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Updates and news for the week of March 14 – 20, 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
Next Week = I Love UTC Week
I Love UTC Week, a spring semester tradition since 2014, will take place next Monday through Saturday (March 20-25). Blue and gold are the colors of the week, of course, and cult classic I Love UTC Week buttons will be available daily in the UTC Library.
More than a dozen events can be found on the I Love UTC Week calendar, including:
- Monday (March 20): Make Your Own Bouquet, Lupton Hall Room 120, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
- Monday (March 20): I Love UTC Week Yard Party, Chamberlain Field, noon-2 p.m.
- Wednesday (March 22): Spring Job and Internship Fair, University Center Tennessee Room, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
- Thursday (March 23): Chattanooga Chamber of Commerce and UTC Business After Hours Networking Event, University Center Tennessee Room, 5-7 p.m.
- Friday (March 24): “zooTC” Petting Zoo on Chamberlain Field, noon-3 p.m.
- Saturday (March 25): Family Game Night, University Center Tennessee Room, 6-8 p.m.
Animal House: UTC to host zooTC
A new event on the I Love UTC Week calendar is the “zooTC” mobile petting zoo, which will bring animals from Bagby’s Critter Corral to Chamberlain Field from noon-3 p.m. on Friday, March 24—including a highland cow, two donkeys, a sheep and her lamb, an alpaca, rabbits and goats.
The animal affair is a collaboration of the UTC Library, the Center for Women and Gender Equity and the Office of Student and Family Engagement.
Power C Tour Heads to Chatt State
Next Tuesday (March 21), the Power C Tour will travel to Chattanooga State Community College to educate Chatt State students, faculty and staff on the pathway created for a seamless transition to complete a bachelor’s degree at UTC.
The “ChattState UTC Connect” event will include a dual admission signing ceremony and the opportunity for Chatt State students to land UTC scholarships.
March Through History
 Credit: Lenfest Institute for Journalism UTC Women’s History Month activities include a “March Through History” exhibit in the Center for Women and Gender Equity’s Lupton Hall office and special events throughout the month. Upcoming events include:
- Thursday, March 23: Red Flag Movie Night: Eclipse, Derthick Hall Room 101, 7 p.m.
- Saturday, March 25: Out! on the Town: Queer Leadership, location TBD, 4 p.m.
The outstanding people of UTC
UTC softball coach Frank Reed (pictured) recorded his 700th victory as the Mocs’ head coach March 5 when the team defeated University of Detroit Mercy 5-0. Reed, in his 22nd season at UTC, is responsible for nearly 70% of the Mocs program’s victories—leading the team to 15 Southern Conference championships and 12 NCAA Tournament appearances.
Check out these Mocs making a difference:
- UTC faculty/staff members Priscilla Simms-Roberson, Sara Peters, Emily Rosenquist, Cassandra Riddle, Megan McKnight and Sgt. Kenneth Lloyd were honored with Partnership’s Distinguished Community Advocate Award for their involvement with Hamilton County’s Sexual Assault Response Team. The awards presentations took place on March 9.
- Mocs wrestler Matthew Waddell (184 pounds) received an at-large bid to the NCAA Wrestling Championships for his fourth trip to the national tournament. He will be joined at the tournament by teammates Brayden Palmer (133 pounds) and Rocky Jordan (174 pounds), who both won Southern Conference titles in their weight divisions. The NCAA Wrestling Championship takes place Thursday-Saturday (March 16-18) in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
- Three years since the start of COVID-19, some questions have been answered, but others still remain. Infection Control Today asked leaders in the infection prevention and control field what answers the medical world needs now, including UTC faculty members Henry Spratt and David Levine.
- Anthropology Professor Zibin Guo was featured in the Times Free Press about the moment he knew his work teaching tai chi to military veterans was on target.
- Jennifer Herrett Skjellum was interviewed by News 12 Now about the upcoming Fly for Researchers Pitch Competition.
Coming Soon: Coffee with the Chancellor
Coffee with the Chancellor takes place from 8:15-9:30 a.m. next Tuesday (March 21) in Room 102 of the Mapp Building. 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.
Following the event, the Center for Professional Education staff invite everyone to tour their space, including their brand-new medical career lab and professional development and corporate training classrooms.
Music Makers, Part 1
Music Makers, Part 2
The UTC Faculty Recital took place on March 5 in the Cadek Recital Hall. Click here to watch the performance.
Featured performers included:
- Perry Ward, baritone
- Ronda Ford, flute
- Rebecca St. Goar, mezzo-soprano
- Lynn Worcester Jones, piano
Be Well Mental Health Fair
As you return from spring break, stop by the University Center Tennessee Room from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. on Monday (March 20) for a mental health resource fair. On-campus offices and community partners will be showcasing resources to support mental health and well-being—including counseling resources, recovery program information, meditation, yoga, chair massages and dogs. The event is open to all students, faculty and staff, and lunch will be available.
Get your taxes done for free
The Accounting Department in the Gary W. Rollins College of Business, in partnership with the Urban League of Greater Chattanooga and Volunteer Income Tax Assistance, is offering free tax clinics to UTC students, faculty and staff. The clinics include online tax filing through TaxSlayer.
- The student clinic takes place from 6:30-8 p.m. on Monday, March 20, in Fletcher Hall Room 114.
- The faculty and staff clinic will take place from 5-8 p.m. on Wednesday, March 22, in Fletcher Hall Room 111.
The clinics are offered free of charge, but participants are asked to call (423) 425-4162 to RSVP to ensure that enough volunteers are on hand.
Notice of Final Defense: Upcoming Research Presentations
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.
Meacham Writers’ Workshop
The Meacham Writers’ Workshop will host Gabrielle Bates, author of “Judas Goat,” on Saturday, March 25. Bates, a writer and visual artist from Birmingham, Alabama, will lead a free community workshop from noon-1:30 p.m. at Stove Works (1250 E. 13th St.); seats are limited and registration is required.
A reading and Q&A, hosted by inaugural Meacham Fellow Christian J. Collier, will take place at 6:30 p.m. at Riverview Park (1857 Riverview Rd.). Bates, Collier, Corrie White and UTC alum Cynthia Young will read selections of their work. Books will be available for purchase after the reading. Click here for more information and to register to attend the workshop.
Mocs Give Day 101
Please join the Division of Advancement for a high-level overview of Mocs Give Day. Two different sessions will take place to educate faculty and staff about what Mocs Give Day is, how it works and how you can be a part.
Mark your calendar to stop by the University Center Raccoon Mountain Room from 10-11 a.m. on Wednesday, March 29, or from 3-4 p.m. on Thursday, March 30. Light refreshments will be provided.
Sign up for R.A.D. Training
The UTC Police Department will be offering Rape Aggression Defense training from 6-9 p.m. daily on March 21-23 at the Challenger Center Building Room 128, led by Sgt. Becky Tolbert—a certified R.A.D. instructor with the UTC Police Department.
This class does not require any special training or fitness level. Students, faculty and staff at all levels of ability, experience and strength are encouraged to attend, and participation is free.
- This basic training class is scheduled in blocks; you must be able to attend all block dates in order to receive certification and attend the advanced class.
- All participants will be provided with information and techniques that can be effectively used from the first day of class.
- This basic self-defense program is for all women ages 12 and older.
- To register, please email Marion-Perkins@utc.edu no later than noon on Tuesday, March 21.
Mocs Recovery Program Spring Retreat
The Mocs Recovery Program is planning a Spring Retreat March 24-26 at the Asbury Hills Retreat Center in the mountains of South Carolina. The program is planning to take students who are currently in recovery for substance use. In order to participate, they will first have to interview with Collegiate Recovery Program coordinator/educator Cassandra Riddle. For information, email Cassandra-riddle@utc.edu or call (423) 425-1329.
Virtual Spring 2023 Grad Fair
Looking for the next step in your education or career? Register now to join the Graduate School’s virtual Graduate Fair from noon-5 p.m. on Monday, March 27.
Zoom breakout sessions will give prospective students an opportunity to learn more about each of UTC’s Graduate Programs, meet program faculty and ask questions about the application process and admissions requirements.
Blue and Gold Preview Day
The Undergraduate Admissions Office will be hosting the annual Blue and Gold Preview Day-Spring Edition for prospective students and their families on Saturday, April 1.
Blue and Gold Preview Day includes a tour of campus, an academic department fair, a student organization showcase and a residence hall open house.
Click here for a link to the online registration.
Campus Updates
The Commission on the Status of Women is seeking nominations from all staff and faculty members to serve on the commission starting Fall 2023. Established in 2019 at the direction of Chancellor Angle, the Commission on the Status of Women is part of a strategic focus on increased diversity, inclusion and engagement in all facets of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. The purpose of this commission is to address the need to ensure equity for women and to create an environment based on a philosophy of social, political, and economic equality for all people throughout the institution. Click here for a link to the nomination form. Additional information about the nomination and election process can be found here.
Please submit nominations by Friday (March 17).
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 next event takes place from 11 a.m.-noon on Friday, March 31, in the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (Mapp Building, 2nd floor) featuring Dr. Sandra Affare, adjunct professor in the College of Engineering and Computer Science. She will talk about the Agriculture & Nutrition for Girls While Encouraging Leadership & Stem-Enrichment (ANGELS) program funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture grant and led by Dr. José M. Barbosa. Lunch will be provided. Contact jennifer-skjellum@utc.edu with questions. Register here to attend.
The UTC Spring Research and Arts Conference is only a few weeks away, with the event taking place April 12 in the University Center. This conference, which provides a place for students to showcase their academic and creative endeavors, will feature displays, presentations and posters from UTC undergrads, graduate students and faculty. Community college students and community partners are also invited to present.
Join faculty and staff in walking “the big lap.” Employee Wellness and the Walker Center for Teaching and Learning are leading walks for faculty and staff around campus during the lunch hour (noon-1 p.m.) on Wednesday, March 29, and Tuesday, April 4. Meet at the UTC Library by Starbucks to participate.
The Department of Chemistry and Physics will continue its spring seminar series with a lecture by Dr. Luis Sanchez Diaz from 3-4 p.m. on Friday, March 24, in Grote Hall Room 411.
The topic: “Viscoelasticity Of Bacteria: E. Coli and the Antibiotic Response.”
Mocs Card Services will be issuing new cards to all faculty, staff and students over the next several months. To beat the last-minute rush, please get your new card before the end of the semester.
What is the difference in the current Mocs Card and the NEW Mocs Card? The new Mocs Card is embedded with a 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.
- The ID Office is open from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday.
- If you do not bring your current ID, there is a $30 replacement fee. Replacement fees are processed in the Bursar Office (University Center Room 274).
- Contact Mocs Card Services (423-425-5819) or the ID Office (423-425-2218) with questions.
The UTC Civil Engineering Department is hosting the 2023 ASCE Mid-South Student Symposium from March 30-April 1, and volunteers are needed. There will be approximately 450 participants, faculty, and judges. Your assistance would be greatly appreciated, so please consider volunteering.
The link to the volunteer sign-up can be found by clicking here.
The 2nd Annual Fly for Researchers pitch competition for UTC faculty and graduate student innovators will be held from 3:30-5 p.m. on April 19 at the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship in the Mapp Building. This event will spotlight ideas that have the potential to be commercialized or licensed. For more information, email jennifer-skjellum@utc.edu.
The Humanities Program invites all UTC undergraduates to participate in the North Callahan Essay Prize, awarded each year to an undergraduate whose exceptionally fine essay addresses a subject related to the Humanities (art, music, philosophy, religion, rhetoric/literature, history, theater or interdisciplinary studies that combine these disciplines). Essays will be evaluated by an interdisciplinary committee of professors. The prize carries a $1,000 award. Click here for information and entry requirements and email jose-luis-gastanaga@utc.edu with questions. Essays must be submitted by 3 p.m. on March 24.
The Walker Center for Teaching and Learning’s Let’s Talk Books: Guest Series continues with Meghan O’Rourke’s “The Invisible Kingdom: Reimaging Chronic Illness.” The first 10 people who register will receive a copy of the book.
The series will take place with reading March 30 (Part One, Intro-Chapter 9) and April 13 (Parts Two and Three, Chapters 10-20) from 4-5 p.m. in Lupton Hall Room 118. The guest facilitators are Center for Women and Gender Equity Director Sara K. Peters and Disability Resource Center Associate Director Erica Hausler. Register here for the event. For more information, contact Jennifer-Glaab@utc.edu.
The TRIO Upward Bound Math Science program has a summer opportunity for anyone interested in leading a STEM research project/class with high school students.
UBMS hosts a residential summer program for low-income, first-generation, college-bound high school students Monday-Thursday during the month of June. These classes focus on enrichment rather than remediation. UBMS is looking for staff who can introduce STEM concepts to high school students through activities that pique their interests and give them deeper insights into STEM. If you are interested, click here. For more information, click here.
An Institutional Review Board-approved research project is looking for campus participants for a 15-minute online survey asking questions about the public’s perception of space debris, including its environmental consequences and the Kessler syndrome. Space debris refers to human-made objects that have been left in space and are no longer in use, such as abandoned satellites, rocket parts and fragments of space debris caused by collisions or explosions. Click here for the survey link; the study ends June 15. For questions, email Muin Bogari at qmv649@mocs.utc.edu.
The International Symposium on Digital Forensics and Security—ISDFS 2023—will be held both online and in person at UTC on May 11-12. This symposium has been supported by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers since 2016. All papers approved by the referees and presented at the symposium will be sent for publication in the IEEE Xplore library. For information or questions, email Asaf-Varol@utc.edu.
Looking ahead
While there might not be a lot of campus activity this week, it’s never too early to look at events posted to next week’s University master calendar:
- Monday, March 20: Be Well Mental Health Fair, University Center Tennessee Room, 9:30 a.m.
- Tuesday, March 21: International Tea Time, Lupton Hall First Floor, 3 p.m.
- Wednesday, March 22: Spring Job and Internship Fair, University Center Tennessee Room, 10 a.m.
- Thursday, March 23: Red Flag Movie Night: Eclipse, Derthick Hall Room 101, 7 p.m.
 Garrett Engle (photo credit: GoMocs.com) This week’s Mocs Athletics calendar:
- Wrestling at NCAA Championships (Tulsa, Okla.), March 16-18
- Wednesday (March 15): Softball vs. Princeton (Madeira Beach, Fla.), 10 a.m.
- Wednesday (March 15): Softball vs. Lehigh (Madeira Beach, Fla.), 12:30 p.m.
- Thursday (March 16): Softball at Florida Gulf Coast (Fort Myers, Fla.), 1 p.m.
- Thursday (March 16): Men’s Tennis at College of Charleston (Charleston, S.C.), 3:30 p.m.
- Friday (March 17): Softball at Florida Gulf Coast (Fort Myers, Fla.), 1 p.m.
- Friday (March 17): Softball at Florida Gulf Coast (Fort Myers, Fla.), 3 p.m.
- Saturday (March 18): Women’s Tennis at Mercer (Macon, Ga.), 10 a.m.
- Sunday (March 19): Men’s Golf at Linger Longer Invitational (Eatonton, Ga.), all day
- Sunday (March 19): Men’s Tennis at The Citadel (Charleston, S.C.), 10 a.m.
- Sunday (March 19): Women’s Tennis at Clemson (Clemson, S.C.), 4 p.m.
- Monday (March 20): Men’s Golf at Linger Longer Invitational (Eatonton, Ga.), all day
Looking back
In the second year of the Marble Roller Coaster Competition, hosted by the College of Engineering and Computer Science at UTC, almost 100 students from local middle and high schools spent 20 minutes brainstorming a design, then had 80 minutes to build it and make it work.
Here are some other recent UTC stories featured in the Newsroom:
- By learning what triggers excessive proteins, Dr. Jannatul Ferdoush and other researchers hope to gain traction to better treating or preventing cancer.
- For the last several years, UTC has partnered with the nonprofit Education Equal Opportunity Group to host the the annual Career Speed Networking Program.
- The College of Arts and Sciences launched five new residential learning communities (RLCs) in fall 2022. These are living/learning communities made up of students with similar interests or areas of study. The goal is to speed up the process of forging a community while away at college.
- The Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship will host the 2nd annual Fly for Researchers Pitch Competition for UTC faculty and graduate student innovators at 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 19.
- Dr. Stephen Craven, a UTC alum, former full-time electrical engineering faculty member and current adjunct professor, has received the 2023 Ike Zeringue Engineer of the Year Award, the highest award that TVA offers. He also was honored as the Federal Engineer of the Year by the National Society of Professional Engineers.
- Since 2018, Dr. Christina Policastro, assistant professor in criminal justice, has held weeklong seminars to provide that information to advocates. The Senator Tommy Burks Victim Assistance Academy addresses ways to help prevent abuse, recognize it when it happens and find resources available for victims and advocates.
WUTC Spotlight: The Richard Winham Show
 From left: Alex Volz and Ross Singer of Alex The Band, Amelia Jacobs of Call Me Spinster (photo credit: Nessa Parrish). WUTC’s Richard Winham hosts and produces a mix of music and conversations with musicians and local influencers for Chattanooga and the Tennessee Valley.
On a recent episode of The Richard Winham Show, he shared a conversation with Ross Singer and Alex Volz of Alex The Band and Amelia Jacobs of Call Me Spinster about their passions, upcoming shows and projects.
Be Well Tip of the Week: Happy and Safe Spring Break Week
University Health Services provided tips on having a healthy and safe spring break:
- Choose to move. Moving does not have to include “exercise” in the traditional sense. Take a hike. Ride a bike through the park. Go to an amusement park. Hit up the bowling alley.
- Adventure … safely. Are you heading out to do something that may be out of the ordinary for you? Be sure you are wearing safety equipment like helmets or safety harnesses when indicated. Listen to the experts who are there to keep you safe. Follow the rules of the adventure you have chosen. Wear sunscreen and sun protection when you are outside.
- Everything in moderation. Getting too far from your typical routines can make it hard to adjust when you come back from your trip, making you feel like you need another week off to recover. Try and maintain balance in some areas such as your nutrition, water intake and sleep patterns.
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