UTC kick off school year with Operation Move-In

CHATTANOOGA,Tenn. (WDEF)- Downtown Chattanooga may have been a little busier on Thursday, but there is a reason for it.

 UTC is gearing up for Back to School with Operation Move in. 

“It been in existence for quite a while.It is almost like a celebration of people coming back to school,” said Valerie Rutledge, Dean for College of Health, Education & Professional Studies. “There are some other groups that moved in a little bit earlier. They might be athletes or they might be other organizations, but I guess I would say the official big move in day starts today. ” 

 Operation Move In is put on by UTC before each fall semester. 

 Caroline Hood with UTC says Operation Move-In is a way to explore campus. 

“It is so important to come before classes start, you can get a feel of what it is like. Students can kind of walk around, get off campus, or stay on campus,” said Hood. “They can make friends with people, not just in their rooms but, their dorm mates. “

Kaylah Santos with UTC even shares her experience with Operation Move-In 

“I was always as an intern, doing Operation move in. Now that I am here working full time as a staff and faculty member, it is super surreal to be on the other side,” said Santos. “To be a part of  their college experience in such a bigger way, I am actually really excited to be here, to talk to them, and get to know them.” 

 UTC  classes begin August 19th. 

UTC’s Mens Head Basketball Coach Dan Earl encourages each student to work hard this school year.   

“UTC is an awesome place. They are going to have a lot of fun. They are going be studying, hopefully, as well,” said Earl. “I am also doing a little bit of recruiting for some people to  come to the games. I am trying to get some freshmen groups to make sure they promise me they wil come to the game. So we are hoping that happens.”