Western Governors University: University for a Busy Lifestyle
Western Governors University

Abstract
This essay describes three of the major reasons why people who have a busy schedule are able to attend Western Governors University (WGU). The first point argued is that they are able to complete individual classes at their own pace, including speeding through classes they find easy and taking more time on difficult classes. The second point argued is that they are able to arrange their own hours to work around their schedules, even those that work awkward or inconsistent hours. The final point argued is that they are able to work on their classes from wherever they feel most comfortable and do not have to attend classroom meetings. It is concluded from these arguments that WGU is a good place for people with busy lives to continue their education.

Western Governors University: University for a Busy Lifestyle
People with busy lifestyles, varying schedules, and extreme time restrictions may think that getting their college degree is impossible. WGU is a school that accommodates just these sorts of people. WGU offers all of the advantages of a traditional university in an online package. It is the perfect school for students with busy lifestyles because these students are able to complete individual classes at their own pace, arrange their own hours, and do their schooling from home or wherever they feel most comfortable without sacrificing the support structure of a standard university.
WGU gives its students the ability to progress through individual classes at their own pace. This allows students that struggle in a particular class to spend extra time learning the material without being left behind. Students that excel in a particular subject are also allowed the freedom to progress quickly through these classes and move on to other subjects. This system allows people with many different aptitudes to tailor their educational experience to meet their individual needs far better than any standard college system. WGU simply requires students to complete a minimum of twelve units during each six month semester with classes varying from two units to upwards of ten units. This means they only have to complete two units per month to remain on schedule. This is easily achievable by most people, even those with exceptionally busy lifestyles.
Additionally, unlike traditional schooling, WGU lets its students choose their class hours as they see fit and adjust them at will if something changes. One major problem students have with traditional schooling is the strict scheduling and the fact that missing even one class can set them far behind. The ability to break up studying and classes throughout the day can allow people who may otherwise be unable to maintain a normal class schedule complete their degree. Students may also opt to focus on only one class at a time. By isolating individual classes, students can better assess their workload and schedule their time. Some students may also be able to retain more of the subject matter when the class is taken by itself, and some studies have shown that “multitasking [is] a poor long-term strategy for learning” (Rosen, 2008). Having the ability to adjust schedules at will is a major perk to being a student at WGU.
Furthermore, WGU students also have the freedom to take classes and study at home, at the office or library, or wherever they feel most comfortable. As long as there is an internet connection and a computer, they can access WGU’s collection of eBooks and other study material. This is very convenient for people who are often traveling to different locations as it allows the school to move with them. They are not bound to any fixed location let alone a crowded classroom full of other students. WGU also offers testing centers all around the country for any students that wish to complete their exams in a quiet centralized location. Having the freedom to study from anywhere allows anyone to become a student at WGU.
Some potential students may have misgiving about attending an online school because they believe they may be expensive, overly complicated, or that it may require too much self-motivation. At WGU, these are non-issues. As a non-profit organization, WGU is the least expensive accredited online university available to American students. The tuition cost is far less expensive than the average in-state university charge and financial aid is available to many students as well. The online class interface is simple to use with easy access to instructions and technical support. The mentor system helps to keep students motivated and monitor their progress. Students have access to class mentors during online sessions to ask questions about class content or using the system. Additionally, each student is assigned a personal mentor that contacts them on a weekly basis to help with scheduling, motivating, and monitoring the student’s progress. Most of the typical drawbacks of attending an online school are alleviated at WGU.
To conclude, Western Governor’s University has many elements that work together to encourage people to complete their degrees. WGU empowers students to take charge of their education and succeed by giving them the ability to set their own schedules, take classes in the order they choose, and learn from home. This allows students with even the most burdensome of schedules to obtain their degrees without turning their lives upside down.

References
Rosen, Christine (2008). The Myth of Multitasking. Retrieved from http://www.thenewatlantis.com/docLib/20080605_TNA20Rosen.pdf