Western Governors University Earns Accreditation From The Distance Education And Training Council

SALT LAKE CITY – June 13, 2001 – Western Governors University (WGU) announced today that the online, competency-based universiuation Report for the DETC. DETC then sent out a team of national evaluators to conduct an onsite review of the University’s operations. Based on this review process and the team’s report to the Accrediting Commission, WGU was granted accreditation.

“This decision is yet another validation of WGU’s competency-based degree programs and the quality educational opportunities this model offers to students,” stated WGU provost, Chip Johnstone. “DETC accreditation opens the door for students with tuition assistance opportunities from the military, their employer, and from other financial aid programs to enroll at Western Governors University.”

About DETC

The DETC serves as a clearinghouse of information about the distance study field and conducts accreditation reviews of prominent distance learning institutions throughout the world through its independent

Accrediting Commission. The DETC was founded in 1926. The Commission

was established in 1955 and gained federal recognition in 1959. The Council’s goal is to promote sound educational standards and ethical business practices within the distance study field. The seven member Accrediting Commission of the DETC is a nationally recognized institutional accrediting agency approved by the U.S. Department of Education and by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Today, more than 2.5 million Americans are enrolled in DETC-accredited institutions. It is estimated that since 1890, some 130 million Americans have taken distance study/correspondence courses. Presently, more than 70 distance education institutions are accredited by the Accrediting Commission of DETC.

About WGU

WGU offers the only online competency-based degrees in the country. At the University’s website, www.wgu.edu , students can find descriptions of competency-based degree programs, an online catalog of quality distance-learning courses, an online library, bookstore, and access to a personal WGU mentor, who will guide a student through his or her customized degree program. Students can use prior work, college and life experience coupled with learning new skills to develop and demonstrate the competencies necessary to earn a WGU degree that is relevant to education and career goals. WGU provides accessibility, flexibility, and the opportunity for all students to achieve their educational goals. WGU was founded and is supported by 19 states and governors as well as 22 leading corporations and foundations. Current WGU degree offerings include an associate of arts degree, associate of applied science degrees in IT/network administration and IT/CNE, associate of science degrees in business and IT, bachelor of science degrees in business/IT management and computer information systems, and a master of arts degree in learning and technology.

More information about WGU

More information about DETC

Amy C. Tejral

Director of University Affairs

Western Governors University

2040 East Murray Holladay Road

Suite 106

Salt Lake City, UT 84117

P: 801-274-3280

F: 801-274-3305

Email: atejral@wgu.edu