Click of Mouse Virtually Opens Western Governors University

SALT LAKE CITY —  With the click of a mouse, Western Governors University opened its virtual doors Wednesday for students to enroll in online courses.

“It’s one small click for mankind, one giant leap for distance learning everywhere,” said Utah Gov. Mike Leavitt as he joined Colorado Gov. Roy Romer and university officials to launch the ambitious project during a ceremony in San Jose.

The online university is a cooperative between 25 colleges and universities in 17 Western states and Guam, and several businesses. Students from anywhere in the world can enroll and either count the credit toward a degree from the school providing the course or receive a degree directly from WGU. It has offices in Salt Lake and Denver.

In theory, a student could enroll in a course on Wednesday and receive a degree as soon as he or she passes a required competence screening. In fact, students can receive a degree by passing the test without even taking a course. But Marcia Bankirer, senior academic officer at WGU, said the competence tests “are very rigorous assessments and statistically valid and reliable.”

However, the university still has not received accreditation from the Inter-regional Accrediting Committee, making the value of the degrees dubious. IRAC has granted the university “eligibility” status, and WGU spokesman Pat Jones said it is almost certain to be accredited, but it could take years.

The initial WGU course catalog will be limited, offering only associate degrees. Jones said the course schedule is expected to expand.

The university Web site is https://www.wgu.edu.