WESTERN GOVERNORS UNIVERSITY
WGU SHRM Virtual Student Chapter
You Won't Want to Miss Out on These SHRM Opportunities!
Are you taking full advantage of your opportunities in the WGU School of Business?
If you're pursuing a WGU business degree, the Society for Human Resource Management is a great place to make connections and get opportunities.
As a business leader, SHRM membership will help you stay informed on innovative and forward-thinking practices surrounding today’s global workforce. You can benefit from SHRM membership with educational events and webinars, guest speakers, networking opportunities, resume building opportunities, connections to other WGU students in business, and much more! Learn more about what SHRM offers at www.shrm.org.
As a member of the world’s largest HR association, your affiliation with SHRM gives you access to incredible resources. Whether you are already a HR or business professional or planning on becoming one, SHRM offers various tools to aid you on your career path.
SHRM Scholarship
Apply today for the exclusive $2,500 WGU
SHRM Leadership Scholarship!
Not Already a WGU Student?
Apply today so you can be involved in the WGU
SHRM Virtual Student Chapter.
Upcoming Educational Events for 2024
July 10, 12 to 1 pm MST – Ani Haykuni presents "Highlighting the Importance of Perseverance" (Password: reNitwur633)
September 13, 12 to 1 pm MST – WGU SHRM and WGU National Black MBA Association host their annual joint DEI and Leadership Trivia Event! (Password: SnqiRftD657)
September 18, 1 to 2 pm MST – Dr. Goran Trajkovski presents “Aye, Aye, AI! HR Technology and the Impact of AI and Tech Tools on HR” (Password: M3RaNWXrM37)
October 2, 12 to 1 pm MST – WGU Career and Professional Development Services presents “An Overview of WGU Career and Professional Development Resources for Students and Alumni" (Password: PZiyZpgC523)
October 3, 1 to 2 pm MST – Demetrius Norman presents “Eligibility and Preparing for the SHRM-CP Exam!”. This session is open to all WGU School of Business students. (Password: Dqpqatb8x36)
October 21, 12 to 1 pm MST – WGU Career and Professional Development Services presents “HR Career Prep Boot Camp” (Password: NUzmiy358qe)
December 13, 7 to 8 pm MST – WGU SHRM Executive Council hosts the Annual Open Chapter Meeting! (Password: mCApJvHn834)
Past Events
SHRM Chapter Blog Articles
More Articles about Human Resources
SHRM Student Membership
Your SHRM Student Membership will give you access to a wide array of valuable resources covering HR- and business-related topics, including:
- Weekly SHRM-hosted webcasts
- Discounts on SHRM-sponsored resources comprised of seminars, conferences, certification prep, books, and more.
- Subscription to HR Magazine and SHRM e-newsletters.
- Regular updates on changes in U.S., state, and local compliance regulations.
- Membership in the SHRM Connect Community.
- Visit www.shrm.org/membership/students for more information and to obtain SHRM student membership.
WGU SHRM Student Benefits
Make sure you take advantage of the invaluable opportunities that are available to members of our WGU SHRM virtual student chapter!
- Collaborate with seasoned HR professionals.
- Work towards achieving the distinction of the SHRM Student Chapter Merit Award.
- Network on LinkedIn with fellow WGU SHRM virtual student chapter members, as well as the members of 250 other SHRM student chapters across the country.
- By chartering the WGU SHRM virtual student chapter, develop highly marketable leadership skills.
- Increase your business and HR knowledge by participating in WGU SHRM virtual student chapter webinars and events.
- Make your WGU degree even more affordable by applying for the WGU SHRM Leadership Scholarship, valued at up to $2,500.
Awards and Merits
SHRM awarded the 2022-2023 Superior Merit Award designation to the Western Governors University SHRM student chapter for providing superior growth and development opportunities to its student members.
SHRM awarded the 2021-2022 Superior Merit Award designation to the Western Governors University SHRM student chapter for providing superior growth and development opportunities to its student members.
SHRM awarded the 2020-2021 Merit Award designation to the Western Governors University SHRM student chapter for providing excellent growth and development opportunities to its student members.
SHRM awarded a 2019-2020 Honorable Mention Award designation to the Western Governors University SHRM student chapter for providing great growth and development opportunities to its student members.
The Society for Human Resource Management has analyzed WGU's Human Resource Management bachelor's degree and found that it aligns with SHRM's recommended minimum standards, integrating the HR components that are most relevant for new human resource professionals.
Why Join WGU's Virtual SHRM Student Chapter?
"WGU's Virtual SHRM chapter has given me a supportive outlet where I can ask questions, learn and connect with my peers and advisors, and even get reminders about upcoming webinars, jobs and internships! Since joining, I have been able to take advantage of so many more opportunities that I didn't even know were available to me."
—Katerina LaRo
"To become a member in the SHRM WGU Virtual Chapter is to create and enhance not only the engagement of yourself in the industry, but emphasize the importance of networking in Human Resources. As a person who has first-hand experience in the benefits of collaborating with other HR professionals, the Chapter creates an environment where people are able to interact with one another for the first time with seasoned and incoming members of the workforce. This blended audience approach can create information sharing, career opportunity and collaborative learning."
—Terrance Rosales
“It’s amazing what you can learn from others in your industry. A big part of HR is staying up to date and the best way to do that is communicating with your peers. The WGU SHRM group is great for sharing helpful advice, ever changing employment laws, and other valuable resources with other students.”
—Yolanda Pirela
"I initially joined SHRM because it was a great way to socially connect with other online students in my field. What I didn't expect were the additional resources that have been useful in my day to day role in HR. I have found valuable articles, training, and networking opportunities that have helped me expand my career. I encourage others to participate and learn more about WGU's SHRM chapter."
—Cindy Berry
Join the WGU SHRM Virtual Student Chapter Today
In order to join the WGU SHRM virtual student chapter , you'll need to currently be enrolled at WGU and be a SHRM Student Member. If you have a current SHRM professional membership, you would need to change to a student membership in order to join the chapter. If you have questions or concerns about switching from a professional membership to a student membership, you can speak with a SHRM representative at 1.800.283.7476. The WGU SHRM virtual student chapter number is #5773.
See WGU SHRM Students in Action
WGU SHRM members are making an impact throughout the SHRM community.
Not a SHRM Student Member?
The first step is to join.
Chapter Mission Statement
The WGU SHRM Virtual Student Chapter exists to connect students to the professional Human Resource community; to provide a place for mutual learning, networking, and support; to strengthen the link between students and professional association membership and benefits; and to provide an atmosphere of ongoing, creative learning and application related to human resource principles and practices.
Student Executive Council Meetings for 2024-2025
- March 22, 2024 1pm-2pm MST
- May 24, 2024 1pm-2pm MST
- August 23, 2024 1pm-2pm MST
- January 24, 2025 1pm-2pm MST
To send the Executive Council items for discussion or request to attend a chapter meeting, please email the faculty advisors at wgushrm@wgu.edu no later than one week before the scheduled meeting.
Student Executive Council Members
Hope Clippinger, President
Hope Clippinger was born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee. As a teenager, she was convinced she would attend university and begin a middle school math teacher career.
Unfortunately, a few attempts at different higher education institutes and some years living in Fresno, and San Diego, CA, and Notre Dame, IN (South Bend) led her back to Memphis. Before leaving for those other cities, she also began working in the Higher Education business field. Hope's time in Indiana was at Notre Dame, where she finally found her connection and passion for business, administration, and human resources through her career with the Executive MBA program. Her career in higher education business continued for the next 20 years at the University of Memphis.
At the University of Memphis, Hope wore many hats as the only business professional in an engineering research department. Her responsibilities included Human Resources, Accounting and Finance, Purchasing, Marketing, Customer Experience, and Conference Planning. At times, there were challenges, but Hope is sure that this wide breadth of work successfully led her to Western Governors University and the completion of her bachelor's degree.
Hope began at WGU in April 2022 and is working on her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Management. Hope's Mentor is Drew Leon, and she enjoys checking in with him twice a month. She encourages everyone to work closely with WGU Mentors and Faculty, use their first names, and build lasting relationships that carry on into their career years.
Although Hope is not a Human Resources major, she strongly feels that all students in the business field should be highly knowledgeable in HR facts and trends. As a returning student, single mother, disability services recipient, and caretaker for an older parent, Hope knows it is vital for employees to have after-hire representation and pre-hire attractive employment offerings.
There are other things to know about Hope, and she is eager to get to know all WGU SHRM Virtual Club members. She is available to any member for casual chats, study time, and career chats. Please feel free to reach out anytime.
To contact Hope, email hclippi@my.wgu.edu
Terrance (Terry) Rosales, Chapter Ambassador
Terry comes from over a decade of Human Resources experience at all levels across the private, non-profit and government sectors of the industry. With certifications in HR and DEI from both HRCI and SHRM, Terry has dedicated themselves to becoming a well-rounded mentor for future up and coming HR prospects to help them find their way through their career path.
Terry is currently the Payroll and HRIS Administrator for the City of Portland, being able to stretch their skillset across the HR, IT and Finance world. They have been a student with WGU since 2018, accomplishing their HR Management Bachelors and Masters, MBA, as well as their Management and Leadership Master’s program as well. Terry hopes to finish their WGU career with their BSIT I'm 2025. They were formerly the WGU SHRM Chapter President in 2021 and have returned in another role to act as support for the leaders of the chapter and to continue stretching information and influence across the network the chapter has developed.
To contact Terrance, email trosal2@my.wgu.edu.
Jessica Whorton, Chapter Ambassador
Jessica is an eleven-year breast cancer survivor, advocate, and human resources professional. After her breast cancer diagnosis, she found renewed passion for life and a desire to help others. She is currently pursuing a degree in Human Resources from WGU and hopes to use her education and experience to help cancer survivors re-enter the workforce. In her free time, Jessica enjoys knitting, spending time with her family, and volunteering for causes related to cancer survivorship.
She brings warmth, wisdom beyond her years, and a drive for positive change to all that she does. Jessica's story inspires people to make the most of every day.
To contact Jessica, email jwhort7@wgu.edu.
Faculty Advisors
Sean Wall-Carty, Primary Faculty Advisor
Dr. Sean Wall-Carty holds a PhD in Human Resources Management from North Central University. He also earned an MBA in Human Resources Management, a bachelor’s degree in business management, and an associate degree in business all from the University of Phoenix. His prior experience includes graduate level college teaching, leadership seminars, training classes, and consulting. His corporate experience includes a blend of supporting the human resources functions for profit retail businesses, children focused non-profit missions, and local government leadership. During his off-time Dr. Wall-Carty was elected as Town Councilman, recently served as Deputy Town Supervisor, currently serves as Vice President of the Fallsburg Central School District School Board and is a Commissioner for the County Division of Human Rights. His personal mission is to provide guidance and support in every interaction with optimism and clarity for positive outcomes in the future.
To contact Sean, email sean.wallcarty@wgu.edu.
Dr. Dee Boonyeun, Faculty Co-Advisor
Dee is a seasoned HR professional with 20+ years working with Fortune 100 companies, holding a D.B.A in HR Strategy, an MBA, an MA in HR Management, and a BA in Sociology. Embracing an inclusive philosophy, Dee is passionate about recognizing and accepting students for who they are and where they are in their educational journey. With her commitment to fostering an environment conducive to learning, Dee contributes positively to the growth and development of individuals, making a lasting impact in the field of human resources and education.
To contact Dee, email dee.boonyeun@wgu.edu.
To contact the faculty advisors, please email wgushrm@wgu.edu.
Business School Reinvented
The WGU SHRM Virtual Student Chapter exists to connect students to the professional Human Resource community; to provide a place for mutual learning, networking, and support; to strengthen the link between students and professional association membership and benefits; and to provide an atmosphere of ongoing, creative learning and application related to human resource principles and practices.