20 Western Governors University Interview Questions and Answers

Western Governors University is a school that is known for its unique approach to education. The school was founded in 1997 by 19 governors who wanted to create a different kind of university. The school has since grown and now has over 60,000 students enrolled.

When it comes to interviewing for a job at Western Governors University, there are some specific questions that you can expect. These questions will help to assess your knowledge of the school and its approach to education. In addition, they will also gauge your ability to think critically and solve problems. Here are some of the most common Western Governors University interview questions that you should be prepared to answer.

Western Governors University Interview Process

The interview process at Western Governors University can vary depending on the position you are applying for. However, most positions will require at least two interviews, one with a recruiter and one with a hiring manager. Some positions may also require a work sample or presentation. Overall, the interview process is generally positive, with interviewers being friendly and helpful. However, some candidates have reported being ghosted after the interview process, which can be frustrating.

1. What is your experience with teaching and mentoring?

Western Governors University is a school that focuses on teaching and mentoring students. The interviewer wants to know if you have experience in these areas, as they are important for success at the university. If you do, share your experiences with teaching or mentoring others. If you don’t, explain what kind of teacher or mentor you would like to be.

Example: “I’ve been working as an English professor for five years now. I love being able to help my students learn new things about literature and writing. In fact, I was recently nominated for a teaching award because of how much my students enjoy my class.”

2. What standardization do you adhere to when evaluating student work?

Western Governors University is a competency-based institution, meaning students are assessed based on their ability to complete tasks rather than the time it takes them. This question helps employers understand your grading process and how you adhere to Western Governors’ standards.

Example: “I am familiar with competency-based education, so I have been using this method for several years now. When evaluating student work, I look at each task individually and determine whether or not the student has met the requirements of the assignment. If they have, I give them full credit. If they haven’t, I provide feedback on what they need to do differently.”

3. Tell me about a time that you had to evaluate students on a topic you did not specialize in. How did you approach it?

This question is a great way to show your ability to work with others and collaborate. It also shows that you are willing to learn new things, which can be important for students who attend online universities.

Example: “In my first year of teaching, I had a student come in who was struggling with the material. He told me he was having trouble understanding the concepts because they were different from what he learned in high school. I asked him if he could email me some of his notes so I could see how he was taught previously. After looking at them, I realized that he was right. The information we were learning was very different than what he learned before.

I went to my department head and explained the situation. We decided to have an emergency meeting with all of our teachers to discuss the differences between our curriculum and the previous one. This allowed us to adjust our lessons to better suit the needs of our students.”

4. How would you go about helping a student who was struggling in the class?

Western Governors University is a school that offers online classes. This means students may be in different locations and have unique needs. The interviewer wants to know how you would help a student who was struggling with the class. Show them your ability to communicate effectively, provide support and create an environment where students can succeed.

Example: “I would first ask the student what they needed from me as their professor. I would then do my best to meet those needs by providing additional resources or information about the course. If the student still struggled after this, I would try to find out why. Maybe there’s something specific they need help with. I would also encourage them to reach out to me if they ever feel overwhelmed or confused.”

5. If a student came to you with a problem, what steps would you take to help them solve their issue?

This question is an opportunity to show your problem-solving skills and ability to help students. When answering this question, it can be helpful to give a specific example of how you helped a student in the past.

Example: “If a student came to me with a problem, I would first listen to them and try to understand their issue. Then, I would do my best to find resources that could help them solve their problem. If there were no existing resources for solving their issue, I would work with other faculty members to create new ones.”

6. Describe a time where you facilitated learning for an individual or group of people.

Western Governors University is a school that focuses on helping students learn independently. However, they also want to ensure their faculty members can help students who need it. This question helps them determine if you have the skills necessary to help students succeed in your class.

Example: “In my last position as an English teacher, I had a student who was struggling with grammar and punctuation rules. She would often ask me questions during class, which disrupted other students’ learning. To solve this problem, I met with her after class one day to go over some of the basics of grammar. After that, she asked fewer questions during class and learned more effectively.”

7. Do you have any experience working with online tools?

Western Governors University uses a variety of online tools to help students learn and succeed. The interviewer may ask this question to see if you have experience with these types of tools, as well as how you feel about using them. If you do not have any experience working with online tools, consider sharing your thoughts on the topic.

Example: “I’ve never worked for an institution that used online tools like Western Governors University does. However, I am excited to learn more about the different tools they use and how they can benefit me as a student. I think it’s important to embrace new technology in education because it allows us to reach more people and provide better learning experiences.”

8. Can you tell me about a time when you were working with a team member and there was conflict. How did you handle it?

Western Governors University is a school that values teamwork and collaboration. As such, they want to know how you will work with others in the classroom. This question allows them to assess your conflict resolution skills and ability to collaborate with others.

Example: “In my last position as an English teacher, I had a colleague who was very critical of students’ writing. While this can be helpful for some students, it can also discourage others from wanting to write at all. When I noticed that several students were avoiding writing assignments because of his feedback, I approached him about it. He apologized and adjusted his feedback style so that he could provide constructive criticism without discouraging students.”

9. Are you comfortable using Microsoft Excel and Word?

Western Governors University uses Microsoft Excel and Word for many of its assignments. The school wants to make sure you have the necessary computer skills to complete your work on time. When answering this question, explain that you are familiar with both programs. Explain how you use each program in your daily life or provide an example of a time when you used these programs to complete a project.

Example: “I am very comfortable using Microsoft Excel and Word. I use Excel at my current job to create reports and graphs. I also use it to track our inventory and sales. In addition, I use Word to write all of my reports at work. I find that having these skills makes me more efficient in completing my work.”

10. Why do you think this job is right for you?

This question is a great way for employers to learn more about your qualifications and how you feel about the position. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention specific skills or experiences that make you a good fit for the role.

Example: “I think this job is right for me because I have experience working in an online environment. In my last position as a social media manager, I was responsible for creating content on multiple platforms. This helped me develop strong communication and time management skills, which are both important in this role.”

11. What are some ways that you can make sure that a student stays motivated throughout their program?

Western Governors University is a school that offers online programs for students who are looking to advance their education. The university wants to make sure that its faculty members can help students stay motivated and focused on their studies, so they ask this question to see if you have any strategies or techniques that you use in your teaching.

Example: “I find that the best way to keep my students motivated is by making sure that I am always available to answer questions and provide feedback. If a student has a question about an assignment or how to complete a task, I try to respond as quickly as possible. This shows them that I care about their success and want to help them succeed.”

12. Have you ever taught someone something completely new?

This question can help an interviewer determine if you have experience teaching others. This is a skill that many professors need to possess, so it’s important to show your ability in this area.

Example: “When I was working as a server at a restaurant, one of my tables asked me about the ingredients in our salad dressing. They were looking for something with no sugar or artificial sweeteners and wanted to know what kind of oil we used. I told them that we use olive oil, but they still seemed confused. So, I explained how different oils are good for different things and why olive oil is healthy. By the end of their meal, they said they really enjoyed the food.”

13. What qualities do you look for in a mentor?

Western Governors University is a school that offers students the opportunity to work with mentors. A hiring manager may ask this question to learn more about your expectations for mentorship and how you would approach working with a mentor at Western Governors University. To answer this question, think of what qualities you’ve seen in past mentors. Consider their skills, personality traits or other characteristics that made them an effective mentor.

Example: “I look for mentors who are both knowledgeable and encouraging. I find that when someone has extensive knowledge but also knows how to share it effectively, they can be a great resource for me as I learn new things. Mentors should also be kind and supportive, which makes them good listeners and helps them provide advice and feedback. In my experience, these two qualities make up the best mentors.”

14. How do you respond to negative feedback from students?

Western Governors University is a school that focuses on student success. As such, they want to ensure you can respond positively to negative feedback from students and use it as an opportunity for improvement. When answering this question, consider how you would react if a student gave you negative feedback about your teaching style or classroom management.

Example: “I understand that no teacher can please every student all of the time. I also know that there are many factors that contribute to a student’s learning experience, including their own effort and motivation. If a student were to give me negative feedback, I would first thank them for their honesty and willingness to provide feedback. Then, I would ask what specifically they didn’t like about my class so I could address those issues in the future.”

15. What kind of training experience do you have?

Western Governors University is a school that offers online training for many different career fields. The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your experience with online learning and how it relates to their program. If you have no prior experience, consider what other types of training you’ve completed in the past.

Example: “I haven’t had any formal training outside of high school, but I do have some experience with online learning. In my current position as an administrative assistant, I use several online resources to complete tasks and research information. I find these tools very helpful when I need to look up something quickly or get help from someone who has more expertise than me.”

16. Would you be able to provide constructive criticism to a student who was frustrated?

Western Governors University is a school that focuses on helping students succeed. The university wants to ensure that you can provide constructive criticism to students who are struggling with their coursework or assignments. When answering this question, it can be helpful to describe a time when you helped a student overcome an obstacle in the classroom.

Example: “I have had several students come into my class frustrated because they were having trouble understanding the material. I always make sure to take the time to explain concepts and answer questions until the student understands the material. If the student still has difficulty after our discussion, I will offer extra help outside of class so they can fully understand the material.”

17. What has been your experience in adult education?

Western Governors University is a school that focuses on adult education. The university wants to know your experience in this field and how you can help students succeed. You should highlight any relevant skills or experiences you have with teaching adults.

Example: “I’ve been working as an adjunct professor at the local community college for five years now. I love working with adults because they are so eager to learn new things. In my current position, I teach two classes per semester. One class is a general education course, while the other is a business management course. My students always give me positive feedback about my lessons.”

18. What is your availability?

Western Governors University is a school that offers online classes. The interviewer may ask this question to learn about your availability for the position and how you plan to balance work with school. In your answer, explain what days of the week you are available to work and any other commitments you have that might affect your schedule.

Example: “I am currently only working part-time at my current job, so I would be able to dedicate five days a week to Western Governors University. My evenings and weekends are free, which means I can focus on my studies without having to worry about balancing work and school.”

19. How would you get to know your students?

Western Governors University is a school that focuses on online learning. The university wants to know how you would interact with your students and get to know them outside of the classroom. This question helps employers understand if you are willing to take extra steps to help your students succeed.

Example: “I believe it’s important for teachers to get to know their students. I would make sure to have an open door policy where my students can come in and talk to me about anything. I also think it’s important to learn more about my students’ lives, so I would ask questions during class time and encourage them to share information about themselves.”

20. What qualities do you possess that will allow you to succeed as a mentor?

Western Governors University is a school that offers students the opportunity to learn from mentors. The university wants to ensure that their mentors possess certain qualities, such as patience and empathy. When answering this question, it can be helpful to think about what you have learned from your own mentors in the past.

Example: “I believe I would make an excellent mentor because of my ability to listen and empathize with others. Throughout my life, I’ve had many wonderful mentors who helped me through difficult times. In return, I try to help other people when they are going through challenging situations. I feel like I am able to relate to most people’s problems and provide them with advice on how to overcome these issues.”