Western Carolina University

The WCU UP Program provides an inclusive, two-year, on-campus living and learning experience for college-aged persons with intellectual disabilities. The goal of the program is to facilitate transition of participants from secondary school to adult life with education, employment and independent living.  

UP participants live in on-campus dormitories distributed throughout university residence halls under the same university policies that apply to all WCU students. On-campus life is fully integrated and inclusive. There are no separate facilities, settings or classes for UP participants.

WCU undergraduate students are recruited to provide paid and unpaid support to facilitate participants living on campus, attending classes, engaging in social and recreational activities, becoming involved in student organizations and developing friendships.

The UP Program is partially funded as one of the Transition and Postsecondary Programs for Students with Intellectual Disabilities (TPSID) through the Office of Postsecondary Education serving as a model demonstration program for North Carolina.

Admissions

For more information regarding admissions, prospective UP participants and families are encouraged to look over our admission criteria, application checklist, open house information, and list of important dates/deadlines.