News_______________________________   University of Tennessee at Martin students and their parents, as well as faculty and staff, can take comfort that UT Martin is one of the safest four-year public institutions in Tennessee in the most recent statewide crime statistics. Additionally, for crimes that are committed, the UT Martin Department of Public Safety has the best crime clearance rate – substantially above the state average. Learn more about our campus safety... The University of Tennessee at Martin finished third in the College National Finals Rodeo in Casper, Wyo. Rough stock riders, Matt Smith, Ty Atchison and Brent Menz, finished among the top 12 in the nation in their respective events in the championship short round at the Casper Events Center. Read this story online... The University of Tennessee Board of Trustees approved a 6 percent instate tuition increase for students attending each campus effective for the 2008 fall semester. The approval came during the board's annual meeting in Knoxville. Instate tuition and fees, including the new tuition rate, will now cost undergraduate students $2,627.50 per semester to attend UT Martin. Full-time undergraduate enrollment is a minimum of 12 hours. Out-of-state undergraduate tuition will increase 6 percent, to $7,948.50 per semester. “We have worked carefully to make strategic decisions leading to the 6 percent tuition and fee increase,” said Dr. Tom Rakes, UT Martin chancellor. “UT President John Petersen supported the recommended increase, and members of the UT Board of Trustees approved the increase at the June meeting. The increase will enable UT Martin to maintain a high level of quality in academic programs and student services while still holding tuition levels below many public and private institutions in the nation.” An online Master of Science in Education with a major in Counseling – School or Community – will be offered for the first time, beginning August 25, by the University of Tennessee at Martin. It is available to individuals who have obtained a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. Read more about the degree... Alyson Gilbert, a University of Tennessee at Martin student, is among the remaining nine acts competing to be named the next "Nashville Star." In the June 23 episode, host Billy Ray Cyrus ("Hannah Montana"), celebrity judges/mentors, singer-songwriter and producer John Rich, multi-platinum singer-songwriter and three-time Grammy nominee Jewel, and BMI Songwriter of the Year (2006) Jeffery Steele continued the search for a true artist at the Acuff Theater, part of the Opry Entertainment Complex, in Nashville. The program airs on NBC on Monday evenings. Please consult your local television listings for times. You may vote on line at www.nbc.com within two hours after the conclusion of the show. Events______________________________  The UT Martin Alumni Council meeting will be held on Saturday, July 19. The sixth annual "UT Martin Golden Grad" reunion will be held on Friday and Saturday, August 8 and 9, in Martin. Alumni from the class of 1958 will be inducted into the Golden Grad Society during a special ceremony on Friday. Please call 731-881-7610 for information. If you have a son or daughter beginning school this fall semester at UT Martin and you are an alumnus, please mark your calendar to attend the Legacy Luncheon on Wednesday, August 20, at the Paul Meek Library. An invitation will be sent to you in July. "Homecoming 2008...Come Together" October 3-5. Visit with us as we prepare to celebrate the fifth year of Quad City, while maintaining the traditions of rope pull and pyramid. More information will be posted soon. UT Martin vs. Auburn- Your Skyhawks will travel to Auburn University on Saturday, November 8, to play football and you are invited! The Office of Alumni Relations and UT Martin Athletics will host alumni and friends at a tailgate party three hours prior to kick-off. More information will be mailed closer to the event. The Alumni Center is open for visitors. If you are in the area, please drop by and let us give you a tour. This is your home, please visit anytime.