Tuesday, September 15th UTC celebrated Founders day with birthday festivities including a State of the University address. If you missed the presentation, you can view it online at https://livestream.com/utc/events/4347683. My main points of focus were the new strategic plan, UTC’s many accomplishments over the past year, and the issues we will face together as a campus. We celebrated the improvements in the six-year graduation rate and the second year retention rate, and the grand opening of our new library. I also discussed challenges facing our campus including the budget impact caused by a slide in fall 2015 enrollment. The message is clear: UTC’s future is bright because the campus is prepared and we have a dynamic plan for the future.
The next Coffee With the Chancellor will be held on Monday, September 28th from 8:00-9:30 a.m. in the Library’s Southern Writers’ Room. You are welcome to stop by at any time during the event. Please bring your comments and questions – there is no set agenda for these conversations. This is an informal event meant to offer faculty and staff an opportunity for casual interaction.
This semester I’m also fostering closer communication with the campus through informal meetings with department heads. The first Coffee and Bagels with the Department Heads was held this past Tuesday, September 22nd. There are several more planned for this semester.
On August 10th, I sent a letter and two brochures to all UTC employees who are Mandatory Reporters of incidents of Sexual Misconduct, Relationship Violence and Stalking. On August 21st, UTC’s Title IX Coordinator, Stephanie Rowland, requested that all Mandatory Reporters complete by September 30th an online Title IX training available at UTC Learn (utclearn.utc.edu). As of this week, 697 of 1087 have attempted or completed the training. Let’s strive in the next week to make it 100%! If you have any questions or concerns about the training, please contact Ms. Rowland at Stephanie-Rowland@utc.edu or (423) 425-4255.
Mocs Athletics has had some big wins recently. Lauren Greenspoon, Mocs volleyball setter, was named Southern Conference Player of the week last week. Women’s volleyball is currently riding a seven match winning streak after sweeping the Hokie Invitational last Saturday. They will face the UNCG Spartans this Friday in Maclellan Gym. Jacob Huesman, Mocs football quarterback, was named Southern Conference Player of the week this week. The next home game is Saturday, October 10th at 1 p.m. against the Furman Paladins. Let’s pack the stadium! Go Mocs!