Division of Access & Engagement
Expanding Access and Ensuring Success
Our goal is to make education more accessible and enhance engagement and support for our students, faculty, and staff. We are dedicated to unlocking doors, creating opportunities, and championing inclusive excellence to pave the way for a brighter future for those our University is committed to serving. We envision UTC's campus as a welcoming place where everyone, regardless of background, feels a true sense of belonging and is empowered to contribute their best.
We provide programs and supports that cater to the needs of our academic and wider community, creating an environment for everyone to flourish. We support programs statewide, assisting a wide spectrum of students, including adult learners, community college transfers, first-generation students, males, students from rural and distressed counties, underserved minorities, veterans, and other underserved groups. Through proactive initiatives both on campus and in the community, and by actively participating in federal college-access programs, we contribute to the university's mission of delivering exceptional educational programs and fostering the success of talent in our state. Our heartfelt aim is to amplify ongoing efforts, champion new initiatives, and build partnerships to serve talented individuals, establishing us as a valuable partner in our community and beyond.
Our Mission and Vision
The Division of Access and Engagement supports the mission of UTC by inspiring positive change, creating a more inclusive and welcoming campus, engaging students, faculty and staff in meaningful experiences through campus and community partnerships, and providing equitable resources and tools so all can feel a sense of belonging and reach their full potential.
Values
- Accountability, transparency & advocacy
- Leadership, vision & collaboration
- Integrity, civility, honesty & excellence
- Diversity & diverse perspectives
- Equity, inclusion, fairness & justice
- Change that makes a positive difference
- Relationships & community engagement
- Professionalism, learning & growth
Learn about the Center for Community Career Education
within the Division of Access and Engagement!
At the heart of the Center for Community Career Education (CCCE) programs is a focus on access and ensuring success, contributing to positive changes among individuals, families, and the communities we serve. The Center houses five federally funded programs on UTC's campus, with roots dating back to the early 1960s.
Engaging the University, Hamilton County Schools, and the broader community, the Center for Community Career Education (CCCE) serves over 3,500 students and adults annually from local schools and rural communities in our region. With a team of 20 staff members and over 300 individuals, including part-time and full-time staff, temporary and seasonal workers, work-study students, interns, tutors, teachers, camp counselors, and graduate assistants, our commitment is to ensure the success of CCCE participants by exposing them to exceptional educational and career opportunities.
UTC enthusiastically embraces these esteemed programs and is dedicated to continuing its support. The programs include:
Explore each program's profile for details and contact information. Discover the valuable resources and opportunities that CCCE programs provide!
Our Commitment to Community Engagement
The Division of Access and Engagement is dedicated to improving educational accessibility, fostering collaborative opportunities that unite our academic community with the larger community and beyond. By strengthening the ties between UTC and Chattanooga, our aim is to provide students and faculty with valuable chances to develop skills, contributing to the growth of talent within the city. At the heart of our mission is a deep commitment to showcase the meaningful contributions of our students, faculty, and staff within Chattanooga and beyond.
We all should know that diversity makes for a rich tapestry, and we must understand that all the threads of that tapestry are equal in value no matter what their color.
Maya Angelou
Access
Promoting and broadening access for individuals from all backgrounds to ensure success within our campus community
Viewpoint Diversity
Our campus partners continuously work together to ensure a climate welcoming of diverse viewpoints for all faculty, staff, and students.
Read about recent and planned campus viewpoint diversity initiatives.