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Updates and news for the week of November 28 – December 4, 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.
Attention graduates: Scrappy’s Cupboard Cap and Gown Loan Program Available
Graduates, Scrappy’s Cupboard is happy to offer cap and gown (academic regalia) loans to any undergraduate or graduate student who has been approved to participate in a UTC graduation ceremony and cannot afford to purchase the regalia required to participate. Academic Regalia is available for loan up to five days prior to the graduation ceremony and must be returned no later than five days after the ceremony.
To request a cap and gown loan for fall 2023 graduation ceremonies, please complete this request form no later than 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 12.
If you have questions, contact the Office of Student Outreach and Support at 423-425-2299 or e-mail scrappyscupboard@utc.edu.
Medication Take Back Takes Place Today
The Center for Wellbeing is holding a Medication Take Back Event from 10 a.m.-noon today (Nov. 28) in the University Center Lobby. Stop by their table to drop off unused or expired medication and let them dispose it for you. They will also be providing Deterra medication disposal packs for home disposal and free prescription lockboxes—which keep your medications safe and ensures only the person prescribed the medication has access to it.
Bring expired or unused prescription, over-the-counter, or pet meds to be entered into a drawing for a $50 gift card.
Why should you participate?
- Flushing and throwing away medication pollutes our water system.
- Leaving unused medications around provides an opportunity for misuse by others.
- Sharing prescribed medication is illegal and dangerous.
- It keeps you organized and frees space in your cabinets.
The collection process:
- Please bring prescriptions in the original containers with your personal information crossed out.
- Bring prescription, over-the-counter and even pet medication.
- DO NOT bring needles, IV bags or radioactive medications. Contact your health care provider for information regarding disposal of these items.
This initiative is aimed at providing our community with a safe way to dispose of expired or unused medication. UTC also has a permanent disposal box located at the UTC Police Department.
Last-second heroics
 Clayton Crile, center (photo courtesy of Billy Weeks/GoMocs.com) On Saturday, a time-expiring 35-yard field goal from Clayton Crile gave the Mocs football team a 24-21 victory over Austin Peay State University in the first round of the FCS Playoffs. After earning its first-ever playoff win on the road, UTC improved to 8-4 overall and advanced to the second round of the playoffs for the first time since 2016.
The Mocs will face 7th-ranked Furman at 1 p.m. this Saturday (Dec. 2) in Greenville, South Carolina. The game will be televised on ESPN+.
- A limited number of tickets in the UTC fan block are available to purchase and are now on sale. To purchase tickets, please click here. Tickets are $30 and are available while supplies last. Seats will be allocated using the Mocs Club Priority Point System.
- The deadline to purchase tickets is 3 p.m. on Wednesday (Nov. 29). After this deadline, all purchased tickets will be assigned. Tickets will be sent via mobile delivery; no tickets will be mailed for this game.
Get your commencement info on the Safe Mocs App
Graduates and families can download the Safe Mocs App and get all the information needed for fall 2023 commencement.
The commencement page has information for graduates, including getting tickets for their family and friends and how to order diplomas and transcripts. It also has information for families, such as commencement schedule, parking and getting into McKenzie Arena. For those who can’t make it to the ceremony, there is information on viewing the livestream.
Go to the Apple or Google Play app stores and search for “Safe Mocs.”
Submit Your Events for the Winter Welcome Calendar
The Office of Student and Family Engagement is excited to announce the dates for our Spring Welcome Week: Jan. 8-12, 2024.
During the week, we offer a wide variety of events for our students. If you are hosting an event or program during the first week of classes, please consider submitting your event to the official calendar found on the Winter Welcome website.
- To submit an event, please complete this form.
- The priority deadline for the Winter Welcome calendar is 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 2. The final deadline to submit events is 1 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 5.
Email kidron-bullock@utc.edu with questions.
The outstanding people of UTC
 Jay Person, left, tackles Kennesaw State’s Jonathan Murphy (photo courtesy of Derek Daniel/GoMocs.com) Along with earning Southern Conference Defensive Player of the Year honors for the second consecutive year, Mocs football senior edge Jay Person learned that he’s a finalist for the Buck Buchanan Award—which goes to the FCS’ top defender. It’s his second straight season as a Buchanan Award finalist.
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During the recent Beat Hunger concert, UTC Percussion Ensemble students Trevor Kight, a junior majoring in mechatronics, and Roland Pullen and Ian Villarubia, both freshmen in music education, performed a musical piece titled “Shui” using crotales.
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Check out these Mocs making a difference:
- Dr. Saeid Golkar co-wrote an Atlantic Council piece titled “Meet the secret IRGC entity purging university professors in Iran.”
- Six Mocs soccer student-athletes were named Academic All-District by the College Sports Communicators: Caroline Ekern, Sylvie Keck, Zoey Mize, Hannah Opie, Mackenzie Smith and Kelly Tuerff. To be named Academic All-District, student-athletes must possess a 3.4 cumulative GPA and compete in at least 90 percent of matches or start in at least 66 percent of contests.
Mark your calendar
UTC is sponsoring Ice on the Landing in the open air at First Horizon Pavilion, home to the Chattanooga Market. Ice on the Landing is open most days from Nov. 24 through Jan. 28. Click here to learn more.
On Tuesday, Dec. 5, students, faculty, staff and alumni receive an exclusive $2 discount on tickets. Use the code blueandgold at checkout to get your discounted tickets.
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Information sessions are taking place this week for two spring 2024 study abroad courses, which are open to all UTC students. The courses have no prerequisites and include two-week international study trips to Germany and to the Balkan countries of Albania, Greece and North Macedonia. Both are led by UTC Gary W. Rollins College of Business faculty members.
This week’s information sessions:
- Today (Nov. 28): Germany, Zoom, noon
- Wednesday (Nov. 29): Balkans (Albania, Greece and North Macedonia), Zoom, 1 p.m.
- Thursday (Nov. 30): Germany, Zoom, noon
Students earn three credit hours on the undergraduate level (MGT 4950) or graduate level (MGT 5950). For more information, contact COBInternational@utc.edu or visit COB International Programs.
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The UTC Department of Political Science and Public Service is hosting a November PSPS Sweet Research series, where PSPS faculty share their research and favorite desserts. Everyone is welcome to bring a lunch. All Sweet Research events take place from noon-12:50 p.m. in the 540 McCallie Building Room 462D.
On Wednesday (Nov. 29), Dr. Michelle Deardorff is the featured speaker for a talk titled “Rethinking Political Science Education: American Political Science Association’s Presidential Taskforce Preliminary Report.”
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Please join Accounting Services in celebrating Maggie Hall’s 35 years of service to UTC and sending best wishes for a happy retirement!
The party will take place from 2-4 p.m. on Thursday (Nov. 30) in the University Center Chickamauga Room. We would love to see you all stop by to wish her well on her next adventure.
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Please join the Mechanical Engineering Department for a reception honoring Dr. Prakash Dhamshala from 2-4 p.m. on Thursday (Nov. 30) in ECS Room 426 (Maytag Conference Room).
Dr. Dhamshala will be retiring at the end of the fall 2023 semester after 42 years at UTC. Click here to read about his career.
Refreshments will be served. We hope to see you there!
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The Office of Planning, Evaluation and Institutional Research (OPEIR) is hosting a series of workshops for faculty to learn about and be guided through the policy for proposing a new academic degree program at UTC. These workshops will cover the various stages of the process and feature guest speakers from departments on campus as well as the Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC). RSVP is not required but will help with planning and communication of events.
Upcoming sessions:
- Thursday (Nov. 30): Allison Evans (Budget and Finance), Joel Wells (University Registrar) and Rebecca Dragoo (Associate Registrar), UTC Library Room 118A, 2:30 p.m. | Calendar
- Thursday, Dec. 14: General information and assistance workshop, UTC Library Room 118A, 2:30 p.m. | Calendar
For further information, email kelli-baker@utc.edu, program coordinator for OPEIR, or call 423- 425-2216.
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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 (Dec.1) in the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (Mapp Building, second floor). Dr. Lisa Piazza will briefly overview the 2024 UTC Spring Research and Arts Conference and answer questions. In addition, the CIE team has several new initiatives and seed-funding opportunities for faculty and staff that we are excited to share. Lunch will be provided. Contact jennifer-skjellum@utc.edu with questions. Register here to attend. | Calendar
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The Department of Chemistry and Physics concludes its fall seminar series with a talk this Friday (Dec. 1) by Dr. Stephan Schlamminger from the National Institute of Standards and Technology. His lecture, titled “Why is it so difficult to measure small forces and torques accurately?” will take place from 3-4 p.m. in Grote Hall Room 411.
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 The Clarence T. Jones Observatory is located at 10 N. Tuxedo Ave. in Chattanooga. The Clarence T. Jones Observatory will re-open on Sunday (Dec. 3) for its final Star Party of the semester. The evening’s topic will be extraterrestrial life and the featured constellation is Orion.
Come on out and look through Chattanooga’s historic 20.5-inch telescope, view a show with the new planetarium projector, learn about the latest astronomical research and meet members of the Chemistry and Physics department and the Barnard Astronomical Society.
The observatory, owned and operated by UTC, is free and open to the public. Gates open at 5:30 p.m., with a lecture and Planetarium show beginning at 6 p.m. and telescope viewing until 8 p.m.
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The Office of Multicultural Affairs seeks the submission of engaging and collaborative programs for UTC Black History Month 2024. Click here to apply. The proposals should provide the UTC community with knowledge, resources and experiences that can apply to their everyday lives. We strongly encourage these events to be educational as well as engaging, interactive and creative. We encourage programs that foster collaboration with two or more faculty, staff or university departments in planning the event.
All program proposals are due by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 5.
This year, the Office of Multicultural Affairs has selected the theme of “African Americans and the Arts.” There will be emphasis on the transformative experiences created by African Americans past, present and future pertaining to the artistic expression. This month will showcase the intellectual and collective impact of African Americans in music, dance, art, fashion, literature, theater, film, storytelling, spoken word, poetry, song, entertainment, innovation, arts education and more. For additional information, click here for the Campus Updates post.
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 The Prism Center will be conducting Safe Zone Aspiring Ally training sessions on the following dates:
- Tuesday, Dec. 5: 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
- Monday, Dec. 18: 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
A Safe Zone is a space in which anyone in the LGBTQ+ community will be supported and affirmed. Safe Zone training will help participants learn to create a supportive environment for LGBTQ+ members of campus by providing education, resources and advocacy. The training includes small group activities, an information session and large group discussions. Participants will then be able to display a UTC Safe Zone Aspiring Ally sticker in their office to demonstrate their commitment to the LGBTQ+ community.
Space is limited, so please click here to register.
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Staff from Fleet Feet’s Chattanooga store will be in UTC Library Room 209 at 11:30 a.m on Tuesday, Dec. 5 (Reading Day) to provide their expertise about how to find the right shoe for walking, running and just spending a lot of time on your feet. Join the Department of Health and Human Performance to learn about the difference between various shoe types and how to find your best fit. Plus, everyone has a chance to win prizes from Fleet Feet.
Contact Karissa-peyer@utc.edu with any questions.
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Hunter Hayes’ Flying Solo Tour is coming to the Walker Theatre (located inside the Memorial Auditorium) for an 8 p.m. show on Tuesday, Dec. 12. UTC students, faculty and staff have been offered a 25% discount for the show.
To purchase tickets, click on this link, then enter the code 25STUDENT in the “unlock” button in the upper right-hand corner of the screen for the discount price.
For more information, visit TivoliChattanooga.com.
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A message from the Office of the Bursar:
Spring 2024 is around the corner. If you are an eligible employee who is registered or plan to register for the spring semester and have not completed your employee fee waiver form, please submit your form to Human Resources for processing. The fee payment deadline for spring 2024 is Thursday, Dec. 14.
- Cancellation is an automatic process, and you must submit the required documents each semester to take advantage of your fee waiver benefit.
- If your eligible dependent or spouse is registered for classes and has a balance after processing their discount, the remaining balance must be paid to the Bursar’s Office by Thursday, Dec 14.
- The Tuition Installment Payment Plan is also available.
If you have questions or need assistance, contact the Bursar’s Office directly at 423-425-4781.
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.
Campus Updates
To all our graduating Mocs, congratulations from UTC Advancement. As your status advances from student to alumnus, you have the opportunity to create a lasting impact here at UTC. By donating just $5 or more, you can receive an exclusive gold cord to wear at commencement that signifies your commitment to future Mocs. This small donation can go a long way in helping to fund scholarships and enhance academic programs all over campus. Plus, wearing the gold cord at commencement will set you apart as a proud UTC supporter. Donate today and leave a legacy for future students at your alma mater.
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Math Kangaroo, an international mathematics competition, is returning to UTC.
Math Kangaroo 2024, open to students in grades 1-12, will be held at UTC at 5:30 p.m. on March 21, 2024. Information about the competition and registration can be found on the Math Kangaroo website.
The deadline for registration is Friday, Dec. 15. The registration fee is $21 per student, and financial assistance is available.
Please share this message, the event PDF and the registration information PDF with anyone who might be interested in participating. For more information, click here. If you are new to this program, please read Math Kangaroo History.
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Free short-term physical therapy services are available for UTC students, faculty and staff.
The Pro Bono Physical Therapy clinic, located in the Mapp Building, is staffed by UTC Doctor of Physical Therapy students and professors and is 100% free. Clinic hours are 8 a.m.-noon on Tuesdays and 1-5 p.m. on Thursdays. Call University Health Services at 423-425-2266 or email ptclinic@utc.edu for more information.
Looking ahead
 Addie Porter (photo credit: Ray Soldano/GoMocs.com) This week’s Mocs home athletics calendar:
- Sunday (Dec. 3): Women’s basketball vs. Mississippi State, McKenzie Arena, 2 p.m.
Looking back
Hao Luong (pictured), who will be graduating from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in December with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in painting and drawing, is literally leaving her mark on the walls of the institution.
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A new ethnomusicology class at UTC sends students to various venues around town to get an idea of what’s going on musically in Chattanooga. They then report what they’ve discovered over the course of the semester in podcasts, short films or photo essays.
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When Dr. Takeo Suzuki (pictured) agreed to teach a course on Japanese anime and manga culture this fall, he was supposed to have only 10 or 12 students. After the class filled up in the first hour of registration, the dean agreed to expand it—first to 15 and eventually to 35 students.
Tales from the UTC PodLab
 Ashton Jolley, left, and Catherine Corcoran “Tennessee Valley Across the Table” is a student-led podcast that brings locals, often strangers with different views, together to learn who we are as people. It is inspired by StoryCorps’ One Small Step program.
In 2022, community members came to the UTC PodLab and opened their lives with stories about their families, their politics and their hopes for the future. This year, UTC Honors students, under the direction of Will Davis, studied the recordings and chose the material that most resonated with them. This episode by UTC sociology student Mika Nelson features a conversation between Ashton Jolley and Catherine Corcoran.
You can subscribe to “Tennessee Valley Across the Table” on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
WUTC Spotlight: A Tribute to MLK’s Legacy in Downtown Chattanooga
 Martin Luther King, Jr. Mural in downtown Chattanooga (photo credit: MLK Neighborhood Association Of Chattanooga) A recent segment of WUTC-FM’s Scenic Roots featured a trio of guests reflecting on the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.—Dr. Jonathan McNair, the Ruth S. Holmberg Professor of American Music at UTC; Vice Chancellor for Access and Engagement Stacy Lightfoot; and Elijah Cameron, director of community relations at the Bessie Smith Cultural Center.
A tribute to Dr. King’s legacy will be held at the Bessie Smith Cultural Center on Thursday, Jan. 25.
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