New “Mocs to Memphis” bus program helps college students journey house for spring break

As college students headed out for spring break, a brand new University of Tennessee at Chattanooga initiative provided a handy option to begin the journey house.

On Saturday, March 14, dozens of UTC college students boarded a constitution bus outdoors the University Center as a part of the pilot run of “Mocs to Memphis (and points in between),” a transportation program designed to supply protected and inexpensive journey for college students heading west throughout Tennessee.

The bus departed campus shortly earlier than 9 a.m., starting a route that included stops in Nashville and Jackson earlier than reaching Memphis later within the afternoon.

Thirty-four UTC college students participated within the inaugural bus journey.

“This program is a spring initiative goal set forth by the Chancellor,” defined Terrence Banks, affiliate director of recruitment within the Division of Enrollment Management and Student Affairs. “It is a collaborative effort with EMSA companions to afford this chance for our college students—whether or not they need to see household, get a break from lessons or just need to journey house stress-free.

“Our goal was to ensure students received the support they needed from their campus because every MOC moment matters.”

Organized by way of UTC’s Center for Student Leadership, Engagement and Community, this system was created to assist college students residing alongside the Interstate 40 hall journey house throughout main breaks with out having to drive lengthy distances or organize rides.

For $55 per seat, college students might reserve a spot on the constitution bus, with the choice to journey one-way or round-trip throughout spring break. In truth, three further college students registered for the return journey to campus on Sunday, March 22.

The initiative goals to make journey extra accessible whereas additionally offering college students with a dependable transportation possibility throughout one of many semester’s busiest journey intervals.

Students loaded baggage beneath the bus earlier than departure and gathered with buddies outdoors the University Center because the group ready to depart campus.

Sophomore cybersecurity main Patrick Myers served because the journey’s pupil bus captain, serving to hold monitor of the passenger roster and making certain riders safely reached their locations alongside the route.

Myers, who was heading house to Memphis for spring break, stated this system presents a useful possibility for college students touring throughout Tennessee.

“I think it really helps students because Memphis is still a good bit away, over five hours, give or take,” he stated, “so I think this is a good opportunity for students who may not have an easy means to get back to Memphis and places in between to have the opportunity to get there via the school.”

Myers stated the journey additionally gave college students an opportunity to attach with different UTC college students.

“I definitely have seen some of them on campus, but this is a good way to meet them, too,” he stated.

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Photo gallery by Angela Foster