Julia's Learning - Wingate University Julia's Learning is a living, learning, exploring, and working program which enables persons with intellectual or developmental disabilities to have a Wingate University college experience, leading to independence, autonomy, self-worth and meaningful lifelong employment. Julia's Learning students work toward earning a two-year certificate and will take part in inclusive classes, live on campus and participate in the full sweep of student life, in other words, they'll be Bulldogs Living On campus, building independence and autonomy with the support of staff and students. Learning In inclusive classes, working toward a certificate of completion. Exploring Experiencing college life and all the clubs, events and festivities that brings. Working Meaningful, lifelong skills to be self-supporting and contributing. Mission: Julia’s learning at Wingate University strives to achieve inclusion and integration, diversity and equity, and student created tools and strategies. Julia’s learning helps students with intellectual disabilities achieve a post secondary education and prepares them for the workforce Request Information Fall 2026 Applications are closed, check back in OCtober Support Julia's Learning Nico Miller Nicholas, a 24-year-old from Tega Cay, S.C., is the latest addition to Julia’s Learning. about Nico Miller Reghan Clark She says that enrolling in the program was a huge decision, because she wouldn’t be at home as often. about Reghan Clark Eli Bowser He says that he really likes the college experience and has made a lot of friends. about Eli Bowser Savannah Gill Before joining the program and living on campus, Savannah lived in Charlotte, N.C., with her family. about Savannah Gill What do I do when I go off campus? How do I view my meal plan? Can friends or family come visit? What if I need help during the day? What do I do if there is an emergency? What if I feel nervous or scared? What do I do if I feel sick? What can the ID card be used for? What do I do if I get locked out of our dorm? Do I have a curfew? What do I do with my trash? How do I travel off campus? Where should I eat? How do I get my course materials? When going off campus it is best if a peer mentor or a volunteer is with you. Please make sure to contact Dr. Keel where you are going and who you are going with. Dr. Keel contact information: Email: m.keel@wingate.edu Phone: (704) 233-8079 You can view your meal plan by using MyGate and selecting PawPortal . It handles all of your housing and meal plan needs! Yes! Keep in mind quiet hours are from 11 p.m. - 8 a.m. You will have access to one of the workers/volunteers via cell phone. If you need help you can easily reach out to them! Call Campus Safety using at (704) 233-8999. You can also call 911 in an emergency. If you feel nervous or scared, please text/call/meet with a volunteer or student worker. If it is after 5 p.m., contact the resident mentor and they will be able to help! Resident Mentor Number: (704) 470-3202 If you are feeling sick, plan a visit to the Health Center . Information on the health center is available through MyGate Health Center Phone Number: (704) 233-8102 Regular hours are: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome, however you are encouraged to make an appointment ! Walk-ins are taken on a first come first serve basis. In the case of an emergency, call 911! What can the ID card be used for?  Your ID card at Wingate is essential. It is used for: Printing : Your ID card has your printing money already loaded onto it for the semester. You need this when printing at any one of the printers on campus. Library : You use your ID card in the library to check out books and to check out any other varying materials. Dining Hall : You use it in the dining hall for a meal swipe or at the restaurants on campus for a meal exchange. If it is during a weekend: Students will call the RA on duty for their specific dorm. If it is Monday - Friday: During the week from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. students call the housing office and speak to the housing assistant on duty. Important, each lockout is $25 The resident mentor and Julia’s learning support staff will be there to assist but ultimately we encourage those to make those decisions on their own. Please take trash to the dumpster closest to your residence hall. You are responsible for cleaning/maintaining your room whether it be taking out the trash, laundry, etc. Each week during your weekly meeting with your peer mentor you will discuss your schedule for the next week. If you plan to go off campus you will include that in your schedule along with who you are going off campus with. If an opportunity to travel off campus occurs that is not on your schedule you will need to let Dr. Keel, your peer mentor, or resident mentor know. Dr. Keel contact information: Email: m.keel@wingate.edu Phone: (704) 233-8079 Y0u have a lot of dining options at Wingate! Use the button below to explore their website and see your options and what times each venue is open. Dining Options Below are the normal operating hours of dining options. Please check their website for holiday hours: Dining Hall Monday - Friday: 7 a.m. - 8 p.m. Saturday & Sunday: 10:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. and 4 - 8 p.m. Wild Blue Monday - Friday: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Saturday & Sunday: CLOSED Chic-Fil-A Monday - Friday: 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. Saturday: 4 - 9 p.m. Sunday: CLOSED Einstein's Bagel Bros Monday - Friday: 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Saturday & Sunday: CLOSED Freshens Monday - Friday: 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. Saturday & Sunday: CLOSED Market @ The Klondike Monday - Friday: 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. Saturday & Sunday: 4 - 10 p.m. Starbucks Monday - Friday: 7 a.m. - 9 p.m. Saturday & Sunday: 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. Wingate's online bookstore will have your textbooks and there is a campus store located in the Crowder Welcome Center where you can get supplies. There is also a Walmart and Target store in Monroe for any college essentials! What is the eligibility criteria? What are students doing their first semester? How long do student participate in Julia's Learning? What do they earn upon completion? What sort of employment opportunities are there? Are there scholarships available? Have to be able to be independent for at least four hours Demonstrates adequate communication skills Demonstrates socially acceptable behavior Is at least 18 years of age Ability to manage their own medication Is motivated to participate in the program and is interested in living and working independently after program completion Has strong family support Students in their first semester are completing two general education courses and two life skill courses, as well as exploring on campus employment. Julia's Learning is a two-year program. Students receive a Career and Community Studies certificate at the completion of their program. Students can get an on-campus job at numerous locations: Dining Hall Batte Performing Arts Center Sports teams Library PawPost McGee center Based on the student's future career path they may be eligible for an off-campus job. There are scholarships specific to the disability a student may have: Autism Autism Can Do Scholarship Making a difference Autism Scholarship Organization for Autism Research Synchrony Scholarship for Autistic Students of Color Down Syndrome: National Down Syndrome Society O’Neill/ Tabani Enrichment Fund Ruby’s Rainbow United Parent Support for Down Syndrome Scholarship Varghese Summersett Down Syndrome Scholarship Steps to Apply Applications for Fall 2026 are now open. Please follow the steps below to complete your application. Applications are due Friday, December 19, 2025 by 11:59 p.m. Step 1: Complete the Non-Degree Seeking Application on the Julia’s Learning website. A member of our team will then send you the link to complete the supplemental application. Step 2: Complete the Supplemental Application and submit by December 19, 2025 by 11:59 pm. Step 3: Those selected as potential candidates will be contacted in January with further details and next steps. Step 4: The interview process will begin in March. Julia's Learning is an inclusive and immersive college experience that will prepare students to live self-determined and independent lives. Dr. Melanie Keel Questions? Dr. Melanie Keel Founding Director of Julia's Learning Email: m.keel@wingate.edu