September 29-October 5, 2026

Updates and news for the week of September 29-October 5, 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.

UTC News  |  UTC Events Calendar  |  Campus Updates  |  In the Media

Click here to view this week’s newsletter in your browser

Highlights

Complete the “Know How, Know Now” Wellness Challenge by Oct. 10

Amy Kyriakidis

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, and UTC faculty and staff can learn how to recognize possible signs of suicide risk, start a caring conversation and connect students or colleagues with help through a new online training created by Amy Kyriakidis, assistant director for suicide education and prevention in the Center for Wellbeing.

The self-paced K@TE course, “Suicide Prevention: Spot the Signs and Start the Conversation,” is part of the UT System’s “Know How, Know Now” wellness training series. The “Know How, Know Now” Challenge runs through Saturday, Oct. 10. Employees who complete all three trainings in the series earn a digital certificate and are entered into one of 10 systemwide drawings for a $50 gift card and a UT Wellness blanket.

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GIVE ON MOCS GIVE DAY

Mocs Give Day returns on Tuesday, Oct. 6, bringing the UTC community together for a 24-hour online giving challenge in support of current and future Mocs. Alumni, students, faculty, staff, families and friends can make an impact through gifts that strengthen scholarships, programs and opportunities across campus. Every gift tells a story, and every gift helps shape the future of UTC. Learn more at mocsgiveday.utc.edu.

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Remembering Chancellor Emeritus Fred Obear

The Obear family invites the UTC community to come together to celebrate the life and legacy of Chancellor Emeritus Fred Obear. A Celebration of Life Reception will be held from 2-4 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 9, in the Wolford Family Athletic Center. Those unable to attend who would like to share a remembrance of Dr. Obear with the family can do so through this link.

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Register for Homecoming events

Homecoming 2026, MOCS2K, will take place Saturday, Oct. 31, through Saturday, Nov. 7. Students and campus departments can get involved through several upcoming opportunities.

• Submit a Homecoming event: Campus departments are invited to submit events that connect to the Homecoming theme and complement activities planned throughout the week. The final submission deadline is Friday, Oct. 9, for inclusion on the online calendar. Click here to learn more, view the current schedule and submit an event.
• Apply for Homecoming Court: Students who have demonstrated academic excellence and involvement on campus and in the Chattanooga community are invited to apply for the 2026 Homecoming Court. Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 11. Click here to apply on MocSync.
• Register for Homecoming Lip Sync: Student organizations and groups of UTC students can register for the MOCS2K Lip Sync Competition, taking place Wednesday, Nov. 4. Teams must have at least five members. Registration is due by 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 11. Click here to register on MocSync.

For questions about Homecoming Court or Lip Sync, contact Kidron Bullock. For questions about submitting a Homecoming event, contact engage@utc.edu.

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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, Sept. 30. The September newsletter will be emailed to members on Wednesday, October. 7.

• Please keep submissions to one paragraph of 200 (or fewer) words.
• Images or logos to accompany the paragraph may be submitted.
• Click here to see a sample of a recent PFA newsletter.

Outstanding People of UTC

From left: Yasir Hassan, software engineer at the Center for Urban Informatics and Progress (CUIP); Austin Harris, CUIP deputy director and chief technology officer; Dr. Mina Sartipi, interim vice chancellor for research; and Dr. Maged Shoman, research assistant professor at the UT-Oak Ridge Innovation Institute

UTC earned third place and a $150,000 prize in a national U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) competition for an artificial intelligence-powered platform designed to improve transportation safety and efficiency. 

UTC’s PRISM: AI-Powered Platform for Real-Time Intelligence in Shared Mobility was one of four projects selected to compete in the finals of the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Infrastructure Ideas and Innovation Challenge on Friday, Sept. 25, at DOT headquarters in Washington. The UTC-led team advanced from an initial field of 448 submissions from across the country. 

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Erin Yenawine

UTC alum Erin Yenawine, who graduated in May with degrees in political science and economics, had started working full-time in Chattanooga when she received a surprising email. She was selected as a 2026 Portz Scholar by the National Collegiate Honors Council (NCHC).

Yenawine, a Brock Scholar in the UTC Honors College from Hopkinton, Massachusetts, was one of four students selected nationally for the honor. It is the third year in a row—and the third time in University history—that a UTC student has received the award.

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Dr. Jeremy Strickler

A government shutdown, a campfire and the myths that divide us. Dr. Jeremy Strickler’s professional development leave showed that scholarship can move forward when plans change and curiosity leads the way.

Strickler, an associate professor of political science and UTC faculty member since 2016, used his fall 2025 leave to advance research on presidential leadership and U.S. drug control policy, co-author a book chapter about camping, and develop a new course on American political culture.

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Check out these Mocs in the news:

• West Chair of Excellence in Communication and Public Affairs Brandon Bouchillon spoke to Jed & JR Mornings about the Department of Communication’s “Common Ground” events. He spoke to them again about media coverage in the White House.
• A Times Free Press article previewed Brandon Bouchillon’s “Common Ground” series.
• UC Foundation Associate Professor of Political Science Saeid Golkar wrote a piece for Persuasion about politics in Iran.

Mark Your Calendar

Photo credit: Ray Soldano

This week’s Mocs home athletics calendar:

• Friday, Oct. 2: Men’s Tennis UTC Steve Baras Invite/SoCon Play-Off, UTC Tennis Center, all day
• Friday, Oct. 2: Women’s Tennis UTC Steve Baras Fall Invite, UTC Tennis Center, all day
• Friday, Oct. 2: Softball vs. Motlow State, Frost Stadium, 3 p.m.
• Saturday, Oct. 3: Men’s Tennis UTC Steve Baras Invite/SoCon Play-Off, UTC Tennis Center, all day
• Saturday, Oct. 3: Women’s Tennis UTC Steve Baras Fall Invite, UTC Tennis Center, all day
• Sunday, Oct. 4: Men’s Tennis UTC Steve Baras Invite/SoCon Play-Off, UTC Tennis Center, all day
• Sunday, Oct. 4: Women’s Tennis UTC Steve Baras Fall Invite, UTC Tennis Center, all day
• Sunday, Oct. 4: Soccer vs. Western Carolina, Finley Stadium, 1 p.m.

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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

• Today (Sept. 29): Noon: Register Here … 5 p.m.: Register Here
• Thursday, Oct. 8: Noon: Register Here … 5 p.m.: Register Here
• Tuesday, Oct. 27: Noon: Register Here … 5 p.m.: Register Here

MSDA Information Sessions

• Wednesday, Sept. 30: Noon: Register Here … 5 p.m.: Register Here
• Tuesday, Oct. 6: Noon: Register Here … 5 p.m.: Register Here
• Thursday, Oct. 29: Noon: Register Here … 5 p.m.: Register Here

MBA Information Sessions

• Wednesday, Oct. 7: Noon: Register Here … 5 p.m.: Register Here
• Friday, Oct. 30: Noon: Register Here

MSM Information Sessions

• Friday, Oct. 9: Noon: Register Here
• Wednesday, Oct. 28: Noon: Register Here … 5 p.m.: Register Here

Business Analytics Certificate Information Sessions

• Wednesday, Oct. 14: Noon: Register Here … 5 p.m.: Register Here

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Celebrate 15 years of transatlantic ties between Chattanooga and its sister city, Wolfsburg, Germany, from 2-4 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 30, in the Honors College Guerry Center Reading Room. The event will celebrate the Chattanooga-Wolfsburg Sister City partnership with free food, drinks and activities.

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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, Sept. 30: 4 p.m., Zoom
• Thursday, Oct. 1: 11:30 a.m., Zoom
• Tuesday, Oct. 6: 4:15 p.m., Zoom
• Thursday, Oct. 8: 11:30 a.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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An eight-week summer 2027 business research internship opportunity in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, is available for up to five UTC students.

• Thursday, Oct. 1: 1 p.m., Fletcher Hall Room 109
• Friday, Oct. 9: Noon, Fletcher Hall Room 109

Dr. Robert Dooley, dean of the Gary W. Rollins College of Business, will lead the information sessions. Lunch will be provided. RSVP to COBInternational@utc.edu. The application deadline is Sunday, Nov. 1. Click here for more information and to apply.

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Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at UTC during the Spanish Film Festival, featuring free film screenings in the University Center Auditorium.

• Thursday, Oct. 1: In the Heights (En un barrio), 6 p.m., University Center Auditorium
• Wednesday, Oct. 7: La Suprema, 6 p.m., University Center Auditorium
• Thursday, Oct. 15: Chinese Take-Away (Un cuento chino), 6 p.m., University Center Auditorium

The Spanish Film Festival is presented by the Department of Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures and co-sponsored by Latin American Studies, A Moc’s First Year, Life Out Loud, the College of Arts and Sciences, the Film and Television minor, the Department of Communication and the Spanish Club.

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The Department of Chemistry is hosting its fall 2026 seminar series from 3-4 p.m. on Fridays in Grote Hall Room 411. Events are open to all.

Fall 2026 speakers include:

• Oct. 2: Dr. Cathy Murphy, University of Illinois
• Oct. 16: Bud Lamonica, Cymer LLC
• Oct. 23: Dr. Brian Long, UT Knoxville
• Oct. 30: Undergraduate Research Program Poster Session and Reception

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The Department of Mathematics’ Math Colloquium Series features a special speaker sharing their work, followed by a Q&A and conversation from 3:30-4:30 p.m. in Lupton Hall Room 393.

• Friday, Oct. 2: Thien Le
• Friday, Oct. 23: Ayça Çetinkaya
• Friday, Nov. 13: William Erickson

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 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:

• Oct. 5: Nyssa Hunt, Interdisciplinary Geospatial Technology Lab, UTC
• Oct. 19: Dr. Ryan Fritts, Department of Biology, Geology and Environmental Science, UTC
• Oct. 26: Dr. Erin McKenney, Applied Ecology, NC State University
• 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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Walgreens will offer on-campus flu vaccine clinics for students, faculty and staff during September and October. No appointment is necessary, but appointments are available to streamline the process.

• Tuesday, Oct. 6: 10 a.m.-2 p.m., University Center Tennessee Room
• Wednesday, Oct. 7: 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Chamberlain Field during the Be Well Health Fair (rain location: University Center Tennessee Room)

Bring your current insurance and pharmacy benefits cards. Free vouchers will be available for those without insurance. Click here to schedule an appointment.

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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:

• Tuesday, Oct. 6
• Wednesday, Oct. 21
• Wednesday, Nov. 4
• Tuesday, Nov. 17

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UTC LIVE! makes its Cadek Hall debut on Tuesday, Oct. 6, with Stundom, a rising Danish folk group making its first American tour. The UTC performance is the first stop on Stundom’s tour. Drawing on Scandinavian dance music and storytelling traditions, the group blends violin, cittern and piano with elements of chamber and symphonic music. Stundom has been nominated multiple times for Danish Music Awards Roots/Folk honors, including Artist of the Year and Album of the Year.

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The cast of the UTC Theatre Co.’s “The Revolutionists” includes (clockwise from top left) Mahogany Sales as Marianne Angelle, Gracie Headrick as Marie Antoinette, Cameron Schulz as Charlotte Corday, and Lily Phillips as Olympe de Gouges. Photo courtesy of UTC Theatre Co.

When the world is falling apart, what can—and should—an artist do? 

That question drives “The Revolutionists,” Lauren Gunderson’s irreverent comedy about four women who find themselves at the center of the French Revolution’s Reign of Terror. The UTC Theatre Co. will present the production at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 6-10, with a 2 p.m. matinee on Saturday, Oct. 10, in the Dorothy Hackett Ward Theatre in the UTC Fine Arts Center. 

Tickets can be purchased online by clicking here and through the UTC Fine Arts Center Box Office, either in person or by phone at 423-425-4269. Tickets are $20 for general admission, plus service fees, and $15 for students (with a valid student ID) and seniors. 

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The UTC College of Nursing invites faculty, staff, students, friends, family and community members to its Fall Festival from 4-6 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 7, on the lawn of the Metropolitan Building, 518 Oak St.

Enjoy an afternoon of fall festivities, including popcorn, pumpkin painting, crafts, games and a costume contest. Attendees can also learn more about UTC Nursing programs and connect with representatives from local health care organizations, including Erlanger, Siskin, CommonSpirit and the Hamilton County Health Department. Click here to view the full flyer.

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The UTC Quantum Center will host Dr. Wonhee Ko of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, for its upcoming colloquium on Thursday, Oct. 8. Ko will present “Probing Unconventional Superconductivity by Multi-Particle Tunneling Spectroscopy.”

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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. 9; Friday, Oct. 23; and 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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Registration is open for Mocs in the Mountains Leadership Retreat, a free leadership retreat for UTC students taking place Friday, Oct. 16, through Sunday, Oct. 18, at Fort Mountain Retreat Center. Students at any level of leadership experience are invited to spend the weekend strengthening their leadership skills, connecting with other Mocs and exploring how they can make an impact at UTC and beyond.

Transportation, lodging and meals are provided at no cost to participants. Space is limited, and registration is required. Click here to register. For questions, contact the Center for Student Leadership, Engagement and Community at engage@utc.edu.

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The Department of Communication has launched “Common Ground,” a new civic communication series exploring trust and community. The series will continue at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 21, in the Roland Hayes Concert Hall with Robert D. Putnam presenting “Rebuilding Social Capital in America,” focusing on the decline and potential renewal of civic life in the United States.

The event is free and open to the public. Faculty interested in hosting guest visits or small group discussions with the speaker can contact Brandon Bouchillon for more information.

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Join the Department of Mathematics for a Pumpkin Carving and Course Preview from 3:30-5 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 22, in Engineering and Computer Science Room 422.

Students thinking about their spring courses can meet instructors, learn what they’ll be studying and get a sneak peek at upcoming courses. Math Club, Pi Mu Epsilon and AWM are teaming up for the event, which will also feature pumpkin carving and food.

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The UTC 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 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 to register in advance for the in-person panels.

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The UTC Homecoming Parade is back in a new format. On Friday, Nov. 6, community members are invited to line Vine Street to watch the parade, then follow it to Chamberlain Pavilion for a pep rally featuring the UTC Marching Mocs, Spirit Squads, campus leadership and more.

The parade will begin at 5 p.m., and guests are encouraged to arrive early to secure a good viewing spot. Food and drinks will be available for purchase from vendors on Chamberlain Field. Click here to RSVP to attend, or click here to register to participate in the parade.

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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.

• Friday, Oct. 2: Edward Steele (Ph.D./Computational Science), Multidisciplinary Research Building Auditorium, 3:30 p.m., Calendar
• Monday, Oct. 5: Chasity Drew (Ph.D./Learning and Leadership), Zoom, 10 a.m., Calendar
• Monday, Oct. 5: Joshua Tucker (Ph.D./Learning and Leadership), Zoom, 2 p.m., Calendar
• Wednesday, Oct. 7: Valerie Williams (Ph.D./Leadership and Decision-Making), Zoom, 1 p.m., Calendar
• Wednesday, Oct. 7: Elvis Frimpong (Master’s/Mathematics), Lupton Hall Room 302, 3:30 p.m., Calendar

Campus Updates

The Public Service Award is a $1,000 scholarship awarded by the UTC Alumni Board of Directors and the Division of Enrollment Management and Student Affairs. Two undergraduate students displaying the most distinguished service to the UTC campus as well as the Chattanooga community will each receive a $1,000 scholarship.

University service includes totally voluntary positions (campus committees, student orientation groups, Greek memberships, etc.) or positions which are accompanied by a stipend (student government association positions, admissions and recruiting work, publication staffs, etc.). Community public service can include such involvement as volunteer work in hospitals, counseling, tutoring, environmental services, or any service that is not paid and does not receive academic credit.

The award is presented during half time of the Homecoming game and there are no restrictions on the way the financial award is used. Receiving this award may impact other scholarship monies.

The annual award is given to a UTC undergraduate student who:

• Is carrying a full semester load of a minimum of 12 hours.
• Has a minimum overall GPA of 2.5
• Has not previously received the UTC Public Service Award
• Submits a letter of reference (from faculty, administrator, and/or volunteer organizational advisor)

Click here to apply. The application deadline is Monday, Oct. 19.

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A public service of the University, WUTC is home to NPR programming in our area; local hosts Ray Bassett, Haley Solomon, Paul Jorgensen and Clark Gibson; and learning opportunities for students on the UTC campus.

UTC will bring the fifth annual Power C Tour to four Tennessee cities this fall, giving prospective students and their families an opportunity to learn about academic programs, admissions, financial aid, housing and campus life.

The Power C Tour is UTC’s statewide outreach effort to connect directly with high school students, transfer students, graduate students and their families in their own communities. At each stop, visitors can meet with representatives from UTC academic colleges and student services, talk with current students and learn more about the opportunities and support available at the University.

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The 1886 Challenge has reached 6,138 volunteer hours toward its goal of 18,860 hours. Members of the Rollins Scholars recently contributed to the total by volunteering at the Ronald McDonald House, where they helped clean and prepare the house to welcome its next group of residents.

The 1886 Challenge calls on faculty, staff and students to collectively contribute 18,860 hours of community service during the 2026-27 academic year. The initiative highlights service already taking place across the University through volunteer work, mentoring, service-learning and outreach.

Faculty, staff and students who have volunteered in the community can submit their hours through the 1886 Challenge form and help move UTC closer to its goal. Submitted photos can also be viewed in the photo gallery at the top of the 1886 Challenge page.

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The College of Health, Education and Professional Studies is showing its Mocs spirit. Ashleigh Pipes, Alexandra Solesbee, Dean Valerie Rutledge, Ashtyn Cornett, Becca McCashin, Elizabeth Crawford, Wesley Odum and Amanda Chambers came together to show off their Gold Fridays attire.

Remember to wear your gold every Friday and help turn campus UTC gold. We want to see your Gold Fridays photos—whether it’s a group shot with your department or classmates, or a solo photo showing your Mocs pride. Faculty, staff and students are all encouraged to participate. Click here to submit your Gold Fridays photo and learn more about the tradition,

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Student Success Programs is looking to add mentors to its roster.

UT Promise is a last-dollar scholarship that covers remaining tuition and mandatory fees for eligible Tennessee residents at UTC and includes required mentoring and community service. Student Success Programs has received requests from UT Promise students for mentors to help support them during their time at UTC, with students required to meet with a mentor at least once per semester for guidance, questions and goal-focused encouragement.

Faculty and staff can complete the interest form or contact Student Success Programs with questions. Additional information will be shared with those who express interest.

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UTC Athletics has introduced the new Student Access Pass for the 2026-27 academic year. The digital pass gives full-time UTC students admission to all ticketed home football, men’s basketball, women’s basketball, wrestling and softball games without claiming a ticket for each event.

The pass can be downloaded through your account at GoMocs.com/Tickets and added to your Apple or Google Wallet for easy entry throughout the season. Click here for more information and FAQs.

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Make plans to attend the Office for Undergraduate Research and Creative Endeavor (URaCE) fall welcome events.

• Wednesday, Sept. 30: Office for URaCE September Student Workshops will cover getting started in undergraduate research, navigating undergraduate research positions and mentors, and identifying and applying for paid summer Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REUs). Attendees will receive complimentary URaCE swag and earn a research micro-credential badge. Click here to register.
• Wednesday, Oct. 21: The Fall Student Research Pitch Competitions will feature 16 graduate students competing in the Three Minute Thesis Competition and 19 undergraduate students competing in the Undergraduate Research Pitch Competition in the University Center Auditorium. The program will also include speakers, People’s Choice Award audience participation and more. Click here to view the schedule of events.
• Paid summer research opportunities: Encourage undergraduate students to apply for paid Research Experiences for Undergraduates programs. Funded by the National Science Foundation, National Institutes of Health and other organizations, REUs typically offer eight to 10 weeks of hands-on summer research along with a stipend, housing and travel allowances, and professional development. Click here to learn more.
• Summer research and study abroad: Undergraduate students can explore summer research opportunities in the United Kingdom, Thailand, Croatia, Hungary and other locations. Funding is available to help offset program costs. Click here to learn more and apply.
• Summer Business Research Internship in Vietnam: Undergraduate students can complete research internships in Ho Chi Minh City through a program presented by the Gary W. Rollins College of Business, Office for URaCE and Center for Global Education. Click here to learn more.
• Spring Research and Arts Conference volunteers: The Office for URaCE is recruiting volunteers for the 2027 UTC Spring Research and Arts Conference on Wednesday, April 14, 2027. Click here to express your interest.

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Enjoy half-price admission to the Tennessee Aquarium and 45-minute documentary films during College Days, through Wednesday, Sept. 30. The discount is available to UTC students, faculty and staff, as well as their friends and family.

Tickets must be purchased onsite. To receive the discount, present a UTC ID, transcript or pay stub at the Aquarium ticketing center. Timed entry is in effect, and wait times may apply. Visit the Tennessee Aquarium’s College Days webpage for pricing, membership discounts and additional information.

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Faculty and staff are invited to participate in the UT Wellness: Know How, Know Now Challenge through Saturday, Oct. 10. Complete three self-paced K@TE trainings on mental health warning signs, opioid overdose response and suicide prevention while helping UTC compete for the highest employee participation rate across the UT System.

Employees who complete all three trainings will receive a digital certificate and be entered into a drawing for one of 10 $50 gift cards and UT Wellness blankets. The opioid overdose response training was created with the help of UTC’s Kat James, and the suicide prevention training was developed with input from Amy Kyriakidis, both from the Center for Wellbeing. Click here to join the challenge.

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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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Thinking about earning an advanced degree? UTC employees can take advantage of the University’s education benefit to pursue programs like UTC’s M.S. in Computer Science, a program specifically designed to welcome students from a wide range of backgrounds, including healthcare, psychology, linguistics, and other non-technical fields. The program provides a pathway for career changers and lifelong learners looking to build new skills and expand future opportunities

Read how three students found their unexpected path into tech in The Unexpected Road to a Master’s in Computer Science and explore what your UTC education benefit could make possible.

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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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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 University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Athletics Department announced in April a multi-year extension of its successful apparel partnership with Adidas through BSN SPORTS. An exciting benefit of this renewed partnership is that all University departments and campus organizations can now purchase adidas apparel directly through BSN SPORTS at discounted pricing.

Whether you are outfitting your department, student organization or campus event, BSN SPORTS can help with customized adidas apparel and promotional products. This partnership with Adidas is an option for campus organizations to use, but it is not required. Items purchased through BSN help the athletics program reach benchmarks that unlock additional benefits as part of the agreement. 

For assistance with orders or to learn more about available products and pricing, please contact our BSN SPORTS representative, Garrett Ferrel, at 765-652-4052. The athletics department looks forward to expanding the benefits of this partnership across campus while continuing to strengthen the Mocs brand through adidas and BSN SPORTS.

UTC Newsroom

Brian Freeman

Brian Freeman’s 42-year journey toward a degree wasn’t a matter of if, but of when, and he learned that the journey itself matters. Freeman credits UTC’s support for helping him reach his upcoming graduation in December 2026. He has spent the past two semesters working toward it through the Leadership and Learning (LEAP) program.

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Chancellor Lori Bruce spoke at Meigs County High School.

The UT System’s “Find Your Future” high school tour visited four Southeast Tennessee high schools bringing cheers, songs and information about higher education opportunities across the UT System. UT System President Randy Boyd and UTC Chancellor Lori Bruce visited Meigs County High School, McMinn County High School, Polk County High School and Central High School of McMinn County.

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UTC student Brianna Johnson spent her Dolly Day as a volunteer reading books at Tommie F. Brown Academy.

Dolly Parton was an East Tennessee girl before she became a country music icon. “When I was growing up in the hills of East Tennessee, I knew my dreams would come true,” Parton once said.

A few hours southwest of the Smoky Mountains where she grew up, UTC celebrated Parton’s legacy with Dolly Day on Friday, Sept. 25.

The date was a nod to one of Parton’s best-known roles in “9 to 5,” with 9/25 offering a chance to recognize her work in music, education, literacy and philanthropy.

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UTC offers many resources to guide students in the right direction to achieve the strongest growth possible. UTC’s Center for Academic Support and Advisement (CASA) is a resource all students can turn to when this shift becomes difficult.

WUTC

Dr. Olivia Bagby, Monica Kinsey and James McKissic

WUTC’s “Scenic Roots,” in collaboration with ArtsBuild, introduces “The Overlap,” a new community podcast exploring the shared skills and materials of trade professionals and fine artists.

The first episode, “Education and Opportunities: The Infrastructure of Imagination,” features Dr. Olivia Bagby, director of Future Ready Students for Hamilton County Schools; James McKissic, president of ArtsBuild; and Monica Kinsey, deputy administrator of arts, culture and creative economy for the City of Chattanooga.