WCU University Participant (UP) Program

10/09/2026

Rise and shine, it's another Feel Good Friday! 🌞 We're celebrating the incredible journeys we've shared with our amazing campus and community partners, who've helped us create unforgettable memories sharing at conferences these past few weeks in Boone and Knoxville! 🎉 We're celebrating the students who shared their words of wisdom while crushing their first presentations. We have enjoyed making unforgettable memories while traveling to places never been before and seeing the world through these shared memories made together. 💫

Got some good news to share with us? Comment below or let us know so we can celebrate with you 🎉

10/02/2026

It is another Feel Good Friday and the beginning of a new month. Time to recognize our Employee and Volunteer of the Month for September!

Riley is our September 2026 Employee of the Month because she goes above and beyond with all the "extra" things she helps students with from swim meet details to recruiting and making others feel welcome to the team. She also juggles leadership roles as a Person Centered Planning partner and serves on our Recognized Student Organization team. Thank you Riley for all the big and little things you do with us!

Yaharena is our September 2026 Volunteer of the Month. Yaharena commutes to campus, has a full load of classes, works other jobs, and STILL finds time for volunteering each week with UP! She encourages good health and wellness for our students and serves as a good role model for healthy eating and exercise! We appreciate Yaharena making time for UP each week despite all the other things you juggle! 💜🎉💛

10/01/2026

We are very excited to welcome Christian Zimmerman to the Whee as our WCU UP Program Coordinator. Whee are so glad you have joined our UP Team! Go Cats! 💜💛

09/30/2026

LAST WEBINAR STARTS IN 2 HOURS AT NOON TODAY! DON'T MISS IT!

The University Participant (UP) Program at Western Carolina University is partnering with our friends again with A Special Needs Plan to help prepare and plan for the future! Don't miss this amazing and FREE webinar series that will happen each Wednesday in September at 12 noon (EST). Be sure to mark your calendar and register now to join us. Please also help us share this far and wide with others that might need this information.

September 30th at 12 pm - Building the Support Team
https://asnplan.short.gy/093026

09/27/2026

09/25/2026

Today, we celebrate the power of community on this Feel Good Friday! 💛

A heartfelt thank you to our incredible students, families, and friends who braved the unexpected weather delays to make our concession stand at the last football game a resounding success. Your selfless dedication is the spark that ignites positive change in our WCU community and beyond. You are the change-makers, and we're honored to have you as part of our village! 🎉💜 Thank you for all your time and dedication.

Got some good news and updates to share? Comment or contact us anytime.

09/23/2026

FOURTH WEBINAR STARTS IN 2 HOURS AT NOON TODAY! DON'T MISS IT!

The University Participant (UP) Program at Western Carolina University is partnering with our friends again with A Special Needs Plan to help prepare and plan for the future! Don't miss this amazing and FREE webinar series that will happen each Wednesday in September at 12 noon (EST). Be sure to mark your calendar and register now to join us. Please also help us share this far and wide with others that might need this information.

September 23rd at 12 pm - Medicaid Waivers
https://asnplan.short.gy/092326

September 30th at 12 pm - Building the Support Team
https://asnplan.short.gy/093026

09/18/2026

It is Feel Good Friday again!

Today, we are celebrating our very own 'Nana Susan' in the UP office who helps us with all things employment and administrative (as well as being a momma to many of us daily) with the arrival of her new grandbaby.

Baby Easton was born at 6:51 pm on Tuesday, September 15th and she is still enjoying all the baby snuggles she can get.

Got some good news to share? Let us know in the comments or contact us. We would love to celebrate with you! 💜💛🎉

09/17/2026

Ready to make a difference as a residential suitemate? It is never too early to plan ahead to make memories while also making a BIG difference at the same time! We look forward to your questions and resumes coming our way.

09/17/2026

📣 Free Webinar: Building the Second Support Team

No matter your child's age, it's never too early to begin planning for the future. Join us for an informative webinar focused on helping families prepare for the years ahead.

You'll learn:
✅ How to choose your child's support team
✅ Who should be part of that team
✅ How to overcome common obstacles that can delay planning

🗓 Wednesday, September 30, 2026
🕛 12:00 PM ET

Presented by Ryan Platt, Founder & Planner

In partnership with the Western Carolina University Participant Program.

No matter the age of your child, this webinar offers valuable guidance for every family.

Reserve your spot today: https://asnplan.short.gy/093026