University Participant (UP) Program
Western Carolina University, Cullowhee, NC
University Participant (UP) Program
1 University Drive
Killian 120
Cullowhee, NC 28723
1 University Drive
Killian 120
Cullowhee, NC 28723
Note: This program is able to provide federal financial aid as a Comprehensive Transition Program (CTP).
| Program Contact | Dr. Kelly R. Kelley |
| kkelley@email.wcu.edu | |
| Phone | 828.227.3297 |
| Website | Program website |
| link to program Facebook page |
The WCU UP Program provides an inclusive, two-year, on-campus living and learning experience for college-aged persons with intellectual disability. The goal of the program is to facilitate UP students' transition from secondary school to adult life with education, employment and independent living.
UP students 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 students.
WCU undergraduate students are recruited to provide paid and unpaid support to facilitate UP Students living on campus, attending classes, engaging in social and recreational activities, becoming involved in student organizations and developing friendships.
Program information submitted: February 15, 2022
| General | |
|---|---|
| Public or private: | Public |
| Type of school: | 4-year college or university |
| Is this program a federally funded TPSID program? | No |
| Students in this program: | Have graduated or exited from high school |
| Number of students: | 10 |
| Description of our summer transition program: | |
| Requirements | |
|---|---|
| Program serves students who have left high school? | Yes, all of our students have left high school |
| Regular H.S. diploma required? | No, an IEP/non-standard diploma/certificate of attendance is accepted |
| Deadline to apply to this program: | December 1 |
| Link to admissions process: | Admissions link |
| Criteria for admission |
|
| Accepts out-of-state students?: | Yes |
| Please indicate which disabilities students in this program have: |
|
| Program length | 2 years |
| Acceptance, Retention, and Completion Rates | |
|---|---|
| Acceptance rate for the most recent fall term | 35.00% |
| Retention rate for first year students from the previous academic year to the current one | 100.00% |
| Cost | |
|---|---|
| Average student tuition and fees for the current school year | $4456.00 |
| Average out-of-state tuition, current year | $4183.00 |
| Room and board: | $7194.00 |
| Program fees: | $5000.00 |
| Additional costs: |
$5,000.00 Meal plan is around $2,200 per semester for Unlimited Basic |
| Is this program able to provide federal financial aid as a Comprehensive Transition Program (CTP)? | Yes |
| Students pay for the program in the following ways: |
|
| Scholarships available: | Scholarships vary but are available periodically from potential donors. |
| Academic | |
|---|---|
| Students enrolled in this program take the following types of inclusive courses (with students who don't have disabilities) | Typical college courses for audit |
| More about course access: | Students audit 2-4 courses each semester with their peers. Advising is also conducted with college advisors and program staff based on future career and personal interest based on the WCU college course catalog. |
| Did ALL students in your program enroll in at least one inclusive college/university course either for credit or audit? | Yes |
| Students take courses that are only for students in this program: | |
| Are students in this program able to access support services through your IHE disability services office? | Yes |
| Students take STEM-related courses? | Yes |
| Percentage of academic time spent in inclusive courses (with students who don't have disabilities) | 100% |
| Students in the program have access to the following campus-wide services: |
|
| Briefly describe remote learning at your program | We use some hybrid models when necessary for all WCU students, but students seem to prefer and we encourage more in-person course options. |
| Credential(s) students earn upon completing the program: | UP Certificate of Accomplishment |
| Is the credential IHE-approved? | Yes, this credential has been through a formal approval process at the IHE |
| Other than the credential listed above, can students earn any other credentials that are available to all students? | DegreePlus (leadership, cultural responsiveness, teamwork, and professionalism) |
| Do students earn STEM-related certificates? | No |
| Students participate in these campus-wide events |
|
| Employment | |
|---|---|
| Percent of students in this program have paid work while attending the program: | 100% |
| Other career development activities are: |
|
| Percent of students in this program that had paid work after exiting the program: | 100% |
| Additional information about career development and work experience | Students work on our off campus at least 10 hours each week in paid work experiences. Some use work study or also do community service projects for additional experience. |
| Does this program have a working partnership with VR to provide funding, supports and/or services to students in the program? | Yes |
| Housing | |
|---|---|
| Housing is provided to students: | Yes |
| Housing options available: |
|
| Extracurricular | |
|---|---|
| Students participate in student organizations on campus: | Yes |
| Students may participate in the following extra-curricular activities |
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