Halloween is fast approaching, which makes this the perfect time to remind everyone to wear your mask — and please wear them properly.
Do not forget to vote! Early voting in Tennessee takes place October 14-29, and election day is Tuesday, November 3. Be sure your voice is heard.
UTC is committed to diversity, inclusion and engagement. As we develop a new Strategic Plan, there will be clear, measurable and actionable steps to advance diversity initiatives. The search for a Vice Chancellor of Diversity and Engagement is underway, with the goal of having someone in place by January 1, 2021. This new member of the Executive Leadership Team will help us ensure our actions reflect our words.
Homecoming Week 2020 is next week, October 19-24, and the theme, “Here & There, Mocs Are Everywhere,” highlights that no matter where you are, you are part of the UTC community. Events will be held both in virtual and socially distanced settings to engage current students and alumni. Check out MocSync for schedule information and to RSVP for events. A big round of applause to the Office of Student and Family Engagement and the Homecoming Student Steering Committee for putting these activities together!
The only thing missing for Homecoming is a home football game. We do have a football game, but unfortunately it is an away game. Our Mocs are scheduled to play their lone contest of the fall on October 24 at Western Kentucky University. Even though we will be social distancing from 200 miles away, we will be there in spirit cheering on our team. Go Mocs!
Mocs Give Day, a digital 24-hour fundraising event, will take place October 20. On Mocs Give Day, the entire Mocs family—alumni, friends, faculty, staff and students—will come together socially and virtually to support the University. We hope everyone will participate.
Take Back the Night Chattanooga is one way we take a stand against sexual assault and relationship violence. Due to COVID-19, this year’s event will occur via Zoom at 8 p.m. on October 28. During previous Take Back the Night experiences, I have been moved by the bravery and strength of the individuals who shared their stories. We must all take a strong stand against gender-based violence. I encourage you to participate and think about ways you can help in this effort.
The UTC Honors College has been selected as one of the Top 40 in the country in the book Inside Honors 2020-2021: Ratings and Reviews of 40 Public University Honors Programs. Congratulations to Dean Linda Frost and the students, faculty and staff in the Honors College on this accolade!
Kristina Wick, Vicky B. Gregg Chair of Gerontology and an assistant professor in the School of Nursing, has been appointed to serve on the Tennessee COVID-19 Long-Term Care Task Force. The task force is charged with addressing and implementing new policy solutions to address immediate and future issues impacting long-term care facilities during the COVID-19 pandemic. This is a wonderful opportunity for Kristina, who has worked with the Chattanooga region’s senior population for over a decade.
The UTC Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship is sponsoring two events as part of the upcoming Startup Week Chattanooga—a virtual breakfast October 21 and a watch-and-learn lunch hour event October 22 called “Stay Weird: Succeeding in Entrepreneurship by Sticking Out.” This celebration is a great way to showcase how UTC connects with the broader Chattanooga business startup community.
The first step in applying for grants, federal work-study, need-based scholarships and student loans is to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. We encourage students to complete their 2021-2022 FAFSA early as some funds are limited. For additional information, please check out the UTC Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships FAFSA page.
Set your watches: Daylight Saving Time ends Sunday, November 1. Turn your watches and clocks backward one hour at 2 a.m., which will give us additional light in the morning.