Frequently asked questions Find answers to all your alumni questions.

As a WGU graduate you are automatically a part of the WGU Alumni Community. There's no need to register or create a login. This website provides you with everything you need to know as a WGU grad. Here you will find:

• Alumni-exclusive perks
• Continuing education learning resources
• Ways to network, stay involved, and share your story
• Alumni news and events
• Every detail for WGU Commencement Weekend

Update your alumni information to stay up-to-date on the latest alumni resources and commencement information. 

First - Congrats!
Second - Find more information about registration, date/time, and day-of details on the WGU Commencement page.
You can also call the WGU Alumni Relations team and ask for Commencement Weekend information. Call 385-428-2085 option 1.

Please take two minutes and update your WGU alumni file to make sure we have your up-to-date contact and employment information. 

We use this information to brag about how successful grads like you are in their careers, which in turn, improves the reputation of WGU and ultimately the value of your degree. Plus, when we have your correct contact information, we can be sure you're receiving announcements about the latest and greatest alumni-exclusive perks!

Click here to update your information. 

Visit the Shop WGU Merchandise page. Click here. 

Unlike your student experience, there is not an "alumni portal." You will find everything you need on this WGU Alumni website, in the WGU Knowledge Center/Student Handbook, or in your old Student Portal. The Student Portal will change a bit after graduation, but you'll still have access to important documentation in it.

Be sure to keep your student login credentials to access this information!

WGU has recently made Course Descriptions and Course of Studies available for download. Please visit this website to download course information.

WGU publishes an institutional catalog with information about our university, including program and course information. Please visit this website to download the catalog.

If there is a course description that you cannot find on the site, please email records@wgu.edu.

Most school districts no longer require university placement files and have an online application process in place that allows applicants to upload their own files. However, WGU offers placement file services to students and graduates from the Teachers College if a school district specifically requests a placement file be sent directly from the applicant’s university. For more information on this service, please contact the WGU Records Department at records@wgu.edu.

Find more details in the WGU Student Handbook. Click here:

Officially, you should read this. For your curiosity, we share a list of secondary universities who we know have accepted WGU grads.

Note: WGU graduates have self-reported being accepted to this list of universities for their continued education. Share yours if it's not represented!

We think that reading an explanation on competency-based learning and the grading system might help. Download an official Grading Explanation Letter here. 

That’s great! Returning grads enjoy VIP benefits: elite applicant status, exclusive scholarship opportunities, and much more.

Click here to learn more about the process and schedule an appointment to talk with an enrollment counselor.

Graduates will not have access to the coursework after they have completed a program. Please contact assessmentservices@wgu.edu for a review of individual situations where there is an urgent need for access to prior student work at WGU. For additional information, please read this article found in the WGU Student Handbook. Click here.

Graduates who created their e-portfolio with Microsoft OneNote will have ongoing cloud-based access to their portfolio after graduation. For additional information and steps to access your Microsoft OneNote e-portfolio, please read this article found in the WGU Student Handbook. Click here.

The email account that was provided to you as a WGU student is yours to keep and does not expire. If you cannot access it, please contact the IT Service Desk by calling 877-435-7948.

Please contact WGU's Service Desk by calling 877-435-7948.

Please contact WGU's Records Department by emailing records@wgu.edu or calling 877-435-7948 Ext. 3119. Per the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), graduates must verify personal identity information before we can release their Student ID number.

Be ready to provide your name, mailing address, phone number, the program you graduated in, and your graduation year.  

Your 1098-T form, if available, is found in your student portal on or before January 31st of the following year. You can access the form by following the steps below:

• Log into my.wgu.edu
• Select the Student Support tab from the top
• Select the Financial Services tab form the left
• Locate the Financial Toolbox on the lower right-hand side of the page
• Select the link labeled Obtain Tax Forms (1098-T)
• A new page will open, 1098-T forms are located at the bottom of the column on the right.

You may also contact the WGU Bursar Office at 1-877-435-7948 extension 3105 if you have any questions.

For help in accessing your Student Portal, use WGU IT Service Desk at 877-435-7948.

WGU diplomas are mailed to the graduate within 10-15 business days (pending any financial hold on the student account), to the address indicated on the graduation application. If you have not received your diploma within this time period, please contact the Graduation Clearance team in the Student Records Office. 

To order a duplicate diploma using a credit or debit card, or a web check, please visit your WGU Student Portal.

1. Visit the Scrip-Safe website to order duplicate diplomas. You do not have to create an account with Scrip-Safe to make a purchase. 
2. Select the item(s) you wish to purchase. 
3. In the Diploma Order Required Information popup, fill out all fields. 
4. Click Submit Required Information. 
5. Select Add More Items then repeat steps 5-7 for any additional items you wish to purchase (skip this step if there are no additional items). 
6. Review order details in cart to ensure correct diploma name, program, and quantity for all items. 
7. Click Checkout. 
8. Enter email address, billing, and shipping addresses. (If you wish to ship multiple copies to multiple addresses, you must submit separate orders for each shipping address) 
9. Click Next. 
10. On the Order Summary screen, review your order for accuracy. When satisfied, click Checkout 
11. Enter payment information then select Pay. 
12. You will be taken to an order confirmation screen. You should also receive email confirmation of your order from Scrip-Safe within an hour of purchase

Click here to read more about diplomas. Use your WGU credentials to login. 

You can email records@wgu.edu requesting to change your name. You will be asked for proof of your name change so that it can be officially changed on your record and then it will reflect on your diploma. If you have already received your diploma and wish to change your name on it, you will go through the same process but you may need to purchase a new diploma which is $10.

Diploma covers are distributed at no charge to graduates who participate in a commencement ceremony. If you cannot attend a commencement ceremony, they are available at the WGU Online Store.

WGU is partnering with Scrip-Safe, our diploma vendor, to offer 11” x 14” diplomas available for purchase after graduation. For more information and a link to the ordering site, please refer to the Graduation Application and Diploma Ordering student handbook article. 

Please visit WGU's Official Transcript Request page here. Use your WGU credentials to login. This page covers details on how to order, order fulfillment, checking order status, and much more. 

The Academic Transcript is a comprehensive statement of attempted and verified learning designed to illustrate and communicate how the student has met program competencies and corresponding learning outcomes. The transcript reflects the student’s permanent academic record, comprised of all courses set into registration, competency units received, certifications/credentials earned, honors/awards received, and degrees conferred. The Academic Transcript is typically required by and for other institutions of higher education.

Please visit WGU's Official Transcript Request page here. Use your WGU credentials to login. This page covers details on how to order, order fulfillment, checking order status, and much more.

The Record of Achievement Transcript is a comprehensive statement of verified learning designed to illustrate and communicate how the student has met program competencies and corresponding learning outcomes. The Record of Achievement transcript is comprised of all completed coursework, certifications/credentials earned, honors/awards received, and degrees conferred. The Record of Achievement transcript may be used for employers, licensing bodies, and other interested parties.

You can access and download your unofficial WGU transcript from within the WGU Student Portal. Once logged in, proceed to the “Student Support” tab. There you will be able to "Download an Unofficial Transcript." Find more transcript information here. Use your WGU credentials to login. 

The Academic Transcript is a comprehensive statement of attempted and verified learning designed to illustrate and communicate how the student has met program competencies and corresponding learning outcomes. The transcript reflects the student’s permanent academic record, comprised of all courses set into registration, competency units received, certifications/credentials earned, honors/awards received, and degrees conferred. The Academic Transcript is typically required by and for other institutions of higher education.

You can access and download your unofficial WGU transcript from within the WGU Student Portal. Once logged in, proceed to the “Student Support” tab. There you will be able to "Download an Unofficial Transcript." Find more transcript information here. Use your WGU credentials to login. 

The Record of Achievement Transcript is a comprehensive statement of verified learning designed to illustrate and communicate how the student has met program competencies and corresponding learning outcomes. The Record of Achievement transcript is comprised of all completed coursework, certifications/credentials earned, honors/awards received, and degrees conferred. The Record of Achievement transcript may be used for employers, licensing bodies, and other interested parties.

Copies of your WGU transcripts may be ordered using the National Student Clearinghouse (NSC). Students can order transcripts from the National Student Clearinghouse by visiting the Transcript Ordering Center and searching for Western Governors University. Click here.

We also encourage you to read these details on how to track your order.

Students enrolled in a WGU credential or degree program who need their enrollment verified for insurance or other non financial aid purposes may request an enrollment verification via the National Student Clearinghouse as a Proof of Enrollment certificate. 

Follow these steps to download your Proof-of-Enrollment certificate:

• Login to your student portal https://my.wgu.edu
• Click the "Student Support" tab
• Click the "Student Services" option on the drop-down
• The "Student Services – Records" page will appear
• Click "Request a Proof-of-Enrollment Letter"
• The Student Self-Service Site" will appear
• Click "Obtain an enrollment certificate"
• Your Proof-of-Enrollment certificate will appear as a secured PDF document. You can download this document, then print or email the document.

WGU alumni maintain access to their WGU email accounts even after graduating. To access your email account, login to your WGU Student Portal, and click on the “Mail” icon. If you are unable to login to the WGU Student Portal, you can reset your password by going to https://my.wgu.edu and clicking on the "Reset Password" link. For additional help in accessing the WGU Student Portal, please contact the WGU IT Service Desk at 877.435.7948.

WGU Alumni Relations sends all email communication to the graduating students’/graduates’ personal email addresses. This includes communication about WGU Commencement Weekends. 
 
A personal email address is what a graduate or graduating student lists as the primary email address on the graduation application and/or when updating their graduate information. The graduate may list a personal email address or a WGU email address as the primary email address. A primary email is determined by the graduate. The email address entered by the graduate will be referred to the “personal” email address. 

If you would like to update the email address listed on your grad profile, please click here. 

Please take two minutes and update your WGU alumni file to make sure we have your up-to-date contact and employment information. 

We use this information to brag about how successful grads like you are in their careers, which in turn, improves the reputation of WGU and ultimately the value of your degree. Plus, when we have your correct contact information, we can be sure you're receiving announcements about the latest and greatest alumni-exclusive perks!

Click here to update your information. 

In order to participate in a commencement ceremony, a student must complete all degree program requirements before the scheduled ceremony.
Students who are enrolled in the final course(s) of their degree program may send an exception request to records@wgu.edu entitled, “Commencement Ceremony Participation Request” to walk early in a commencement ceremony. The Records Department will determine if the student is qualified to participate in a commencement ceremony prior to actual degree completion.

If the student is enrolled in the final courses of their degree program, the exception request will be approved.

If an exception request is approved, the student must also RSVP for the commencement ceremony.

Please review the commencement participation guidelines located in the student handbook, which outlines the eligibility for commencements. 

To RSVP to attend WGU Commencement Weekend, you must have submitted either:

1. Your graduation application

or

2. Received an approved Commencement Participation Exception from the WGU Records Office.

If you don’t currently meet this requirement, wait to RSVP until the requirement is met.

Review the Commencement Ceremony Participation guidelines.

If you have any questions, please contact via email at commencement@wgu.edu or by phone, 385.428.2085..

After a graduate submits the ceremony RSVP form, a confirmation email is sent to the email address listed on the completed RSVP form. Please check your junk box. If you do not see a confirmation email for your ceremony RSVP. Please contact us at commencement@wgu.edu with additional questions. 

Yes. There is not a time limit on when a graduate may walk in a commencement. However, graduates may only participate in one commencement ceremony per degree program completed.

https://www.wgu.edu/alumni/commencement.html

No, but you may watch the commencement ceremony for free on the WGU YouTube channel.

In order to participate in a commencement ceremony, you must RSVP as soon as possible and prior to the designated deadline.

For deadline information and to RSVP for the commencement ceremony of your choice, use one of the following links: 

• Click here to RSVP for Virtual Commencement
• Click here to RSVP for In-person Commencement

For bachelor’s degree, post-baccalaureate teacher programs, or endorsement preparation program (English Language Learning), you should order: cap, bachelor's gown, and tassel. For those earning a master's degree or endorsement preparation program (Educational Leadership), you should order: cap, master's gown, tassel, and a master's hood.

Oak Hall Cap and Gown is the official regalia vendor (caps, gowns, and hoods) for WGU. The official regalia color for graduates is navy. 

Visit the WGU-Oak Hall Cap and Gown website to place your order, or call 1-800-456-7623 and ask for the Web Department. 

You can order a tassel at the WGU-Oak Hall Cap and Gown website, or by calling 1-800-456-7623 and ask for the Web Department.

Yes, WGU graduates affiliated with an honor society may wear society pins or honor cords/sashes on their gowns. Teacher graduates affiliated with the WGU chapter of the international honor society of Kappa Delta Pi (KDP) may order honor cords at http://www.kdp.org.   

The following hoods are available for purchase at the WGU-Oak Hall Cap and Gown website:

Education - blue
Business (all MBAs) - drab
Information Technology - gold
Nursing – apricot
Integrated Healthcare Management - salmon
Master of Health Leadership - sage green

Prior to the conferral of degrees, bachelor's degree graduates wear the tassel on the right side while master's degree graduates wear their tassel on the left side for the entire commencement ceremony.

A graduate should wear academic attire appropriate to the awarded degree. The master's gown is different from a bachelor's gown. If you already have a cap and tassel, you can order a master's gown as an individual item on the WGU-Oak Hall Cap and Gown website. Please note that the academic attire for a master's graduate includes: cap, tassel, master's gown, and hood. 

WGU graduates who are veterans or active-duty military will be provided military honor cords. For virtual commencements, cords will be shipped to the address provided on their RSVP. For in-person commencements, cords will be picked up at graduate check-in. On your RSVP form, please mark that you are a veteran or on active duty.

The WGU Philanthropy Cord is a blue and gold cord for graduates to wear with their cap and gown on commencement day. The Philanthropy Cord is not only a physical symbol of a graduate’s commitment to WGU, it more importantly supports a legacy that will last for future generations of WGU.

Graduates can receive a Philanthropy Cord by making a gift of $24 or more to WGU’s Fellow Night Owl Scholarship, a fund established to help current WGU students facing financial hardship cross the finish line to graduation. To make a donation, graduates can text “WGUCord” to 41-444 or visit this link.

All WGU Philanthropy Cord donations support WGU’s Fellow Night Owl Scholarship, a fund established to help current WGU students facing financial hardship cross the finish line to graduation. We are asking for $24 in honor of WGU’s 24th anniversary! 

If you are participating in a virtual commencement, your philanthropy cord will be mailed to you.

If your commencement is in-person, philanthropy cords can be picked up by visiting the WGU Advancement table at the Alumni Celebration or during grad check-in before commencement.

If your in-person commencement is canceled, your philanthropy cord will be mailed to you following the WGU Commencement team's official cancelation notice.

WGU founded WGU Advancement in 2018 as its official fundraising arm dedicated to attracting, allocating, and putting dollars to work so more students have access to an affordable, quality education. WGU Advancement’s operation is the next step in WGU’s ever-growing obsession with students’ success, and a way for the increasing number of WGU graduates, donors, and partners to pay it forward.

Thank you for your generous support! You can donate to the Fellow Night Owl Scholarship by texting “WGUGrad” to 41-444 or by visiting this link. 

Yes, students may send an email to records@wgu.edu with the family member's full name, relationship to the student, and foreign address. Once provided, the Records Department will prepare documents containing information about the commencement and student's earned degree. These prepared letters will then be sent to the student to forward them to the correct parties. It may take 5-10 business days for the letters to be mailed to the student.

Please visit the WGU page on the Jostens site. Jostens is the current provider for commencement announcements. 

Visit the graduation application page in the student handbook for the most current information on how to apply for graduation. 

Graduates attending in person will be recognized individually at Commencement. Your diploma and official transcripts will be mailed to you within 2-3 weeks of receipt of your application for graduation, assuming you have no outstanding financial obligations. If you have any questions, please contact records@wgu.edu.

No, the records department compiles the list of graduate names from processed graduation applications for the graduate name book.

Graduates who complete their degree during one of these periods will be published in one of these books.

May 27 - December 31, 2017 Graduate Name Book: This book includes graduates from May 27 to December 31, 2017. 
January 1 - June 30, 2018 Graduate Name Book: This book includes graduates from January 1 to June 30, 2018. 
July 1 - December 31, 2018 Graduate Name Book: This book includes graduates from July 1 to December 31, 2018.
January 1 - June 30, 2019 Graduate Name Book: This book includes graduates from January 1 to June 30, 2019. 
July 1 - December 31, 2019 Graduate Name Book: This book includes graduates from July 1 to December 31, 2019.

If you prefer to not have your name listed in the graduate name book, you have the option to opt out by sending an email to graduation@wgu.edu.