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Updates and news for the week of September 19 – 25, 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.
Apply to UTC for free this week
Spread the word! This week is Free Application Week at UTC.
Part of a statewide initiative, Free Application Week will save undergraduate applicants $30. Applicants must use FREEAPP24 when prompted for a discount code in the UTC application portal.
Free Flu Shots Available
Walgreens will be hosting a free flu shot clinic at UTC next week. No appointment is necessary, but please download, complete and print this form before you arrive for your injection. Bring your current insurance card; free vouchers will be provided for those without insurance. Click here for more information.
Dates and times for the free flu shot clinics:
- Today (Sept. 19): 11 a.m.-3 p.m., UC Chattanooga Room C
- Wednesday (Sept. 20): Noon-3 p.m., UC Chattanooga Room C
- Thursday (Sept. 21): 11 a.m.-3 p.m., UC Chattanooga Room C
- Friday (Sept. 22): Noon-3 p.m., University Health Services
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Have questions about COVID-19? University Health Services has identified a few simple steps all of us can take to help avoid contracting or transmitting COVID-19.
Hispanic Heritage Month
Every year from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, UTC celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month—a time to commemorate the history, heritage and contributions of the ancestors of American citizens who came from Mexico, Spain, the Caribbean, South America and Central America.
This week’s events on the Hispanic Heritage Month calendar include:
- Wednesday (Sept. 20): Hispanic Heritage Networking Event and Musician Showcase, Lupton Hall first floor, 5:30 p.m.
- Thursday (Sept. 21): Latin Dance Night, Lupton Hall first floor, 6 p.m.
September is National Preparedness Month
The Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA, has declared September National Preparedness Month, and UTC Safety and Risk Management urges everyone to take steps to know what to do in the event of an emergency situation on campus. Disasters don’t wait, so prepare now by building a kit with these items:
- Food and water
- Any medications
- Pet supplies
- First aid kit
- Flashlight
- PHONE CHARGER
Download the free Safe Mocs app (through the Apple or Google Play app stores) and have family members do, as well, so that they can access the UT Reconnect site where you’re able to confirm your status. For more information, visit Ready.gov.
September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month
September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. At UTC, this is a time to shine a light on suicide, eradicate the stigma surrounding mental health, learn prevention strategies, increase knowledge of resources and support the well-being of our fellow Mocs. Our community is encouraged to find time this month to take part in this effort. Suicide prevention takes all of us.
All event information can be found in MocSync. If your department or group is interested in scheduling an individual suicide prevention training, please reach out to megan-mcknight@utc.edu. It is OK to ask for help!
On-Campus Resources:
- 24/7 CARE Line: 423-425-CARE (2273)
- Counseling Center: 423-425-4438 (University Center Suite 338)
- Student Outreach & Support: 423-425-2299 (University Center Suite 399)
- National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 988
- Crisis Text Line: Text TN to 741741
- TN Statewide Crisis Line: 1-855-CRISIS-1
Send in your Information for the UTC Parent and Family Association Newsletter
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. Click here to see the September issue.
The October issue of the newsletter will be emailed to members on Wednesday, Oct. 4. To share information with the families of UTC students—upcoming events, important deadlines, helpful suggestions and departmental news—email hannah-turcotte@utc.edu by Wednesday, Sept. 27.
- Please keep info to one paragraph of 200 (or fewer) words.
- Images or logos to accompany the paragraph may be submitted.
The outstanding people of UTC
 Dr. Jin Wang and Dr. Reetesh Ranjan Congratulations to UTC faculty and staff who received awards or submitted proposals for sponsored programs in August. The Office of Research and Sponsored Programs announced that faculty and staff attracted $1,243,761 in external grant and contract awards during the month and submitted proposals for the potential to generate over $3,472,392 in external funding, if awarded.
Among those receiving awards in August were Dr. Jin Wang (Mathematics) and Dr. Reetesh Ranjan (Mechanical Engineering) who, in collaboration with the University of Florida, have received $200,000 from the National Science Foundation for the project titled, “Fluid Dynamics and Infectious Diseases: An Integrated Modeling Framework.”
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 Allie English and Eli Rushing Seniors Allie English and Eli Rushing recently won 2023 Excellence in Broadcasting Awards from the Tennessee Association of Broadcasters. English was recognized for her short documentary, “Raising Wolves,” and Rushing was honored for his audio version of “Heather’s Story.”
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Check out these Mocs making a difference:
- At the recent 15th International MoNe Robotic Competition in Bursa, Turkiye, mechatronics students Juan Pena and Christopher Winters and project advisor Dr. Erkan Kaplanoglu won Best Design and Jury Special Award for robots in health care with their project, “Pneumatic Actuated Wearable Soft Robotics System for Mirror Hand Rehabilitation.”
- Dr. Jason Gordon, assistant professor of Exceptional Learning Programs, was recently recognized by the Tennessee Reading Research Center for the work he has done during his education career.
- University High students and faculty were the subjects of a Times Free Press feature.
Mark your calendar
The Public Service Award was established to honor two students who have displayed extraordinary service to the university and community. Awardees of this $1,000 scholarship, sponsored by the UTC Alumni Board of Directors and the Division of Enrollment Management and Student Affairs, will be recognized during homecoming festivities.
University service can include voluntary positions or positions accompanied by a stipend. Community public service can include volunteer work in hospitals, telethons, counseling, tutoring, environmental services, Red Cross, or any service that is not paid and does not receive academic credit.
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UTC is participating in the United Way of Greater Chattanooga’s city-wide “Day of Caring” community service initiative on Friday (Sept. 22). The Office of Housing and Residence Life has reserved select spots across three locations (Brown Middle School, Hixson Middle School and Chattanooga Zoo) where volunteer hands are needed for beautification efforts such as painting, moving debris and hanging up items. Interested students, faculty and staff will be able to indicate a preferred volunteer site. Register here.
Email Daniel-Grzesik@utc.edu, the director of Leadership Development and Programs, if you have any questions about this community service initiative.
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Jeremy Huw Williams, a Welsh baritone opera singer who also is known for his work in contemporary classical music, will perform at the Cadek Recital Hall tonight (Sept. 19).
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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 10:30 a.m.-noon on Wednesday (Sept. 20) in the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (Mapp Building Room 212). At this month’s meeting, Dr. Kusum Rathore, vice president of the UT Research Foundation-Multi Campus Office (MCO), will lead a discussion about working with the UTRF. Contact jennifer-skjellum@utc.edu with questions. Click here to register.
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The UTC Counseling Center will be hosting Transitions: Adjusting to College Life, a trio of therapy group sessions designed to help students aimed at assisting students in adjusting to life at UTC.
The three weekly sessions, which take place from 3-4 p.m. in the University Center Heritage Center, begin on Thursday (Sept. 21).
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The 2023 Meacham Writers’ Workshop will take place Thursday-Saturday (Sept. 21-23) at various UTC campus locations and off-campus at Stove Works (1250 E. 13th St. in Chattanooga). The program, which is free and open to the public, consists of readings, panels and workshops with the goal of creating an informal setting where well-known writers from around the country, local writers, students, novice writers and their readers can freely and equally exchange ideas, works and readings.
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The Department of Chemistry and Physics continues its seminar series on Friday (Sept. 22) when Stephen Smith, an engineering consultant with more than 40 years of experience in the use of coal and coke, leads a discussion on analytical chemistry applications in the coal industry. The talk, which is open to all, takes place from 3-4 p.m. in Grote Hall Room 411.
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The presentation “The 339 Manumissions and Beyond Project: A Reparative Search for Descendants of Formerly Enslaved Africans” will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday (Sept. 23). in the Guerry Center Reading Room. “The 339 Manumissions and Beyond Project” is a research and educational effort in response to the release of newly digitized manumission documents.
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Juniors and seniors are invited to apply for the spring 2024 Tennessee Legislative Internship Program, an outstanding opportunity for students interested in learning about law, legislative processes and state government. Interns are paid $400 per week and help manage committees, conduct bill research and assist with constituent relations.
All interested students (including freshmen and sophomores who are thinking ahead) are invited to meet with the program’s director from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Monday (Sept. 25) in the University Center Lobby.
Click here for forms and application instructions. Application materials are due by noon on Monday, Oct. 2. Email Christopher-Horne@utc.edu for more information.
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Join the Department of Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures, including Spanish and Latin American studies, and the Life Out Loud Residential Learning Community for a showing of the Bilingual Film and Music Album “Gallery: Escenas del Viaje,” taking place from 1:30-3 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 27, in Lupton Hall Room 239 as part of Hispanic Heritage Month.
The songs and videos that make up the film were filmed, recorded and produced in Chattanooga. The artists who worked on the project, the producer and some of the people featured within the film will be present to give an introduction and answer questions. Click here to RSVP.
Notice of Final Defense: Upcoming Research Presentation
The UTC Graduate School announced that the following student will be presenting final works of research as an advanced degree candidate. Everyone is invited to attend.
- Wednesday (Sept. 20): Caleb Whitted will present doctoral research titled, “Factors Influencing Intercollegiate Athletics Fundraising Structure: A Survey and Theory Development,” via Zoom, 2 p.m. | Calendar Info
Save the Date for the next brown bag lunch
The next UTC Research Institute brown bag lunch will take place from 12:30-2 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 12, in the UTC Library Room 435. Each brown bag lunch is designed to engage faculty and staff across campus in identifying opportunities for collaboration.
Campus Updates
 Photo credit: Tennessee Aquarium UTC students, staff and faculty can enjoy a 50% discount on Tennessee Aquarium admission during the bi-annual College Days celebration. The discount is available Sunday-Friday through Sept. 29.
The discount applies not only to the 120,000 square feet of animal-filled galleries in the Aquarium’s River Journey and Ocean Journey buildings but also to tickets for 45-minute film screenings at the Tennessee Aquarium IMAX 3D Theater. The savings apply to tickets for every person in the eligible individual’s party.
With this special discount, admission to the Aquarium will be $20 for adults (regularly $39.95) and $15 for ages 5-17 (regularly $29.95). Discounted IMAX 3D tickets will be $5 for all ages. Click here to learn more about College Days—and don’t forget to bring your UTC ID.
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Students, the UTC Counseling Center will be hosting a weekly Stress and Anxiety support group, taking place from 3-4 p.m. on Wednesdays in the Sequoyah Room (second floor of the University Center).
Each session is dedicated to helping students de-stress and refocus on what’s important in their lives and will include different stress-management techniques. Experience a safe space where you will find support, solidarity and solutions. For more information, contact the Counseling Center at 423-425-4438.
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Want to study abroad? Students, come to a Study Abroad 102 session to find out how to have a global adventure while earning UTC credit. Session dates, times, locations and RSVPs can be found here. These sessions will allow students to meet with a staff member to get their general questions answered and work on choosing the right program that matches their academic, personal and professional goals.
Haven’t signed up for the Study Abroad 101 Canvas course yet? Do that here before attending a session.
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Do you feel like you need direction returning from an injury or getting back into a workout routine? Do you have a running injury? Is your back or neck sore from “study posture?” Make an appointment for physical therapy.
The Pro Bono Physical Therapy clinic, a part of University Health Services, offers free physical therapy to UTC students, faculty and staff. Clinic hours are 8 a.m.-noon on Tuesdays and 1-5 p.m. on Thursdays. Call University Health Services at 423-425-2266 to schedule an appointment, or email ptclinic@utc.edu for more information.
Looking ahead:
 Photo credit: GoMocs.com This week’s Mocs home athletics calendar:
- Thursday (Sept. 21): Softball vs. Snead State, Frost Stadium, 4 p.m.
- Thursday (Sept. 21): Soccer vs. Mercer, Finley Stadium, 6 p.m.
- Friday (Sept. 22): Volleyball vs. The Citadel, Maclellan Gym, 6 p.m.
- Saturday (Sept. 23): Volleyball vs. Wofford, Maclellan Gym, 4 p.m.
Looking back
Chancellor Angle presented his annual State of the University address last Friday afternoon in the University Center Auditorium.
“At UTC, great opportunities come from understanding why we exist, who we are, and our impact on lives, community, and society. Working together over 10 years, we have made significant strides as Chattanooga’s university. As we look to this next decade, our actions must be relevant, easily understood, and difference-makers. We must be innovative as we stay true to our values and who we are.”
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 Chancellor Angle and 40-year UTC family members Teresa McKinney, Dr. Lucien Ellington and Vanasia Parks. Last Tuesday, 199 members of the UTC family were honored for reaching significant service milestones at the UTC Service Awards Annual Luncheon —one of the highlights of Founder’s Week.
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Here are some other recent UTC stories featured in the Newsroom:
- During the summers of 2022 and 2023, UTC student Carter Jordan accompanied Guerry Professor of Biology Hope Klug to study sand goby at the Tvärminne Zoological Station, a marine station located at the entrance to the Gulf of Finland and the oldest and largest infrastructure for coastal marine research in the Baltic Sea.
- Over the weekend of Sept. 9-10, volunteers around the region offered their services to the Remote Area Medical (RAM) clinic—including approximately 75 students, staff and faculty from the UTC Social Work, Music Therapy, Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures, Master of Public Health and Nurse Practitioner programs and the UTC RAM Chapter student organization.
- The humanities are an interdisciplinary field of study that explores the human experience through the lens of history, literature, philosophy, art, languages and other disciplines. The undergraduate humanities program at UTC is customizable, allowing students to choose almost any classes for their nine hours of electives.
- Basketball Hall of Famer Michelle Marciniak is among the Summitt Cyclists currently on a 1,098-mile, 12-day Pedal for Pat charity cycling trek. The tour will bring them to UTC on Wednesday (Sept. 20).
Tales from the UTC PodLab
 Jo Marcus and Mark Harrison “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 social work student Sara Miller features a conversation between Jo Marcus and Mark Harrison.
You can subscribe to “Tennessee Valley Across the Table” on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
WUTC Spotlight: Scenic Roots
Jeremy Huw Williams (pictured), a Welsh baritone opera singer who also is known for his work in contemporary classical music, will perform at the Cadek Recital Hall tonight (Sept. 19). The free concert, open to the public, will take place at 7:30 p.m.—and seating is limited.
Recently, WUTC-FM’s Scenic Roots featured an interview with Williams about his trip to Chattanooga.
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