Accomplishments
The Disability Resource Center (DRC) supported 1,284 students through accommodations and resources this past academic year. The staff at the testing center oversaw 3,753 tests and would like to thank the campus partners who took the time to assist them by proctoring. The DRC’s satisfaction survey from our students for the Spring 2023 semester was a 4.7 out of 5. The Mosaic program graduated 14 students this academic year with a 100% rate of employment/internship placement. The program will welcome 16 incoming students this fall.
The Office of New Student and Family Programs has hired student Orientation leaders to help with welcoming new students and assist with summer programming. The students are: Isaiah Owens, Emaan Aziz, Jessica Smith, Chello Gardner, Sarah Chesek, Jaden Webster, Tucker Berry, Madison Tyler, Leslie Wallin, Ava Bailey, John Adkins, Nola Bailey, Christopher Bell, Ohene Boateng, Grace Burnette-Vice, Kendall Davis, Trey Evans, Bailey Franklin, Jaiden Grant, Georgia Hunley, Jada Johnson, Sydney Jones, Meredith McNeeley, Jacob Morkert, Lauren Ogle, Kendall Painter, Courtney Parrish, Isabella Patterson, Lance Adriane Pilanga, Mckenna Smythe, Shane Voyles, Emily Waddell, Jordan Walker, Morris White and Kyle Wightman.
The Center for Women and Gender Equity hosted this year’s Lavender Graduation, an annual ceremony to honor and acknowledge the achievements and contributions of UTC’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and ally students. The ceremony, which started at UTC in 2018 with three graduates, has now grown to 16 participating students.
Campus Recreation has rolled out a new membership option called ‘Friends of UTC.’ With a minimum donation to the Campus Recreation gift account, external community members can join the ARC. Limited quantities of these memberships are available. This allows community members who participate in pool parties, Mocs Adventure Camps and Swim lessons to join and utilize the ARC throughout the year. Campus Recreation is also extending the summer hours for the Aquatic and Recreation Center in June and July to include Saturdays and Sundays. Full summer hours can be found on the ARC website.
Jason Harville, Assistant Director of Student Success Programs, spearheaded the planning of the division-wide, end-of-the-academic-year staff event. Themed ‘Camp EMSA,’ attendees relived memories of childhood summer camps with campfire food, games and décor. Additional staff who helped make this event a success included Craig Gosnell, Melissa Laseter, Crystal Edenfield, Brandalyn Shropshire, April Cox, Stacie Grisham, Marcus Williams, Andre Yates, Aaron Grisham, Maurice Dorsey, Cindy Williams, Lee Pierce and staff from The Hub.
Staff Spotlight
Marcus Williams, Jody Massey and Corey Burse of the facilities team in Housing and Residence Life are the spring recipients of the EMSA Brilliance Award. In addition to their regular job duties, Marcus, Jody and Corey went above and beyond to also provide maintenance and repairs to the Aquatic and Recreation Center.
Appointments/Promotions/Retirements
- Trevor Yacopino joined Campus Recreation as a maintenance technician.
- Katelynn Buchanan is the new Associate Director of New Student and Family Programs.
- Jesse Foster and Miles Wilson were hired as Enrollment Counselors in the Mocs One Center.
- Donna Cooper, Associate Director for Career Development for the Center for Career and Leadership Development, will retire from the University at the end of July after a 33-year career. The staff in the Center for Career and Leadership Development are hosting a retirement reception for Donna on July 31, between 2 – 4 p.m. in the University Center Chattanooga Rooms.
Upcoming Events
New Student Orientation
New students and their families will join us on campus for Orientation this June and July. For dates and more information, visit the Orientation website.
Power Chatt
Join Dr. Yancy Freeman on June 14 at 9 a.m. in the Undergraduate Admissions Tour Room for the next Power Chatt. Learn more about campus news and get a chance to ask questions.
ARC Summer Family Nights
The Aquatic and Recreation Center will host family nights on June 16 and August 11. The campus community is invited to bring their families and enjoy the ARC facilities, including the aquatic center, basketball courts and climbing wall.
Moc Up
Groups of incoming students will have a multi-day campus residential experience with Moc Up this summer. Hosted by the Office of Student Success Programs, Moc Up is designed to familiarize students with campus, student resources and current students, faculty and staff. Session dates are June 13-15 and June 20-22. Learn more about Moc Up.
MOC Academy
To assist in the transition and overall student success of incoming male students of color, the Office of Student Success Programs will host a summer program called MOC Academy. The program will take place from June 28-July 28. Learn more about MOC Academy.
Pickleball Clinic
Want to try pickleball, one of the fastest-growing sports in the United States? Dr. Ethan Carver, Associate Dean of the Graduate School, will teach pickleball in the Aquatic and Recreation Center in mid-July. The clinics are for students and members with varying abilities and no experience is necessary for the beginner clinics. Watch your UTC email for more information.
Operation Move-In
Students will move into the residence halls on August 17 and 18. Housing and Residence Life will be looking for volunteers. Assignments cover everything from greeting students and their families, parking and traffic and unloading cars. Keep an eye on your UTC email for more information.
First Flight
The Office of Student Success Programs will host First Flight, a pre-welcome week experience to help first- and second-year students navigate college life, from August 16 to 20.
Convocation
Convocation will bring plenty of Mocs spirit to start the semester. This welcoming event introduces our newest class of students to life at UTC. Festivities kick off at 10 a.m. on August 18.
Welcome Week
Fall Welcome Week is full of events and programming for students to make connections, learn about campus resources and just have fun. Welcome Week will kick off on August 20.
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