Beyond the Classroom Challenge
How does the Beyond the Classroom Challenge work?
- Sign up to receive a weekly list of the best fun, free events on campus and in the community.
- Complete the Beyond the Classroom Challenge 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.
- Complete a post-challenge reflection survey and turn in a photo.
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.
Beyond the Classroom Challenge
Weekly Events for 01/19/2026 - 01/25/2026
In-Person/Online Events
Monday, January 19th
Martin Luther King Jr Day of Hope and Community-Free Admission
10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Hunter Museum of American Art
Enjoy free admission for the Hunter Museum’s permanent collection on MLK Day. It’s a 20-minute walk from UTC on the Riverwalk to a wild looking building with beautiful art in a spectacular part of the city! Learn more here.
Bessie Smith Cultural Center-Free Admission
10:00 am – 2:00 pm
200 E M.L. King Blvd
In honor of Martin Luther King Jr., we invite you to spend the day learning, reflecting, and connecting with community with FREE museum admission and Documentary screenings throughout the day. This is one of the shortest walks from campus you will take!
MLK Day of Service 2026 Volunteering with the City of Chattanooga
9:00 am – 12:00 pm
All Across Chattanooga!
If you are interested in volunteering for a local service project as part of Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service, completing this form allows a City of Chattanooga employee to connect you with an organization or individual leading a service project. In years past, there have been litter pickup, cemetery cleanings, school repainting, trail clean-up, and so many more! Sign up here.
Free Community Dance Class
7:10 pm – 8:10 pm
Studio34, 3214 Brainerd Rd
This free class is for all types of movers wherever you are in your dance journey. The class is open level, but any level of dancer is welcome. This beginner-friendly solo jazz class introduces the lively, expressive movements of Lindy Hop solo jazz. No dance experience or partner is needed. The goal is to create a safe space for all to explore their joy in movement and build community around dance. Learn more and reserve a spot here.
Tuesday, January 20th
Money Matters
12:30 pm – 1:30 pm
University Center 127
Helping students understand and begin to manage their finances in a responsible way, Financial Wellness and Off-Campus Student Services combine forces to first present to students about fiscal responsibility and give them the tools they need and then work with students to actually build a budget of their own that they can take home and start using. Learn more here.
Cut & Paste Studio! Monthly Junk Journaling
2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Avondale Library, 1305 Dodson Ave
Unleash your creativity in this hands-on workshop series where paper scraps, vintage ephemera, and found objects become meaningful works of art. Whether you’re new to junk journaling or an experienced collage enthusiast, this program offers inspiration, guidance, and plenty of materials to help you craft personalized pages. Join us on the third Tuesday of the month for a relaxed, expressive space to explore memory, texture, and storytelling—one cut and paste at a time! Learn more here.
Figure Drawing Workshop
5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Fine Arts Center
The Art Collective is collaborating with Mocs Fashion Collective to put on a figure drawing workshop. There will be live, clothed models to draw from. Snacks and materials will be provided! Learn more here.
Lead Belay Clinic
5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
UTC Outdoors
Learn how to lead climb and lead belay at the UTC Climbing Wall. Each clinic will provide in-depth instruction and experiential learning to safely lead climb indoors. This clinic is free and requires pre-registration in the Outdoors Center Office, on the first floor of the Aquatics and Recreation Center (ARC). All equipment is included. *You must be belay certified to participate in this event. * Learn more here.
Wednesday, January 21st
UTC GOLD: 2026 Networking 101
5:00 pm – 6:30 pm (just before ETSU Basketball Game)
Wolford Athletic Center Film Room 720
Get ready to grow your network, sharpen your communication skills and connect with Mocs who’ve been where you are! Join UTC students and GOLD alumni for an engaging pre-game networking event before the UTC vs. ETSU basketball game starting at 7 p.m. Learn practical tips for building professional relationships, gain insight from recent graduates and make connections that could open doors for your future. Special Offer: The first 30 people to register will receive their game ticket for FREE! Sign up here.
Closing the Gap: Women, Campaigning, and Local Leadership
6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Guerry Center Reading Room
Hear from local women in government talk about their experience in politics and campaigning. Learn more here.
Thursday, January 22nd
ThinkAchieve/BTC Challenge Meet and Greet!
10:00 am – 1:00 pm
UTC Library, room TBA
Have any questions about the BTC Challenge or the Graduation Award? Want to meet the people who are behind the scenes (and made this event list)? Come stop by! Say hello, eat, and grab a T-shirt if you haven’t already!
MocMingle...A Social Networking Mocktails Event
5:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Lupton, 700 Vine St
Come for the food and drink, stay for the conversation. Finding roommates, study partners, or new people in general can be hard, but this event is designed to help students do just that and more. Join faculty and staff for a few mocktails, hors d'oeuvres, and great conversation to learn, grow, and find that next new friend. RSVP and learn more here.
Friday, January 23rd
No events scheduled for today.
Saturday, January 24th
Sandhill Crane Kayaking
10:00 am – 3:00 pm
UTC Outdoors
Observe the winter migration of 15,000 sandhill cranes while you paddle down the Tennessee River near the Hiwassee Wildlife Refuge on this special bird-watching kayaking trip. No experience is necessary. Trip cost includes equipment, instruction, and transportation. Learn more here.
*Pre-registration for this event is required. Please email [email protected] to get a voucher for this event. Please note that space is limited, if you receive a voucher we expect you to attend. If you do not attend we may not give you a voucher in the future.
Chattanooga Classics Hike Series: Rock Creek Loop – Cumberland Trail
10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Rock Creek Gorge, Cumberland Trail
Join Outdoor Chattanooga for a guided hike through one of the most scenic and rugged sections of the Cumberland Trail – the Rock Creek Loop in the beautiful Three Gorges Segment. This moderately strenuous hike takes you deep into Rock Creek Gorge, where sandstone bluffs, old-growth forests, and cascading streams await. Outdoor Chattanooga’s recreation specialists will lead you along the loop trail, pointing out unique geological features, native plants, and wildlife along the way. Limited spots, register here!
Bushcraft: Wayfinding and Survival Techniques
12:30 pm – 4:00 pm
Greenway Farm 4960 Gann Store Rd, Hixson
Learn to find your way—and yourself—in the wild. This half-day outdoor course teaches essential navigation, route planning, and survival skills. Through hands-on practice with maps, compasses, and natural cues, you’ll gain confidence to handle—or prevent—unexpected situations. Guided by expert instructors, you’ll also explore modern mapping tools and apps that complement traditional techniques. Registration Required. Learn more here.
Sunday, January 25th
Winter Hike – Foster Falls
9:00 am – 2:00 pm / 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
UTC Outdoors
Join us for a wonderful winter hike with beautiful views. There are great opportunities to get amazing photos and meet new friends! Transportation is included. Learn more here. *Pre-registration for this event is required. Please email [email protected] to get a voucher for this event. Please note that space is limited, if you receive a voucher we expect you to attend. If you do not attend we may not give you a voucher in the future.
Library Events
Monday, January 19th
No events scheduled for today.
Tuesday, January 20th
Free Workshop: Organize Your Life
Online
Library Room 205
Get help managing the chaos! Attend this workshop for tips and advice about how to use apps, technology, and proven techniques to best manage your time. Learn more here.
Wednesday, January 21st
No events scheduled for today.
Thursday, January 22nd
Free Workshop: Organize Your Life
2:00 pm – 2:45 pm
Library Room 205
Get help managing the chaos! Attend this workshop for tips and advice about how to use apps, technology, and proven techniques to best manage your time. Learn more here.
Friday, January 23rd
No events scheduled for today.
Saturday, January 24th
No events scheduled for today.
Sunday, January 25th
No events scheduled for today.