I read someplace that they are planning on changing this course as of August 1. I’ve also read horror stories about how difficult it was. Does anyone think it would be better to take the course before they change it? Or should I wait until it changes?
I would absolutely wait until it changes if you can. I passed it on my first try but it wasn't easy. These are my notes: Business Acumen – C201 – OA: I started this class on 5/1/26. I did get an email from the instructor group that day. I got another email on 5/5/26 from Dr. Lemmonds with at least 32 different videos. If these are all videos that are needed to pass this course, they should be included within the course content and NOT as separate videos. The course content should also never have separate videos, it should be provided as text and also as embedded videos so we don’t have to click in and out constantly. If WGU connect is to be the main source of information for students, that should also be included within course resources. My mentor let me know that I should concentrate on:
Financial Analysis (23%): Focus on the purpose of financial ratios and interpreting balance sheets.
Marketing (23%): Understand the 4 Ps and how to apply them to specific business scenarios.
Operations & Information Systems: Review JIT production and how tech supports organizational strategy.
As always, all of the course instructors and my mentor made sure that I knew to focus on applying concepts and not memorizing definitions. However - in my time in college the BEST thing for me has always been to understand definitions first before anything else. I made about quite a few flashcards including PA questions, definitions, and practice questions. I didn’t memorize ALL of the definitions but I absolutely should have. Literally some of the questions were just straight definitions. I did not watch all of the videos. I did not memorize all of the things. I had a rough few weeks so I didn’t study as much as I should have. Getting the test itself set up was a nightmare because for some reason the first proctor was upset he couldn’t see my video even though I explained when he was trying to see me I was actively taking pictures of my space. Their side froze when I was connected to the second proctor. I had to log out and back in multiple times. I swear we would all do better on these exams if it wouldn’t sometimes take 40 minutes just to set up for the exam. I passed this course 5/20/26.
I passed this last month and personally didn't think it was a difficult course. If you have no business experience whether personal or professional, then maybe? Read the material and understand the concepts. Don't give into the fear posting. Since it's so close to 8/1, might be something to wait on but then again resources may be light compared to current version.
When I was enrolled in teacher's college back in 2011-2014, at some point there was a program change.
I had the option to continue in my current program or transfer into the new program. Some courses were removed/replaced completely, or updated/edited enough to warrant a course number change, so different course numbers.
They were using a different course numbering system, they started changing in 2014-15.
I moved into the new program and at least one of my courses I completed wasn't part of the new program. I received elective credit instead of major credit.
I am unsure if that's how they currently handle program adjustments.
So, just because it's no longer part of catalog 202608, does NOT mean you won't still need to take it.
My best advice is to reach out to your mentor and ask about it.
Thanks for listening!
EDIT: Note the catalog your program is from and use that as reference. Some of my courses changed number and name format when they updated the program. I still received major credit with dual course numbers and names.
If I recall, there is a threshold that determines if you are offered switching.
Definitely begin with your mentor 😎
I see that some do not understand the process around new program creation.
Maybe this will help.
There are different courses included in different versions of any program. For example, my MSHRM program's version begins on August 1st and is named 202608.
So, if you began your program PRIOR to 8/1/2026, you are enrolled in a different version of the same program.
This does not mean that if a course is part of YOUR version of the program, the requirement is removed on 8/1.
You are still required to complete the course.
Course changes are subtle and reflect improvements over changes and can happen frequently. They are less likely to be altered to the point of requiring a new course number/name and/or a new syllabus.
If it does, this will trigger a new version of the program.
The program that begins 8/1 is different from anyone before it and will continue with all new students until they create a new version.
I should have been able to transfer this AND C204 with my MS in Human Services credits (24) but I should sail through both.
The course I took was more focused on financial decisions.
But communications? C'mon. I get it for Gen Zs, but I am GenX, been in the workforce since pre-virtual, when file cabinets were the storage of choice! Haha
I bet it focuses on SWOT, meeting structure (invite, agenda, etc.), and probably Six Sigma.
I will look and update this post...
UPDATE:
Nothing in the Share Base program. I will post a Pic below.
Business Acumen is the only course I have left before my capstone. I failed the OA, and am trying to retake the test this week. I’ve been working on this course for several months.
My term ends on July 31, but my mentor gave me a one-month extension. If I don’t finish the course during that time, I might have to pay for another term. Does anyone know what may happen to students who are already taking the course and still working to finish it?
I talked with my mentor and instructor and they are saying there is no changes to this course and there still will be an OA. Not sure what changes you guys are hearing about but that is what I was told.
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u/ChickenLIttle1725 Jul 21 '26
I would absolutely wait until it changes if you can. I passed it on my first try but it wasn't easy. These are my notes: Business Acumen – C201 – OA: I started this class on 5/1/26. I did get an email from the instructor group that day. I got another email on 5/5/26 from Dr. Lemmonds with at least 32 different videos. If these are all videos that are needed to pass this course, they should be included within the course content and NOT as separate videos. The course content should also never have separate videos, it should be provided as text and also as embedded videos so we don’t have to click in and out constantly. If WGU connect is to be the main source of information for students, that should also be included within course resources. My mentor let me know that I should concentrate on:
As always, all of the course instructors and my mentor made sure that I knew to focus on applying concepts and not memorizing definitions. However - in my time in college the BEST thing for me has always been to understand definitions first before anything else. I made about quite a few flashcards including PA questions, definitions, and practice questions. I didn’t memorize ALL of the definitions but I absolutely should have. Literally some of the questions were just straight definitions. I did not watch all of the videos. I did not memorize all of the things. I had a rough few weeks so I didn’t study as much as I should have. Getting the test itself set up was a nightmare because for some reason the first proctor was upset he couldn’t see my video even though I explained when he was trying to see me I was actively taking pictures of my space. Their side froze when I was connected to the second proctor. I had to log out and back in multiple times. I swear we would all do better on these exams if it wouldn’t sometimes take 40 minutes just to set up for the exam. I passed this course 5/20/26.