Organizations and Activities

Student Government Association

The Student Government Association (SGA) at UTC is an active and vital campus organization. SGA gives initial approval to new student organizations, serves as a link between the student body and the administration, enacts legislation concerning current campus issues, and provides other valuable functions and services for the students at UTC. In addition, the SGA recommends students to serve on faculty committees including, but not limited to, parking, curriculum, scholarship, and admissions. Student members have both a voice and a vote on these committees. Student Government may sometimes act as a complaint board or as an information referral for students. Every student is a member of SGA and is represented on the Student Senate by 27 senators who are elected by academic schools or colleges. There are three executive officers: President, Vice President, and Treasurer. Each is elected from the student body at large. The SGA Secretary is appointed. Fourteen senators are elected during the fall semester and 13 during the spring elections. To be eligible to run for an SGA senate seat a student must have and maintain an institutional cumulative GPA of 2.00, be currently enrolled and taking 12 semester hours (undergraduate) or nine semester hours (graduate), have completed at least 12 hours of class work at UTC and not be on disciplinary probation. To be eligible to serve as an officer of the SGA, one must meet this requirement plus additional conditions specified in the SGA constitution.

All interested students are welcome to attend the weekly SGA meetings held in the Raccoon Mountain Room in the University Center every Tuesday at 3:05 p.m. when fall and spring classes are in session. Students who wish to become involved in SGA are advised to go to the Dean of Students Office, 399 University Center, or the SGA offices located on the first floor of the University Center.

Fraternities and Sororities

The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga currently has 14 inter/national fraternity and 11 inter/national sorority chapters or colonies recognized on campus. Specific University rules and regulations concerning these organizations are available in the Student Handbook. Please contact the Office of the Dean of Students if you have any additional questions.

Sororities—The Inter/national sororities that have chapters or colonies on campus are Alpha Delta Pi, Alpha Gamma Delta, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Chi Omega, Delta Zeta, Gamma Phi Beta, Kappa Delta, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., Sigma Kappa, Omega Phi Alpha, and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. The National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) or the Panhellenic Association (Panhellenic) serve as the governing body for the majority of these sororities. The National Pan-Hellenic Council provides action strategies on matters of mutual concern. The role of the Panhellenic Association is to foster cooperation among sororities and non-sorority groups, to plan recruitment activities, and to uphold the agreed upon regulations that govern these sororities.

Fraternities—The Inter/national fraternities that have chapters or colonies on campus are Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Alpha Phi Omega, Beta Upsilon Chi, Kappa Alpha, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., Kappa Sigma, Lambda Chi Alpha, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Phi Delta Theta, Phi Gamma Delta, Phi Mu Alpha, Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Chi, and Sigma Nu. The Interfraternity Council (IFC) or the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) serve as the governing body for the majority of these fraternities. The Interfraternity Council establishes and administers rules governing recruitment and new member education while encouraging cooperation among organizations and their members. The National Pan-Hellenic Council provides action strategies on matters of mutual concern.

Academic and Interest Clubs

Academic and interest clubs are numerous and varied on the UTC campus. They range from the Chattanooga Recreational Anime Club and Film Club to the Model UN and Habitat for Humanity. Many varied fields of study, professions, and interests are represented. Each year several new organizations are added to adequately reflect student interests and needs. If you do not find the one you are looking for, you can begin a new club yourself. Students are advised to consult with interested faculty members or members of the Office of the Dean of Students staff for help in getting a new group started.

Membership in departmental and interest clubs is typically open to all interested students. Information regarding a particular group can be obtained from the faculty/staff advisor through the Office of the Dean of Students and by visiting the OrgSync, the online portal for involvement at orgsync.utc.edu. Also, watch the campus bulletin boards for notices concerning meetings and other programs. Rules and regulations regarding meeting, membership and more are available in The Student Handbook. Additionally, The Student Handbook contains a list of faculty sponsors/advisors for these academic and special interest clubs.

Honor Societies

Honor societies recognize service, leadership, or academic achievement. Although these groups are often identified by Greek letters, they are different in nature from social fraternities and sororities. Although some restrict membership to upper-class students, a few recognize students as early as the second semester at UTC. Information regarding a particular group can be obtained from the faculty/staff advisor or through the Office of the Dean of Students.

Major Campus Organizations

The following campus organizations are open to all interested students and are large, active, and have been well established on the campus for many years. Membership information can be obtained through the faculty/staff advisor or through the Office of the Dean of Students. The Student Handbook contains a list of faculty sponsors/advisors for these organizations.

The Black Student Association (BSA) is organized to promote a better interracial relationship between students on the campus, to become better involved in social and academic activities of the University, and to act as a medium between members of the organization and other organizations on campus.

The Hispanic Outreach Leadership Association (HOLA) is organized to provide advocacy for Hispanic students on campus, while planning engaging events that educate and entertain students about Hispanic culture.

Interested students may become “tapped” into one of the service organizations whose members volunteer their services for University and community functions. Members are chosen on the basis of service, leadership, and loyalty. The Student Handbook contains a list of faculty sponsors/advisors for these academic and special interest clubs.

Circle K is an international college organization sponsored by the Kiwanis International to promote service projects on campus and in the community.

Mortar Board is a college senior honor society whose main purpose is service to the campus community. Mortar Board members aim to support the ideals of the University, to advance a spirit of scholarship, to recognize and encourage leadership, and to provide service.

The Student Alumni Council is composed of 40 members who work closely with the Chancellor and the Director of Alumni Programs to promote the interests, ideas, and goals of our University. SAC strives to instill in all students a sense of continuing responsibility to UTC.

The Student Orientation Team assists in orientation programs for new students and other programs of the Admissions and Orientation Office.

Religious Organizations

The religious life of the University is represented by both centers and organizations presenting a varied program of worship and community service.

CRU: Campus Crusade for Christ - The ministry at UTC was launched in the fall of 2007.  What started from scratch has grown into a ministry of 300 students with over 30 small group bible studies. Our dream is for UTC to be the hub ministry of a city wide movement. Come join us every Thursday night at 7:00 for our weekly meeting in the Benwood Auditorium located in the EMCS building where you will hear solid verse by verse teaching from our staff and leading area pastors. To Learn more go to www.chattanoogacru.com.

The House: University Ministries of Chattanooga: Our mission is to bring college age people in the Chattanooga area to a deeper knowledge and love of Jesus Christ, and to equip people for ministry. Our worship service meets at The Vine, the worship center on the corner of Oak and Houston, every Tuesday night at 8:00. We serve lunch on Tuesdays at The Hub, 650 McCallie Avenue (in the basement of First Christian Church). Small group Bible studies are led by our staff and alumni. Concerts, cookouts, retreats, mission trips, service projects are all a part of what we do. We are supported by a number of local churches, and our students come from a number of different church backgrounds. Please see our website at www.thehouseutc.org, or call our office at (423) 752-9407.

The Baptist Collegiate Ministry is located at 540 Vine Street, across from the Boling Apartments. Our center is open each day from 8:00 a.m. until 10:30 p.m. Anyone looking for friendship, fun and encouragement is invited to participate regardless of denominational or religious affiliation. Consider joining one of our “Family Groups” that meet each week for encouragement, Bible study and fellowship. We also provide a drop-in lunch each Wednesday (11:00-12:30) provided by area churches and have worship each Thursday evening at 8:00. All programming is planned and led by students for students. Contact the campus minister, Steve Roper, at 266-5121 for more information or visit our website and Facebook page, www.chattanoogabcm.com and “UTC BCM.”

Project Canterbury (Episcopal-Lutheran University Ministry and Student Center) is located at 305 W. 7th Street at Pine, Chattanooga, Tennessee, 37402. Project Canterbury is a dynamic Christian campus ministry in Chattanooga, TN, sponsored by the Episcopal Church, in partnership with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Steeped in the traditions of the earliest churches, we are a community grounded in the worship of God, made known to us in Jesus Christ. But while our object of worship is singular, our community at worship is diverse. You will find that our numbers include students of many different backgrounds, ethnicities, ages, sexual orientations, political ideologies, denominational affiliations, socio-economic classes, and social scenes. As God’s own creation, we believe there is great beauty in this diversity, and as Christians, we seek to honor the dignity of every human being as we strive for justice and peace in the world. Here in Chattanooga, we hope to be community of students in which all are welcomed and loved as, together, we more fully discover our identity as God’s children and our calling as Christ’s followers in the world. Project Canterbury meets weekly on Wednesdays at 7:37 with dinner, followed by Eucharist at Christ Church. ALL are welcome, come and see!

The Christian Student Center is sponsored by the area Churches of Christ for the benefit of all students, faculty and staff. This Center is located at 509 Houston Street, near the Arena and Boling Apartments. Facilities offer a comfortable place for relaxation, study, or recreation. Emphasis is upon fellowship through devotionals and Bible classes. The Christian Student Center is open daily from 9:00 A.M. to 9:00 P.M. The Center serves lunches on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, and supper on Tuesday evenings. Contact (423) 267-4488 for more information.

The Reformed University Fellowship (RUF) is an evangelical ministry of the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA). However all are welcome regardless of personal or religious background.  We welcome the “convinced” and the “unconvinced” and invite all students, no matter where they are, to RUF. We want RUF to be a place where a student can come with questions, find fellowship with others, worship God, serve others, and grow in their knowledge of the gospel of Jesus Christ and His work on their behalf. RUF meets weekly on Thursdays at 8 pm in the First Presbyterian Student Center (535 McCallie Avenue). Contact RUF at (423) 322-2156 for more information.

The Wesley Center: United Methodist Student Center is housed in the Wesley Center at 607 Douglas Street. They provide opportunities for friendship, intellectual and spiritual growth, worship, and community service through a broad range of activities. Regularly scheduled events at Wesley include: FREE lunches (Wednesdays 11:30 - 1:00), Wednesday Night Bible Study (Wednesdays at 6:00 p.m.), Souper Thursday - Free Soup (Thursdays at 12:00 noon), Wesley@Table - Free dinner (Thursdays at 6:00 p.m.), and Wesley@Worship (Thursdays at 7:30 p.m.). The campus minister leads discussion groups on topics of current interest such as Bible study, preparation for marriage, personal relationships, social problems, and Christian thought. A leadership team plans and coordinates all the student-oriented regular activities as well as special events such as retreats, service projects, fund raising, and parties. The center is open from 9:00 A.M. until 5:00 P.M. Monday through Friday and at nights and on weekends as announced. The United Methodist campus minister is Keith Moore (423-266-3691).

The Hope House is the UKirk (PCUSA) Campus Ministry for UTC. Our mission is to provide radical hospitality for all God’s children where they feel safe and loved. Our house located on 808 Vine Street is open Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. and houses a coffee shop, study space, free wifi, and our UKirk Ministry. Hope hosts weekly events including the Legendary Free Homemade Lunch every Tuesday at 11:30. Our UKirk events include: Science and Theology, Wednesdays at 12:00 over lunch; The Welcome Table for fresh people (freshmen and new students), Thursdays 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. over lunch; and The Table, Sundays at 5:30, which rotates weekly between worship service with communion, interfaith dialog, hot topics and theology and meditation followed by our “Two Dolla Dinna” that starts at 6:30ish. UKirk also offers monthly service opportunities, Church visits, and communion, as well as a fall mountain retreat, winter Collegiate Conference at Montreat, and Spring Break Mission Trip. (423) 265-2227.

Fellowship of Christian Athletes - Since 1954, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) has challenged athletes and coaches to impact the world for Jesus Christ. FCA is cultivating Christian principles in local communities nationwide by encouraging, equipping and empowering others to serve as examples and to make a difference. Reaching nearly two million people annually on the professional, college, high school, junior high and youth levels, FCA has grown into the largest sports ministry in the world. FCA’s efforts are focused on our Four C’s of Ministry: Coaches, Campus, Camps and Community.

Catholic Student Center - (423) 618-9062, 514 Palmetto Street, Chattanooga, TN 37403. Our community is a close group where young Catholics can grow in their love for God and their knowledge of the Faith. We welcome all students to join us in the celebration of Mass, or participate in weekly Bible study sessions and discussions of our faith. In addition to providing faith nurturing activities, we also hold numerous outside activities including, but not limited to: community service projects, bi-weekly dinners, football tailgating before Mocs games, outdoor cookouts, semester retreats, hockey nights in Nashville, and Church lock-ins. Through the week students are invited to come to the UTC Catholic Center 24 hours a day to pray, study, or hangout in a safe environment. We host Mass on Sundays and Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m.

Campus Flood - (423) 843-2999, Living Faith Church, 5755 Cassandra Smith Road, Hixson, TN 37343. Flood is an outreach of Living Faith Church located in Chattanooga, TN. Flood places a strong emphasis on the Word of God and the Spirit of God. You’ll receive a life changing, faith filled teaching and passionate worship at each service you attend. We believe in developing Christ centered relationships and promise that your life will be transformed by the Word of God. Campus Flood meets every Tuesday night at 8:00 p.m. in the University Center.

Intervarsity Christian Fellowship - Our goal is to enrich the spiritual and academic life of students with practical Biblical teachings. We are a ministry that God has called to RECONCILE the unchurched and unchurchable back to Christ, RESTORE Students to the position of leadership, and RELATE to the needs and concerns of the campus community. Weekly meetings are Tuesdays at 7 p.m. https://twitter.com/InterVarsityUTC .

Young Life College is a non-denominational on-campus organization that seeks to provide community for any and every college student. Our community centers around living life together, with a spirit of whimsy and adventure. We seek to engage the truth about who God is and how he feels about us, believing that Jesus came to give us life and not take it away. Our large group meeting is called “Club,” and we meet regularly on Wednesday nights at 8:00 p.m. on McCallie Avenue in “core groups” which enable students to engage with another on a more close-knit level. You can connect with us on: -Instagram: @younglifecollegechatt -Twitter: @UTCYLC -Facebook: Young Life College at Chattanooga (UTCYLC) -Email: ylcollegechatt@gmail.com We also offer college students the opportunity to be placed as Young Life leaders in middle schools and high schools through out Chattanooga. Having a heart to reach teenagers, we go onto their turf and in their culture, building bridges of authentic friendship. These relationships don’t happen overnight — they take time, patience, trust and consistency. Young Life leaders log many hours with kids — where they are, as they are. We listen to their stories and learn what’s important to them because we genuinely care about their joys, triumphs, heartaches and setbacks. We believe in the power of presence. Kids’ lives are dramatically impacted when caring college students come alongside them, sharing God’s love with them. Because their Young Life leader believes in them, they begin to see that their lives have great worth, meaning and purpose. This is the first step of a lifelong journey; the choices they make today, based upon God’s love for them, will impact future decisions … careers chosen, marriages formed and families raised. All ripples from the time when a Young Life leader took time to reach out and enter their world.

Student Media

There are four major student media organizations at UTC, being staffed and produced solely by UTC students. The University Echo (student newspaper), Sequoya Review (literary magazine), The Perch (Internet radio station), and Mocs News (student television) are governed by the Publications Board. The Board’s policies are described in the Manual for Student Publications.

The University Echo takes an active role in campus life. It serves the university community not only as a ready source of campus news and other information of interest to college students, but also as the medium through which both student and faculty opinions can be presented, discussed, and recorded. Published weekly under the editorship of students, the Echo is supported by the University and is distributed free to all students and faculty. Interested students may apply for positions on the staff in reporting, editorial (news, features, and sports writing, copy reading, etc.), business (advertising, sales, bookkeeping, etc.), or layout/design capacities by coming by the Echo offices in the University Center. The Echo also welcomes individual student’s letters.

The UTC literary magazine, the Sequoya Review, is published once yearly and has won many regional and national awards. All students, faculty, and administration may submit material to be considered for publication. This material should be in the form of poetry, short stories, art work, photographs, or essays. The Sequoya Review editor and staff may be contacted through the Student Development office or through the English Department.

The Perch is the newest addition to UTC’s group of student media organizations. The station began transmitting in March 2009. It features a mix of music with the hope of adding news, talk, and other programs in the future. Students are encouraged to get involved with the radio station by either serving as on-air personality or helping behind the scenes with programming, promotions, engineering, or management.

Mocs News is the student television program at UTC. Mocs News is shot at the Television Studios on the campus of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Mocs News is produced by students, for the students of UTC and for the Chattanooga Community. Mocs News hopes to provide a student’s perspective of news whether it is campus news, local news, or even national news. If you have any questions, or want to know how you can contribute to Mocs News, please stop by the student media offices in the University Center.

Eligibility for Athletics

The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga believes strongly in athletic competition. The University also believes that academic and other standards must be maintained by all students regardless of their extracurricular activities.

1. Only regular full-time students (those carrying 12 hours per semester) are eligible for participation in intercollegiate athletics.
2. A student athlete must be making satisfactory progress toward a degree as set forth by the current NCAA and Southern Conference manuals.
3. Transfer students must meet current standards set forth by the NCAA and Southern Conference organizations.
4. Head coaches are obligated to inform the individual students of the NCAA regulations and all students must abide by these regulations.
5. A student may not participate in intercollegiate athletics until his/her eligibility is certified by the Athletics Compliance Office and the Office of the University Registrar.

Intramurals/Club Sports

Intramural sports is a program sponsored by the Campus Recreation Department which encourages students to manage, direct and participate in physical activity as a learning process. The Intramural Program hosts both individual and tournament sports such as softball, basketball, flag football, dodge ball, tennis, and volleyball just to name a few. Students, faculty and staff can enter any tournament and compete in 1 of 5 leagues: Open Men’s, Open Women’s, Coed, and either Fraternity or Sorority leagues, and individually. The Intramural Office is located in the Aquatic and Recreation Center. Office hours are 1-4 p.m., Monday-Thursday. The telephone number is (423) 425-4213.

Club Sports is a student led - student run organization offering competitive, recreational, or instructional sports and may include intercollegiate competition and tournament play. The Club Sport Program has 21 active clubs serving over 400 students, including: baseball, climbing, rowing, swimming, fencing, scuba, bass anglers and ultimate Frisbee.

Bands, Orchestra, and Choral Activities

Several opportunities are open for students who wish to continue their musical involvement during their college years. The Chattanooga Singers, the Chamber Singers, Women’s Chorale, Men’s Chorus, Opera Workshop, and Master Chorale (summer) are open to all students. An audition is required to participate in the Chamber Singers, Opera Workshop, and Master Chorale. Instrumentalists may perform in the UTC Cadek Orchestra, Symphonic Band, Marching Band, Pep Band, or Jazz Band. An audition may be required.

Music scholarships (Performance Grants) are available to all qualified UTC students, regardless of major. Applicants must audition for the Music faculty, and recipients are required to participate in the appropriate ensemble for their instrument or voice. Recipients may also be required to enroll in individual voice or instrument instruction. Interested students should contact the Department of Music at (423) 425-4601, or visit the Music Department website.

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