Connecting and Celebrating: A Guide to WGU Alumni Events and Opportunities
Western Governors University (WGU) provides its graduates with a wealth of opportunities to stay connected, celebrate their achievements, and continue their professional development long after graduation. From commencement ceremonies to networking platforms and alumni-led initiatives, WGU fosters a vibrant and supportive community for its "Night Owls."
Celebrating Academic Achievements: Commencement Weekend
Commencement Weekend is a pivotal and memorable experience, allowing graduates and their loved ones to celebrate their academic achievement. WGU aims to provide a joyful ceremony that recognizes the hard work and sacrifices made by graduates. To ensure a respectful environment, WGU has outlined a protocol for commencement participation.
Commencement Protocol
All graduating students are required to wear approved academic attire, including a cap, gown, and tassel. Master’s degree graduates will also need a hood specific to their degree. The official regalia color is NAVY, available for purchase from Balfour, WGU's regalia vendor. Graduates affiliated with an academic honor society can wear society pins, honor cords, or sashes on their gowns.
Graduates are also permitted to personalize their caps or wear sashes, provided they adhere to the WGU Commencement Decorum Policy. This policy prohibits content on caps or sashes that WGU deems obscene, vulgar, defamatory, hateful, inappropriate, profane, or that infringes on another’s copyright or third-party rights.
The Philanthropy Cord
WGU offers a blue and gold Philanthropy Cord for graduates to wear with their cap and gown. By making a gift of $25 or more to WGU’s Fellow Night Owl Scholarship, graduates can "pay it forward" and help current WGU students facing financial hardship to complete their degrees. All donations to the Philanthropy Cord support this scholarship fund.
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Commencement Dates and Locations
WGU provides a comprehensive list of upcoming commencement dates and locations. Graduates can navigate to their preferred city to find specific details about the ceremony.
Can't Attend?
Even if graduates cannot attend a 2025 Commencement Weekend, the university recognizes their achievements in other ways.
The Confetti Moment
After degree completion and approval of commencement paperwork, graduates receive their "confetti," symbolizing a significant milestone in their WGU journey.
Participating in the Recessional
Graduates are encouraged to participate in the recessional, marking the end of the ceremony and the beginning of their post-graduate journey.
Joining the WGU Alumni Association
Upon graduation, students automatically become lifelong members of the WGU Alumni Association at no cost. This membership provides access to a range of resources and opportunities for continued connection and growth.
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WGU Connect: Your Alumni Launchpad
WGU Connect, a platform that was essential to many students during their studies, remains a valuable tool for alumni. It serves as a launchpad for continued connection and career development, offering opportunities to:
- Share experiences: Alumni can share their experiences and offer advice to current students and fellow graduates.
- Connect with peers: The platform facilitates networking and connection with other WGU alumni.
- Explore opportunities: Alumni can tap into career conversations, job-search strategies, and industry insights.
Ask A Grad: Micro-Mentoring Platform
Ask A Grad is a micro-mentoring platform that connects current WGU students with alumni. Students can ask questions about degree programs, career outcomes, work-life balance, and more. These questions are routed to graduates with relevant experience, providing a personal and authentic perspective on the WGU journey. As an alum, you can both ask and answer questions, offering a valuable way to give back and connect with fellow graduates.
Staying Connected Through Social Media
WGU encourages alumni to stay connected through social media platforms. These platforms provide a space to network, share updates, and engage with the broader WGU community.
Alumni Initiatives and Recognition
WGU recognizes the significant contributions of its alumni through various initiatives and platforms.
WGU Alumni Podcast
Launched in 2020, the WGU Alumni Podcast highlights the impactful work of alumni in their local communities. Each episode shares inspiring stories and demonstrates the positive change that WGU graduates are creating.
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Alumni Stories
WGU shares alumni success stories to inspire and connect the alumni community. These stories showcase the diverse paths and accomplishments of WGU graduates.
Honorary Degrees
Since 2002, WGU has honored over 20 individuals with honorary degrees. Honorees are selected based on their significant and impactful contributions to their respective industries, the field of education, or directly to WGU itself.
Referral Program
WGU encourages alumni to share their positive experiences with others. Through the referral program, alumni can earn a $30 credit to the WGU Online Store when someone they refer requests information about WGU. As a graduate, you will receive elite applicant status.
