Accomplishments
Abeer Mustafa, Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, and Michelle Rigler, Executive Director of the Disability Resource Center, were among the 14 winners of 2023 President’s Awards, the highest accolade an employee can receive from the UT System.
Melissa Laseter and her staff at Student Support Services received a $352,519 grant from the U.S. Department of Education to continue their important work of retaining and graduating students from diverse and disadvantaged backgrounds.
University High—a Hamilton County Schools program located at UTC—launched on August 9 with 56 high school juniors. The program was designed as a college pipeline for high school students who might not have seen themselves heading toward a four-year university education; many of the students will become first-generation college students or are from families of limited financial means.
Many EMSA offices and student services were instrumental in bringing University High to UTC.
The Office of Student Outreach and Support launched the Off-Campus Student Services (OCSS) program for the 2023-2024 academic year. Off-Campus Student Services aims to help students find off-campus housing, educate students on their rights and responsibilities as renters, and assist with other needs they may experience living off-campus.
Campus Recreation installed of a brand new F45 Studio, a project that has been in the works since March 2022. The studio is in what was the previous lobby of the Aquatic and Recreation Center (ARC). F45 stands for Functional – 45, meaning all workouts consist of functional training and are 45 minutes long.
Campus Recreation staff has many new and exciting things planned for fall, including a student outdoor leadership experience, an intramural pickleball team and more.
The Center for Academic Support and Advisement‘s three academic support programs were awarded certification as a Level 1 certified training program by the internationally recognized College Reading and Learning Association (CRLA).
These programs include:
- Peer Academic Coaching – Teresa Harrison (Academic Coaching Coordinator)
- Peer Tutoring – Brad Bond (Assistant Director – Academic Support)
- Supplemental Instruction (SI) – Vanessa Schieble (SI Coordinator)
Staff Spotlight
Stacie Grisham has stepped in to serve as Interim Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management and Student Affairs. Stacie came to UTC in 2009 as one of the original academic advisors in what is now the Center for Academic Support and Advisement, rising to director.
Since taking on her current position as assistant vice chancellor for student success in 2018, she and Dr. Yancy Freeman have collaborated closely on numerous initiatives addressing recruitment, retention, and graduation issues. Stacie received a bachelor’s degree in English literature from UT Knoxville and a master’s in academic advising from Kansas State University.
Appointments, Promotions and Retirements
- Michael Johnson is the new Assistant Director for Sports Programs.
- Amy Slagle joined Campus Recreation as an Intramural Coordinator.
- Stewart McCollum also joined Campus Recreation working on maintenance and grounds at the UTC Sports Complex.
- Mari Bryan is the new Administrative Associate in University Health Services
- Jordan Jacobs was recently hired as an Infectious Disease Nurse Practitioner in University Health Services.
- Donna Cooper, Associate Director for Career Development for the Center for Career and Leadership Development, retired from the University at the end of July after a 33-year career.
Campus Events
More than 3,000 students will move into their residence halls next week. Students in Residential Learning Communities will move in on Wednesday, August 16. Incoming freshmen and transfer students will move in on Thursday, August 17 and upperclassmen on Friday and Saturday, August 18 – 19. Housing and Residence Life is looking for volunteers to help with this event. Sign up here.
The Office of Student Success Programs is hosting First Flight, a pre-welcome week experience to help first- and second-year students navigate college life. Events start Wednesday, August 16, and end on Sunday, August 20. Events include resource fairs, a soul food brunch, campus tours and more. See the full schedule on the First Flight website.
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 Friday, August 18 in McKenzie Arena. Learn more on the UTC website.
Welcome Week
Welcome Week is full of events and programming for students to make connections, learn about campus resources and just have fun. Long-running traditions like Oak Street Roast are returning, along with the annual pool party at the ARC and headphone dance party. Welcome Week starts on Sunday, August 20 and ends Saturday, August 26. See all the events on the Welcome Week website.
First Day of Classes
Students return to campus for a new semester. Classes for the Fall 2023 semester start on Monday, August 21.
Homecoming
Make plans to come out to this year’s Homecoming events starting on Saturday, September 30. This annual tradition has a wide range of events, including pep rallies, a lip sync competition, a tap party and more.
Bring your best blue and gold spirit to Finley Stadium on Saturday, October 7 when the Mocs take on Western Carolina University. Kick-off is at 4 p.m.
Help Us Add to the Flock!
hose who know and love UTC are the best ambassadors and recruiters for our University, and that’s where you come in. Here’s how you can make a difference and help us add more Mocs to our flock.
- The admissions application for the 2023 – 2024 school year opens on Tuesday, August 15! Students can apply online at utc.edu/apply.
- The Office of Undergraduate Admissions has plans for events, give-aways, contests and more on social media in the coming weeks. Make sure to follow along at @utcnewmocs on Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and Facebook.
- Found a student who is interested in UTC? Refer them! Use this form on the Admissions website. The prospective student can also fill out an interest card online.
- For parents who want to learn more about UTC, point them to the UTC Parent and Family Association online and on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.
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This newsletter is all about recognizing and celebrating YOU—the people who serve our students every day. Tell us about new and upcoming projects, past accomplishments, department news, brags on your colleagues, and anything else that you think deserves recognition. We’re always taking submissions. Use this form to submit to the newsletter.
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