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If your question isn't answered below, we have a team who can help!
Simply call or email a member of the WGU Alumni Relations team. Cick on FAQ links below to learn more or contact us here.
What can I find on the WGU Alumni Relations site? Do I need to register?
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:
Update your alumni information to stay up-to-date on the latest alumni resources and commencement information.
I'm a recent graduate and need information on a WGU Commencement Weekend.
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.
How do I update my alumni information and my email address?
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!
Where can I purchase WGU swag, diploma frames, or diploma covers?
Visit the Shop WGU Merchandise page. Click here.
Is there an alumni portal?
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!
Where can I find a course syllabus or course description?
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.
I need placement file service for education.
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.
How do I apply for the California Public Health Nurse Certificate?
Find more details in the WGU Student Handbook. Click here:
I’m applying to another university for a graduate or terminal degree program. What should I expect? Will they accept my WGU degree?
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!
How can I explain WGU’s competency-based model to employers, family, other universities?
We think that reading an explanation on competency-based learning and the grading system might help. Download an official Grading Explanation Letter here.
I’m interested in continuing my education at WGU. What is my next step to enroll into another program?
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.
I’ve already graduated. How can I access my papers or assessments that I submitted in Taskstream during my program?
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.
Will I have access to my e-portfolio after I graduate from WGU?
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.
What happens to my old WGU.edu student email account?
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.
How do I find or retrieve my WGU login credentials?
Please contact WGU's Service Desk by calling 877-435-7948.
I forgot my Student ID number. How do I retrieve it?
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.
I need a copy of my 1098-T Tax Form.
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:
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.
How do I request an official WGU Academic Transcript?
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.
How do I request an official WGU Record of Achievement Transcript?
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.
How do I obtain an unofficial WGU Academic Transcript?
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.
How do I obtain an unofficial WGU Record of Achievement Transcript?
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.
How do I obtain official transcripts from National Student Clearinghouse?
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.
How do I request a Proof of Enrollment certificate?
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:
How long do I maintain access to my WGU student email account?
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.
How will I receive email communication from WGU?
WGU Alumni Relations sends all email communication to the graduating students’/graduates’ personal email addresses. This includes communication about WGU Commencement Weekends. Note: Ensure you are subscribed to receive WGU Commencement emails by updating your alumni communication preferences.
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.
How do I update my alumni information and my email address?
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!
How will I receive communication from WGU Commencement?
Please ensure that you have not opted out of receiving email communication from the WGU Commencement team. If you have unsubscribed from receiving all emails as a WGU graduate, you have also unsubscribed from receiving commencement emails. Please update your alumni communication preferences here.
I'm a recent graduate and need information on a WGU Commencement Weekend.
First - Congrats!
Second - Find more information about registration, date/time, and day-of details on the WGU Commencement page.
You can also email commencement@wgu.edu or call the WGU Alumni Relations team and ask for Commencement Weekend information. Call 385-428-2085 option 1.
Third - Don’t forget to RSVP for the ceremony of your choice.
Where can I get a diploma cover?
Diploma covers are distributed at no charge to graduates who participate in a commencement ceremony.
Graduates who submit a video for the conferral of degrees for virtual commencement will receive a complimentary diploma cover after the ceremony.
If you cannot attend a commencement ceremony, diploma covers are available for purchase at the WGU Online Store.
How will I receive email communication from WGU?
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, you can update that information at any time.
Please note: if you are unsubscribed from WGU communications, you may not receive important commencement updates.
What kind of academic regalia do I buy for 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. For visual reference, please see our bachelor’s regalia video and our master’s regalia video.
Everything you need to know about your cap, tassel, gown, and hood.
Which company sells WGU caps, gowns, and hoods?
Oak Hall Cap and Gown is the official regalia vendor (caps, gowns, and hoods) for WGU. The official regalia color for graduates is navy.
What kind of academic regalia do I buy for commencement?
For bachelor’s degree, post-baccalaureate teacher programs, or endorsement preparation program (English Language Learning), you should order a cap, bachelor's gown, and tassel. For those earning a master's degree or endorsement preparation program (Educational Leadership), you should order a cap, master's gown, tassel, and a master's hood.
How do I order my cap and gown for commencement?
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.
Where can I get an additional tassel as a keepsake?
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.
Can I wear honor cords?
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.
Which hood do I purchase?
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
On which side does my tassel go?
Prior to the conferral of degrees, bachelor's degree graduates wear the tassel on the right while master's degree graduates wear their tassel on the left for the entire commencement ceremony.
I already have a cap and gown from my bachelor's degree. May I wear that same regalia for my master's degree?
A graduate should wear academic attire appropriate to the awarded degree. The master's gown differs 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 a cap, tassel, master's gown, and hood.
If I served in the military, how do I get my honor cords?
WGU graduates who are veterans or active-duty military will be provided with a military honor cord. 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.
Can I decorate my cap or wear a sash to commencement?
Graduates are permitted to decorate their caps and wear sashes with their regalia. Take into consideration the following if decorating your cap or wearing a sash for commencement:
WGU does not allow content on caps or sashes that is considered, in WGU’s sole discretion, obscene, vulgar, defamatory, hateful, inappropriate, profane or that might disregard another’s copyright or third-party rights. All decorations must lie flat on the cap.
What is the WGU Philanthropy Cord?
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, but it also more importantly supports a legacy that will last for future generations of WGU.
How do I receive a WGU Philanthropy Cord?
Graduates can receive a philanthropy cord by making a gift of $25 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 donate, graduates can text “WGUCord” to 41-444 or visit this link.
Where does my donation go? Why are you asking for $25?
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 $25 in honor of WGU’s 25th anniversary!
How do I receive my WGU Philanthropy Cord?
For in-person commencements, philanthropy cords may be picked up by visiting the WGU Advancement table at the Alumni Celebration or during graduate check-in before commencement. If the in-person commencement is canceled, philanthropy cords will be mailed to participating graduates following an official cancellation notice.
For virtual commencements, philanthropy cords will be mailed to the graduate prior to the ceremony date.
What is WGU Advancement?
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.
I would like to donate to the WGU Fellow Night Owl Scholarship but am not interested in a philanthropy cord.
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.
Can students request letters of invitation for family members living abroad to attend commencement?
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.
How do I order announcements to send to my family and friends for commencement?
Jostens is the current provider for commencement announcements.
How do I apply for graduation?
Visit the graduation application page in the student handbook for the most current information on how to apply for graduation.
How do I receive my diploma?
Visit the graduation application page in the student handbook for the most current information on how to receive your diploma.