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WGU Connects Students

Apr 4, 2019

For many students, college is a place where they meet other like-minded individuals, find people to study and learn with, and form lasting friendships.

Whether you're getting your undergraduate or graduate degree, it's likely that you're interested in finding an academic group you can lean on during your studies. Some students find peers in their degree program, others find a community with common interests outside their degree program. Either way, a group that you can rely on during your undergraduate or graduate experience is key.

This desire for social interaction and friendships is central to many student’s college experience. But what about an online university?

Many students fear that they will feel isolated if they choose to earn a degree online. While you may not attend frat parties or meet in the dining hall or library, online communities, chat rooms and discussion boards bring students close — without the myriad distractions inherent on a college campus.

Online programs like WGU provide career-focused, connected opportunities for students to find peers and friends. This can include networking and faculty interaction as well, which is vital to academic success.

Western Governors University offers a number of ways that students can connect online with each other and with mentors in their specific degree program.

 

Program Mentors.

Each student at WGU is assigned a Program Mentor when they enter their online degree program. This person works with students closely throughout their entire school experience, ensuring they have access to any help they need with their online degree.

WGU students rave about their mentors; many have calls or conversations with them once a week as they progress through their online courses. These mentors are there to help with problems, give advice, and be a friend with a listening ear.

 

Program communities.

Program communities enhance relationships between students and mentors, offering information on industry research and current events, as well as networking opportunities after students are done with their online college program.

Best of all, you’re not limited to networking within the borders of a college campus in a specific geographic area. You will meet professionals in your field from miles away as well as right next door.

 

Course chatter.

Each course has opportunities for students to ask questions and get answers in a forum-type space. In the online course website, there’s a section for “course chatter” specifically for that course. It will be available on the main menu right inside the course you’re studying.

Unsure what to expect with an online course or faculty member? Ask! Want to know the best way to accomplish certain online coursework? Ask! Course mentors are listed along with their contact info, and office hours. This makes it extremely easy to schedule time with them, which can help you be more successful in your coursework.

There are thousands of WGU students who have gone through the exact same course and can help you learn the best way to get through. Whether you need to ask questions, or want to share about your experience with a certain course, course chatter is the perfect fit.

 

Cohorts.

Many courses within your online degree program will offer cohort options.

Cohorts meet at specific times and provide a great opportunity for live interaction. This is more like what you’d experience in a traditional college situation, which many online students enjoy. These cohort sessions are usually recorded, so you’re not out of luck if you can’t attend. You’ll be able to access the resource anytime.

Most WGU online students look back and wish they had used their cohort options from day one. Cohorts give you time with course faculty in a live session, going over the material and giving additional resources to online students.

You have unique opportunities to ask questions to faculty and a student group, get resources for learning, test your knowledge with polls and quizzes, and more.

While not all courses have cohorts, keep your eyes open and utilize the ones that do. It will make your WGU experience that much better.

 

Student chat.

There are a variety of options for WGU students to chat and connect with each other. Your online student communities are there to help you add the important social aspect to your online university experience.

It just takes a few minutes to get all signed up and ready to chat in our online student communities. Whether you need help with a class, want to find some study buddies, or are just looking for that social connection to peers, online student communities can help.

There are also many Facebook or other social media groups for WGU students. People are active on those social media channels, asking questions and connecting with each other. These groups can be valuable when you’re a student, and beyond.

 

Alumni opportunities.

WGU connection doesn’t stop after you graduate. From LinkedIn to our personal Night Owl Network, you can connect with other WGU alumni long after you get your diploma.

These connections are perfect for networking and finding job opportunities as well. Many former Night Owls find their next job or opportunity through our alumni career network.

Whether you’re a current or former WGU student, you have many opportunities to find that social connection that makes college fun and even more productive.

 

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