ABOUT WGU
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
A university created to expand access for all.
Since our inception, WGU has been focused on advancing equity by increasing access to higher education. We know that education is one of the surest pathways a better life—by expanding access to learning and the opportunities it affords, we advance equity for all.
Our goal is to foster a diverse, inclusive environment where students, faculty, and staff can be their best selves as they learn and grow. WGU is committed to promoting inclusion, respect and acceptance for differences, equal opportunity, and diversity in all of our operations and endeavors.
WGU has an active and growing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) Program, which is focused on advancing equity among all of our stakeholders—students, employees, and alumni. Our DE&I initiatives are aimed at building communities that value each individual and encourage open, respectful conversations.
"We are committed to promoting inclusion, respect for differences, equal opportunity, and diversity in our institution. We believe in the power of education and the value of expanding access and opportunity to all individuals."
-Jason Thompson, WGU's Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Meet Jason Thompson.
Jason Thompson is WGU's Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Jason has more than 20 years of experience specializing in diversity, equity and inclusion, community outreach, strategic planning, and more. Jason earned his bachelor's and master's degree in sociology from the University of Wyoming, and has worked at large global organizations leading diversity and equity, including Techstars, INTERGIS, and the United States Olympic Committee. Jason brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to WGU and is focused on helping the university in develop and accomplish diversity and equity initiatives and goals.
News and Announcements
Women's History Month
This March, WGU joins the nation in commemorating Women’s History Month by celebrating and recognizing those early evangelists, visionaries, and activists who had the courage and fierce determination to champion the right to vote for all. We pay homage to Susan B. Anthony, Lucy Stone, Frances E.W. Harper, Sojourner Truth, Ida B. Wells, Alice Paul, and all of the many suffragists who worked in every state to ratify the 19th Amendment.
As we recognize Women’s History Month, it is a fitting time to reiterate our commitment to serving the female learners working to create better lives for themselves and their families. Approximately 85,000, or 65%, of our 130,000 WGU students identify as women, and nearly 34,000 of them are first-generation college students. The pandemic has disproportionally impacted women, who, due to existing gender inequalities, are 1.8x more vulnerable to job loss and the burden of unpaid care. We have seen and felt this strain among our students. We are humbled by their perseverance and are grateful for their determination and resilience.
At WGU, we strive to advance equity and create pathways to opportunity for our students as we work to become the world’s most inclusive university. We stand in gratitude for those brave women who struggled and persevered to champion women’s rights and build a more equitable society, and for the continued, remarkable efforts of countless women everywhere to change lives for the better.
Scott Pulsipher, President
DE&I Beliefs
DE&I Promise
DE&I Goals
WGU's nondiscrimination policies.
WGU Equal Opportunity, Harassment, and Nondiscrimination Policy.
Western Governors University (WGU, or “the university”) is committed to providing a workplace and educational environment, as well as other benefits, programs, and activities, that are free from discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. To ensure compliance with federal and state civil rights laws and regulations, and to affirm its commitment to promoting the goals of fairness and equity in all aspects of the educational program or activity, WGU has developed internal policies and procedures that provide a prompt, fair, and impartial process for those involved in an allegation of discrimination or harassment on the basis of protected class status, and for allegations of retaliation. WGU values and upholds the equal dignity of all members of its community and strives to balance the rights of the parties in the grievance process during what is often a difficult time for all those involved.
Consistent with state and federal law, reasonable accommodation will be provided to persons with disabilities.
It is important that members of the University community understand that the law does not just prohibit discrimination and harassment of employees by employers. The law also prohibits discrimination and harassment between members of the University community more generally: for example, between faculty or staff and a student, between two students, or between a student and an applicant or visitor/guest. The policy applies in all University programs and activities, including, but not limited to, discrimination in instruction, grading, and university employment. In addition, the law prohibits retaliation against an individual for opposing any practices forbidden under this policy, for bringing a complaint of discrimination or harassment, for assisting someone with such a complaint, for attempting to stop such discrimination or harassment, or for participating in any manner in an investigation or resolution of a complaint of discrimination or harassment. It is central to WGU values that any individual who believes they may have been the target of unlawful discrimination or harassment feel free to report their concerns for appropriate investigation and response, without fear of retaliation or retribution.
All complaints or any concerns about conduct that may violate this policy and retaliation should be filed with the WGU Title IX Coordinator utilizing the Speak Up WGUTM reporting system.
Upon receiving a complaint, the Title IX Coordinator will follow the grievance processes described in the Equal Opportunity, Harassment, and Nondiscrimination Policy and Grievance Processes.
