Version originally published in print for the Western Carolinian WCU’s University Participant (UP) Program has high chances of being the first inclusive postsecondary education program (IPSE) to gain accreditation in the country. The UP Program is a two-year, on-campus living and learning experience for college-aged students with intellectual disabilities. UP students audit college classes, have […]
More than inclusion
April 18, 2018 by
WCU’s University Participant program gives students with intellectual disabilities the opportunity they’ve been waiting for. In 2007, program Co-Director Kelly Kelley questioned her then special education graduate professor, Dr. Westling, what WCU could be doing about inclusion on campus. Westling challenged his students to conceive a program that could do such a thing, and in […]
WCU UP program celebrates 10 years existance
April 12, 2018 by
Western Carolina University is dedicating to making the school a better place for all students. One program in particular is helping those usually left behind to become rising stars in their community. The University Participant Program is an organization pledging to help students with intellectual disabilities go through college and receive an education. On April 7, […]
Behind the scenes: volunteers of the UP Program
February 17, 2016 by
“I can’t express to you how much this program means to me, how much the students, volunteers and staff have influenced and touched my life,” said two-year volunteer and now paid natural support for Western Carolina University’s University Participant Program (UP), Grayson Coleman. Coleman’s response is much like many other volunteer reactions when asked how […]
WCU rallies to end the “R” word
March 6, 2015 by
Western Carolina University took a stand on March 4 to raise awareness against using the “R-Word” by hosting an “R-Word” Rally for students to come and support the University Participant Program (UP) Participants. Kelly Kelley, the go-to person for the UP program at WCU, said that the students involved with the program put the event together. “We put […]
UP and Away: Program offers genuine college experience
February 6, 2015 by
For Hickory native Ali Hale, being named Western Carolina University’s Homecoming Queen in the October game against The Citadel was just another part of her normal college experience. Hale is a member of the University Participant (UP) Program – a two-year, residential living and learning experience that strives to offer those with intellectual disabilities just […]
