October 27-November 2, 2026
Updates and news for the week of October 27-November 2, 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
Complete the UT System Student Experience Survey
Your voice matters. What’s it really like to be a student at UTC? The UT System Student Experience Survey gives you a chance to tell us what’s working, what could be better and what you want UTC to know. It takes about 5-7 minutes, and your responses are confidential. Check your student email for the survey invitation and share your experience.
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HOMECOMING 2026 IS COMING SOON
Homecoming 2026 is almost here! Students, alumni, faculty, staff and the Chattanooga community are invited to celebrate MOCS2K from Saturday, Oct. 31, through Saturday, Nov. 7, with a week of events and UTC traditions.
The 4th Annual Homecoming Food Fight will take place Sunday, Nov. 1, through Saturday, Nov. 7, giving UTC students, faculty and staff the opportunity to support Scrappy’s Cupboard. Offices, departments and campus organizations can compete in the friendly donation competition throughout the week. Click here to sign up by 5 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 29. Only one representative from each participating group should register. For questions, contact scrappyscupboard@utc.edu.
Homecoming Week will conclude with Mocs Football vs. Mercer at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 7, at Finley Stadium. Cheer on the Mocs during the Homecoming game and watch the halftime presentation, when the 2026 Homecoming King and Queen will be announced.
Visit the UTC Homecoming page for the full calendar of events, including banner painting, a “Party Like a Moc-Star” block party, recycled CD painting, lip sync and much more.
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BRING MOCS2K TO LIFE IN HOMECOMING DECORATING COMPETITION
Compete in this year’s Homecoming Decorating Competition. Think Y2K nostalgia meets Mocs spirit with flip phones, CDs, retro gaming, metallics, neon, blue and gold, Scrappy, UTC traditions and more.
Students, faculty, staff, offices, departments and residence hall communities are invited to show their creativity and UTC spirit in five categories:
- Individual Office/Workspace
- Office Suite/Department Common Area
- Residence Hall Common Space
- Residence Hall Door
- Residence Hall Balcony
Registration closes at 2 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 29. Click here to review category requirements and register. Contact engage@utc.edu with questions.
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CHEER ON THE MOCS IN THE HOMECOMING PARADE
Mark your calendar to watch the Homecoming parade on Friday, Nov. 6. You are invited to line Vine Street at 4:30 p.m. to watch the parade that will come down the street beginning at 5 p.m. As the parade passes, follow the route to Chamberlain Field for a pep rally. Food and drink vendors will be available for purchase. RSVP here to start your Homecoming weekend off in blue and gold style.
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THE POWER C TOUR IS COMING HOME
The fifth annual Power C Tour returns to campus from 6-7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 28, at the Aquatic and Recreation Center. High school students and their families can learn about UTC academic programs, admissions, financial aid, housing and campus life while connecting with representatives from across the University. The event will also feature light refreshments, prizes and an opportunity to enter a drawing for UTC scholarships.
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SEND IN YOUR INFORMATION FOR THE UTC PARENT AND FAMILY ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER
It is time to recruit campus partners to send information for the UTC Parent and Family Association newsletter, a monthly roundup distributed to more than 5,400 parents and family members.
To share information with the families of UTC students—including upcoming events, important deadlines, helpful suggestions and departmental news—email Hannah Turcotte by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 28. The November newsletter will be emailed to members on Wednesday, Nov. 4.
Outstanding People of UTC
 Dr. Amy Doolittle Before joining UTC in 2007, Dr. Amy Doolittle and her husband spent the first 24 years of their marriage in pastoral ministry, serving churches in Georgia, Alaska and Kentucky.
During that time, Doolittle saw members of their congregations age and sometimes lose their connection to the communities they had once been part of.
Doolittle, an associate professor and director of the Master of Social Work program, spent her fall 2025 professional development leave exploring the role churches can play in supporting people with dementia and their caregivers.
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 UTC Department of Computer Science and Engineering researchers Jingbo Wang, left, Dr. Shaogang Ren, Kegeng Tang and Dr. Zihao Wang stand before a presentation about their NeurIPS-accepted paper, “SCDM: Scalable Causal Discovery in Nonlinear Temporal Systems with Meta-Learning.” Photo by Hannah Godel. A research team in the UTC Department of Computer Science and Engineering has had a paper accepted to the main track of NeurIPS 2026, one of the world’s leading conferences in artificial intelligence and machine learning.
The paper, “SCDM: Scalable Causal Discovery in Nonlinear Temporal Systems with Meta-Learning,” was accepted to the 2026 Conference on Neural Information Processing Systems (NeurIPS). The conference is scheduled to take place in Sydney, Atlanta and Paris in December.
The UTC authors are Ph.D. students Jingbo Wang and Kegeng Tang; Dr. Zihao Wang, assistant professor and associate graduate program coordinator; and Dr. Shaogang Ren, assistant professor and graduate program coordinator.
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Check out these Mocs in the news:
- Head of UTC’s Department of Criminal Justice Rick Dierenfeldt spoke to News Channel 9 about plans for the new federal courthouse. News 12 Now quoted Chancellor Lori Bruce about the courthouse.
- UC Foundation Associate Professor of Sociology Chandra Ward and UTC’s new urban studies minor was featured by the Times Free Press.
- Director of the Institute of Contemporary Art Rebecca Brantley spoke to the Times Free Press about the Chris Aluka Berry and Kelly Elaine Navies exhibit.
- Adjunct faculty member in the Department of Biology, Geology and Environmental Science Dawn Ford joined Jed & JR to discuss climate change.
- Head of the Department of Chemistry Keenan Dungey discussed how spray foam insulation may have caused a flash fire in Walker County for News Channel 9.
- UC Foundation Associate Professor of Civil Engineering Jejal Bathi spoke to News Channel 9 about two sewer spills in South Chickamauga Creek.
- Sgt. Aaron Bayer and UTC Police Chief Sean O’Brien spoke to NewsChannel 9 about Lucky, UTC’s newest K-9. News 12 Now spoke to Bayer and Cpl. Ginger Dockery about Lucky and Sophie.
- Director of Student Success Programs Melissa Laseter discussed Transfer Student Week with News 12 Now.
- The Chattanoogan congratulated the 2026-2027 John C. Stophel Distinguished Students from the Gary W. Rollins College of Business, including Dylan DeHart, Reagan Frase, Ainsley Henderson, Jayda Turner and Briana White.
- UC Foundation Associate Professor of Political Science Saeid Golkar discussed the conflict in Iran for UA News, Heartlander News, Deutsche Welle News and a Deutsche Welle documentary. Golkar also wrote an op-ed for The Cipher Brief.
- Center for Regional Economic Research Director Howard Wall wrote a white paper on small business trends in Chattanooga. He spoke to the Times Free Press about his research. Wall also spoke to News Channel 9 about workforce training and job barriers.
- News 12 Now covered the opening of UTC’s new outdoor fitness space, The Flight Deck.
Mark Your Calendar
 Photo credit: Ray Soldano This week’s Mocs home athletics calendar:
- Today (Oct. 27): Volleyball vs. Tennessee Tech, Maclellan Gym, 6 p.m.
- Thursday, Oct. 29: Soccer vs. ETSU, Finley Stadium, 12 p.m.
- Friday, Oct. 30: Men’s and Women’s Basketball “Boo & Gold” Halloween event, McKenzie Arena, 5:30 p.m.
- Saturday, Oct. 31: Football vs. VMI, Finley Stadium, 1 p.m.
- Monday, Nov. 2: Women’s Basketball vs. UVA Wise, McKenzie Arena, 6 p.m.
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Strategic Enrollment Technology will host open Reach CRM training sessions for faculty and staff interested in learning more about the platform. Sessions will focus on application review, prospect data, applications and inquiry forms. The in-person, follow-along training will take place in UTC Library computer labs, with computers provided. Current access to Reach is recommended.
- Today (Oct. 27): Prospect Data, 11 a.m.-noon, Library Room 321
- Thursday, Oct. 29: Application Review, 11 a.m.-noon, Library Room 321
- Monday, Nov. 2: Prospect Data, 11 a.m.-noon, Library Room 201
Each session will include time for questions about the CRM. For questions before a session, email SETAdmin@utc.edu.
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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.
MAcc Information Sessions
MSM Information Sessions
MSDA Information Sessions
MBA Information Sessions
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Interested in launching a career in enterprise computing, cybersecurity, cloud or AI? Join the IBM Z Career Connection to learn about opportunities in the IBM Z ecosystem, connect with industry professionals and discover pathways to internships and careers in one of the world’s most critical technology platforms.
The event, taking place today (Oct. 27) is free and open to all UTC students, faculty and staff. RSVP on MocSync to reserve your spot.
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The Mocs Bookstore, in partnership with UTC Alumni, will host a 2026 graduation celebration on Wednesday, Oct. 28, and Thursday, Oct. 29, at the Mocs Bookstore.
Graduating students can pick up pre-ordered regalia or purchase regalia, have cap and gown photos taken by a photographer, order class rings and announcements, and connect with campus departments for help with graduation needs. Students can also register for door prizes.
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The Gary W. Rollins College of Business has several upcoming events and opportunities focused on entrepreneurship, artificial intelligence and the economy.
- Wednesday, Oct. 28: CRER Panel: Data Centers at 11:30 a.m. in the Wolford Family Athletic Center. The Center for Regional Economic Research and Chattanooga Chamber will host a panel on the economic implications of data centers in the region, featuring representatives from Tennessee Valley Authority, EPB and the Jackson County Economic Development Authority. The discussion will be moderated by CRER Director Howard Wall and hosted by Charles Wood of the Chattanooga Chamber.
- Thursday, Oct. 29: Applications are due for the Fly Pitch Competition, which gives participants the opportunity to pitch a business idea for a chance to win up to $3,500 in grants. The competition will take place at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 18, in the Max Fuller Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship.
- Tuesday, Nov. 10: The Economic Impact of AI, hosted by the Probasco Chair, will take place from 3:30-5 p.m. in Fletcher Hall Room 200. Bitcoin expert Jimmy Song will explore how advances in AI are reshaping productivity and the modern economy, including potential effects on growth, incentives and long-term economic trends.
- Tuesday, Nov. 17: Ladder or Lottery will take place at 4:25 p.m. in Derthick Hall. Dr. Gary Hoover will draw from his book to explore economic mobility, the social contract and how much control people have over their position on the economic spectrum.
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Learn about the “Doing Business in Germany” study abroad course for spring 2027 during one of several upcoming virtual information sessions. Open to all UTC students with no prerequisites, the course includes a two-week study trip to Berlin, Wolfsburg and Cologne in May 2027 and is led by Dr. Michael Jones, senior associate dean of the Gary W. Rollins College of Business.
- Wednesday, Oct. 28: 4 p.m., Fletcher Hall Room 109
- Tuesday, Nov. 3: 4:15 p.m., Zoom
- Wednesday, Nov. 4: 12:30 p.m., Zoom
- Wednesday, Nov. 11: 4 p.m., Zoom
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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Join Dr. Dawn Ford, UTC adjunct faculty member and member of the Climate Reality Leadership Corps, for “Today’s Climate Reality: Chattanooga and Beyond” from 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 28, in Lupton Hall Room 120.
The presentation will be followed by a panel discussion featuring local climate leaders from UTC’s IGT Lab, the Sierra Club, the City of Chattanooga’s Office of Sustainability, and UTC’s Environmental Science and Environmental Studies programs. Refreshments will be provided.
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The College of Arts and Sciences invites faculty, staff and students to the AI Symposium on Research and Teaching Across the Humanities and Social Sciences from 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 29, in University Center Room 315.
The symposium will bring together faculty from across the humanities and social sciences to share AI-related research, exchange ideas and learn from one another. The schedule includes:
- 9:30-10 a.m.: A cross-disciplinary conversation about the new AI Certificate being developed by the College of Arts and Sciences.
- 10:10-11:45 a.m.: Faculty research presentations from Zachary Simoni, Chandra Ward, Andrew J. Van Slyke, Marcus D. Mauldin and Nagwan R. Zahry.
- 1:35-2:20 p.m.: Faculty research presentations from Chris Vidmar, Rowan Johnson, Brandon Bouchillon and Jeremy Strickler.
The symposium will also feature guest speaker Hunter Heyck, director of the Center for Creativity and Authenticity in AI Cultural Production at the University of Oklahoma, who will discuss building interdisciplinary research teams and exploring opportunities for external funding.
Click here for more information and to view the event poster.
Click here to register in advance for the in-person panels. For questions, contact Nagwan R. Zahry.
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The UTC Quantum Center will host Dr. Lakmali Weerasena for its upcoming Quantum Colloquium Series from 4-5 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 29, in UTC Library Room 435.
Weerasena will present “An End-to-End Quantum-Classical Framework for Combinatorial Optimization Using QAOA,” exploring a framework for quantum approximate optimization and factors that affect convergence and solution quality.
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Join UTC faculty experts for a discussion of Christopher Nolan’s film adaptation “The Odyssey” at 4 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 29, in the University Center Tennessee Room.
The event will explore Homer’s poem and Nolan’s film and will include a Greek feast. Attendees are encouraged to bring their questions and their appetites.
The event is free and open to the public and is co-hosted by the SunTrust Chair of Excellence in the Humanities; the George C. Connor Professor of American Literature; the departments of Modern and Classical Literatures and Languages, English, History and Philosophy; and the College of Arts and Sciences.
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With the 2027-28 FAFSA opening Oct. 1, students can stop by the Financial Aid Office for free, in-person FAFSA support during FAFSA Fridays from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 30. No appointment is needed.
Staff can help with questions, troubleshooting and figuring out next steps. Virtual FAFSA appointments are also available through the Financial Wellness Center. For more information, click here.
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The UTC Library’s annual Halloween Party and Costume Contest is back with snacks, candy, games and plenty of spooky fun. Stop by the first floor of the Library from 1-3 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 30, to take a break from the study grind and celebrate.
Students, faculty and staff are also invited to enter the Costume Contest for a chance to win prizes. Costume photos will be posted online, where Mocs can vote for their favorite student and faculty/staff costumes. The costumes with the most votes win.
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The Department of Chemistry will host its Fall 2026 Seminar Series from 3-4 p.m. on Fridays in Grote Hall Room 411. The series will continue on Friday, Oct. 30, with the Undergraduate Research Program Poster Session and Reception. The event is open to all.
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The Chattanooga Mocs men’s and women’s basketball programs will host their annual Halloween-themed Boo & Gold event on Friday, Oct. 30, at McKenzie Arena.
The free, family-friendly event will begin with trick-or-treating on the concourse from 5:30-6:20 p.m., followed by basketball activities from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Fans can enjoy team introductions, shooting contests, games and other activities featuring both Mocs basketball programs.
The event is free and open to the public, and attendees are encouraged to wear their best Halloween costumes.
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The Department of Biology, Geology and Environmental Science is hosting its fall 2026 seminar series every Monday from 12:40-1:35 p.m. in Holt Hall Room 229. Events are open to all.
Fall 2026 speakers include:
- Nov. 2: Dr. Jae Park, Department of Biochemistry and Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville
- Nov. 9: Prof. John Tucker, Department of Biology, Geology and Environmental Science, UTC
- Nov. 16: Ryan Davenport, University of New Hampshire
- Nov. 23: Dr. Jane Kenney-Hunt, Department of Biology, Valparaiso University
- Nov. 30: Speaker to be announced
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Scrappy’s Market offers free, fresh produce to students from 2-4 p.m. on Vine Street near Derthick Hall or in the University Center second-floor lobby, depending on weather. Check MocSync for location updates. Fall market dates include:
- Wednesday, Nov. 4
- Tuesday, Nov. 17
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 Myra Ann Thomas, Travis Chapel Methodist Church, Cleveland, Georgia, 2016. Photo by Chris Aluka Berry. Documentary photographer Chris Aluka Berry and oral historian, writer and poet Kelly Elaine Navies will visit UTC on Thursday, Nov. 5, and Friday, Nov. 6, for public events connected to Berry’s exhibition, “Affrilachia: Testimonies,” at the Institute of Contemporary Art Chattanooga.
Berry and Navies will take part in “Affrilachia: Testimonies in Text and Image” on Thursday, Nov. 5. A reception will begin at 5 p.m. at ICA Chattanooga, followed by a public conversation at 6 p.m. in the Card Family Auditorium. Berry will return for a First Friday book signing from 4:30-6:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 6.
“Affrilachia: Testimonies,” an eight-year photographic survey of Black Appalachian life and culture, will be on display through Friday, Dec. 4, at ICA Chattanooga in the Fine Arts Center.
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Join Mocs Recovery for the next Recovery Allyship Training for faculty and staff from 10-11 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 9, in the Center for Wellbeing’s new location, University Center Room 318. Attendees should enter through the foyer in Room 316.
Register through K@TE. Student Recovery Allyship sessions will launch this spring, with more information to come through MocSync.
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The UTC School Psychology Program will celebrate National School Psychology Week with an open house from 3:30-5:30 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 9, in Hunter Hall Room 104.
This year’s National School Psychology Week theme, “Inspire Connection,” highlights the role school psychologists play in building relationships that support students, families and school communities. Attendees can tour the School Psychology suite and libraries, examine assessment materials, connect with current students and enjoy free snacks. For questions, email Amanda Hardin or call 423-425-4540.
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The George C. Connor Professorship and Department of English will celebrate the 100th anniversary of Ernest Hemingway’s “The Sun Also Rises” with a free public lecture at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 9, in the University Center Tennessee Room.
Dr. Suzanne del Gizzo, editor-in-chief of “The Hemingway Review,” will discuss the novel’s enduring legacy before joining UTC professors Andrew McCarthy and Aaron Shaheen for a panel discussion.
The event will also serve as a preview of Take Five 2027, themed “the passage of time,” with next year’s presenters and book selections announced that evening. The Mocs Bookstore will have all five books available for purchase before and after the event. Click here to learn more.
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The Department of Mathematics’ Math Colloquium Series will feature William Erickson on Friday, Nov. 13, sharing their work, followed by a Q&A and conversation from 3:30-4:30 p.m. in Lupton Hall Room 393.
Undergraduate and graduate students, faculty and anyone curious about mathematics are invited to attend, ask questions and connect with the Math community.
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The UTC Center for Applied Geospatial Data Science and the City of Chattanooga GIS Division will co-host Chattanooga GIS Day 2026 from 10-11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 18, in the Multidisciplinary Research Building Auditorium, 701 E. M.L. King Blvd.
Andrew J. Van Slyke, an underwater archaeologist specializing in shipwrecks and maritime cultural landscapes, will present “Submerged Landscapes and Sunken Ships: Mapping the Underwater Cultural Heritage.” The presentation will explore how geospatial technology, marine remote sensing and GIS are used to discover, document and preserve submerged cultural heritage and historic shipwrecks, with examples from Jamaica and the Tennessee River in Chattanooga.
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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.
- Wednesday, Oct. 28: Hannah Kirtlink (Master’s/Environmental Science), Holt Hall Room 123, noon, Calendar
- Wednesday, Oct. 28: Andrew Stuckey (Master’s/Mathematics), 3:30 p.m., Calendar
- Friday, Oct. 30: Nishat Tasnim Nisha (Master’s/Engineering), ECS Maytag Room, 11:30 a.m., Calendar
- Friday, Oct. 30: John Melton (Master’s/Engineering), ECS 340A, 2 p.m., Calendar
Campus Updates
The Mocs to Memphis (and points in between) initiative provides safe and affordable charter bus transportation during selected school breaks for UTC students living in Nashville, Jackson, Memphis or surrounding areas. The cost is $55 per seat for either one-way or round-trip travel.
Upcoming transportation dates include:
- Thanksgiving Break: Depart Wednesday, Nov. 25, and return Sunday, Nov. 29. Registration closes Friday, Nov. 20.
- Winter Break: Depart Wednesday, Dec. 9, and return Sunday, Jan. 17.
- Spring Break: Depart Saturday, March 20, and return Sunday, March 28.
Buses departing UTC will leave from Lancing Court on Terrell Owens Way at 9 a.m. Eastern time, with stops in Nashville, Jackson and Memphis. Return trips will leave Memphis at 11:30 a.m. Central time, stop in Jackson and Nashville, and arrive on campus at approximately 7 p.m. Eastern time.
Students are limited to one suitcase stored under the bus and one small carry-on item. A separate reservation is required for each trip, and students should use the personal email account and password they used when applying to UTC to purchase a ticket. Riders should also plan to arrive early at their pickup location and arrange for timely transportation from their drop-off location, as buses cannot wait with individual students. Click here for more information and to buy your ticket.
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Click here to read the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs Annual Report for the 2026 fiscal year.
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October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, and with AI becoming part of daily work and coursework, it’s a good time to remember how to use these tools safely.
The most important thing to remember is that the type of information you share matters. Even University-supported AI tools have restrictions.
The UT System provides the AI Hub, offering access to leading AI models, including ChatGPT, Claude and Grok, with additional privacy and security protections. Other University-supported options include UT Verse and Microsoft Copilot.
Before entering information into any AI tool, be cautious with:
- Personal information, such as Social Security numbers
- Student records and financial information
- Health or medical information
- Confidential research and restricted data, including CUI
A few simple reminders:
- Start with University-supported tools. View the AI Tools at UT Guide.
- Check the AI Matrix to understand what information is approved for each tool.
- Review privacy settings and avoid sharing unnecessary personal or University information.
Even the AI Hub has limitations. HIPAA-protected information and CUI should not be entered into the AI Hub.
When in doubt, check before you share. Contact the UTC IT Help Desk at ithelp@utc.edu with questions.
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The 2026 UT Administrative Professionals Summit (APS) will take place Wednesday, Nov. 11, through Friday, Nov. 13, at the Knoxville Convention Center. APS is a professional development conference designed for administrative professionals from UT and across industries to learn, connect and grow.
This year’s theme, “Learn! Lead! Excel!,” encourages attendees to embrace lifelong learning, lead from where they are and excel in their work. Through practical sessions, expert insights and peer networking, participants will gain skills, strategies and confidence for today’s evolving workplace.
Registration is $250 for UT employees using the case-sensitive code UTEmployee at checkout and $400 for non-UT employees. The registration deadline is Wednesday, Oct. 28. Click here to register.
For registration assistance, contact uteeod@tennessee.edu.
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Mocs students, you will be receiving an email this week about the Student Experience Survey. This survey is administered to all students across the UT System to learn about your current needs, well-being and preferences, and we need everyone’s help in completing the five-minute questionnaire. Click here to go to the survey. Student feedback informs us about the Mocs experience and helps identify opportunities for the future. Students are encouraged to complete the survey by Friday, Nov. 6.
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Students in the Innovations in Honors course are partnering with the City of Chattanooga to explore solutions to recycling challenges. One student team is studying recycling contamination and looking to better understand why it happens and how much people know about it.
UTC students, faculty and staff are invited to share their knowledge and experiences by completing the Recycling Interest Feedback Form.
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For the second year in a row, UTC is hosting Open Source Camp Chattanooga on Friday, Nov. 13, and Saturday, Nov. 14, at the UTC Library. The two-day event brings together developers, designers, marketers, content editors, project managers and anyone interested in what’s happening on the web.
Friday will feature hands-on workshops in Drupal, WordPress and Laravel, including options for beginners. Saturday will feature a full day of seminars covering topics such as UX and design, accessibility, digital marketing, SEO, content strategy, analytics, AI, project management and more.
UTC students, faculty and staff can attend for free using the code OSCHA2026. Lunch, swag and opportunities to connect with other web-minded folks will also be available. Click here to learn more or register now.
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Math Kangaroo, an annual international mathematics competition for students in kindergarten through 12th grade, is returning to UTC. Registration is now open for the competition, which will take place from 5-6:15 p.m. on Thursday, March 18, 2027, in Grote Hall.
UTC’s competition center is open to Tennessee students in grades K-12 and has a capacity of 50 participants. Kindergarten students will take the Grade 1 test and must be able to read and work independently.
Regular registration is $20 through Thursday, Dec. 31, with late registration available for $35 from Friday, Jan. 1, through Monday, Feb. 1. All registered students will receive mathematical gifts and participation ribbons, with additional awards available for top performers nationally and statewide.
Click here to learn more and register. For questions, contact Dr. Tatiana Allen, UC Foundation Professor of Physics and associate department head of the Department of Physics and Astronomy.
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Have a rock, mineral or fossil you’d like identified? The UTC Department of Biology, Geology and Environmental Science is hosting free identification nights on Mondays every four weeks from 5-7 p.m. on the first floor of Grote Hall (701 Vine St.).
Visitors should enter through the double doors on the exterior of the building. Free parking is available in Lot 10 after 5 p.m.
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The world-famous Harlem Globetrotters are returning to Chattanooga on Friday, Jan. 29, at McKenzie Arena. The show will feature basketball skills, trick shots, laughs and family-friendly entertainment. Click here to purchase tickets.
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Measles is highly contagious—even more so than COVID-19. To ensure campus is healthy, it is vital that you know your immune status by verifying your vaccination records or laboratory proof of immunity.
Take action today:
- Check your status: Log in to the UTC Medicat Patient Portal to review your records.
- Need a blood titer? If you do not have documentation of immunity through vaccination, call UTC Health Services at 423-425-2266 to schedule a blood test.
- Titers can be billed through insurance or paid out of pocket for $11
- Feeling sick? Do not walk into the clinic. Call first to help protect others.
UTC reports that 98% of students on campus have immunity, which serves as a strong shield for the community. Having immunity significantly reduces the chances of getting measles and keeps you from needing to be quarantined for up to 21 days if you are exposed.
Click here for more information.
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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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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.
UTC Newsroom
 Abby Borden In the mountains of Peru, traditional weaving is a practice passed down through generations. Women gather to spin wool and create colorful textiles while sharing knowledge that has been part of their communities for centuries. Over the summer, UTC junior Abby Borden had the opportunity to learn from them.
Borden, an anthropology major and Brock Scholar in the UTC Honors College, spent a month conducting field research in Peru through the Institute for Field Research (IFR). Click here to read a Q&A with Borden and to see her photos.
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 Katelyn Hamilton presented her research at the UTC University Center auditorium to an audience of peers and judges. Student research at UTC spans colleges, majors and interests, giving students opportunities to share their work with faculty, staff and members of the Chattanooga community.
Last week, undergraduate and graduate students competed in the Fall 2026 Research Pitch Competition for scholarship prizes ranging from $250 to $750 and a People’s Choice Award. The competition was sponsored by the UTC Graduate School and the Office of Undergraduate Research and Creative Endeavor (URaCE).
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 UTC student-athletes visit with Tommie F. Brown Academy students during Sports Camp Day at the UTC Aquatic and Recreation Center. “Are we going to college today?” a Tommie F. Brown Academy student asked Stephanie Elgin during the walk from the elementary school to UTC’s Aquatic and Recreation Center.
“They were very excited,” said Elgin, Brown Academy’s Volkswagen eLab specialist and a 2005 UTC graduate.
The question set the tone as 46 Brown Academy students in kindergarten through fifth grade spent an hour at the ARC with 14 UTC student-athletes for Sports Camp Day.
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UTC celebrated the opening of The Flight Deck with a ribbon-cutting for the newly named outdoor fitness area near Lockmiller Apartments.
The Flight Deck adds to students’ opportunities to be active beyond traditional fitness facilities and organized recreation programs. Located steps from where many students live and across McCallie Avenue from most of UTC’s residence halls, the facility expands outdoor recreation opportunities on campus.
WUTC
WUTC served as the official media partner for IBMA World of Bluegrass, bringing listeners live interviews and performances from the event. Click here to listen to WUTC’s coverage.
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