WESTERN GOVERNORS UNIVERSITY
WGU SHRM Virtual Student Chapter
You Won't Want to Miss Out on These 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.
SHRM Scholarship
Apply today for the exclusive $2,500 WGU
SHRM Leadership Scholarship!
Not Already a WGU Student?
Apply today so you can be involved in the WGU
SHRM Virtual Student Chapter.
Upcoming Educational Events for 2024
January 18, 12 to 1 pm MST – Ambassador Joan Underwood presents “Mastering the Transition from Individual Contributor to Manager/Leader”. Hosted in conjunction with WGU National Black MBA Association. (Password: vQiwEwbs559)
February 15, 1 to 2 pm MST – Tim Melone presents “Leadership and How Leaders Impact Organizational Culture” (Password: mGM2rEXpk99)
March 21, 12 to 1 pm MST – Dr. Brian Ward presents “Making the Transition from Military to HR!” (Password: J4Aw5Yrhf6R)
April 18, 2 to 3 pm MST – Dr. Nicole Whitehead presents “DEI Strategies: Tools and Tips to Get Started” (Password: iaVHiT3qe43)
May 1, 11 to 12 pm MST – Kim Lamontagne presents “The Four Pillars of Creating Mentally Healthy Workplaces” Hosted in conjunction with WGU National Black MBA Association. (Password: Pk95GdwVhD8)
May 9, 1 to 2 pm MST – Demetrius Norman presents “Eligibility and Preparing for the SHRM-CP Exam!”. This session is open to all WGU College of Business Students. (Password: qNFpxRaZ723)
June 6, 2 to 3 pm MST – WGU College of Business HR Faculty host a Networking Mixer! (Password: ZQnfTEzs324)
June 11, 12 to 1 pm MST – Jeremy Hardin presents “Articulate Your Value: The Tips and Tools for Building a Winning Resume” Hosted in conjunction with WGU National Black MBA Association. (Password: 4AEhcFbni32)
July 10, 2 to 3 pm MST – Dr. Carrie Picardi presents “HR Strategic Planning and Support” (Password: NRzUvX7ME56)
August 14, 12 to1 pm MST – Dr. April Kinchen presents “Transferable Skills for Working in HR” (Password: Aw3PEH7PDX9)
September 13, 12 to 1 pm MST – WGU SHRM and WGU National Black MBA Association host their annual joint DEI and Leadership Trivia Event! (Password: SnqiRftD657)
September 18, 1 to 2 pm MST – Dr. Goran Trajkovski presents “Aye, Aye, AI! HR Technology and the Impact of AI and Tech Tools on HR” (Password: M3RaNWXrM37)
October 2, 12 to 1 pm MST – WGU Career and Professional Development Services presents “An Overview of WGU Career and Professional Development Resources for Students and Alumni" (Password: PZiyZpgC523)
October 3, 1 to 2 pm MST – Demetrius Norman presents “Eligibility and Preparing for the SHRM-CP Exam!”. This session is open to all WGU College of Business students. (Password: Dqpqatb8x36)
October 21, 12 to 1 pm MST – WGU Career and Professional Development Services presents “HR Career Prep Boot Camp” (Password: NUzmiy358qe)
December 13, 7 to 8 pm MST – WGU SHRM Executive Council hosts the Annual Open Chapter Meeting! (Password: mCApJvHn834)
Past Events
Get More Information About Human Resources, Read Articles, and More
SHRM Student Membership
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.
WGU SHRM Student Benefits
Make sure you take advantage of the invaluable opportunities that are available to members of our WGU SHRM virtual student chapter!
- 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 $2,500.
Awards and Merits
SHRM awarded the 2022-2023 Superior Merit Award designation to the Western Governors University SHRM student chapter for providing superior growth and development opportunities to its student members.
SHRM awarded the 2021-2022 Superior Merit Award designation to the Western Governors University SHRM student chapter for providing superior growth and development opportunities to its student members.
SHRM awarded the 2020-2021 Merit Award designation to the Western Governors University SHRM student chapter for providing excellent growth and development opportunities to its student members.
SHRM awarded a 2019-2020 Honorable Mention Award designation to the Western Governors University SHRM student chapter for providing great 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 Virtual SHRM 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
“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.
See WGU SHRM Students in Action
WGU SHRM members are making an impact throughout the SHRM community.
Not a SHRM Student Member?
The first step is to join.
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 Council Meetings for 2023-2024
- March 9, 2023: 3 to 4 pm MST
- May 24, 2023: 3:30 to 4:30 pm MST
- August 23, 2023: 3:30 to 4:30 pm MST
- January 17, 2024: 3:30 to 4:30 pm MST
To send the Executive Council items for discussion or request to attend a chapter meeting, please email the faculty advisors at wgushrm@wgu.edu no later than one week before the scheduled meeting.
Student Executive Council Members
Benies Gyedu, President
"Greetings! My name is Benies Gyedu. I am currently a student at WGU! I love everything HR – it is interesting and engaging for me! I didn’t always know this is what I wanted to do but I made a choice and I am sticking to it! I am currently an Onboarding Specialist. I am excited to serve you as the WGU SHRM Virtual Student Chapter President as you join our community. Please don’t hesitate to ask if you have any questions or concerns!"
To contact Benies, email bgyedu@wgu.edu.
Tasha Guffey, Chapter Ambassador
Tasha Guffey is currently a full-time business student at Western Governors University as well as an employee, wife, mom, and coach. Mrs. Guffey is 1st generation college who is determined to achieve her lifelong goal of becoming a university college graduate. Mrs. Guffey’s life motto is “through hard work and determination you can achieve anything you set your mind to.” Mrs. Guffey has earned her “Human Resource Management” and “Strategic Thinking & Innovation Certificates” through the completion of the WGU coursework while working to earn her diploma from the college of business. Mrs. Guffey is a member of SHRM where she completed the “Employing Abilities at Work Certificate”, and is also a member of The National Society of Leadership and Success; where she was awarded the “Foundations of Leadership Certificate” upon completing the required training materials. Mrs. Guffey is always looking to expand her knowledge and leadership skills in human resources so that she can better serve others in her current position as the Personnel Assistant for the TC Board of Education. Outside of work and school, Mrs. Guffey thrives on spending time with her family and cheering on her 10-year-old daughter in all her extracurricular activities. Mrs. Guffey looks forward to serving as a student ambassador for the virtual SHRM chapter.
To contact Tasha, email nguffey@wgu.edu.
Faculty Advisors
Ashley Dugger, Primary Faculty Advisor
Dr. Ashley W. Dugger began her career in higher education leadership and has since focused on operational leadership and human resource management. Ashley holds a Doctorate of Business Administration with a focus in management, as well as her SHRM-CP certification. She joined WGU as the Program Chair for the HR Management degree in 2019, and currently serves as the Associate Dean and Director for HR programs in the College of Business at WGU. She also has extensive experience as a faculty member at both the graduate and undergraduate levels and has focused her faculty work primarily with adult learners in online education. Ashley has presented for organizations such as ACBSP, Online Learning Consortium, SHRM, and CUPA-HR. Her work has been published with HR Professionals Magazine, Talent Management, Chief Learning Officer, and Higher Ed HR Magazine.
Sean Wall-Carty, Faculty Co-Advisor
Dr. Sean Wall‐Carty holds a PhD in Human Resources Management from North Central University. He also earned an MBA in Human Resources Management, a bachelor’s degree in Business Management, and an associate degree in Business. He earned his undergraduate and master’s degrees from the University of Phoenix. His prior experience includes graduate level college teaching, leadership seminars, training classes, and consulting. Sean’s corporate experience includes a blend of supporting the human resources functions for profit retail businesses and children focused non‐profit missions. His personal mission is to provide guidance and support in every interaction with optimism and clarity for positive student outcomes and have a great time doing it!
April Kinchen, Faculty Co-Advisor
Dr. April Kinchen is a certified human resource development practitioner holding certifications in SPHR. She has been an active member of the SHRM and World at Work organizations for decades. She served as the Faculty Advisor for the SHRM Student Virtual Chapter at Western Governor’s University as a program mentor for WGU in 2020/2021 and she is returning in the role of faculty advisor as a Course Instructor for College of Business.
She has worked for Fortune 500 companies, universities, and nonprofit organizations during her career. April has provided executive leadership in human resource development, operational, and educational roles. Her primary focus is on teaching and mentoring students in their educational and professional journeys. She believes education should be accessible to all.
She holds a Bachelor’s degree in business administration from Sam Houston State University, a Master’s in Science in Organizational Leadership and Development from Colorado State University and a Doctorate in Business Administration with emphasis in Human Resource Development at Liberty University. Her published dissertation focused on human resources during times of disruption and crisis, focusing on the pandemic of 2020.
To contact the faculty advisors, please email wgushrm@wgu.edu.
Business School Reinvented
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.
