UTC RAVE Alert

Beyond the Classroom Challenge

UTC Underwater archaeology students using equipment on a boat

How does the Beyond the Classroom Challenge work?

  1. Sign up to receive a weekly list of the best fun, free events on campus and in the community.

  2. Complete the Beyond the Classroom Challenge by November 4th in one of two ways:

    • Fully participate and reflect on 10 events

    • Have completed a designated experience the prior semester, then fully participate and reflect on five events.

  3. Complete a post-challenge reflection survey and turn in a photo by November 4th.

Sign Up

UTC construction structures students working with a drill

Weekly Events List - Listed Below

The Beyond the Classroom Challenge is a way for students to jump into a broad variety of FREE campus and community events, learning more about UTC, Chattanooga, and themselves—all based on their own schedules and interests. Each event will help students get to know UTC and Chattanooga and learn where to get more involved.

By completing the challenge, students can receive the Beyond the Classroom Challenge Award, which includes a pictorial award signed by UTC's Chancellor, Steve Angle, a celebratory dinner with your fellow award winners, priority registration during the registration period of the following semester and all points accumulate toward being recognized as a ThinkAchieve Graduate.

In-Person/Online Events

Monday, September 9 

Real Estate Club Meeting with Guest Speaker: David Lubono 
5:00 pm – 6:00 pm 
Fletcher Hall, Room 210
 
The Real Estate Club will be meeting on Monday, September 9th at 5:00pm. We will be listening to a guest speaker, David Lubono from Lubono Capital. David will be sharing his path to success in property investment, along with giving advice to aspiring real estate students. There will also be FREE PIZZA!!! RSVP here.

Tuesday, September 10 

Lunch and Learn with Jon Jon Wesolowski 
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm 
James R. Mapp Building, Rom 213, 410 E. 8th Street 

Jon Jon is an avid urbanist who enjoys decoding what makes a space great. Across his two TikTok channels, his videos discussing urbanism and Chattanooga have garnered more than 3.2 million likes and 325k followers. He recently returned from spending seven months abroad, exploring cities and documenting what makes spaces great. He is excited to bring those ideas back to Chattanooga in tactical ways. RSVP here.  
 
Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REUs) Information Seminar 
3:30 pm – 4:30 pm  
UTC Library, Room 209 

Information will be shared about where to find REU programs around the country, the benefits of participating in an REU program, and how to develop a competitive application. RSVP and learn more here
 
Society for the Advancement of Management Meeting 
4:30 pm – 5:15 pm  
Fletcher 125 

September Meeting for members and prospective members featuring guest speakers, Zach Andreasen and Charlie Plush who are both Environmental Managers for LaBella Associates. Charlie will be talking about their work with clients to identify ecological resources on a property, and consult with regulatory agencies to avoid impacts to ecological resources (i.e. wetlands, streams, endangered species). Zach specializes in assisting companies to identify and resolve environmental contamination concerns relative to site conditions, and often coordinate with regulatory authorities regarding appropriate remedial strategies. RSVP here.  
 
Community Food Forests - Parklet Design Workshop 
5:00 pm – 6:00 pm 
UC Chickamauga Room 353 

Students are meeting to design our parklet for the upcoming Chattanooga Design Studio 'parking day' sustainable showcase festival event happening downtown all-day Friday sept. 20th. This workshop will center attention around green/edible urban land use, using inspired examples from our fellow university students, institutions and tactically urban creatives! This event is open to all UTC Students, especially if you are interested in gardening, arts, craftsmanship, or sustainable activism! RSVP here.  

Wednesday, September 11 

Book Chatt Connection 
10:30 – 11:30 am 
Downtown Chattanooga Library, 1001 Broad Street 

Good news book lovers! Now you can join your local librarians and fellow readers at the Downtown Library for a fun book discussion.  Drop in for the full hour or just a few minutes; join in or just listen. We might throw in a book challenge or prompt. Either way our no-pressure Book Chatt is a chance to spent time with others in your local or even wider community! More information here.  

Thursday, September 12 

INFO SESSION (GERMANY): Spring 2025 International Business Study Course - Open to All UTC Majors! 
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm 
Online 

UTC’s Rollins College of Business has a short-term study opportunity in Germany for UTC undergraduate and graduate students, any UTC major or program. Participating students will earn three-credit hours for a SPRING 2025 Course, International Business Experience: Doing Business in Germany, that includes a 2-week study trip to Berlin, Cologne, & Wolfsburg, GERMANY.  RSVP and see more information here.  
 
ARTEMIS II 
1:00 pm – 2:00 pm  
UTC Library, Room 209 

Artemis II Scientist, Dr. Caitlin Ahrens, will talk about how the mission will scout out the lunar environment to prepare for future astronaut activity and the variety of challenges the Moon presents. Relevant topics: the solar system, lunar geology, lunar water cycle, engineering, applied physics, natural hazards and resource management. RSVP here.  
 
Shark Tank Your Skills: how your college experiences can lead to employment 
4:00 pm – 6:00 pm 
UC Ocoee Room 

Believe it or not, you are gaining skills right now that you can use to impress employers. Step into the Shark Tank and learn how to leverage your experiences and pursue new opportunities that will eventually get you hired! RSVP here.  

Friday, September 13 

Belay Session  
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm 
UTC ARC Climbing Wall 

Want to learn how to belay a fellow climber at the climbing wall? Join us and learn! You can pre-register in the UTC Outdoors Center for any of the clinics. All equipment is included. Registration required. 
 
S3 Chattanooga Urban Agriculture Day 
1:30 pm – 3:45 pm 
UTC Greenhouse 

At this weekly event S3 will be utilizing our manpower and donated equipment, to cultivate greenspaces on campus. Dr. Barbosa and S3 hope to build more support for on-campus Student gardening projects and assist with routine maintenance of the Greenhouse outside Holt Hall. Dr. Barbosa teaches a class specific to gardening in the urban environment so this will be an enriching, active and educational experience for Student volunteers no matter their concentration or major. More information and RSVP here.  

Saturday, September 14 

TN River Kayaking 
Day Trip 
UTC Outdoors 

Treat yourself by coming with us on a leisurely paddle down the Tennessee River! Give yourself a break from studying and enjoy spending the day relaxing on the water and meeting new friends! *Pre-registration for this event is required. Please email [email protected] for information on how to sign up, space is limited so don’t wait! 
 
Observe the Moon – Telescope with Barnard Astronomical Society 
7:00 pm – 10:00 pm 
Greenway Farm field. Meet and park close to the barn. 

The Barnard Astronomical Society, UTC Geology Department and Outdoor Chattanooga would like to invite you to join this official NASA event, with observers around the world, for this year’s International Observe the Moon Night. The event will be canceled if it rains. Learn more here

Sunday, September 15 

Tumble Rock Caving 
Day Trip  
UTC Outdoors 

Go underground and explore Tumbling Rock Cave in Jackson County, Alabama.  Our experienced staff will lead you on a muddy adventure through dark passageways following an underground creek!  This cave has a ton of cool features including old mining equipment, football field size rooms, and a 400-foot underground waterfall called the Topless Dome.  No experience is necessary.  Equipment, instruction, and transportation are provided. *Pre-registration for this event is required. Please email [email protected] for information on how to sign up, space is limited so don’t wait! 
 
Star Party 
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm 
Clarence T. Jones Observatory, 10 N. Tuxedo Ave 

Gates open at 6:30pm.  The lecture and Planetarium show begin at 7:00pm and rotate every half hour.  Look through Chattanooga's historic 20.5" telescope, viewing available until 9:00pm. View a show at the Planetarium and learn about the latest astronomical research! More information and RSVP here.  
 

Library Events

Monday, September 9 

Free Workshop: Find Sources Fast  
3:30 pm – 4:00 pm 
Online 

Come get a super quick crash course in finding great sources through the Library website. Save time and do better on those assignments! RSVP here.

Tuesday, September 10 

Free Workshop: Find Sources Fast  
3:30 pm – 4:00 pm 
Online 

Come get a super quick crash course in finding great sources through the Library website. Save time and do better on those assignments! RSVP here.  

Free Workshop: Songwriters’ Hours  
5:00 pm – 6:30 pm 
Library: Room 205 

Have you been working on a song, but you don't know what to do? Do you want to present a performance and see how to improve it? Come in and visit. Hang out with us and share your song. RSVP here.  

Wednesday, September 11 

Free Workshop: Word Basics 
6:00 pm – 7:00 pm 
Online 

Microsoft Word is a common program to use and is made available almost everywhere! However, just because it’s there doesn’t mean everyone knows how to use it, and that’s okay. Join this beginner-friendly workshop as we all learn the tools, how to format your document, and bare bone basics of this productivity software. RSVP here.  

Thursday, September 12 

Free Workshop: Excel Formulas 
6:00 pm – 7:00 pm 
Online 

Excel has many, many formulas to choose from. Need help figuring out what's what? Join us for this workshop to check out some common formulas and some lesser known yet useful ones too! Bonus content: tips and tricks to help bring out a more Excel-efficient you! RSVP here.  
 

MOCs Get Out And Go! A “Choose-Your-Own” Beyond the Classroom Challenge

Instructions​

This extension of the Beyond the Classroom Challenge was created in hopes of encouraging students to get out and explore Chattanooga and surrounding areas. Whenever you have a chance, grab your friends or roommates, and pick one of these local adventures to get a feel for the amazing city you live in! ​

​Each event counts just like any other event, two points toward the 20 points/10 event total for the semester award. In addition to submitting a reflection on what you learned within a week of the date you get out and go!, please email [email protected] a picture of you on your “Choose Your Own BTC Adventure.” Students can receive credit for up to 4 “Get Out and Go” events a semester.   ​

​We always want to encourage students to follow safety guidelines. This includes but is not limited to wearing a mask, social distancing when needed or possible, washing hands/using hand sanitizer regularly, traveling with others when possible, and being aware of surroundings, especially at night.​


Adventures​

Learn about Chattanooga’s jazz and blues “Big 9 Legends”

Listen to these podcast episodes about the Big 9 (about 30 minutes) while taking ​ a walk from campus to the Big 9 Legends Mural. (763 E. MLK Blvd, Chattanooga, TN 37403).  ​

Take a stroll with Chattanooga’s baseball history ​

Located adjacent to Engel Stadium and UTC’s intramural sports complex is a paved walking path with 5 permanent markers detailing Chattanooga’s rich baseball history. The path is accessible via the sports complex’s O’Neal Street entrance (499 O Neal St, Chattanooga, TN 37404).  ​

Walk the Walnut Street Walking Bridge and Explore Coolidge Park ​

The Walnut Street Bridge, built in 1891, is one of the world’s longest pedestrian bridge, and connects downtown Chattanooga to the north shore. Take in some of the prettiest views of Chattanooga and the river. On the downtown side is a memorial dedicated to the tragic but heroic story of Ed Johnson. This new Memorial is meant to be a welcoming, contemplative space where people of all background's cultures can learn, reflect, mourn and find inspiration. Below the iconic Walnut Street bridge on the Northshore is Coolidge Park where there are fountains, statues, cool attractions, and fun paths. From there, you can meander on the pathways by the river toward Renaissance Park. Its grassy knolls make it an artistic installment in and of itself. (1 Walnut Street)

​Learn more about the bridge and memorial here. ​

Bonus: Follow the numbered steps on Frazier Avenue and learn a new dance! ​

 ​

Check out different sections of the Chattanooga Riverwalk ​

Pick a stretch of Chattanooga’s 16.1-mile Riverwalk to walk or bike. There are dozens of places to hop onto the Riverwalk throughout Chattanooga and each stretch of path will let you immerse yourself in nature, culture, and people watching. Learn more about getting to the riverwalk here.  ​

​Bonus: On the stretch of riverwalk close to campus is the UTC barge and waterfront, where you can rent water equipment (very cheaply) for time on the river. Another section of the riverwalk leads to the Chickamauga dam!  ​

Step into another world at the Bluff View Arts District and immerse yourself at Ross’s Landing​

Just a short walk from UTC’s campus, is Bluff View Arts District. Explore the many nooks and crannies of this family-owned historic neighborhood. Check out the gardens, plazas, views, and courtyards, including the “River Gallery Sculpture Garden” and art installments outside of the Hunter Museum of  ​

Art. From there, take a 10-minute walk to Ross’s Landing. Tucked between the Tennessee Aquarium and the Tennessee River, Ross’s Landing marks the starting point of the Trail of Tears. In 1838 over 1000 Cherokee were forced to march or be shipped west of their homeland due to the Indian Removal Act. The Passage, connecting downtown to Ross’s Landing, is a memorial walkway featuring a weeping wall and ceramic discs that tell stories of the displaced Cherokee.  ​

Bluff View Arts District: (411 E 2nd St, Chattanooga, TN 37403) ​

Ross’s Landing: (201 Riverfront Pkwy, Chattanooga, TN 37402) ​

Bonus: The Hunter Museum of Art offers local college students $18 year-long ​memberships (less than the price of a normal day ticket) OR free admission to their permanent collection on the first Thursday of every month from 4 – 8 pm (“Throwback Thursday”). Learn more here. ​

Feel tiny in the Sculpture Fields at Montague Park ​

This 100% outdoor, free art museum is a park that showcases over 40 large-format sculptures. With a stunning view of Lookout Mountain, this park is a great place to spend time hanging out and checking out art. ​

View a park map and learn more here. (1800 Polk St, Chattanooga, TN 37408) ​

Reflect on breathtaking views and Civil War history at Craven’s House​

Located on Lookout Mountain as part of the Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park, Craven’s house was a major focal point in the Civil War  ​

“Battle Above the Clouds,” and the house’s history tells an interesting story. Check out the views from the house, explore the monuments and surrounding buildings, and even consider taking one of the hikes accessible from this area.​

Bonus: ​

Craven’s House and Point Park Loop Hike: https://www.hikethesouth.com/hikes/cravens-house-and-point-park-loop

Craven’s House to Sunset Rock Hike: https://www.hikethesouth.com/hikes/sunset-rock-via-cravens-house

(Cravens House, Point Park Visitor Ctr, Lookout Mountain, TN 37350). ​

Take a hike around Stringer’s Ridge​

This 92 acre park is located just minutes from downtown Chattanooga. With plenty of trails for bikers, hikers, and pets, this is a great way to quickly enjoy nature. Start at the Spear’s Avenue entrance and take a short hike to the beautiful overlook of Chattanooga. Make sure to check the weather, pack water, wear good shoes, take a friend or tell them where you are going, and have a fully charged phone with you. Follow the trail signs and enjoy the outdoors! ​
Bonus: Try to find the lookout! It's one of the best views in town!​

Learn more about stringer’s ridge and getting to the overlook here

(1312 Spears Ave, Chattanooga, TN 37405)​

Attend any UTC Athletics event-especially one you have never attended before!

https://gomocs.com

 

Walker Center for Teaching and Learning

Walker Center for Teaching and Learning

Department Hours
Monday - Friday: 8:00 am-5:00 pm