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 9/22-9/28
In-Person/Online Events
Monday, September 22
Launch Your Career Search
5:30 pm – 6:30 pm
Fletcher Hall Room 200
Join the Gary W. Rollins College of Business for a special workshop with guest speaker Craig Apatov. Learn practical strategies and insider tips to successfully navigate your job search and stand out to employers. Apatov brings over 25 years of senior-level experience in strategic marketing and brand management, having served as Chief Marketing Officer three times and held leadership roles at Fortune 100 companies including GMAC, Citi, Mattel, ConAgra Foods, Time Warner and Disney. RSVP here.
Tuesday, September 23
Professional Development Workshop - Library Hacks for Smarter Research
3:30 pm – 5:00 pm
Library Room 204
Master advanced search strategies, find credible sources and cite with ease and unlock library tools that make research a breeze. Learn more and RSVP here.
Wednesday, September 24
Inside UTHSC: A Conversation with Medical Students, Physicians, & Admissions
2:00 pm – 4:30 pm
Mapp Building, 108ABC
Curious about what life is really like in medical school? Wondering how to stand out in the application process—or what makes UTHSC College of Medicine such a special place to train? Don’t miss Inside UTHSC, an exclusive panel event featuring current medical students from UTHSC College of Medicine, admissions representatives from Memphis, and practicing physicians. You’ll hear firsthand about the journey to medical school, what to expect once you’re there, and why these future doctors chose UTHSC. Come with questions and leave with inspiration, insight, and connections that can help shape your own path to medicine. Whether you’re early in your pre-med journey or preparing to apply, this event is a must-attend! Learn more here.
Creative Writing Club x Sequoya Review Reading/Meacham Writers' Workshop - STAFF PICK
5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Guerry Center Reading Room
Please join the Creative Writing Club for a special kickoff to this year's Meacham Writers' Workshop where students published in the 2024 Sequoya Review (including Creative Writing Club members!) will read from their work. Come for some snacks and inspiration from fellow student writers! Learn more and RSVP here.
Thursday, September 25
Graduate School Information Seminar
3:30 pm – 4:30 pm
Library Room 209
Interested in learning about graduate school and the opportunity it offers? Attendees will learn tips for researching graduate programs and preparing a competitive application. Attendees will also receive free SWAG! Register here and learn more here.
Reception and book launch – Meacham Writers’ Workshop
5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Roth Reading Room (4th floor, UTC Library)
Join us for the 2nd day of Meacham Writers’ Workshop at the reception and book launch featuring UTC faculty Karen Babine and Andrew Najberg, and this year’s Stove Works Meacham Fellow Andrea Jurjević. Jurjević, born in Rijeka, Croatia, is a bilingual poet, translator and visual artist. Her collections include “In Another Country,” “Small Crimes,” and “Nightcall,” and her translations have been shortlisted for national awards. Her work has appeared in The Believer, The Missouri Review and The New Republic, among others. She teaches at Georgia State University and serves as poetry editor of Josephine Quarterly. Learn more here.
UTC Wind Ensemble - STAFF PICK
7:30 pm
Roland Hayes Concert Hall
The Wind Ensemble performs a varied repertoire ranging from the most cutting-edge literature to cornerstone pieces from the wind band literature. Membership in the Wind Ensemble is open to all UTC students, regardless of major. Seating in the ensemble is based on an audition that takes place before the semester’s start. The Wind Ensemble performs several concerts each year and is heavily involved in the Tri-State Honor Band in January. Learn more here.
Friday, September 26
Map-A-Thon 2025
11:30 am – 7:30 pm (Minimum Time Commitment: 1 hour)
Philip Grymes Outdoor Chattanooga Center
Chattanooga is known as one of the best outdoor cities in the country, with endless trails, parks, waterways, and green spaces. But this information is often scattered, making it hard for residents and visitors to find. The Map-a-thon will change that by bringing together mappers, outdoor lovers, and local experts to create one free, easy-to-use outdoor map for everyone and help make resources accessible, connecting our community, and showcasing the natural beauty that makes our city special. No mapping experience is needed. Stop by any time during the day to share your knowledge, learn new skills, or simply connect with fellow outdoor enthusiasts. Learn more here.
Reading – Meacham Writers’ Workshop
12:00 pm – 1:30 pm
Lupton Hall Lobby
Join us for the 3rd day of Meacham Writers’ Workshop, a four-day series of free readings, discussions and literary events that connect nationally recognized authors, local voices, students and the community. Learn more here.
Reading and Reception – Meacham Writers’ Workshop
5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Stove Works, 1250 E. 13th St.
Join Edwin Murillo, Gwen Mullins and UTC alum Jared Steiman for reading and reception as part of the Meacham Writers’ Workshop at Stove Works. Learn more here.
Silent Book Club – Avondale
6:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Avondale Library 1305 Dodson Ave
Adults, join us at Avondale Library’s new Silent Book Club. Participants will have the chance to enjoy their books in peaceful solitude, while still being part of a shared experience with others. As they read, they can sip on a comforting cup of tea and indulge in delicious shortbread cookies. At the end of the hour, the atmosphere will shift as participants are invited to share what they’ve been reading and exchange their thoughts and reflections on the books. It’s a perfect blend of quiet reading time and thoughtful conversation. Learn more here.
Belay Clinic
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
UTC Outdoors
Want to learn how to belay a fellow climber at the climbing wall? Join us and learn each month! You can pre-register in the UTC Outdoors Center for any of the clinics. All equipment is included. 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 in order to participate in this event.* Learn more here.
Saturday, September 27
Walnut Street Publishing Panel – Meacham Writers’ Workshop
10:00 am – 11:00 am
Lupton First Floor
Join us for the Walnut Street Publishing Panel with Aaron Quinn, Cynthia Young, Paul Luikart, and Jared Steiman. Learn more here.
N4 Story Exchange – Meacham Writers’ Workshop
11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Lupton First Floor
Join us for the N4 Story Exchange to share, retell, and reflect through the power of storytelling. Learn more here.
Public Lands Day
9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Greenway Farm
Celebration Public Lands Day! Outdoor Chattanooga will provide self-guided hiking maps, scavenger hunt, and encourage exploring the park. Information and swag available. Free. No registration. Walk up. Learn more here.
Master Gardener Series: Pushing Back Invasives that are Pushing Out Wildlife
10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Reflection Riding Arboretum & Nature Center, 400 Garden Road
Learn how to push back against invasive species to protect native biodiversity! When exotic invasive plants outcompete plants that are native to our corner of the world, it is our wildlife that suffers first. Don will teach you how to control these rapidly growing and reproducing non-native plants that so many of us struggle with. Fill out the waiver to sign up here.
Public Cupping by New Wave Coffee
11:00 am – 12:00 pm (doors open at 10:45 am)
2405 Lyndon Ave
Join us for a fun and educational Public Cupping event! Whether you're a coffee connoisseur or just looking to learn more about different coffee flavors, this event is perfect for you. Come to 2405 Lyndon Ave and taste a variety of unique coffees from around the world. Our expert team will guide you through the tasting process, teaching you how to distinguish different notes and aromas in each cup. Don't miss out on this exciting opportunity to expand your coffee knowledge and palate! All coffee bags are 25% off for event attendees. RSVP here.
Painting Demo with Steve Dininno
1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
River Gallery, 400 East Second Street
Join us at River Gallery for a Plein Air painting demo by artist Steve Dininno. Come for the demo, stay to see all of our Plein Air artists' work in our September exhibit! Learn more here.
Better Together! Intergenerational Makerspace Play Day
1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Downtown Library, 1001 Broad Street
Come hang out at the Downtown Library’s 4th Floor Makerspace for an afternoon of hands-on fun! We’ll have activities for all ages. Whether you’re into 3D printing, sewing, vinyl cutting, or just curious about what you can make, this is the perfect time to explore and play! Learn more here.
Scenic Stiches Spectacle
1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Coolidge Park- 150 River Street
The Scenic Stitches Spectacle is an outdoor circus-themed festival. Free to attend, this family-friendly event will feature a vendor market, performers, artist demos, and a playground of large-scale fiber arts equipment for attendees to try out, such as weaving inside a walk-in tunnel, giant cross stitch, braiding in a hula hoop, and more. Learn more here.
Sunday, September 28
IRONMAN Chattanooga 2025 A&SRC Volunteer Team
11:00 am – 11:00 pm
Riverfront Dr., between Lindsay and Houston Streets
Join UTC’s A&SRC Volunteer Team as we help support the triathletes gathered in Chattanooga to compete in this extreme event! Our volunteers will staff Run Aid Station 1, conveniently located near the UTC campus on Riverfront Parkway, between Lindsay and Houston Streets (a block from McKenzie Arena). Learn more about the available shifts, and registration information here.
Library Events
Monday, September 22
Free Workshop: What is a Literature Review?
3:35 pm – 4:20 pm
Online
What exactly IS a literature review and how do I do one? Come learn best practices for compiling and writing a solid lit review for your class assignment. RSVP here.
Tuesday, September 23
Free Workshop: What is a Literature Review?
11:00 am – 11:45 am
Online
What exactly IS a literature review and how do I do one? Come learn best practices for compiling and writing a solid lit review for your class assignment. RSVP here.
Free Workshop: How to Write a Personal Statement
12:00 pm – 12:45 pm
Library Room 205
Are you applying for scholarships, graduate school, or study abroad? Do you want to write an essay that stands out? Then this workshop is for you! We will go over basic elements of personal statements, what to do and not to do, and how to make your experiences shine. RSVP here.
Wednesday, September 24
Free Workshop: What is a Literature Review?
3:35 pm – 4:20 pm
Online
What exactly IS a literature review and how do I do one? Come learn best practices for compiling and writing a solid lit review for your class assignment. RSVP here.
Free Workshop: Manual Photography
3:30 pm – 4:30 pm
Library Room 326
For anyone that has wanted to do more than “push the button” on a camera, this introductory workshop will provide a path to potent pictures. Learn the basics of aperture, shutter speed, lens characteristics, and more using Studio’s Lumix GH series cameras or your own kit. RSVP here.
Thursday, September 25
Free Workshop: How to Write a Discussion Board Post
11:00 am – 11:45 am
Library Room 205
Join us for a workshop led by Writing and Communication Center staff, that covers strategies and tips for developing effective discussion board posts. RSVP here.
Free Workshop: What is a Literature Review?
2:00 pm – 2:45 pm
Online
What exactly IS a literature review and how do I do one? Come learn best practices for compiling and writing a solid lit review for your class assignment. RSVP here.
Free Workshop: Excel: How to Make Visually Stunning Charts
6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Online
Charts are a great way to visually represent tons of data with uses ranging from the workplace, personal projects, and the homework assignment that’s due in an hour. With so many options, it can be overwhelming. Which type of chart should you use? How do you plug in your information? Take some time to check out this workshop as we explore our options with charts. RSVP here.
Friday, September 26
Free Workshop: Avoiding Plagiarism
1:25 pm – 2:15 pm
Library Room 205
There are a lot of varieties of plagiarism. Attend this session to learn what they are and how to avoid them! Learn more and RSVP here.