC Virtual Grad Fair will take place from noon-2 p.m. on Tuesday, March 31, via Zoom.
Participants can explore more than 30 UTC graduate programs, connect with faculty and program representatives, and learn about admissions, funding and career pathways. Application fee waivers will be available for completed domestic applications submitted March 31-April 12.
The event is open to anyone interested in pursuing a graduate degree at UTC. Click here to learn more and register.
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The UTC Spring Research and Arts Conference will be held from 9 a.m.-5:15 p.m.on Wednesday, April 15, in McKenzie Arena. The conference will showcase research and creative works by UTC undergraduate and graduate students, as well as faculty and staff. Presentations by MOCS Innovate! awardees, local high school students and community members will also be on display. Presentations, which run concurrently throughout the day, include posters, arts displays and a limited number of oral presentations.
The event is free and open to the public, and attendees can join one session or stay all day. Click here for more information.
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Lace up your running shoes and join us for the Adventure Awaits 5K and Fun Run on Saturday, April 18, at the UTC Sports Complex. This family-friendly event invites runners, walkers and adventurers of all ages to come together for a meaningful cause.
All proceeds from the race benefit the Mocs Adventure Camp Scholarship Fund, helping provide kids with the opportunity to attend summer camp, where they can adventure, build confidence, make lifelong friendships and create unforgettable memories.
Choose between a fun 5K through campus or a kid-friendly fun run at the sports complex. Enjoy local food trucks, games and other outdoor activities on the field while you wait for your 5K finisher. Click here for more information and to register.
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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.
Welcome to UTC
Campus Updates
After careful consideration, the University will transition to Microsoft 365 as our primary university-wide platform for collaboration and productivity tools. Moving to a single platform will provide a more reliable and consistent user experience across campuses, reinforce the University’s commitment to security and privacy, and address the rising costs associated with maintaining multiple systems.
Students admitted for Fall 2026 will be the first class fully onboarded to Microsoft 365 for email, file storage and collaboration tools. As we prepare for this upcoming transition, we have put together several guides to assist with questions you may have about the project. Stay tuned for future updates.
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 Dr. Liz Hathaway, 2025 UTAA Outstanding Teacher Award recipient Each year, the University of Tennessee Alumni Association honors outstanding UTC faculty and staff through two prestigious awards: Outstanding Teacher and Public Service. Awardees will receive a $1,000 honorarium and an invitation to the UTAA Board of Governors reception and dinner. Click here to nominate deserving faculty and staff by Friday, March 27.
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The Boyd Venture Challenge is an annual seed-funding competition open to undergraduate and graduate students across the UT System. Each spring, the challenge awards a total of $50,000 in non-dilutive startup capital, with individual grants of up to $25,000 to help student entrepreneurs move their businesses forward.
Eligible businesses must be legally established and structured as a sole proprietorship, partnership, LLC or corporation with a federal tax ID, and the student applicant must hold majority ownership. Applicants selected to pitch must demonstrate traction, such as revenue, customer or mentor recommendations, purchase orders, MOUs or participation in programs like iCore. Previous awardees may reapply but must show how prior funding advanced their business.
Applications close at 11:59 p.m. on Friday, April 3. Selected applicants will be invited to pitch their business plans in person. Click here to learn more about the 2025 winners and application details.
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For the past 12 years, Keep Music Alive—a nonprofit organization whose mission is to promote the value of music—has sponsored the worldwide event known as Teach Music Week each March. Music teachers, schools, music and movement groups and music stores are invited to participate in this annual celebration.
Throughout March, Janet Sump, adjunct instructor of piano, will offer a complimentary music lesson to any pre-college student interested in studying piano, violin or participating in Piano Klass Kidz (class piano for children ages 6-8). Faculty and staff whose children have expressed interest in studying music are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity.
To schedule a lesson, contact Janet Sump or 423-316-0398.
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UTC’s Center for Applied Geospatial Data Science (CAGDS) has been selected as a finalist in the 2025 ArcGIS StoryMaps Competition, earning international recognition for an interactive mapping project that uses geospatial data science and artificial intelligence to guide where trees are planted across the city.
“Mapping Chattanooga’s Urban Forests,” a StoryMap created by GIS Director Charlie Mix, documents how UTC researchers, city leaders and nonprofit partners are using data to address urban heat and tree canopy loss. The public is invited to cast a vote for the Community Choice Award through Tuesday, March 10.
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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. Click here to learn more.
- 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.
- Quantum Summer Camp (rising 10th-12th graders): June 15-18; hands-on exploration of quantum computing and real-world problem-solving; $200.
- 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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Safe@UTC, the new campus safety smartphone app, provides students, faculty and staff with direct access to safety resources. The app allows users to directly connect with the UTC Police via one-touch panic button functionality, anonymously report suspicious activity, initiate a remotely monitored Safe Walk, request a Safe Ride and quickly access other campus resources. The new app is free to download from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
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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.
Click here for video directions to the Parkridge Mental Health Therapy Center, 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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The Humanities Program invites all UTC undergraduates to participate in the North Callahan Essay Prize competition. The prize is awarded annually to an undergraduate whose exceptionally fine essay addresses a subject related to the humanities, including art, music, philosophy, religion, rhetoric and literature, history, theater or interdisciplinary studies that combine these disciplines. Essays will be evaluated by an interdisciplinary committee of professors, and the winner will receive a $1,000 award. All essays must be submitted electronically to Dr. José-Luis Gastañaga by 5 p.m. on Monday, March 23. Learn more by clicking here.
Funding for the prize is provided by an endowment established by the late Dr. North Callahan, distinguished professor emeritus of history at New York University, author of 17 books and alumnus of the University of Chattanooga.
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The Journey Health Foundation Research Center is accepting proposals for the REACH Fund, a new seed-funding program supporting applied research that turns data into action for healthier communities. Selected projects may receive up to $25,000 to explore how social determinants of health influence outcomes in Chattanooga and the surrounding region, with applications due Monday, March 30. Applications are available here.
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The Environmental Studies program is partnering with the SGA Sustainability Committee, Tinker Ma Architects and local glass recycling company Overlooked Materials to turn old glass into the new lobby floor of Oak Street Residence Hall.
UTC students, faculty, staff and community members are invited to bring empty, clean glass jars—such as teriyaki sauce, strawberry jam and pickle jars—to the bright yellow collection bins located at Stacy Town Center and the University Center Roundabout, directly across from the Esports Complex.
All glass colors are accepted, with dark blue glass especially encouraged. Collection bins will be available from now through the start of spring break.
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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.
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UTC Campus Recreation has launched the Adventure Awaits Scholarship Fund to expand access to Mocs Adventure Camp, one of the University’s youth summer programs. The fund will provide scholarship support for children who may not otherwise be able to attend the camp due to financial barriers, with a goal of supporting 25 campers this year.
Donations of any amount help make camp accessible to more families. As a thank you, the first 50 donors who give $50 or more will receive a limited-edition “This Shirt Did Some Good” T-shirt. Those whose children have previously attended Mocs Adventure Camp are also invited to share their camp stories to help highlight the program’s impact.
To learn more, make a gift or share a story, visit the Adventure Awaits Scholarship Fund page. Questions can be directed to MocsAdventureCamp@utc.edu.
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UTC is excited to host Spring 2026 Commencement ceremonies to celebrate graduates’ achievements. The ceremony dates and times for each college are listed below.
- Friday, May 8, College of Health, Education and Professional Studies…College of Nursing, 2:30 p.m.
- Saturday, May 9, College of Arts and Sciences, 9 a.m.
- Saturday, May 9,College of Engineering and Computer Science…Gary W. Rollins College of Business, 2 p.m.
All ceremonies will be combined undergraduate and graduate ceremonies.
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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. The 2026-2027 cohort will begin coursework in May 2026. Please contact Deborah McAllister or click this link for project details.
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The Chattanooga Mocs will host the Mercer Bears on Saturday, Nov. 7, for Homecoming 2026 at Finley Stadium—a date students and alumni will want to circle in blue and gold.
Homecoming week will feature campus events and competitions leading up to kickoff, making it one of the most anticipated traditions of the year. The Mocs hold a 61-31-4 all-time record in Homecoming games and are 3-2-1 against Mercer in past Homecoming matchups.
Season tickets are on sale now, with season pass renewals open through Friday, May 29. For assistance, contact the UTC Ticket Office by email or by phone 423-266-6627.
UTC Newsroom
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Here are some other recent UTC stories featured in the Newsroom:
WUTC
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IN Memoriam
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xxx. 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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