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 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.

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.

Event Reflection Form
How many ThinkAchieve points do I have?

Beyond the Classroom Challenge 

Weekly Events for 9/1-9/7

In-Person/Online Events

Monday, September 1

Fall Into Fun: Mental Health Workshop Series
3:30 pm – 4:30 pm
University Center 128

This education-based group helps students strengthen their mental health through hands-on activities and peer connection. Explore a wide range of therapeutic exercises designed for different needs, learn real-life skills you can apply every day, and build supportive social connections while promoting overall wellness. RSVP and learn more here.

Fresh Out the Shoebox Interactive Poetry Session  
7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
1100 Market Street, Chattanooga, TN 37402

Free, open to readers, writers, and listeners of poetry of all ages. Located on the 5th floor of the Edney building. Interactive poetry allows for a conversation between the poet and the audience. Come prepared to make new friends and new connections. Come and BE HEARD! Learn more here.

Tuesday, September 2  

International Tea Time
3:00 pm – 4:30 pm
Lupton Lobby

Join the UTC Center for Global Education for tea, cookies, games, and good company! Come meet international and domestic students and learn about the upcoming Center for Global Education events this semester. RSVP here.

UTC Film Club Weekly Showing - Paris, Texas (1984)
7:30 pm – 10:00 pm
Grote 129, 701 Vine St

UTC Film Club invites you to a weekly movie night at Grote 129! This week, we are showing Paris, Texas (1984) directed by Wim Wenders. The film follows Travis Henderson, an amnesiac who has been missing for 4 years, as he tries to recover his memory and the life he lived before his disappearance. RSVP here.  

Wednesday, September 3

Fall Into Fun: Mental Health Workshop Series  
9:30 am – 10:30 am  
University Center 128  

This education-based group helps students strengthen their mental health through hands-on activities and peer connection. Explore a wide range of therapeutic exercises designed for different needs, learn real-life skills you can apply every day, and build supportive social connections while promoting overall wellness. RSVP and learn more here.  

Founder's Table: lunch with startup Goliath Data's Austin Beverage
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Max Fuller Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, 410 E 8th Street Room 214

Join us for a fabulous lunch with Goliath Data's co-founder, Austin Beveridge. Goliath is a seed-stage proptech startup that helps real estate professionals connect with homeowners who are ready to sell. RSVP and learn more here.

Thursday, September 4

Getting Started in Undergraduate Research Workshop  
3:30 pm – 4:30 pm
Library: Room 209

Workshop attendees learn about available undergraduate research opportunities, the benefits of UR engagement, and how to prepare for success in research. In addition, students who attend a Getting Started workshop are enrolled in the URaCE Canvas Community, which includes information about UR opportunities on campus and beyond, how to create an e-portfolio, templates, and guides to help guide your research journey, funding opportunities, and more. RSVP here.

Dressing the Part: 20 Years of Costume Design at Chattanooga State
4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Chattanooga State CC, OMNI Building, Denise Heinly Art Center, 4501 Amnicola Hwy

The opening reception to celebrate the art of costume design with a selection of hand-made garments from Chattanooga State’s theatre department is open to the public! Learn more here.

Charting Success: Vision Boards with SMART Goals
5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Lupton Hall 1st Floor, 700 Vine St

Kick off the semester by charting your path to success with FBLA! Learn how to create clear and effective SMART goals, then transform them into inspiring vision boards. This interactive workshop will help you stay focused, motivated, and creative as you work toward achieving your goals this semester! RSVP here.  

Throwback Thursday
4:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Hunter Museum of American Art

Drop in anytime between 4 pm to 8 pm on September 4 to enjoy FREE admission to the Hunter’s permanent collection! Learn more here.

Vision + Verse 
6:00 pm 
Hunter Museum of American Art

This evening at 6 pm, join us for Vision + Verse in our new contemporary gallery with musician Ricardo Leverón and dancers Louie Marin-Howard and Andrea Solis Tankersley exploring the Latin American experience in the U.S. today. Learn more here.

Friday, September 5

Scenic City Clay Arts Presents “My Favorite Bowl Has Cracks” Exhibit  
5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
1250 E 13th St., Chattanooga, TN 37408

Scenic City Clay Arts invites you to the opening reception of My Favorite Bowl Has Cracks, a thought-provoking ceramics exhibition that explores the intersection of utility and concept.  The show brings together 28 artists whose work spans geographic boundaries and creative perspectives, including Scenic City Clay Arts studio members, Chattanooga-based makers, and ceramicists from across the United States, Canada and South Africa. Blending sculptural and functional design, the exhibition features work such as masks, hanging elements, intricately slip-trailed lidded vessels, vases and more. While many pieces nod to utility, each is infused with narrative — whether rooted in identity, tradition, social commentary or emotion. This event is free to attend but donations are encouraged. Learn more here.

Plein Air Invitational Opening Reception
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
400 East Second Street, Chattanooga, TN 37403

This exhibit celebrates the practice of Plein Air painting-- meaning "in the open air" or "outdoors" in French-- and the multiplicity of the method, expressed by a diverse group of painters featured in our gallery. Artists will be in attendance, so grab a friend or two and come experience the beauty that results from the process of painting outdoors! 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! You can pre-register in the UTC Outdoors Center on the first floor of the Aquatics and Recreation Center (ARC). Equipment is included. Learn more here.  

Saturday, September 6

Bat Cave Evening SUP  
6:00 pm – 11:00 pm  
UTC Outdoors

Join us to stand up paddleboard to the famous bat cave on Lake Nickajack.  We will head out for an easy evening flatwater paddle and hangout on the lake at the mouth of the cave to see the bats come out all at once. This is a Chattanooga classic!  No experience necessary.  Trip cost includes equipment, instruction, and transportation.  *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.

Sunday, September 7

Free Jewish Music Concert
12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Waterhouse Pavilion, 850 Market Street

Enjoy a free concert by acclaimed Jewish musician and singer Ellie Flier. The event is open to the public. A Nashville-based songwriter and song leader, Ellie Flier found her passion and purpose in writing Jewish music. Learn more here.

Nosh-a-Nooga – Chattanooga's Jewish Food Festival
12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Waterhouse Pavilion, 850 Market Street

Taste traditional Jewish foods at Nosh-A-Nooga! There are limited slots available, and BTC will cover the ticket cost for students who sign up. To reserve your spot, please email us back. Learn more about the festival here.

Library Events

Monday, September 1

Labor Day

Tuesday, September 2  

Free Workshop: Microsoft Word for Undergraduates
12:30 pm – 1:30 pm
Library: Room 201

Word is one of the most commonly used computer programs in the world. However, just because it’s widely used, it doesn’t mean everyone knows how to use it properly (and that’s okay). Join this beginner-friendly workshop as we all learn the tools, formatting skills, and bare bone basics that you will need for undergraduate writing assignments. RSVP and learn more here.

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. RSVP here.

Wednesday, September 3

Free Workshop: EndNote Desktop
10:00 am – 11:00 am
Online

Learn how to use EndNote Desktop citation management software to save time and frustration when incorporating citations into papers and presentations. Please note: this software is ideally suited for long-term research projects and will be most relevant for graduate students and faculty. RSVP here.

Free Workshop: Photoshop Basics
3:30 pm – 4:30 pm
Library: Room 204

Photoshop is ubiquitous — it’s sometimes even used as a verb — but how can you begin to use it? This workshop introduces the basic Photoshop interface as well as essential functions such as pixel selection, image sizing and adjustment, layering, and the plethora of available tools. RSVP here.

Thursday, September 4

Free Workshop: Organize Your Life
9:30 am – 10:15 am
Library:  Room 204

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. RSVP here.

Free Workshop: File Management for People Whose Computers Hate Them
3:30 pm – 4:30 pm
Online

Do you keep losing files that you need for your projects? Does it take you hours flipping through photos that all start with IMG_whatever? Are half of the files in your Google Drive all called "Final Paper," "FinalFinalPaper," "FinalPaper2" or "Document?" This workshop will help you get organized and develop a system to keep track of your stuff. Imagine the time you'll have when you don't have to waste it looking for things! RSVP here.

Free Workshop: Music Production in GarageBand
4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Online

Are you interested in Music Production, but you don't know where to start? Join us for this workshop! This online workshop requires a Mac computer with the most up-to-date version of Apple GarageBand. RSVP here.

Free Workshop: Microsoft Word for Undergraduates
6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Library: Room 201

Word is one of the the most commonly used computer programs in the world. However, just because it’s widely used, it doesn’t mean everyone knows how to use it properly (and that’s okay). Join this beginner-friendly workshop as we all learn the tools, formatting skills, and bare bone basics that you will need for undergraduate writing assignments. 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: 8:30 am-4:30 pm