UNT EPIC Logo

What is EPIC?

EPIC stands for Empowering Personal Interactions in the Community, and we aim to support neurotypical and neurodivergent young adults, 18 and up, in social, philanthropic, and learning opportunities through community-based events.

Social events consist of community outings for game nights, movie nights, sharing meals at restaurants or to take advantage of various community events in Denton and surrounding towns.

Philanthropic events are planned in accordance with community need and current participant interest.

Learning events include a teaching and application portion focused on general skills such as stress management, nutrition, or goal setting.

Who will enjoy EPIC events?

  • individuals who are 18 or older
  • those who have the desire to be with peers in a social setting
  • those with functional communication to socialize with their peers
  • individuals who require minimal assistance with activities of daily living
  • those who can self-regulate or recognize and communicate sensory or emotional dysregulation

EPIC Social Media

You can find UNT EPIC on our Instagram page - @unt_epic

You can also reach out to us via email - untepic@unt.edu

Through these, you can find more information about our events and what they look like!

People

Program Coordinator- Lauren Mathews, M.S., CCC-SLP
Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology, and has been at UNT since 2005. She teaches graduate and undergraduate classes in speech-language pathology and supervises students in the UNT Speech and Hearing Center. She has supported neurodivergent students at UNT since 2016 as advisor to the student organization, Tuesday Night Flights, co-founded UNT ENGAGE (Embracing Neurodivergent Groups in Academics and Gainful Employment), implemented Eagle Chat (student peer support group), and is the program coordinator of UNT EPIC (Empowering Personal Interactions in the Community).
 
Graduate Student Assistant - Bethany Shaffer, B.S.
Graduate Student Assistant - Makayla Kubasiak, B.S. 
Graduate Services Assistants for EPIC (Empowering Personal Interaction in the Community) and graduate students in the Speech Language Program within the Department of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology

 

Summer 2026 Events List

  • Online Jeopardy on 05/14 - We will be playing fun jeopardy games together over zoom! click here to sign up
  • Sculpture Walk on 05/20 - Join us as we walk around the Texas Sculpture Walk in Frisco and dinner after! Transportation is provided with sign up! click here to sign up
  • Dive In Movie on 06/12 - We will be watching the Spongebob Movie together at Denton Water Works! click here to sign up
  • Online Summer Movie on 06/24 - Join us in watching a fun summer movie together over zoom! click here to sign up
  • Free Play on 07/08 - We will be going to Free Play at the Denton Square to enjoy a fun game night! click here to sign up
  • Online Music Bingo on 07/22 - Join us as we play music bingo together over zoom! click here to sign up

 

Fall 2026 Events List

  • d20 Tavern on 08/26 - Join us at our first welcome back event of the fall semester as we play a variety of games together! click here to sign up

... more events coming soon ...