Western Governors University Questions and Answers / Threads related to WGU

gex598

Just and FYI if anyone is planning on doing Linux+ do it now or you will have to wait 4-5 months to do it. Comptia is retiring the first set of exams and you cannot combine one exam from the first and one from the new series. WGU does not have an updated course as of yet. I just started a term May 1st and my mentor did not want to put Linux+ on this term since the exams are retiring August 30th, but made him add them to this term anyway.

Elegyx

gex598 wrote: »

Just and FYI if anyone is planning on doing Linux+ do it now or you will have to wait 4-5 months to do it. Comptia is retiring the first set of exams and you cannot combine one exam from the first and one from the new series. WGU does not have an updated course as of yet. I just started a term May 1st and my mentor did not want to put Linux+ on this term since the exams are retiring August 30th, but made him add them to this term anyway.

VERY interesting. I started May 1st as well so do you think it's a better idea to have my mentor add Linux+ this first term for me instead of waiting for the 2nd term?

gex598

That would be up to you. I will only have CCNA Sec and the capstone after this term. I did not want to push Linux+ to the next term. I know my way around Linux and think 6 weeks of study for each exam is plenty. If you do not know much linux I would consider waiting.

Nemowolf

Well that is good to know and I will bring that up with my mentor as I am on my last term coming up and thats one of my classes. Will now have to apply for another financial aide term because it sounds dicey.

Nemowolf

gex598 wrote: »

Just and FYI if anyone is planning on doing Linux+ do it now or you will have to wait 4-5 months to do it. Comptia is retiring the first set of exams and you cannot combine one exam from the first and one from the new series. WGU does not have an updated course as of yet. I just started a term May 1st and my mentor did not want to put Linux+ on this term since the exams are retiring August 30th, but made him add them to this term anyway.

I spoke with my Mentor last night and he informed me that all mentors are being advised to not add Linux+ for students next term. In my case where it is hopefully my last term, he said that they will add the course the new version of the course which should be available sep 1. Any student who is not 100% confident of completing both the tests by aug 31 are advised to avoid the classes. I am going through my financial aide just in case this turns into a disaster and i end up having to extend into next year.

Totino

For those who have or are going for IT Security, I had a question about exams. I plan to start in July. I was sent an email talking about Pearson vue, prometric, and certiport. I travel a lot for work, sometimes overseas for a month or so. Do any of the classes require you to test at prometric or certiport?

I should be able to do all of the IT certs at Pearson vue, so I am just curious about the other classes and exams. Pearson vues are easily accessible, even in the foreign countries I travel to, so if I can do everything there, I'd be set.

markulous

Totino wrote: »

For those who have or are going for IT Security, I had a question about exams. I plan to start in July. I was sent an email talking about Pearson vue, prometric, and certiport. I travel a lot for work, sometimes overseas for a month or so. Do any of the classes require you to test at prometric or certiport?

I should be able to do all of the IT certs at Pearson vue, so I am just curious about the other classes and exams. Pearson vues are easily accessible, even in the foreign countries I travel to, so if I can do everything there, I'd be set.

I'm finishing up the IT Security degree and everything I've done is Pearson Vue. Cisco and CompTIA both go through those. I'd double check with enrollment though in case the programs have added anything.

swattz101

Totino wrote: »

For those who have or are going for IT Security, [...] Do any of the classes require you to test at prometric or certiport

The Microsoft MTA exams were at Certiport, though WGU seems to have gotten rid of them in the Security Track. It looks like only the Network track still has Microsoft MCSA exams, so you should be good.

Jasiono

What course has the Linux+ Cert?

My mentor opened everything up for me to finish this term. I started 2 weeks ago again to finish up about 35 credits.

I have the following courses left and I never took Linux+:
CCNA courses
Business of IT - Applications (C179)
Project Management (C176)
And the Capstone project

markulous

Jasiono wrote: »

What course has the Linux+ Cert?

My mentor opened everything up for me to finish this term. I started 2 weeks ago again to finish up about 35 credits.

I have the following courses left and I never took Linux+:
CCNA courses
Business of IT - Applications (C179)
Project Management (C176)
And the Capstone project

IT Security is the only track that has Linux+. What did you do? Possible that you got it waived somehow if you are in that track.

Jasiono

markulous wrote: »

IT Security is the only track that has Linux+. What did you do? Possible that you got it waived somehow if you are in that track.

I have no idea how. Here is an email I sent to my mentor, and her reply is right after it. I know for sure that I did not take that exam and I saw it as a requirement before I stopped going to WGU. I recently started back to knock out the remainder of my couple courses to get my degree. I think that maybe the new catalog removed that class.

I was actually looking forward to it but hey, that's one less class for me to worry about!

MyEmail wrote:

Hi Deborah,

Tossing you a quick email before I head to the gym.


I was wondering if I am taking a Linux+ cert exam at all? The reason I ask is because a lot of people I know said that mentors were asked not to put it into the current term because the Linux+ cert is expiring, and that everyone should wait until next term to add it back since there is no material for the new exam yet.


If that is true and I still have to take Linux+, would I be able to do that sooner than later?


I don't think I have to, I looked at the remainder of my courses and didn't see it, but just in case I missed it. There is a possibility of them being in a different catalog as well.


Thanks!

Her response:

Response wrote:

Hello Jason,
You don’t have Linux in your degree plan at all. It depends on what you transferred into WGU makes the difference of what is on your degree plan.

JamesKurtovich

Jasiono wrote: »

What course has the Linux+ Cert?

My mentor opened everything up for me to finish this term. I started 2 weeks ago again to finish up about 35 credits.

I have the following courses left and I never took Linux+:
CCNA courses
Business of IT - Applications (C179)
Project Management (C176)
And the Capstone project

No Linux+ there. Linux+ is Operating Systems I and Operating Systems II and it's part of the IT Security program.

Anyone have any experience with C168 (Critical Thinking and Logic)? I've been looking forward to it but the Course Chatter has me nervous. Apparently it's one of the more challenging courses.

GSXR750K2

JamesKurtovich wrote: »

Anyone have any experience with C168 (Critical Thinking and Logic)? I've been looking forward to it but the Course Chatter has me nervous. Apparently it's one of the more challenging courses.

For some reason I'm thinking it may be CLC1 (Reasoning and Problem Solving) under a new name. If so, it was relatively straight forward...remove your assumptions, look at things objectively, use evidence to support conclusions, etc. See if these sound familiar in the competencies...

- The graduate analyzes open-ended problems by learning about the problem and evaluating the accuracy and relevance of different perspectives on the problem.

- The graduate evaluates different sources representing a range of perspectives on a problem in order to weigh the implications and consequences of different solutions to the problem.

- The graduate identifies internal and external biases and assumptions related to a problem, and evaluates the influence and validity of these biases and assumptions.

- The graduate synthesizes information to understand a problem’s complexities and potential solutions, and then evaluates the reasoning and evidence in support of these different solutions.

There are a few more, but that should indicate if it is the same or a similar course. I didn't spend any time on it, got a 70 on the PA and took the OA a couple of days later (old, three day scheduling window thing). Cut score was 60 on that one.

Chadius

My mentor sent me an excel spreadsheet for the changes to all of the programs. Does anyone need it?

Codyy

Chadius wrote: »

My mentor sent me an excel spreadsheet for the changes to all of the programs. Does anyone need it?

Can you PM it? Thanks!

markulous

Jasiono wrote: »

I have no idea how. Here is an email I sent to my mentor, and her reply is right after it. I know for sure that I did not take that exam and I saw it as a requirement before I stopped going to WGU. I recently started back to knock out the remainder of my couple courses to get my degree. I think that maybe the new catalog removed that class.

I was actually looking forward to it but hey, that's one less class for me to worry about!



Her response:

You are able to look at the classes that are passed as well as transferred in on your wgu portal. Operating systems 1 and 2 should be there.

TheChameleon

I haven't enrolled yet so it would be nice to have all the programs in Excel form to compare.

Thanks!

Chadius wrote: »

My mentor sent me an excel spreadsheet for the changes to all of the programs. Does anyone need it?

TheChameleon

Which program are you in? I was wondering about the quote "It depends on what you transferred into WGU". So if you take a program that doesn't require Linux+ and you already have the cert, you can get credit for other classes?

Jasiono wrote: »

I have no idea how. Here is an email I sent to my mentor, and her reply is right after it. I know for sure that I did not take that exam and I saw it as a requirement before I stopped going to WGU. I recently started back to knock out the remainder of my couple courses to get my degree. I think that maybe the new catalog removed that class.

I was actually looking forward to it but hey, that's one less class for me to worry about!

Response wrote:

Hello Jason,
You don’t have Linux in your degree plan at all. It depends on what you transferred into WGU makes the difference of what is on your degree plan.

thisdudehenry

Chadius wrote: »

My mentor sent me an excel spreadsheet for the changes to all of the programs. Does anyone need it?

I wouldnt mind a copy as well

jak096

Yes, I would like copy. I start June 1st in IT Sec.

Jasiono

TheChameleon wrote: »

Which program are you in? I was wondering about the quote "It depends on what you transferred into WGU". So if you take a program that doesn't require Linux+ and you already have the cert, you can get credit for other classes?

Not sure what the question is honestly.
If you have a cert that isn't within your degree program it does nothing for you and you can't count it toward another course with a different cert.

Security is what I'm in. Hang on and I'll get you a screenshot of what transferred and what classes I need, maybe that will answer your question. Keep in mind that my transferred courses are from my associates in applied science from my local community college.

Jasiono

Nevermind, the screenshots won't post up in a proper fashion.

markulous wrote: »

You are able to look at the classes that are passed as well as transferred in on your wgu portal. Operating systems 1 and 2 should be there.

It's not. Operating Systems 1 is in there and that was my MCTS exam, there is no number 2.

Reasoning and Problem Solving - CLC1Language and Communication: Essay - LAE1
Web Development Fundamentals - DFV1
IT Fundamentals III - CPV1
Geography - BVC1
Integrated Natural Science - INC1
Communications Foundations - BBC1
Quantitative Literacy: Quantitative Problem Solving and Applications - QLT1
IT Fundamentals I - WFV1
Software Development Fundamentals - DJV1
Language and Communication: Presentation - LUT1
Database Fundamentals - CVV1
Foundations of College Mathematics - AGC1
IT Fundamentals II - AXV1
Finite Mathematics Applications - HHT1
Finite Mathematics - GAC1
Language and Communication: Research - QBT1
Integrated Natural Science Applications - INT1
Windows OS Fundamentals - DHV1
Windows Server Admin Fundamentals - DIV1
Network and Security - Foundations - C172
Security Fundamentals - DEV1
Scripting and Programming - Foundations - C173

JamesKurtovich

GSXR750K2 wrote: »

For some reason I'm thinking it may be CLC1 (Reasoning and Problem Solving) under a new name. If so, it was relatively straight forward...remove your assumptions, look at things objectively, use evidence to support conclusions, etc. See if these sound familiar in the competencies...

- The graduate analyzes open-ended problems by learning about the problem and evaluating the accuracy and relevance of different perspectives on the problem.

- The graduate evaluates different sources representing a range of perspectives on a problem in order to weigh the implications and consequences of different solutions to the problem.

- The graduate identifies internal and external biases and assumptions related to a problem, and evaluates the influence and validity of these biases and assumptions.

- The graduate synthesizes information to understand a problem’s complexities and potential solutions, and then evaluates the reasoning and evidence in support of these different solutions.

There are a few more, but that should indicate if it is the same or a similar course. I didn't spend any time on it, got a 70 on the PA and took the OA a couple of days later (old, three day scheduling window thing). Cut score was 60 on that one.

It sounds like these courses are very similar. Here are the competancies for C168:

• Competency 1007.1.1: Basic Concepts
  The graduate applies conceptual foundations of logic and critical thinking to patterns of thinking and reasoning.
• Competency 1007.1.2: Logic and Validity
  The graduate evaluates arguments, demonstrating validity through application of formal logic and methods.
• Competency 1007.1.3: Logic and Critical Thinking
  The graduate evaluates sophisticated types of reasoning through the concepts and methods of logic and critical thinking.

And it looks like this might be a WGU exclusive (all content is through WGU).

vmixer

<sub>Kind of a stupid questions but did any of you start your classes before you spoke with your mentor and technically enrolled?

I finished EWOB on Friday, paid my tuition and noticed and my degree plan opened up. My start date is June 1 but Id like to use the next two weeks to start grinding on the GE classes (I only came in with 3cu)

I saw the tasks for DIT1 (Eng 101) got to work. I have rough drafts for the first three tasks, I'd like to do the 4th tomorrow at work


Will this be frowned upon by my mentor? When I have my initial talk with them, should I tell them I am already working on tasks? I also took two pre-assesments and scored above the cut limit. Does that mean when I start I can go right to the final?

I actually see Student Services is open Sundays! I wasn't expecting that being that they are based out of Utah. I was in SLC a few years ago and the entire city shuts down on Sunday.</sub>

techfiend

My CM encouraged studying before starting. I think you should be fine and I get the sense they like fast trackers, less work for them.

Nemowolf

Linux + is not only in the Networking Track as i am in the general track and have that next term as well.

techfiend

Just read news on the summer commencement ceremony. Has anyone attended the national one in Orlando or Salt Lake City? Is any of the flight, hotel, cap/gown, etc covered by wgu?

TLeTourneau

techfiend wrote: »

Just read news on the summer commencement ceremony. Has anyone attended the national one in Orlando or Salt Lake City? Is any of the flight, hotel, cap/gown, etc covered by wgu?

It is all at the students expense, hey do have discounts with hotels and car rental companies.

SteveLord

Any military folks have success with scholarships and grants? Recommend a good resource to use?

Chadius

Sorry for the late reply.

Here is a link to it: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B6KBtVzsGdLzMlJPYy0wemNFalk/view?usp=sharing