Verification of Student Identity in Online Ed

University of Massachusetts Dartmouth Division of Academic Affairs
Policy on Verification of Student Identity in Online Education

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth operates in compliance with the provisions of the United States Federal Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA), Public Law 110-315, concerning the verification of student identity in distance learning. These provisions are reaffirmed in the New England Commission of Higher Education's (NECHE) Policy on Student Verification and Transfer of Credit.

Scope

This policy applies to all academic credit-bearing online courses and programs offered by UMass Dartmouth, beginning with the application for admission and continuing through to a student's graduation, transfer, or withdrawal from study.

Definitions

Online Education is defined as the process where on-campus and off-campus learners can access course-related or training-related materials, resources, and communication via synchronous (live interactive) or asynchronous (anytime-anywhere) delivery methods through web conferencing, and/or a Learning Management System (LMS).

Policy

All academic credit-bearing courses and programs offered through online methods must verify that the student who registers for an online education course or program is the same student who participates in and completes the required work in the course or program to receive academic credit. One or more of the following methods must be used:

1. A secure login and pass code;
2. Proctored examinations; and/or
3. New or other technologies and practices that are effective in verifying student identification and consistent with national best practices.

Student Identity Policy

All methods of verifying student identity in online learning must be in compliance with state and federal regulations on student privacy. At the time of registration or enrollment, students will be notified of any fees associated with the verification of student identity that will be charged to them.

Policy Changes

This policy will be reviewed every five years by the Office of the Provost for continued alignment with the appropriate federal regulations and policies, national best practices, and revised as necessary.