SRU publishes identity verification policy for distance learning students
ZIEGLER
Sept. 13, 2017
SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. - Since the advent of distance learning courses at Slippery Rock University, an online verification system has made sure that students fulfilling the course requirements are in fact the same person who enrolled the class; however, the University recently established a new written policy, "Student Identity Verification in Distance Learning."
By formalizing the policy, SRU is ensuring that it is compliant with provisions of the United States Federal Higher Education Opportunity Act, which requires that institutions offering distance education or correspondence courses or programs have processes in place to ensure that the student registering for a course is the same student who participates in the course or receives course credit.
"We formalized it so we can get it out on the website for our students," said John Ziegler, associate provost, information and administrative technology services. "It's showing our students who are taking distance learning courses or students in hybrid courses that there is a verification process and you have to use your ID and password."
This policy applies to all credit-bearing distance education courses or programs offered by SRU, beginning with the application for admission and continuing through to a student's graduation, transfer or withdrawal from the University.
"It's our commitment to students and verifying they are who they are, they are responsible for maintaining their identity and that they shouldn't share their credentials with anybody," Ziegler said. "They are still going to be credited with their work, just like if they were in a traditional classroom."
SRU is compliant with the HEOA because it requires students to use a secure login and password. Students are provided a login and password that they use to access mySRU, an online portal that provides access for distance learning, technology support, student support services, advising, email and campus alerts.
The policy can be viewed at: http://www.sru.edu/a/14262.
MEDIA CONTACT: Justin Zackal | 724.738.4854 | justin.zackal@sru.edu