Western Governors University is a nonprofit online university that aims to improve access to affordable post-secondary education through a competency-based model where students can learn and earn degrees independently of time and place. Rather than focusing on seat time, WGU assesses students through domains, courses of study, learning resources, and assessments, including diagnostic pretests, objective assessments, and performance assessments. The university is governed by a board of trustees and national advisory board and employs a disaggregated faculty model consisting of program coordinators, course mentors, and student mentors to guide students through their individualized learning plans.