WGU SHRM Virtual Student Chapter
You won't want to miss out on SHRM opportunities!
Are you taking full advantage of your opportunities in the WGU College of Business?
If you're pursuing a WGU business degree, the Society for Human Resource Management is a great place to make connections and get opportunities.
As a business leader, SHRM membership will help you stay informed on innovative and forward-thinking practices surrounding today’s global workforce. You can benefit from SHRM membership with educational events and webinars, guest speakers, networking opportunities, resume building opportunities, connections to other WGU students in business, and much more! Learn more about what SHRM offers at www.shrm.org.
As a member of the world’s largest HR association, your affiliation with SHRM gives you access to incredible resources. Whether you are already a HR or business professional or planning on becoming one, SHRM offers various tools to aid you on your career path, such as:
- The Competency Self-Assessment (CSA) to help you identify your strengths and places where further development is needed.
- The Development Activity Wizard and Competency Development Plan, where you receive personalized instruction to aid you in your goal of becoming an HR expert.
Your SHRM Student Membership will give you access to a wide array of valuable resources covering HR- and business-related topics, including:
- Weekly SHRM-hosted webcasts
- Discounts on SHRM-sponsored resources comprised of seminars, conferences, certification prep, books, and more.
- Subscription to HR Magazine and SHRM e-newsletters.
- Regular updates on changes in U.S., state, and local compliance regulations.
- Membership in the SHRM Connect Community.
- Visit www.shrm.org/students for more information and to obtain SHRM student membership.
- Collaborate with seasoned HR professionals.
- Work towards achieving the distinction of the SHRM Student Chapter Merit Award.
- Network on LinkedIn with fellow WGU SHRM virtual student chapter members, as well as the members of 250 other SHRM student chapters across the country.
- By chartering the WGU SHRM virtual student chapter, develop highly marketable leadership skills.
- Increase your business and HR knowledge by participating in WGU SHRM virtual student chapter webinars and events.
- Make your WGU degree even more affordable by applying for the WGU SHRM Leadership Scholarship, valued at up to $2,000.
Upcoming Educational Events for 2021
- May 17, 2021, 12–1 pm MST. Dr. Josh Plaskoff, Senior Social Emotional Learning Analyst, WGU "SEL for Personal and Professional Development"
- June 11, 2021, 12–1 pm MST. Demetrius Norman, Academic Specialist, SHRM "Preparing for the SHRM CP Exam!"
- June 14, 2021, 2–3 pm MST. Dr. Nicole Whitehead, CHRO, Joliet Junior College "A Day in the Life of a Chief Human Resources Officer"
- June 24, 2021, 10 am–2 pm MST. “WGU Virtual Business Career Fair”
- July 19, 2021, 12–1 pm MST. Sheena Blauvelt, Organizational Development Business Partner, USANA Health Sciences "Developing Strategies for Sustainable Learning and Development"
- August 5, 2021, 4–5 pm MST. Tyler Merril, Executive Talent Acquisition Partner and Heidi Monteirth, Senior Talent Acquisition Partner at WGU "A Day in the Life of a Talent Acquisition Partner"
- September 7, 2021, 12–1 pm MST. Dr. Ashley Dugger, HR Program Chair, WGU "Open Chapter Meeting"
- September 20, 2021, 2–3 pm MST. James Cathcart, Senior Specialist – Learning and Talent, WGU "Disrupt Yourself: Innovation Through Comfortable Discomfort"
- October 28, 2021, 2–3 pm MST. Jennifer Rhodes and Kristen McKnight, Career Services Advisors at WGU "Career Services at WGU"
SHRM awarded a 2019-2020 Honorable Mention Award designation to the Western Governors University SHRM student chapter for providing superior growth and development opportunities to its student members.
The Society for Human Resource Management has analyzed WGU's Human Resource Management bachelor's degree and found that it aligns with SHRM's recommended minimum standards, integrating the HR components that are most relevant for new human resource professionals.
Why join WGU's SHRM Virtual Student Chapter?
"WGU's Virtual SHRM chapter has given me a supportive outlet where I can ask questions, learn and connect with my peers and advisors, and even get reminders about upcoming webinars, jobs and internships! Since joining, I have been able to take advantage of so many more opportunities that I didn't even know were available to me."
—Katerina LaRo
"To become a member in the SHRM WGU Virtual Chapter is to create and enhance not only the engagement of yourself in the industry, but emphasize the importance of networking in Human Resources. As a person who has first-hand experience in the benefits of collaborating with other HR professionals, the Chapter creates an environment where people are able to interact with one another for the first time with seasoned and incoming members of the workforce. This blended audience approach can create information sharing, career opportunity and collaborative learning."
—Terrance Rosales
"I joined the WGU SHRM chapter so I could connect and network with other SHRM members attending WGU. I also enjoy taking advantage of the professional development events offered to WGU student members.”
—Rowena Meyer-Bandy
“It’s amazing what you can learn from others in your industry. A big part of HR is staying up to date and the best way to do that is communicating with your peers. The WGU SHRM group is great for sharing helpful advice, ever changing employment laws, and other valuable resources with other students.”
—Yolanda Pirela
"I initially joined SHRM because it was a great way to socially connect with other online students in my field. What I didn't expect were the additional resources that have been useful in my day to day role in HR. I have found valuable articles, training, and networking opportunities that have helped me expand my career. I encourage others to participate and learn more about WGU's SHRM chapter."
—Cindy Berry
Join the WGU SHRM virtual student chapter today.
In order to join the WGU SHRM virtual student chapter , you'll need to currently be enrolled at WGU and be a SHRM Student Member. If you have a current SHRM professional membership, you would need to change to a student membership in order to join the chapter. If you have questions or concerns about switching from a professional membership to a student membership, you can speak with a SHRM representative at 1.800.283.7476. The WGU SHRM virtual student chapter number is #5773.
Chapter Mission Statement
The WGU SHRM Virtual Student Chapter exists to connect students to the professional Human Resource community; to provide a place for mutual learning, networking, and support; to strengthen the link between students and professional association membership and benefits; and to provide an atmosphere of ongoing, creative learning and application related to human resource principles and practices.
Student Executive Committee Meetings for 2021
- April 8th 2:30—3:30 pm MST
- July 14th 2:30—3:30 pm MST
- October 26th 2:30—3:30 pm MST
If you have ideas or items you would like the executive committee to discuss during these meetings, please send them to wgushrm@wgu.edu no later than one week before the meeting date.
Student executive committee members.
Terrance Rosales, President
Terrance Rosales is an HR professional of 8 years in the Pacific Northwest, with experience in the food service, retail, and supply chain industries. He completed his Bachelor's in Human Resources in 2020, as well as his Master's in Management and Leadership through WGU. He is currently working on his MBA at WGU, with plans to pursue his Doctorate in Organizational Leadership following its completion. He has obtained both his Professional in Human Resources and SHRM-Certified Professional certifications and is currently working on his Certified Compensation Professional certification. Terrance is an avid bowler, enjoys working with the community and spending time with his three girls: Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald. He hopes to continue collaboration with WGU after his tenure is over to continue the pipeline of the next leaders into the industry.
To contact Terrance, email trosal2@my.wgu.edu.
Cindy Berry, Chapter Ambassador
Cindy Berry is currently working on her degree in HR, with the goal of pursuing her MBA in the Fall of 2022. Cindy has over 20 years of management experience, focused mainly on training and development. She currently works as an HR manager, which is a perfect fit because she is passionate about helping people reach milestones in their career. Cindy and her husband of 10 years reside in sunny Tampa Bay. They are the proud parents of a 20-year-old daughter, who is a nursing student, and their two adorable Yorkies. In her spare time, she enjoys trips to Disney World, watching Hallmark movies, and volunteering. Cindy is honored to serve as one of WGU's first student ambassadors! She looks forward to meeting more of our members and working together to achieve our educational and professional goals.
To contact Cindy, email cber112@my.wgu.edu.
Amanda Haskell, Chapter Ambassador
Amanda Haskell is a management and leadership specialist with 16 years of experience working with not-for-profit organizations. She is a full-time student at Western Governors University and is near completion on her Bachelors of Science degree in Healthcare Management and plans to obtain her MBA with WGU after graduation. Amanda is described as having her "finger on the pulse of the community" and is an advocate for mental health awareness, human rights, and veteran affairs. Amanda resides in Utah with her husband and their 4 sons. Her passions include Broadway shows, Disney/Star Wars/Marvel, all things horror, and she loves a good rock concert.
To contact Amanda, email ahaske5@my.wgu.edu.
Ashley Thompson, Chapter Ambassador
Ashley Thompson is currently working on her undergraduate degree in Human Resources Management. She served in the US Navy as a military police officer for eight years, prior to her start at WGU. Ashley and her partner currently reside in upstate NY and are proud parents of two children.
To contact Ashley, email atho457@my.wgu.edu.
Faculty advisors.
Ashley Dugger, Primary Faculty Advisor
Dr. Ashley Dugger started her career in higher education in 2006, focusing initially in admissions/enrollment management. She has since focused her professional career in operational leadership and human resources management, and holds a Doctorate of Business Administration, as well as her SHRM-CP certification. She joined WGU as the Program Chair for the HR Management degree in February of 2019. She also has extensive experience as a faculty member at both the graduate and undergraduate levels and has focused her faculty work with primarily adult learners in the online education/blended experience arena. She was selected as part of a national search in 2018 to participate in the CUPA-HR 2018-2019 Wildfire program that provides an immersive higher ed HR leadership experience for participants.
April Kinchen
April Kinchen is a Program Mentor at WGU for the College of Business. Her educational background consists of a Bachelor of Business Administration from Sam Houston State University, her Master of Science in Organizational Leadership and Development from Colorado State University and she is currently a PhD student at Liberty University in Business and Human Resource Development.
Her industry experience is two part which consists of years in operational leadership roles in Higher Education to include Dean of Student Affairs, National Director of Student Relations and National Director of Employment Relations. She has a strong background in corporate roles in human resources including nonprofit, energy, consulting and healthcare in HR Director, and Sr. HR Director roles.
To contact our WGU SHRM Virtual Student Chapter faculty advisors, please email wgushrm@wgu.edu.
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