Western Governors University (WGU) is committed to providing a professional, safe, and engaging environment for all members of the WGU community. WGU serves learners across diverse professions, industries, regions, and career stages, including individuals who are beginning their careers, changing fields, or advancing professionally. All students are expected to engage in a manner consistent with professional standards and workplace expectations appropriate to their field and context.
Respectful, productive interaction with fellow students, alumni, faculty and staff, and external employer partners is a foundational expectation and a critical component of career and professional development.
Scope of Expectations
Career and Professional Development (CPD) requires students to engage in a professional and respectful manner in all CPD–related activities, communications, and platforms. These expectations apply to, but are not limited to:
- Written communications, including email, chat, messaging tools, and discussion forums
- One-on-one meetings with Career & Professional Development staff, advisors, and coaches
- Small group and large group workshops, webinars, and events
- Interactions with employers, recruiters, and external partners
- Engagement across WGU and CPD supported platforms, including WGU Connect, WGU Handshake, Big Interview, PathwayU, Jobscan and other career-related tools or systems
- Participation in third-party platforms and programs made available or recommended through CPD, including Parker Dewey, Riipen, HubSpot, and similar external partners
- Any activity in which a student represents themselves as a member of the WGU community
Professional conduct includes, but is not limited to, respectful communication, appropriate language and behavior, adherence to stated guidelines, and compliance with facilitator, platform, or event expectations.
Enforcement and Consequences
Failure to comply with these conduct expectations may result in one or more of the following actions, as determined by the Career and Professional Development Center and/or the University:
- Removal from meetings, events, programs, or third-party tools/platforms
- Limited or loss of access to CPD services, platforms, or future events
- Referral to the WGU Student Conduct Office for further review and action
These actions are intended to maintain a professional and inclusive environment and to ensure equitable access to Career & Professional Development resources for all students.
Student Code of Conduct
All students are subject to the WGU Student Code of Conduct.
The Code of Student Conduct is available at: WGU Student Handbook
Questions regarding conduct responsibilities or interpretation of the Code should be directed to a program mentor, advisor, or the Student Conduct Office at: Conduct Admin conductadmin@wgu.edu