WGU Student Newsletter

Colorado Governor Bill Ritter, Jr. Joins
the WGU Board of Trustees

Governor Bill Ritter, Jr. has been elected to the Board of Trustees of Western Governors University. He replaces Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano who served from 2005-2007. Governor Ritter is committed to education reform, from preschool, to K-12 and into higher education. He is also working to integrate workforce needs and educational opportunities by bringing employers and educators to the same table to improve "real world" skills for graduates. "The objectives of Western Governors University fit the goals of my administration well," Ritter said. "Among my highest priorities is to double the number of postsecondary education degrees and certificates earned by our students. WGU will help us further that goal."

Your WGU Degree Can Take You Anywhere

Many WGU students and prospective students ask about acceptance of the WGU degree by employers and other higher education institutions. There is concern about their online degree. Well, that is a valid concern to have when choosing an online college and fortunately choosing WGU extinguishes the need for any further worry. Your alumni mentors have been communicating with WGU alumni for a few years now, and we can tell you the WGU degree is well received by both employers and other universities.

Early 2007, an outside vendor performed a WGU employer survey. The results highly support WGU degree programs and graduates. This case study consisted of 61 current WGU graduate employers. Ninety-five percent of these employers were satisfied with WGU graduates as employees, 90 percent rated WGU graduate’s preparation for the workforce as “good” or “excellent,” 88 percent said they would hire more WGU graduates if given the chance, and 69 percent rated WGU graduates as “excellent” employees.

WGU’s National Advisory Board is comprised of numerous top-ranking corporations, such as, AT&T, the Hospital Corporation of America, Microsoft, Sun Microsystems, and Zion's Bank to name a few. These organizations support WGU in various ways. Also, many WGU graduates and students work for top-ranking organizations such as AT&T, Cisco, John Deere, Hewlett Packard, and L3 Communications. Teachers College graduates fill the ranks of many school districts throughout the United States. If these highly respected entities believe in our graduates, then your degree already has well established support.

Not only are WGU grads making waves in the workforce; they are also being accepted to many different higher education programs. Some WGU students are interested in attending other universities with specialized degree programs not offered by WGU. They contact us asking if their degree will be accepted. Obviously, we cannot predict if an individual will be accepted, but we can tell you the WGU degree has been accepted at many other reputable universities. We have alumni who have been accepted to graduate programs at Bowling Green State University (Ohio), North Central University (Arizona), Portland State University, Capella University (Online), Keller Graduate School of Management (Illinois), Norwich University (Vermont), and many more. We recently received great news about law school. One of our graduates has been accepted to multiple top-ranking law schools such as Northeastern University (Boston) and Baylor University (Texas). Other graduates have indicated they've also received acceptance to similar institutions.

Here’s how it works. If you decide to apply to another university’s higher education program, and come across any type of resistance to your WGU degree, you might have to explain the competency-based education model. Your official transcript contains information that will assist with this. If you need further support, send them to WGU's website www.wgu.edu. There, they can read about our reputable accreditation status and degree programs. If you continue to need assistance, contact the Student Records department, and they will send a letter giving further explanation of the WGU degree.

WGU students and alumni are out there giving it their best and making the most of their education. They are working for law enforcement, fighting fires, developing high-tech software programs, leading companies, and teaching the next generation. A mark is being made on the world; you are shining. So whatever dreams you have, and whatever goals you’ve set, feel confident in your WGU degree and know it is a step to achieving those dreams and goals. Be proud of being a WGU student - the world wants you.

Refer a Friend and Shop at Amazon

Refer a friend to WGU and we’ll give you both a little “Thank You.” First, we’ll waive your friend’s application fee (a $65 value). Second, once they enroll and complete the Education Without Boundaries course, we’ll send you a $100 gift certificate to Amazon.com to spend on everything you enjoy. Share your WGU experience! We all know someone who talks about continuing their education. Take a moment and visit www.wgu.edu/refer to learn more about how you can give a gift to a friend – the gift of saving money on a quality education – and get a gift from us.

Mentor Spotlight

Angela Au has been involved with online education since 2000, starting out as a student while working as a administrative assistant, then later working as a project manager, curriculum coordinator, instructor, and finally, a mentor. Angela tells us, “People told me taking online education was crazy, but I found it very convenient and refreshing. I hated speaking in front of a large class, and with online courses, I was able to establish close relationships with my professors.”

While helping students gain business competence, Angela puts those business theories to use by helping friends with small businesses. "It’s important to talk the talk, and walk the walk," Angela says. "Small business owners don’t care what the characteristics of just-in-time are; instead, they want to know what they can do to improve productivity, decrease overhead costs, and stay competitive in this highly globalized corporate world. It’s tough to work when financial and human resources are limited." Angela’s father is an entrepreneur and this is a subject she is passionate about. “It’s amazing how brave, bright and hard working entrepreneurs are - building businesses from ground up. They face challenges and risks every day, and I learn so much from talking with them."

In her spare time, Angela enjoys the outdoors, which is unusual for a city girl from Hong Kong. She says, “I used to think that being outdoors and exploring nature was ‘dirty,’ but after spending time in beautiful places in Wisconsin, Seattle, and now Arizona, I love it.” She is currently looking for a canine hiking companion for her future adventures.

New WGU Merchandise

Show off your WGU pride with WGU apparel. Go to WGU’s new merchandise store at http://www.wgu.edu/merchandise. You will be able to purchase WGU hats, shirts, sweatshirts, outerwear, bumper stickers, and much more. Better yet, once we reach a certain sales volume , WGU’s partner Brown and Bigelow will donate a portion of the proceeds to the WGU Alumni Scholarship Fund, which is designed to assist those who may not be able to afford WGU’s already low tuition the ability to go to college. Your purchases can be made in a secure online environment and will be shipped directly to your home.


Volume 1, Issue 2 May 2008	Home \| News & Highlights \| FAQs Teachers \| Business \| IT \| Health \| Liberal Arts
In This Section Colorado Governor Bill Ritter, Jr. Joins the WGU Board of Trustees Your WGU Degree Can Take You Anywhere Refer a Friend and Shop at Amazon Mentor Spotlight New WGU Merchandise Calendar of Events July 18 Student/Mentor Mixer July 19 Graduation Write to the Editor Contribute an article to the editor for publication. CLICK HERE
	Colorado Governor Bill Ritter, Jr. Joins the WGU Board of Trustees Governor Bill Ritter, Jr. has been elected to the Board of Trustees of Western Governors University. He replaces Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano who served from 2005-2007. Governor Ritter is committed to education reform, from preschool, to K-12 and into higher education. He is also working to integrate workforce needs and educational opportunities by bringing employers and educators to the same table to improve "real world" skills for graduates. "The objectives of Western Governors University fit the goals of my administration well," Ritter said. "Among my highest priorities is to double the number of postsecondary education degrees and certificates earned by our students. WGU will help us further that goal." Your WGU Degree Can Take You Anywhere Many WGU students and prospective students ask about acceptance of the WGU degree by employers and other higher education institutions. There is concern about their online degree. Well, that is a valid concern to have when choosing an online college and fortunately choosing WGU extinguishes the need for any further worry. Your alumni mentors have been communicating with WGU alumni for a few years now, and we can tell you the WGU degree is well received by both employers and other universities. Early 2007, an outside vendor performed a WGU employer survey. The results highly support WGU degree programs and graduates. This case study consisted of 61 current WGU graduate employers. Ninety-five percent of these employers were satisfied with WGU graduates as employees, 90 percent rated WGU graduate’s preparation for the workforce as “good” or “excellent,” 88 percent said they would hire more WGU graduates if given the chance, and 69 percent rated WGU graduates as “excellent” employees. WGU’s National Advisory Board is comprised of numerous top-ranking corporations, such as, AT&T, the Hospital Corporation of America, Microsoft, Sun Microsystems, and Zion's Bank to name a few. These organizations support WGU in various ways. Also, many WGU graduates and students work for top-ranking organizations such as AT&T, Cisco, John Deere, Hewlett Packard, and L3 Communications. Teachers College graduates fill the ranks of many school districts throughout the United States. If these highly respected entities believe in our graduates, then your degree already has well established support. Not only are WGU grads making waves in the workforce; they are also being accepted to many different higher education programs. Some WGU students are interested in attending other universities with specialized degree programs not offered by WGU. They contact us asking if their degree will be accepted. Obviously, we cannot predict if an individual will be accepted, but we can tell you the WGU degree has been accepted at many other reputable universities. We have alumni who have been accepted to graduate programs at Bowling Green State University (Ohio), North Central University (Arizona), Portland State University, Capella University (Online), Keller Graduate School of Management (Illinois), Norwich University (Vermont), and many more. We recently received great news about law school. One of our graduates has been accepted to multiple top-ranking law schools such as Northeastern University (Boston) and Baylor University (Texas). Other graduates have indicated they've also received acceptance to similar institutions. Here’s how it works. If you decide to apply to another university’s higher education program, and come across any type of resistance to your WGU degree, you might have to explain the competency-based education model. Your official transcript contains information that will assist with this. If you need further support, send them to WGU's website www.wgu.edu. There, they can read about our reputable accreditation status and degree programs. If you continue to need assistance, contact the Student Records department, and they will send a letter giving further explanation of the WGU degree. WGU students and alumni are out there giving it their best and making the most of their education. They are working for law enforcement, fighting fires, developing high-tech software programs, leading companies, and teaching the next generation. A mark is being made on the world; you are shining. So whatever dreams you have, and whatever goals you’ve set, feel confident in your WGU degree and know it is a step to achieving those dreams and goals. Be proud of being a WGU student - the world wants you. Refer a Friend and Shop at Amazon Refer a friend to WGU and we’ll give you both a little “Thank You.” First, we’ll waive your friend’s application fee (a $65 value). Second, once they enroll and complete the Education Without Boundaries course, we’ll send you a $100 gift certificate to Amazon.com to spend on everything you enjoy. Share your WGU experience! We all know someone who talks about continuing their education. Take a moment and visit www.wgu.edu/refer to learn more about how you can give a gift to a friend – the gift of saving money on a quality education – and get a gift from us. Mentor Spotlight Angela Au has been involved with online education since 2000, starting out as a student while working as a administrative assistant, then later working as a project manager, curriculum coordinator, instructor, and finally, a mentor. Angela tells us, “People told me taking online education was crazy, but I found it very convenient and refreshing. I hated speaking in front of a large class, and with online courses, I was able to establish close relationships with my professors.” While helping students gain business competence, Angela puts those business theories to use by helping friends with small businesses. "It’s important to talk the talk, and walk the walk," Angela says. "Small business owners don’t care what the characteristics of just-in-time are; instead, they want to know what they can do to improve productivity, decrease overhead costs, and stay competitive in this highly globalized corporate world. It’s tough to work when financial and human resources are limited." Angela’s father is an entrepreneur and this is a subject she is passionate about. “It’s amazing how brave, bright and hard working entrepreneurs are - building businesses from ground up. They face challenges and risks every day, and I learn so much from talking with them." In her spare time, Angela enjoys the outdoors, which is unusual for a city girl from Hong Kong. She says, “I used to think that being outdoors and exploring nature was ‘dirty,’ but after spending time in beautiful places in Wisconsin, Seattle, and now Arizona, I love it.” She is currently looking for a canine hiking companion for her future adventures. New WGU Merchandise Show off your WGU pride with WGU apparel. Go to WGU’s new merchandise store at http://www.wgu.edu/merchandise. You will be able to purchase WGU hats, shirts, sweatshirts, outerwear, bumper stickers, and much more. Better yet, once we reach a certain sales volume , WGU’s partner Brown and Bigelow will donate a portion of the proceeds to the WGU Alumni Scholarship Fund, which is designed to assist those who may not be able to afford WGU’s already low tuition the ability to go to college. Your purchases can be made in a secure online environment and will be shipped directly to your home.