Coronavirus Updates

Commencement

Spring 2020 commencement ceremonies will take place at the following dates and times in August:

Friday, Aug. 7, 2:30 p.m. EDT: Graduate Student Commencement

Saturday, Aug. 8: Undergraduate Student Commencement

• 9 a.m. EDT: College of Arts and Sciences and College of Engineering and Computer Science
• 1 p.m. EDT: Gary W. Rollins College of Business and College of Health, Education and Professional Studies

More information will be shared as it is available, including on options for students unable to participate in August.

Student refunds

Refunds of portions of meal plans, housing and parking fees for eligible students will be processed starting April 1. Details, including a schedule of refund amounts, are here.

The Bursar’s Office recommends all students set up an ACH refund account if they have not already done so. Students should follow the instructions by logging in to their My Mocs Net account, then:
Click on the Money tab> Click on Go to My Account> Click on Refunds on top right of the page
Then follow instructions to set up an ACH refund account.

On-Campus Residential Housing

UTC Housing residents are in the process of moving out of their residence halls by March 31. Residence halls close at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, March 31 until further notice.

Campus services

University Center: Open 7:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday-Sunday.

Aquatic Recreation Center: Closed March 20-through end of spring semester, in compliance with executive order of the Chattanooga Mayor’s Office.

Library: Closed. Online resources for students.

University Health Services: Open 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday.

Maclellan Gym and Sports Complex: Closed.

Mocs Dining (Food Service): University Center POD market is open daily, including Saturdays and Sundays, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. A hot food line is available with breakfast, lunch and dinner options. Starbucks is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Mocs Express Shuttle (CARTA): The Mocs Express is operating on regular hours to serve faculty and staff on campus. The route is modified to begin and end at Fifth Street and Palmetto Street. So rather than turning left on Palmetto from Fifth Street to travel Third Street to O’Neal Street, buses will turn right on Palmetto and continue the regular Mocs Express routing.

UTC Bookstore: Open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday-Friday.

Mocs Print and Mail Services: Operating 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday – Friday. All operations are housed in the Mail Center in the Administration Building on Palmetto Street. The Library Copy Center is closed.

Faculty and Staff

All campus buildings now require “security card access.” Each full-time university employee should have an official UTC ID with card access capabilities to his or her workplace. If you’re a full-time employee who doesn’t have an I.D./access card, call the University I.D. Card Office/MOCS CARD at 423-425-2218 for service. Access to interior doors and spaces remains unchanged. Call UTC Police at 423-425-4357 for access assistance or with questions. Please do not prop doors open.

Health and Safety

Faculty, staff and students are encouraged to continue practicing social distancing along with other recommended habits to avoid viral illness, including frequent hand washing or use of hand sanitizer, cleaning or disinfecting high-touch surfaces and staying home if you are sick.

• Wash your hands. Often. Thoroughly.
• Avoid close contact with people who appear to be sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Cover your cough and/or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces with a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing. If soap and water aren’t available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.

International Travel Restrictions

All outgoing, university-related international travel is suspended. This includes travel related to teaching, research or grant activity, internships, conferences and presentations, performances and athletics.

The U.S. State Department raised its global travel advisory to level four, its top-tier warning on Thursday, March 19. The announcement is a recommendation, not a requirement, but curtailing personal international travel is strongly encouraged. If you are currently overseas and will be returning in the coming weeks, you must follow all guidelines issued by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Domestic Travel Restrictions

Along with international travel, the University also has suspended indefinitely all non-essential, domestic, University-related business travel.

Be mindful of personal domestic travel and bringing visitors to campus. Other parts of the country have declared states of emergency as they work to contain COVID-19. Be sure to follow CDC recommendations and your health care provider’s guidance if you experience viral symptoms, especially if you have traveled recently.

We will continue to monitor the spread of the virus and adhere to guidance from the Tennessee Department of Health, CDC, the World Health Organization and other authorities. In conjunction with these professional partners, we will continue to make decisions we believe will best protect the health of the campus community.