Dear UTC Faculty and Staff,

Operation Move In kicks off for first-year and transfer students on Wednesday, Aug. 13, and there’s nothing quite like welcoming students and families to campus. Operation Move In is more than a logistical event; it’s a powerful, visible example of our shared commitment to student success.

On Wednesday and Thursday, Aug. 13–14, we have the opportunity to come together as a campus to create a warm, supportive welcome for our newest Mocs. Faculty, staff, students and organizations will be volunteering in residential spaces across campus, assisting with everything from unloading vehicles to greeting families and managing traffic flow. Shifts are just two hours long and run between 7:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.

If you’ve volunteered before, you know how impactful these moments can be. If you haven’t, I encourage you to give it a try. Our students remember the people who greeted them with kindness on their first day because those small acts of care make a lasting difference.

This year, we’re especially in need of volunteers for the afternoon shifts from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. on both days. If your schedule allows, I hope you’ll consider signing up for one of these times. You can sign up to volunteer here.

Please join me in showing our new Mocs and their families just how special this campus community is. Your presence matters and it sets the tone for an incredible UTC experience.

Let’s light the way forward for the Class of 2029!

Dr. Lori Bruce

Chancellor

University of Tennessee at Chattanooga