WCU UP Program Coordinator

Position: WCU UP Program Coordinator - #182778
Location: Cullowhee

Posting Number SHRA
1682P Quick Link for Internal Postings (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). Classification Title University Program Specialist Competency Level Advanced Working Title WCU UP Program Coordinator - #182778 Department School of Teaching and Learning About WCU

Western Carolina University continues to rank high on Forbes 'Best Employers' lists each year. Including:

* 2025 - Ranked 1st in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes 'America's Best Employers by State' list.

* 2024 - Ranking in the top 8.5% on Forbes 'America's Best Midsize Employers' list, WCU was ranked 34 out of the top 400 employers across all industries.

* 2023 - Ranked in the top 20% on Forbes 'America's Best Midsize Employers' list, WCU was ranked 97 out of the top 500 employers across all industries.

* 2022 - Ranked 14th in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes 'America's Best Employers by State' list.

Western Carolina University is the UNC system's westernmost campus and has been consistently ranked as one of the top 15 public regional institutions in the South.

Employees of WCU are provided a comprehensive benefits package as well as other resources, policies and programs to ensure a happy and healthy work/life balance. Benefit eligible employees have access to dental, vision and health insurance plans - eligibility begins on the first of the month following date of hire. Retirement plan contributions begin on the eligibility date following election and include employer contributions for either a defined contribution or a defined benefit plan.

Optional disability plans are also available.

Eligible employees have access to tuition waivers for up to three courses per academic year; employee may enroll at any of the constituent UNC System campuses. Also offered are free group exercise classes multiple times per week, a discounted membership to the campus recreation center, free vaccine and booster shots offered on campus, pretax flexible spending accounts, 12 paid holidays and 24 hours of paid community service leave each year.

Leave earning employees (staff and 12-month faculty) who work at least half of the working days of their first month of employment will begin accruing vacation and sick leave immediately. Paid parental leave after 12 months of continuous service.

WCU offers an abundance of training and development programs, certifications, workshops and conferences - many of which are offered free of charge.

Position Summary

The primary location of this position is on-site in Cullowhee, NC. This position is designated as being subject to the State of North Carolina Human Resources Act (SHRA).

The University Participant (UP) Program Coordinator provides day-to-day coordination and operational support for the UP Program, a postsecondary education program serving students with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. This position helps ensure that program activities, student supports, schedules, outreach efforts, and related services are planned and delivered effectively in support of student success.

The coordinator works closely with students, families, faculty, campus partners, undergraduate student supports, community organizations, and state agencies to promote an inclusive and well-coordinated program experience. The position also supports student progress monitoring, scheduling, program records, application review, staff training, outreach, reporting, emergency response coordination, and other activities necessary to maintain effective program operations.

About the University Participant (UP) Program:

The University Participant (UP) Program provides an inclusive, two-year, on-campus living and learning experience for young adults with intellectual disability. The program supports students as they transition from high school to adult life by developing skills in education, employment, independent living, and campus and community participation.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities Required for this Position

* Knowledge of the characteristics, support needs, and transition considerations of adolescents and young adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities, including familiarity with inclusive postsecondary education and student success practices.

* Ability to coordinate and effectively delegate/support program activities, student schedules, application processes, records, outreach efforts, and related services with strong attention to organization, confidentiality, planning, and follow-through.

* Ability to communicate effectively and build productive working relationships with students, families, faculty, campus partners, undergraduate student supports, community organizations, schools, and state or adult service agencies.

* Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team-based environment with good interpersonal skills to guide, train, schedule, and provide feedback to undergraduate student supports, adapt to changing program needs, and provide rotating emergency on-call coverage,…