Wednesday, November 17, 2010

WGU Now Provides Unofficial Transcripts & Report Cards

Unofficial Transcripts and Grade Reports
 
We are pleased to announce that unofficial transcripts and grade reports are now available to students. The student portal has been updated to include links on the 'resources' tab that will allow students to view and print an unofficial copy of their transcript, as well as a 'report card' of their prior term¿s academic history. We believe this self-service to students will increase awareness of academic progress as represented on a transcript and further facilitate discussions regarding pacing, RCD's and SAP. Additionally, we believe unofficial transcripts and prior term grade reports will enable students to satisfy the requirements of Employer Tuition Reimbursement Programs, insurance rate reductions, loan deferments, etc. We encourage students to review their unofficial transcripts and report any errors to the Records department.

Please note that, in addition to "Pass" and "Not Passed," students may also see grades of "Withdrawn" and "Incomplete" on both their unofficial transcript and prior term grade report. A grade of "Incomplete" is temporary and not a permanent grade and is resolved upon completion of the Manual Recheck period.

Official transcripts can be purchased from the National Student Clearinghouse

Monday, November 15, 2010

WGU Partners with WellConnect Counceling Services

WELLCONNECT is a free, voluntary and confidential service provided through Western Governors University, that offers counseling and additional support services to WGU students or WGU faculty, and their immediate family members.
WGU Students are eligible for up to four (4) sessions of short term counseling per year/per issue with a licensed professional.

Examples of reasons a student might call are:
  • Academic Stress
  • Family and Relationship Issues
  • Anxiety/ Depression
  • Difficulty Focusing or Concentrating
  • Stress/Anger Management
  • Substance Abuse
  • Drinking or Drug Use
  • Domestic Violence
  • Money Matters
and more…
To ensure that students can easily access these services, we connect students with professionals located in close proximity to the school or students’ home.


If you are curious about these services you can ask your mentor, visit www.wgu.edu/wellconnect , or call 1-877--685--3269 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week) for confidential counseling services.

Winter Commencement / Graduation Ceremony Update

Winter Ceremony Deadlines

Please remember that term "graduation" and the graduation application processes are different from the commencement ceremony. Avoid using the term "graduation" in speaking about the commencement ceremony, which will confuse the graduates (ex: graduates will apply for graduation, thinking this process is securing their attendance for the commencement ceremony). Instead, the appropriate term is the "WGU Winter Commencement Ceremony" -- a formal ceremony program that celebrates the academic achievement of graduates, which includes a processional, speakers, conferral of degrees and processional.

Monday, December 13, 2010 - Student Speaker Application Deadline
WGU is accepting student speaker applications for the 2011 WGU Winter Commencement Ceremony. WGU graduates who wish to be considered for a student commencement speaker role need to fill out an application, prepare a draft speech/outline, and obtain a letter of recommendation from a WGU mentor. The application is available for download at http://www.wgu.edu/commencement. Please note graduates, who are selected for student speaker roles, will receive travel and hotel accommodations (airfare and 2 hotel nights).

Friday, January 7, 2011 - Winter Commencement Program Deadline
Students who have completed all their program requirements must apply for graduation by January 7, 2011 to be included in the winter commencement program. Due to printing timetables, students who do not apply or receive a graduation confirmation by January 7, 2011 will not be included in the winter commencement program, but in the next program.

Thursday, November 4, 2010

WGU Indiana Just Graduated Their First Class

WGU Indiana came on line just this year and just graduated their first class.  Check out this video of Governor Mitch Daniels at WGU Indiana Graduation Ceremony.

Employment Opportunities for WGU Students

I was contacted this morning by a IT recruiter who was trying to place one of my IT students in a IT position.  The student used me as a reference and like most of my students I was more than happy to vouch for his professionalism and ability.

The particular position was for and entry level job and that is just what so many WGU IT students need right now, a foot in the door.  They have the certs, they are soon to have the degree and just need that first opportunity in the IT field.

The recruiter said they had tons of entry level positions that they are trying to fill, so if you are a WGU student and in the market for your first IT job, try Robert Half  Technology.  If you're looking specifically in Utah, send your IT resume to Kerstin Moore or contact her on LinkedIn. They have jobs at all experience levels that they are trying to fill.  Why not fill them with WGU students?

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Extended Hours for Student Services at WGU

Having trouble getting help at WGU on your schedule?

Student Services Has Now Extended Hours

Great news! The Student Services office goes live with extended office hours on Monday. As of October 4th, 2010 Student Services Associates will be available from 6 am to midnight MT on weekdays and 10 am - 7 pm MT on Saturday and Sunday. We've teamed up with several other service departments to provide students with extended hours to get help with many different administrative issues. Expired TaskStream account? Can't locate your authorization code for an objective assessment? No problem, we can help! Call (866) 903-0110 or email studentservices@wgu.edu.

All the services you mentor normally provides for you, other than the all important accountability coaching and personal attention and cheerleeding, but during the hours your mentor is away from their phone.