Tradition Preservers 
One of the main goals of The Future Alumni Members is to help the students at UTC uphold the traditions and history of the University. To do this, The FAM's Tradition Preservers makes a point to continually bring attention to campus events and activities that span the years of time.
Students in The FAM get points for showing their participation in campus traditions. They paste photos of themselves in action on their Mocs Journal. Those who earn the top points are rewarded as Tradition Preservers and are given special pins to wear during commencement ceremonies.
Campus Traditions
Seal Protectors  Founder's Day Real World 101 Got 60? Class Ring Graduation
Orientation Mocs Athletics Homecoming StepDown Cart Races Field Games
Krystal Square Off Running Out The Doors Reading Day Pancakes Oak Street Roast Chalking on Cardiac Sand Volleyball at Lockmiller Career Day Park It & Pay It SGA Elections
Past Campus Traditions: Oozeball Crossing The River Beanies
Community Traditions
Have other traditions? E-mail them to us.
SEAL PROTECTORS
In early 2007, as part of a campus beautification project, a number of inscribed concrete seals were placed in Heritage Plaza along the Pedestrian Park near the University Center. Soon after they were installed several students walked on top of them. Later they subsequently learned that they failed their final exams. The ancestors of our University's past must be "alive" in wanting to maintain their heritage.
FOUNDER'S DAY
Come celebrate UTC's birthday (September 15, 1886) each fall as part of SAC's Founder Day activities. SAC organizes campus wide events to honor the University and showcase the accomplishments of its alums and significant historical moments.
REAL WORLD 101
Real World 101 is a series of activities and events offered to graduating seniors to help prepare them for their transition into the "real world" after college. The program involves a series of seminars on post college topics, various social activities, the annual Senior Sendoff party, the UTC Last Lecture, the Graduation Celebration and the Official UTC Ring Ceremony.
GOT 60? - RINGIN' IT FOR LIFE
Possibly the best way to show off both your commitment and love as well as the achievements and the tradition of your alma mater, we are proud to offer you the opportunity to order the Official Class Ring of The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Students who earn 60 classroom credits are eligible to order the official UTC class ring. The Official UTC Ring evokes special memories of the occasions and traditions at UTC. The ring is a symbolic, continuous link with classmates, friends, and generations of alumni.
FLIP THE TASSLE - GRADUATION COMMENCEMENT
Commencement is held in McKenzie Arena at 2:00 pm at the end of each semester. Looking back at your experience at UTC, cherish each moment. Looking forward at what is to come, have a hopeful heart and a determined mind. Congratulations!
ORIENTATION
Your first step into your college years, during Orientation the spotlight shines on UTC’s strong academic programs. Your questions are answered about getting involved on campus. Current students explain the catalog, UTC advisement procedures, and make other recommendations. During Orientation, you meet with a faculty academic advisor and register for your first classes, and possibly make your first college friend.
TAKE ME OUT TO THE MOCS GAME (Mocs Athletics)
Chattanooga is a competitive force in many sports for both men and women, including – but not limited to - basketball, football, and golf. Whether our athletes are hitting homeruns or scoring that winning point, it’s the fans that make it great. So even if you aren’t on the team, make sure to still be a part of the action! Visit www.gomocs.com for more info. Make sure to also join another great organization (and tradition) - MOCS MANIACS - and support your Mocs.
HOMECOMING
The richest and most popular tradition on campus which brings alumni back from years ago to relive their glory days. Homecoming celebrates all of the students who came before us. It's also one huge fun football tailgate.
DELTA SIGMA THETA STEPDOWN (a Homecoming Tradition)
This event occurs every year during the football homecoming week and is a favorite among students. Different student organizations on campus compete to win this Delta Sigma Theta sponsored event.
CART RACES (a Homecoming Tradition)
One of the most popular Homecoming traditions is the running of the mattress cart race down Vine or Oak Street. As one of the most popular events during Homecoming week that continues today, the mattress race has seen some pretty unique and fun cart designs and thrilling finishes.
FIELD GAMES (a Homecoming Tradition)
Out on Chamberlain Field, students get in the spirit of homecoming by participating in fun games and competitions like the Bed Race, Frozen T-Shirt Contest, and Balloon Toss.
KRYSTAL SQUARE OFF
Every fall semester, home grown companyKrystal rolls onto campus with tons of their famous free burgers, door prizes, and music. Take part in the square-off, or create a new Krystal commercial with your friends.
RUNNING OUT THE DOORS
After Greek house orientation, students interested in pledging to a fraternity or sorority gather in the Patten Chapel, while the current members gather outside, chanting and waving their banners, dressed in their letters and colors. Then, one by one, students run out of the chapel doors and become pledges for their fraternity or sorority. Be a part of Greek life, or at least watch the fun!
READING DAY DOLLAR PANCAKES
During reading day before finals, The UTC House (formerly Presbyterian House) hosts a pancake breakfast starting midnight for some studying energy. Grab a plate for $1 – don’t worry, you don’t have to be up at midnight to get some unless you really want to.
OAK STREET ROAST
Join the crowd for this great annual event! There will be free grilled food, great live music from local bands and tons of student organizations that would love to talk to you about joining them. Starts at 5 p.m. near Hunter Hall.
CHALKING ON CARDIAC HILL
Who needs e-mail? Organizations big and small chalk out messages for fellow students up and down cardiac hill throughout each semester. Whether they are welcoming new members or informing the general public about an upcoming event, take a moment and read what they have to say.
VOLLEYBALL AT LOCKMILLER
Between the two Lockmiller Apartment buildings there is a sand volleyball pit. Students come to play, watch, sunbathe, or even study. Come with your friends – or make new ones while you’re there.! Get sandy!
CAREER DAY
Sponsored by the Placement and Student Employment Center, the purpose of Career Day is to acquaint undergraduate and graduate students with various careers and special programs that are available, along with summer opportunities.
PARK IT & PAY IT - The InFamous Parking Police
It’s been rumored that there are only about 400 parking spaces for the approximate 1600 students that search for them at any given time. The truth? Who knows. All we know is that it’s tough to find a parking space and avoid tickets, from the Mocs Parking Police.
SGA ELECTIONS
The opportunity to serve in an elected leadership position on campus can add much
to your college experience. The exciting opportunity to become involved in making decisions, which directly influences the lives of fellow students, carries with it exciting challenges and a heavy responsibility. Whether you decide to run or not, be sure to vote for those people who affect our lives as students.
OOZEBALL (Past Tradition)
A tradition that's dirty to the core. Popular mainly in the late '80s and '90s, Oozeball became one of the most sought after activities for students and faculty alike. The court, or "pit", consisted of 6 inches of water-filled mud, which took 3 days to fill and get ready for play.
CROSSING THE RIVER (Past Tradition)
It was tradition for new students who entered The University of Chattanooga to cross over the "make believe" Vine Street River. Male students had to hike up their pants and carry the female students across Vine Street.
BEANIES (Past Tradition)
For the first two weeks of their freshmen year, students were required to wear a blue and gold beanie.
Chattanooga Community Traditions
Traditions enjoyed by students in and around the Chattanooga community.
WALK ACROSS WALNUT
Renovated as the longest pedestrian walkway bridge in the world, the 2,370-foot Walnut Street Bridge in downtown Chattanooga reopened in grand fashion in May 1993 – originally built in 1891. Described as the oldest surviving truss bridge of its size in the South, The Walnut Street Bridge is an ideal spot to view Chattanooga's spectacular scenic beauty.
GET WET AT THE COOLIDGE PARK FOUNTAINS
CoolidgePark features a beautifully restored 100 year old carousel, a pavilion, an interactive play fountain, and lots of open space. Cool off and feel like a kid again by splashing around in the fountain!
RIDE THE SHUTTLE - FOR FREE
The Downtown Electric Shuttle is the easiest way to get around Downtown Chattanooga. It's a FREE ride! Electric buses run daily about every 5 minutes from the Chattanooga Choo Choo to the Tennessee Aquarium with stops every block in between. The quiet, environmentally friendly, electric buses have run more than 1.9 million miles saving an estimated 65 tons of pollutants.
UNDER THE SEA - The Tennesee Aquarium
The largest freshwater aquarium in the world, along with a separate building for salt water creatures and even a butterfly garden is something that simply cannot be missed. Pet sting rays, and experience the wonders of all the amazing creatures.
GET CULTURED IN THE ARTS
The Bluff View Art District resembles a quaint little European town located on a scenic bluff over the Tennessee River. There is interesting art everywhere on that little hill -from the architecture and decor to the open outdoor and indoor art exhibits, everything is creative and artistic. The perfect place for a romantic walk, or simply a stroll into the unordinary.
|
SAC 
UTC Alumni Home 
UTC Home