Online Student Survival Guide

Make a Commercial, Win a Scholarship!

admin on June 17, 2010 | Category: News, Paying for School, WGU

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Western Governors University is asking the experts—its students—to help create its next television commercial. Beginning today, WGU students and prospective students can enter the “Make a Great WGU Commercial Video Contest” by going to www.wgu.edu/videocontest and entering an original 60-second “commercial” that illustrates why WGU is “A Smarter Way to Learn.” All accepted entries will be posted on the WGU website, winners will be selected by WGU staff and popular vote, and more than $12,000 in scholarships and prizes are at stake.

To learn more visit: www.wgu.edu/videocontest

P.S. The first 5 entries received will win a special prize!

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New Online University for Indiana

admin on June 15, 2010 | Category: News

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On June 11, Governor Mitch Daniels announced the establishment of WGU Indiana, a new online, competency-based university aimed at expanding access to higher education for Hoosiers. The partnership between the state and Western Governors University will offer fully accredited bachelor’s and master’s degrees in business, teacher education, information technology, and health professions, including nursing.

“Today we mark the beginning of, in a real sense, Indiana’s 8th state university. WGU Indiana will fill the clearest and most challenging gap remaining in our family of higher education opportunities, helping thousands of adult Hoosiers attain the college degrees they’ve wanted and needed, on a schedule they can manage, at a cost they can afford,” said Daniels.

To learn more about WGU Indiana please visit http://indiana.wgu.edu

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Three Reasons to Create a Study Workspace

admin on June 3, 2010 | Category: Adjusting to Online Learning, Elements of Online Learning, Productivity

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One of the many benefits of attending an online university is the convenience of working at home. Without the need to show up for classes at a specific time and location, you have the freedom to work when, where, and how you like. But before putting on your pajamas and setting up shop on the sofa, consider the following three important reasons to set up a separate workspace in your home.

  1. Limited distractions. Your living room, kitchen and bedroom are laden with people and things to distract you from your study time. While an online university is convenient, it’s up to you to manage your time. Try using an extra room as a home office. If you can’t spare the space, put a desk in the corner of another room. The key is putting a door between you and the noise. Clear away magazines, books and other materials from your desk as well to make sure you focus on your online degree and nothing else.
  2. Effective studying. For most people, working well is accompanied by the right state of mind. If you choose to lounge and study on your sofa, you will probably be less likely to retain the information you study. This wastes both time and effort. Equate your home office with your regular office; you are there to get things done. Avoid using your workspace at home for things outside of studying. Creating a mindset of focus and learning in one area of your home will help you leave other areas of focus behind. And while your workspace should keep you alert, that doesn’t mean you can’t enhance your environment in a positive way. Hang a bulletin board outlining your schedule and assignments. Invest in a comfortable office chair and desk lamp. By surrounding yourself with work-related items, you will be more likely to use your space efficiently.
  3. Established boundaries. If you have kids and other people in the house, it can be a challenge to get a moment to yourself to work toward your online degree. Oftentimes, it isn’t enough to simply say, “Please give me a few minutes to study.” This is why establishing boundaries is important for others as well as yourself. Explain to your family that your workspace is yours and should not be used for any other purpose—at least until you have earned your online degree. Hang a sign on the door to alert your kids when you are in study mode and encourage them to only interrupt you if it’s important. Your kids will learn to respect your study time more quickly if you are consistently working in the same location.

Earning a degree from an online university can be difficult to integrate into your home life, but a designated workspace will make it easier. Set up a temporary office for yourself and use it to your advantage. You will find your time is more valuable in your own space.

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WGU Introduces New Degree

WGU on May 21, 2010 | Category: News, WGU

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Western Governors University’s College of Business is now enrolling students for its newest degree program, the B.S. in Sales and Sales Management. Created for sales professionals who want to advance their careers by completing an accredited bachelor’s degree in their field, the new online program combines professional selling skills with business management coursework. In addition, it includes two industry-recognized sales certifications at no additional cost: Action Selling Sales Skills Certification and SMEI’s Certified Sales Executive (CSE®).

For more information about this degree visit us at www.wgu.edu/salesdegree

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Join the LinkedIn WGU Group!

admin on May 19, 2010 | Category: News, Online Resources, WGU, Your Career

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Do you want to connect with students, employees and friends of WGU? Do you use LInkedIn? Read the latest WGU news,  start conversations and make new contacts by joining the new WGU group!

Go to WGU’s LinkedIn Group page now.

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