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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:

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 2023

June 28, 12 to 1 pm MT – “To Get the Job, You Gotta Get on Camera: Video Resumés & Your Future” with Alton James from WGU

July 11, 12 to 1 pm MT – “Day in the Life: HR Director” with Dr. Patricia Morgan from WGU

July 26, 11 to 12 pm MT "Leveraging Linked In for Job Searching and Networking Success" with Dr. Ebony Mason, Dr. Patricia Morgan, and Dr. April Kinchen from WGU

August 21, 12 to 1 pm MT – “Eligibility and Preparing for the SHRM-CP” with Demetrius Norman from SHRM

August 24, 4 to 5 pm MT – “DEI Strategy and the Role of HR as Advocates” with Meagan Wells from Boeing

September 13, 2:30 to 3:30 pm MT – “WGU Career Services: Are You Leveraging Their Resources?” with WGU Career Services

September 21, 2 to 3 pm MT – “Annual Trivia Competition – WGU SHRM and WGU National Black MBA Association”

October 10, 2 to 3 pm MT – “Day in the Life: HR Business Partner” with Kirk Daines from WGU

November 8, 2:30 to 3:30 pm MT – “HR Career Prep Boot Camp” with WGU Career Services

December 7, 2 to 3 pm MT – “Annual Open Chapter Meeting” with WGU SHRM Executive Council

Past Events

January 5 - “Fireside Chat with Stuart Andrews: Coaching, Culture, and Transformation”

January 24 – “Leveraging the Power of Relationships in Career Development” with Daniel Horgan from SHRM

February 6 – “Eligibility and Preparing for the SHRM-CP” with Demetrius Norman from SHRM

March 6 – “American Sign Language: Basics of ASL and Inclusive Application of Best Practices for HR Professionals” with Dana Cobbs from WGU

March 7 – “Avoiding Burnout: How Culture Impacts Well Being” with Julie Turney from HR@Heart Consulting

March 14 – “Disability Inclusion Strategies” with Ben Trockman from Change for Balance

April 12 – “A Career in Total Rewards - Everything You Ever Wondered and More!” with Megan Nail from NFP Insurance Brokerage         

April 25 – “Dominating the Workplace as a Veteran: Are you Ready?” with Trina Norman from WGU

April 28 – “Unlocking Talent Through Leadership Development & Coaching” with Aditi Patil from Wipfli

May 9 – “Benefits of Getting Involved with Your Local SHRM Chapter” with Debra Gates from WGU

May 24 – "Your Role in Supporting Mental Health in the Workplace" with Dr. Joseline Castanos and Dr. Ashley Dugger, in collaboration with WGU National Black MBA Association Virtual Club

January 25, 2022: Sana Rasul, Chief Girlfriend, "HR Career Planning and Networking"

February 10, 2022: Demetrius Norman, Senior Specialist - Academic Programs and Initiatives, "Eligibility and Preparing for the SHRM-CP"

February 23, 2022: Danielle Diaz, HR Manager, "The Value of Education and Human Resources", (Q&A Available Here)

March 10, 2022: WGU SHRM and NBMBAA, Trivia Night!

March 16, 2022: Meg O'Connell, CEO and Founder, "Disability Inclusion in the Workplace"

April 8, 2022: Mark Schaerrer, VP of Human Resources, "The Impact of Empathy in the Workplace"

April 27, 2022: Dana Cobbs, Manager, Instruction Faculty, "Basics of American Sign Language"

May 12, 2022: Dana Cobbs, Manager, Instruction Faculty, "Inclusive American Sign Language Application"

June 3, 2022: Dr. Nicole Whitehead, Chief Human Resources Officer, "Taking the Plunge: Starting Your Own HR Consulting Business!"

July 13, 2022: Dr. Ted Cross, Associate Dean, "Personal Leadership, Meaning, and 4-Way Wins"

August 4th, 2022: "Career Prep Bootcamp" with WGU Career Services

August 19, 2022: Demetrius Norman, Senior Specialist - Academic Programs and Initiatives, "Eligibility and Preparing for the SHRM-CP"

September 12, 2022: DEI Trivia: WGU SHRM and National Black MBA Association

September 14, 2022: Dr. Ashley W. Dugger and Dr Sean Wall-Carty, hosted by the WGU National Black MBA Association, "Leveraging Humor to Strengthen Workplace Relationships"

September 15, 2022: Dr. Ashley Dugger and Dr. Sean Wall-Carty, Program Chair and Course Instructor, Annual Open Chapter Meeting

November 4, 2022: Jennifer Rhodes and Kristen McKnight, Career Advisors and Professional Development Services, "WGU Career Services: Are You Leveraging Their Resources?"

January 15, 2021 Beth Conlin, Sr. Program Manager—Military Spouse Programs at Amazon "Importance of Employee Support Programs for Military Spouses"

February 12, 2021 Dr. Brian Ward, Course Lead—HR Evaluation, WGU "The Impact of Culture on Hiring"

March 17, 2021 Dr. Becky Melton, Instructor, WGU "ADA in the Workplace: Using your Curiosity and Logic to your Advantage"

March 27, 2021"Virtual Community Service Day: Live Event with Warrior Rising"

April 7th, 2021. Dr. R Austin Arenz, "The Intersection of HR and Healthcare"

May 14, 2021Jason Thompson, VP of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, WGU "Building Successful Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Programs"

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, Director of Human Resources, USANA Health Sciences "Developing Strategies for Sustainable Learning and Development"

August 26, 2021, 4–5 pm MSTTyler 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 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"

January 6: Jeff Baird, Speaker, Trainer, Manager of Data and Integration Services at doTERRA, IT Career Hacking, & Like Abilities presents "Using Body Language to Create Influence and Trust"

January 24: WGU Program Mentors Teresa Cross, Karen Toney Brown, April Kinchen, Donnis McPhaul, and Dolores Grady, present "Everything You Wanted to Know About HR Functions…Condensed!"

February 5: Hilary Simon, Senior Social & Emotional Learning Analyst at WGU presents an "SEL Overview"

February 12: WGU Program Architect Racheal Killian presents "SEL-Self-Awareness and Self-Management"

February 19: Joseph Cervantes, WGU SEL Specialist, presents "SEL - Interpersonal Communication, Executive Function, and Social Awareness"

March 7: Dr. Ashley Dugger of the WGU SHRM Chapter's Community Service Day presents Community Volunteer Projects for the Chapter! See below for more.

March 11: WGU Program Mentor April Kinchen presents "HR Department of 1"

April 29: Hal Halladay presents "Beyond the Rut of Success: The Breakthrough Mindset"

May 20: Nicole Whitehead presents "What Difference Does Difference Make: The Impact of Diversity"

June 2: Mark Coldren presents "Succession Planning and Talent Pipeline"

June 3: Demetrius Norman presents "Importance of the SHRM-CP Certification and How to Prepare for the Exam"

July 10Kirk Daines presents "A Day in the Life of an HR Business Partner"

July 31: Celeste Morgan and Chapter President present "Book Club Review and Discussion" on the book "Switchers: How Smart Professionals Change Careers and Seize Success" by Dawn Graham

August 3: Kevin Cummings presents "Conflict 101"

September 14: Patricia Morgan presents "Intergenerational Recruiting"

October 12: Bruce Stetar presents "SHRM Convos and Coffee: Workplace Culture"

November 3: Jennifer Rhodes and Michael Kimball-Bryant present "Career Services at WGU"

November 5: Ashley Dugger presents “Open Chapter Meeting for all Members”

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 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!

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.