October 15-21, 2024

Updates and news for the week of October 15-21, 2024

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-l-schultz@utc.edu or 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.

UTC News  UTC Events Calendar  |  Campus Updates


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Highlights

Election 2024 preparation series

As we approach a critical time in our democratic process, it is important that our University community explore ways to increase civic participation, foster productive dialogue and find common ground. Over the coming weeks, the Election Preparation Series will feature several panels related to the voting process, election administration and the current dynamics of the presidential and congressional campaigns.

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SEND IN YOUR INFORMATION FOR THE UTC PARENT AND FAMILY ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER

UTC Parent and Family Association newsletter logo

It is again time to recruit campus partners to send in information for the UTC Parent and Family Association newsletter, a monthly roundup distributed to more than 5,400 parents/family members.

To share information with the families of UTC students—upcoming events, important deadlines, helpful suggestions and departmental news—email hannah-turcotte@utc.edu by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 30. The November newsletter will be emailed to members Wednesday, Nov. 6.

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Get ready for Scrappy Ever After

Once upon a time at UTC…Get ready to have your Scrappy Ever After Homecoming as students, alumni, faculty, staff and community showcase UTC spirit. Join us for Homecoming Week Saturday, Oct. 19-Saturday, Oct. 26.

Follow us @utchomecoming and visit utc.edu/homecoming to see our full schedule of events.

For questions, email kidron-bullock@utc.edu.

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Food Fight

Show your campus pride during Homecoming and help restock Scrappy’s Cupboard Food pantry by joining our Homecoming Week food fight Saturday, Oct. 19-Saturday, Oct. 26, with UTC student organizations and offices going head-to-head in a competition to collect donations for Scrappy’s Cupboard. Groups must sign up here by noon on Friday, Oct. 18, to participate.

At the end of Homecoming, the organization and campus department that donates the most will receive recognition on our Scrappy’s Cupboard Food Fight Plaque and a small gift of appreciation from Scrappy’s Cupboard.

No group but want to give back? Individuals may donate to Scrappy’s Cupboard through the UC Foundation or Amazon Wishlist. Contact scrappyscupboard@utc.edu with questions.

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DASH System Launch

Prepare for the DASH system launch in January with K@TE Training Sessions. Employees will receive their first introduction to DASH through K@TE, the University’s online training platform. These sessions offer a foundational look at key processes and outline important DASH terminology.

A Business Readiness Day on Tuesday, Oct. 29, will focus on two crucial areas.

  • Human Resources (HCM), 1:30 p.m.
  • Finance (ERP), 2:30 p.m.

Each session will provide targeted training to ensure employees are prepared for the upcoming transition.

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Open enrollment ends Friday

Annual enrollment for 2025 benefits is running through Friday, Oct. 18, offering you the opportunity to review and adjust your current benefits. To learn more, visit this link.

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Groundbreaking Event taking place Nov. 4

The campus community is invited to attend the groundbreaking for the Dorothy and Jim Kennedy Health Sciences Building––the future home of the UTC School of Nursing––at 3 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 4, at the corner of East 3rd and Palmetto streets. Register to attend here.

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October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month

A friendly reminder from the IT Security team:

Beware of cyber ghosts! Just like the classic Halloween tales, the internet has its fair share of ghoulish threats. Here are some spine-tingling tips to keep your digital life secure:

  • Don’t be haunted by weak passwords: Create strong, unique passwords for each of your accounts. Use a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols to keep those cyber-spirits at bay.
  • Beware of phishing: Don’t let fake emails lure you into their traps. Always check the sender’s address and think twice before clicking on any links.
  • Keep your software from turning into a zombie: Update your devices and applications regularly to close any security gaps.
  • Two-factor authentication: Enable 2FA for an extra layer of protection. It’s like having a trusty sidekick to fend off the digital monsters.

Stay informed and don’t fall for tricks!

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Thank you for your support of the hurricane donation drive

Thank you to all who contributed to UTC’s donation drive for victims of Hurricane Helene, sponsored by Environmental Studies, Students for a Sustainable Society (S3), EDGE and SGA. Thousands of dollars worth of food, water, blankets, toiletries, and other items were collected and delivered to North Carolina over the past two weeks.

Donations will no longer be collected on campus, but there are other relief efforts continuing throughout Chattanooga for those still wanting to donate. Click here for more information on ways you can help.


Outstanding People of UTC

UTC Center for Wellbeing Director Megan McKnight and Dr. Rahul Gupta (left), director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, and Dr. Michael Hole, White House Fellow with the Domestic Policy Council.

UTC Center for Wellbeing Director Megan McKnight and Dr. Rahul Gupta (left), director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, and Dr. Michael Hole, White House Fellow with the Domestic Policy Council.

Last Tuesday, UTC Center for Wellbeing Director Megan McKnight was invited to a Washington, D.C., summit hosted by the White House Domestic Policy Council and the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy. The White House Challenge to Save Lives from Overdose event honored McKnight and nearly 250 other stakeholders for expanding access to lifesaving opioid overdose reversal medication and reducing preventable drug overdose deaths.

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Dr. Tian Li

Dr. Tian Li

The Office of Research and Sponsored Programs (ORSP) provided its first-quarter report for the 2025 fiscal year, including a downloadable PDF: Q1 FY25 YTD Report PDF.

Among those receiving awards during the quarter was Dr. Tian Li (Chemistry and Physics), who received $792,705 from the National Science Foundation for the project titled, “ExpandQISE: Track 1: Demonstration of distributed quantum sensing with Heisenberg scaling by creating multipartite entanglement on a metropolitan scale quantum network.”

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Amy Kyriakidis

Amy Kyriakidis (pictured), assistant director for suicide education and prevention in the UTC Center for Wellbeing, has been recognized for her exceptional contributions to suicide prevention. She recently received the Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network (TSPN) Southeast Regional Suicide Prevention Award.


Mark Your Calendar

Photo credit: Ray Soldano, Chattanooga Athletics

Photo credit: Ray Soldano, Chattanooga Athletics

This week’s Mocs home athletics calendar:

  • Wednesday, Oct. 16: Softball Blue-Gold Game 1, Frost Stadium, 5 p.m.
  • Thursday, Oct. 17: Softball Blue-Gold Game 2, Frost Stadium, 5 p.m.
  • Thursday, Oct. 17: Volleyball vs. ETSU, Maclellan Gym, 6 p.m.
  • Friday, Oct. 18: Men’s Tennis UTC Steve Baras Fall Classic, UTC Tennis Complex, all day
  • Friday, Oct. 18: Cross Country and Track & Field, Camp Jordan, 10 a.m.
  • Friday, Oct. 18: Softball Blue-Gold Game 3, Frost Stadium, 5 p.m.
  • Friday, Oct. 18: Volleyball vs. Western Carolina, Maclellan Gym, 6 p.m.
  • Saturday, Oct. 19: Men’s Tennis UTC Steve Baras Fall Classic, UTC Tennis Complex, all day
  • Saturday, Oct. 19: Football vs. Wofford, Finley Stadium, 1:30 p.m.

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Join the UTC Center for Professional Education and ChaTech from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 16, in the Mapp Building for “Workplace Tools: AI for Everyday Tasks” as part of the CHAIN AI Sessions. 

Neil Morelli, chief I-O psychologist and head of Assessment Science at Codility, will explore practical applications of AI in the workplace, streamlining workflows with AI tools and developing an AI adoption strategy.

Tickets are $25 and include lunch. Limited scholarships are available to attend at no cost. For more details, email info@chatech.orgRegister here. 

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Dr. Catherine R Womack, MD, FACP and associate dean of Student Affairs and Admissions at the UT Health Science Center College of Medicine, is visiting UTC from 3-4 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 16, in the UC Signal Mountain Room.

She will share what it’s like to be a medical student at UTHSC and will host a Q&A panel with current third- and fourth-year medical students from UTHSC who are currently doing their clinicals at the Chattanooga campus.

The UTC Pre-Medical Society is co-sponsoring the event. View the calendar information here.

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The College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Engineering and Computer Science are teaming up to offer high school juniors and seniors—and their families—an immersive campus experience tailored to students interested in pursuing professional careers in health care, STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) and computer science.

College Quest, taking place from 12:45-5 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 18 (during Hamilton County Schools’ fall break), offers prospective students a unique opportunity to explore their specific academic and professional interests far beyond the traditional campus tour—including visits to lab spaces.

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The Office of Student and Family Engagement is gearing up to welcome families to campus for Fall Family Weekend on Oct. 18-20. To provide the best possible experience for our attending families, we need your help. We are seeking volunteers for various roles across the weekend of events to help welcome, check-in, engage and serve the families of our current students.

Please visit our volunteer sign-up form to review the roles and sign up to volunteer with us. We appreciate your support.

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Join Chemistry and Physics students on the fourth floor of Grote Hall from 3-4:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 18, as they present research they have done in the form of posters. Come and walk around and talk to your fellow students and professors about research opportunities. A reception will immediately follow in Grote 403.

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Unlock your potential and elevate your professional growth by attending Graduate School professional development workshops. Each workshop will be held in the UTC Library room 435. Snacks, refreshments and giveaways will be available for attendees. Registration for each workshop is required. Register here.

  • Tuesday, Oct. 22, Interviews, 4-5 p.m.
    Creating a Lasting Impression: Tips and tricks on how to prepare for and respond to interview questions that help you stand out and win the job.

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Mocs Field Games are now open to students, faculty and staff. Join in on the fun of homecoming on Thursday, Oct. 24; get a team together of four to six people and bring your “A” game for the chance to win the Ultimate Tailgate Package at an upcoming Mocs football game. For more information or to sign up, click here.

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Join the Gary W. Rollins College of Business from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 24, in the University Center Auditorium for a review of education policy and a panel discussion featuring a variety of education specialists. The panel discussion will be moderated by Dr. Claudia Williamson Kramer and will also feature an opportunity for the audience to submit questions for the group.

This event is free, but registration is requested.

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Actors From The London Stage Present Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night” Oct. 25-26 on the Roland Hayes Concert Hall stage.

Actors From The London Stage Present Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night” Oct. 25-26 on the Roland Hayes Concert Hall stage.

The UTC Fine Arts Center will host Actors From The London Stage Present Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night” on Friday, Oct. 25, and Saturday, Oct. 26. Click here for ticket information.

In conjunction with their visit, Dr. Andrew McCarthy, Department Head of English and Shakespeare scholar, has agreed to give a pop-up lecture for faculty and staff on “Twelfth Night” prior to the performances. We have room for 24 faculty and staff to participate.

His lecture will take place from 2-3 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 22, in the UTC Library Southern Writer’s Room.  Registration at this link is limited to 24. Participants will receive two complimentary tickets to one of the performances and a copy of the play.

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Lt. Adam Emery, a UTC alum who oversees the homicide division at the Chattanooga Police Department, chats with UTC Criminal Justice Professor Sherah Basham about the University’s online bachelor’s degree program at the 2023 first-responder appreciation event. Photo by Charlie Reed.

Lt. Adam Emery, a UTC alum with the Chattanooga Police Department, chats with UTC Criminal Justice Professor Sherah Basham at the 2023 first-responder appreciation event. Photo by Charlie Reed.

The UTC Criminal Justice program is a sponsor for the 6th Annual First Responders Salute hosted by the Sinclair Broadcast Group of Chattanooga, taking place from 7 a.m.-1 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 28, at First Horizon Pavilion. This is our opportunity to honor and thank our Chattanooga-area first responders.

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Join the Office of Innovative Technologies for the 2025 UT IT Symposium as one of the presenters. Bring your unique perspective and expertise and share your experiences with your innovative IT solutions, collaborations, research, education and more. The call for presenters is open now through Thursday, Oct. 31. Visit this link to submit a proposal to present.

The symposium is a UT system-wide event that is taking place Jan. 28-29, 2025, at the Knoxville Convention Center. All full- or part-time staff, faculty and graduate students involved in information technology work, learning or research are able to attend.

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Join Donuts with the Dean, a meet and greet with the Graduate School, from 8:30-9:30 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 11, in the first floor lobby of Lupton Hall. Guests will have the opportunity to:

  • Connect with the Graduate School dean and staff
  • Learn more about advanced degrees at UTC
  • Discover valuable resources for graduate students
  • Enjoy light refreshments and donuts

The event is open to all students and faculty interested in graduate studies at UTC.

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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.


Campus Updates

We are finally feeling the chill of fall which is exciting and life-giving for many of us after the exhaustion of the summer heat. With the cooler weather coming in, it also means that our days are getting shorter and we are getting less sunlight, which can impact our mood. As it continues to get colder, we also may be spending less time outdoors. Knowing this, we want to encourage you to beat those wintertime blues by:

  • Spending time with friends
  • Having a consistent sleep schedule
  • Getting exercise by doing an at-home workout or visiting the ARC if it’s too cold outside
  • Being mindful of what you are eating by making sure that you have lots of colors on your plate

The Center for Wellbeing is also starting a new program this winter where you can rent a “HappyLight” for two weeks for free. A HappyLight mimics sunlight to help boost moods, increase energy and focus, and assist in better sleep. Keep an eye out for more announcements on how you can rent a HappyLight this winter. (Instagram: utc_cw)

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Are you a first-generation college graduate?

Student Success Programs is updating its list of faculty and staff who are first-generation graduates. A first-generation graduate is an individual who earned a bachelor’s degree and whose parents did not earn a bachelor’s degree. If this is you, please complete this form.

Mark your calendars for First Gen Week, which takes place Nov. 4-8.


UTC Newsroom

CMA students Riley Ottinger (left) and Skylen Casrill learn to use medical instruments.

CMA students Riley Ottinger (left) and Skylen Casrill learn to use medical instruments.

A new partnership between the UTC Center for Professional Education (CPE) and Erlanger Baroness Hospital is helping to eliminate that barrier, offering 10 students the opportunity to earn their Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) license for free with secure, paid employment at Erlanger. 

Launched in August, the program is designed for students interested in pursuing medical or physician assistant (PA) school. The initiative is a response to Erlanger’s shortage of CMAs in conjunction with students’ need for paid medical experience.

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Masumi Sugiyama presents her research at the 2022 Research Dialogues in the University Center.

Masumi Sugiyama presents her research at the 2022 Research Dialogues in the University Center.

In August 2024, Masumi Sugiyama received a Ph.D. in computational science with an applied mathematics concentration. Her research focused on knot theory, which she used to study neurodegenerative diseases. In June, Sugiyama successfully defended her doctoral research titled “Topology of Neurodegenerative Diseases.” 

Using her previous research, Sugiyama will apply her knowledge and skills at the International Institute for Sustainability with Knotted Chiral Meta Matter at Hiroshima University in Japan. 

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Here are some other recent UTC stories featured in the Newsroom:

  • Trevor Lessenberry was sitting on the beach during the summer of 2023, mobile phone in hand, when an email popped up and showed him his future. The message described the UTC accelerated Bachelor of Applied Science: Information Technology in Cybersecurity, or BAS-IT CyS, program—which launched in January 2023.
  • The UTC Department of Communication is partnering with 10 local nonprofits to help students gain real work experience outside the classroom. Lecturer David Norman and Assistant Professor Anthony Cepak are the two UTC faculty members leading the course, which is a combination of Public Relations Campaigns and Publication Design II classes.

WUTC

Todd Mayo, the founder of The Caverns, was a guest of “Scenic Roots” on WUTC-FM 88.1 to discuss his book “Caveman Chronicles.”


 

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