Dear Students,

As of Friday afternoon, the Tennessee General Assembly in Nashville
has not taken action on a budget for the fiscal year beginning
Monday, July 1.  Rumors of the University's closing have raised
questions of whether students should attend classes on Monday and how
the budget crisis could affect August graduates.

Let me assure you that the faculty and staff of UTC will do
everything possible to ensure the academic progress of students
enrolled in summer classes and to provide the services and courses
needed for August graduates.

The most direct answer to the question of "Are we having classes?" is
"yes."  Plan on being in class Monday as normal, with the
understanding that inaction in Nashville could necessitate a
last-minute announcement to the contrary.

The absence of an approved budget for next year or a temporary
operating arrangement, however, will result in the closing of
non-essential state operations.  At worse case, UTC would not be able
to operate Monday, July 1.

Watch the paper, the television/radio broadcasts - including WUTC,
especially if we require late news on Sunday.  We are treating the
"shut down" possibility as a "snow day" alert.  Watch the news to see
if we are open or closed Monday.  As soon as  any updated information
becomes available, we will contact the local media, send out email
and post any changes on the university website.

I encourage you to encourage your legislative representatives to pass
a budget favorable to higher education!

Thank you for your understanding and patience during these trying times.

Bill Stacy