Connecting to Campus
Connecting to campus outside of the classroom contributes positively to a student’s overall success in college. When students get involved, they have opportunities to meet new people and make friends, explore new interests, and develop valuable skills that support personal, professional, and academic growth. Meaningful campus connections can increase a student’s sense of belonging, helping the university feel like a home away from home.
Families play an important role in encouraging students to explore these opportunities and take steps toward building community at UTC. Connection doesn’t look the same for every student! It’s about finding the people, activities, and spaces that feel like the right fit for your student.
Why Getting Involved Matters
Research shows that students who are connected to campus often feel more engaged, supported, and confident throughout their college experience. Involvement can help students:
- Graduate on time and with a higher GPA
- Develop valuable leadership skills
- Exposure to new experiences
- Build a professional network
- Explore new opportunities
- Have fun on campus!
Opportunities to Connect Outside the Classroom
Attend Campus Events
Campus departments and student organizations host events throughout the week that offer students opportunities to connect with others. Some events are primarily social and focused on building relationships, while others are topic-specific and designed to help students try something new or develop knowledge and skills in a particular area.
The weekly Scrappy Newsletter sent to your student every Monday morning is a great place to find the opportunities. Additionally, the campus calendar within MocSync is a great one-stop-shop to view what is happening on campus!
Join a Student Organization
With over 160 student organizations across a wide range of categories, including academic, fraternities and sororities, club sports, multicultural, religious/spiritual, social, and more, there are many ways for students to get involved. Joining a student organization can help students find community, take on leadership roles, and feel more connected to campus life. Have your student view the wide array of originations available at UTC on MocSync.
Barriers to Getting Involved
Students may face different barriers when it comes to getting involved on campus. A student’s living situation can play a role. Students who live on campus but spend most of their time in their room may miss opportunities right outside their door, while students who live off campus may need to be more intentional since they do not naturally stumble into programs and events. Balancing a job, family responsibilities, or a heavy course load can also make involvement feel challenging. However, working an on-campus job can actually be a great way to connect with peers and feel part of the campus community. Sometimes the biggest barrier is simply not knowing where to start. Encouraging students to take that first step early in their college experience, rather than waiting until later, can make a meaningful difference in helping them feel connected and supported on campus.
Support on Campus
- MocSync
MocSync is the University’s online platform for student engagement opportunities. In MocSync, students can search for and join registered student organizations, find upcoming events and even apply for leadership opportunities.
- Fraternity and Sorority Life
UTC’s Fraternity and Sorority Life community includes organizations that offer students opportunities to build community, develop leadership skills, and engage in service. Governed by councils, these organizations share core values of academic excellence, civic engagement, brotherhood and sisterhood, and social responsibility.
- Campus Recreation
Campus Recreation fosters an environment for the UTC community to connect, play and pursue holistic well-being. Campus Recreation offers facilities and programs to meet new people and develop positive habits and healthy lifestyles through a variety of programs and facilities including outdoor trips and equipment rentals, club and intramural sports, group fitness classes, climbing and bouldering walls, basketball and sand volleyball courts, indoor pool with lap lanes, lazy river, water slide and spa and more.
- Center for Student Leadership, Engagement, and Community
The Center brings students together through programs, organizations, and experiences that enhance the college experience. By fostering engagement, leadership development, and community building, the Center supports student involvement through partnerships across UTC and the greater Chattanooga community.
- Student Success Programs
SSP is committed to helping students build a sense of connection to one another, the campus, and the Chattanooga community. SSP supports students from all backgrounds and lived experiences through programs designed to promote success both in and out of the classroom. Through shared experiences and peer mentoring, SSP helps new Mocs feel confident as they navigate life at UTC.
- UTC Athletics
Chattanooga Athletics supports student-athletes in achieving excellence both in the classroom and in competition. Attending athletic events is a fun way for students to get involved, meet friends, and feel connected to the campus community. Students have free access to all athletic events.
- Housing and Residence Life
Beyond supporting your students needs while living in the residence halls, Housing and Residence Life can call be a great point of connection for your student. From various programs to leadership opportunities, your student can get involved in campus life, right out side their door!