Weekly Event List
The Beyond the Classroom Challenge is a great 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 week this event list is sent out to any student who signs up. To complete the Challenge and earn an award signed by the Chancellor including priority registration, students should sign up and participate and reflect on 10 events before the end of the final Reading Day.
Weekly Events for (03/20 - 03/24)
The following example event list is a small sampling of real events that have been a part of the Beyond the Classroom Challenge.
IN-PERSON EVENTS
Monday, March 27th
No in person events, virtual events below.
Tuesday, March 28th
Connect and Act: Supporting Mental Health
12-1pm
Center for Wellbeing, UC Third Floor
Learn how to spot the signs of distress and how to support friends who are in need. Event Staff will distribute and take up BTC Reflection Cards, or please complete the ThinkAchieve Online Reflection Forms.
Coffee Chat: Officer Elections and Transitions
1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Lupton Hall, Room 105
Coffee Chats is a student organization workshop series focused on helping organization leaders refine the skills needed to successfully lead registered student organizations and make a positive impact on our campus (plus FREE coffee and snacks)! This month’s workshop will cover how your organization can use Mocsync for officer elections and how to plan and execute effective officer transitions. This workshop is open to any organization leader who is tasked with leading elections and/or transitions for the organization. Please feel free to share this opportunity with other members/officers who may assume this role for your organization. This workshop is sponsored by the Office of Student & Family Engagement. Contact Elena-Grace Anderson, [email protected], with any questions. Coffee Chat: Officer Elections and Transitions - The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (utc.edu) Cyrah Weddle will distribute and collect BTC reflection cards.
Understanding Media Manipulation Workshop
2:00 pm – 2:50 pm
UTC Library, Room 205
Understand how misinformation moves from social media to traditional media, and the impact it has on our lives. Topics include analyzing images and captions posted by influencers, breaking down hashtags, and spotting deep fakes. Free Workshop: Understanding Media Manipulation - The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (utc.edu). UTC Library Event Staff will distribute and collect BTC reflection cards.
Healing through Harmony
4-5pm
UC 154
This student-led group gives space to fellow UTC students to talk about the healing powers of music and how this relates to mental health. This group will be held weekly in UC 154 next to the UC game room. Event Staff will distribute and take up BTC Reflection Cards.
Wednesday, March 29th
Can We Talk?: Healthy Communication
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
University Center, Room 350
Not all conflicts in relationships are bad. In fact, discussing and resolving conflicts in healthy ways can greatly improve trust, comfortability, and intimacy. But how can you tell what differentiates healthy conflict from unhealthy conflict or even abusive behavior? Through exercises and discussion in a group, we will unpack the differences and leave with some skills to more healthily navigate conflict in our relationships. Lunch will be provided. Can We Talk?: Healthy Communication - The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (utc.edu). Aidan Allen will collect and distribute BTC reflection cards.
Run the World Luncheon
12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
UC Tennessee Room
The Run the World Luncheon is a professional networking event designed to connect UTC students to campus to share their leadership experiences and provide insight from their collegiate and career journeys. This year’s mentors are an inspiring group of women who graduated from UTC and chose to continue to lend their talents to the University as employees. They are all committed to impacting the lives of young women through leadership, service and mentoring. Run the World Luncheon | University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (utc.edu). Faith Dixon will collect and distribute BTC reflection cards.
Writing with Sources Effectively Workshop
2:00 pm – 2:45 pm
UTC Library, Room 205
Do you have a big paper coming up with a significant secondary source requirement? Have you ever struggled with presenting research alongside your own analysis? Then it's time to learn how to maximize your use of sources with this workshop! We'll go over ways to organize your research writing and learn how to incorporate sources and citations into a larger paper. Free Workshop: Writing with Sources Effectively - The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (utc.edu) UTC Library Event Staff will distribute and collect BTC reflection cards.
3 Things to do to Graduate on Time
3-4pm
UTC Library Room 201
Discover how to prevent surprises that will hinder graduation! Event Staff will distribute and take up BTC Reflection Cards, or you can complete an online reflection: or please complete the ThinkAchieve Online Reflection Forms.
Riverwalk Bike Ride
4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
UTC Outdoors
Join us on the Chattanooga Riverwalk for an afternoon bike ride. We will start on campus and ride along the TN river as we take in the fall colors and brisk air. Micro Adventures | University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (utc.edu). Aidan Allen will distribute and collect BTC reflection cards.
How to Perfect Your Graduation Photo with Photoshop
5:30 pm – 6:30 pm
UTC Library, Room 204
Want to look your best for your graduation photo? This workshop will go over some Photoshop techniques to get rid of blemishes and dark circles, fix lighting issues, and give yourself a glow. Free Workshop: How To Perfect Your Graduation Photo with Photoshop - The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (utc.edu). UTC Library Event Staff will distribute and collect BTC reflection cards.
Thursday, March 30th
Neurodivergence and Gender Talk
12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
University Center, Room 352
Join the Disability Resource Center and Center for Women and Gender Equity for a conversation around how gender impacts those with non-apparent disabilities. The event is from 12 pm- 2 pm in the Disability Resource Center (352 UC), pizza will be provided. Neurodivergence and Gender - The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (utc.edu). Bengt Carlson and Cyrah Weddle will distribute and collect BTC reflection cards
Science and the Media
1:40 pm – 2:30 pm
UTC Library, Room 205
Ever feel confused about whether to believe a scientific claim? Does chocolate really cure cancer? Come explore how science is communicated in the media and what you can do to evaluate evidence for yourself. Free Workshop: Science and the Media - The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (utc.edu). UTC Library staff will distribute and collect BTC reflection cards
Lincoln’s Dilemma: Slavery, Morality, and Politics
5:30 pm
Guerry Center Reading Room
This talk is part of the History Program’s “#iloveutc” week taking place on their social media platforms. This talk will be in-person in the Guerry Reading Room with alum Dr. Michael Toomey and visiting scholar Dr. Charlie Hubbard. Visit the UTC Department of History Facebook here for information: Facebook. Please complete an online reflection card.: ThinkAchieve Online Reflection Forms
A Sense of Place: Memories of Chattanooga
5:30pm-7:30pm
Hunter Museum
Continuing the program series inspired by Really Free: The Radical Art of Nellie Mae Rowe, Dr. Edna Varner and Rev. Ann Jones Pierre will share memories and discuss the impact of municipal changes on Chattanooga’s African American communities in a discussion moderated by Dr. Shewanee Howard-Baptiste. This will be followed by a poetic response by Erika Roberts as well as a Q&A. Meet Cyrah Weddle at UTC Starbucks at 5:30pm before walking over the Hunter Museum. Sign up by March 30th at 4pm at: The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga - ThinkAchieve: Beyond the Classroom - A Sense of Place in Chattanooga - Event Details (utc.edu)
Friday, March 31st
Mocs Recovery Pizza Night
5:00 pm – 6:30 pm
University Center, Room 154
Come and join us for some pizza and socializing. Discussions around substances and mental health recovery are welcome. Mocs Recovery Pizza Night - The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (utc.edu) Aidan Allen will distribute and collect BTC reflection cards.
UTC Women’s Chorale
7:30pm-9:00pm
Roland Hayes Concert Hall
Come watch the UTC symphony orchestra on the afternoon of the 12th to hear a concert free of charge! Concerts, Recitals and Performances | University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (utc.edu). Please complete an online reflection card.: ThinkAchieve Online Reflection Forms
VIRTUAL EVENTS
After you attend an online event, please fill out an online reflection here:
Online Reflection Cards - Complete This
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Monday, March 27th
Science and the Media Workshop
2:00 pm – 2:50 pm
Online
Ever feel confused about whether to believe a scientific claim? Does chocolate really cure cancer? Come explore how science is communicated in the media and what you can do to evaluate evidence for yourself. Free Workshop: Science and the Media - The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (utc.edu). Please fill out an online reflection for this event using the link above.
Wednesday, March 29th
Science and the Media Workshop
2:00 pm – 2:50 pm
Online
Ever feel confused about whether to believe a scientific claim? Does chocolate really cure cancer? Come explore how science is communicated in the media and what you can do to evaluate evidence for yourself. Free Workshop: Science and the Media - The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (utc.edu). Please fill out an online reflection for this event using the link above.
Thursday, March 30th
PowerPoint Basics Workshop
6:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Online
Have an important presentation coming up and don't know how to create the perfect slideshow for it? Look no further! This beginner workshop covers the basics of PowerPoint's many tools, to get you on track for making your presentation just right! Free Workshop: PowerPoint Basics - The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (utc.edu). Please fill out an online reflection for this event using the link above.
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
1) 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).
2) 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).
3) 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!
4) 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!
5) 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.
6) 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)
7) 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).
8) 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)