Navigating the Western Governors University (WGU) Transcript Request Process
Western Governors University (WGU) offers a competency-based approach to education, attracting students with diverse academic backgrounds. Requesting and submitting transcripts is a crucial step in the enrollment and evaluation process. This article provides a comprehensive guide to understanding WGU's transcript requirements, submission methods, and related considerations.
Understanding WGU Transcripts
WGU utilizes two primary types of transcripts: the Academic Transcript and the Record of Achievement Transcript.
Academic Transcript: This comprehensive document details a student's academic journey at WGU. It includes all courses registered for, competency units earned, certifications and credentials obtained, honors and awards received, and degrees conferred. It's designed to showcase how a student has met program competencies and learning outcomes. The Academic Transcript reflects the student’s permanent academic record, comprised of all courses set into registration, competency units received, certifications/credentials earned, honors/awards received, and degrees conferred.
Record of Achievement Transcript: Similar to the Academic Transcript, the Record of Achievement transcript also communicates a student's mastery of program competencies and learning outcomes. It encompasses all completed coursework, certifications/credentials earned, honors/awards received, and degrees conferred. The Record of Achievement transcript is comprised of all completed coursework, certifications/credentials earned, honors/awards received, and degrees conferred.
Both transcripts include a GPA statement that corresponds to the provided information. The transcripts present the GPA statement in reference to the information the transcript provides.
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Initial Steps: Application and Evaluation
Before submitting transcripts, prospective students must complete the online application form. While WGU technically has an application fee, it is often waived. Once the application is submitted, WGU conducts a transcript evaluation to determine potential transfer credits.
Transcript Requirements and Submission Methods
WGU requires official transcripts from all previously attended colleges and universities to evaluate potential transfer credits. Several methods exist for submitting these transcripts:
Electronic Transcript Exchange Services: WGU partners with industry-recognized delivery services like the National Student Clearing House and Parchment Transcript Delivery. If your previous institution participates in either of these services, you can request that your transcript be sent directly to WGU electronically through a secure channel. We advise that you begin by checking to see if your institution participates in electronic exchange with either the National Student Clearing House or Parchment Transcript Delivery. If they are available through either of these services, you can request them to be sent directly to WGU. WGU has electronic exchange partnerships with industry recognized delivery services. These partners will share your transcript with WGU via a secure inbox so that we may download your credential.
Direct Submission from the Institution: Transcripts must be sent directly to WGU from the issuing institution to be considered official. Transcripts that are not gathered through our free transcript service, must be sent directly to WGU from your previous institution(s).
Sealed Envelope Submission: In some cases, an institution might provide the transcript in a sealed envelope. If this occurs, you can forward the sealed envelope directly to WGU. If by chance the institution sends you the transcript in a sealed envelope, you may forward that transcript to directly to WGU within the original sealed envelope. If the envelope is not sealed, it will not be considered official.
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Important Considerations:
- Unofficial Transcripts: Transcripts sent via fax will not be accepted.
- Timing: Plan ahead, because it can take a few weeks to process your request.
- Free Transcript Service: The free transcript service will let you know if any of your institutions do not participate in their program. If an institution does not participate, you will need to request that transcript independently.
- Submitting ALL Transcripts: Please submit ALL transcripts to the WGU Transcripts Department after you have applied.
Specific Scenarios and Solutions
Institutions Not Participating in Electronic Exchange: If your institution does not participate in electronic exchange with the National Student Clearing House or Parchment Transcript Delivery, you will need to arrange and pay to have your official transcripts sent to WGU.
Institutions Sending Transcripts via USPS: There are some schools that only send transcripts via the United States Postal Service (USPS).
Inability to Obtain Transcripts: Addressing concerns about transcripts from closed institutions or those with holds. WGU is committed to decreasing the barriers to starting school.
ACE Transcripts from Credly: WGU requires transcripts to be sent directly from the source, not through third-party platforms like Credly. Just spoke to an EC in the College of IT and he essentially told me that they have to be directly sent from the source, not Credly.
High School and GED Transcripts: High school institutions have many methods to send transcripts. It is best practice to contact your high school to find out their selected method of delivery. In the chance that the institution gives you the transcript in a sealed envelope, you may forward that transcript to WGU with the envelope still sealed. Each state has its own process to retrieve GED transcripts. You can find additional information regarding this in our Student Handbook.
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Transfer Credit Evaluation
WGU’s curriculum structure is competency-based, allowing you to apply your existing knowledge and skills to your education. If you’ve taken courses or received a degree from a community college or another college or university, you're likely already well on your way to a WGU degree. You can almost always transfer credits when you send accredited bachelor's or associate degree transcripts to WGU for a college transfer evaluation. If you have completed some college coursework but have not earned a degree, WGU will conduct a transcript evaluation. Across the nation, we've established transfer pathways to help incoming students understand how prior coursework and experience may transfer into a degree program at WGU.
IT Certifications: WGU accepts certifications from CompTIA, Microsoft, CISCO, Credly, and many other vendors. Note: Many IT certifications must have been completed within the last 5 years to meet transfer eligibility requirements.
Transfer Evaluation: In many instances an official transfer evaluation is needed before an admission decision is made. All expected credentials listed on your student record must be accounted for prior to your transfer evaluation being completed.
Addressing Potential Issues
- Invalid Transcript Status: If your transcript status shows as "Invalid - Other," it may indicate an issue with the submission method. Ensure the transcript is sent directly from the source or through an approved electronic exchange service. Just checked my "Submit Transcripts" page in the Enrollment Portal and where it previously said it was waiting on my Sophia transcript, it now says "Invalid - Other". You might need to have your Sophia transcripts sent through Parchment.
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