Student Identity Verification in Distance Education

The Higher Education Opportunity Act requires that colleges and universities have processes in place to ensure that the student registered for a credit-bearing online course is the same student who actively engages in the course. This is NOT a new requirement. RIT has been complying with the HEOA for many years with a verification process that required a secure RIT login and password along with a faculty verification checklist attached to their final grade roster which indicated that the student to whom the faculty member was assigning a grade was the same student that appeared on their grade roster photo.

According to updated guidance offered by the HEOA, multiple verification methods (at least two) need to be utilized in conjunction with one another in order to be effective, which is why the secure login and password method is not recommended as the only verification. The federal regulation suggests the following methods can be combined:

• A secure login and passcode
• Proctored examinations
• New or other technologies and practices that are effective in verifying student identity

Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008

Applicable Federal Regulations for Student Identity Verification in Distance Education

• Requires institutions to have processes in place through which the institution establishes that a student who registers in any course offered via distance education or correspondence is the same student who academically engages in the course or program (section 34 CFR 602.17(g))
• Makes clear in writing that institutions must use processes that protect student privacy and notify students of any projected additional student charges associated with the verification of student identity at the time of registration or enrollment (section 34 CFR 602.17(H))

Note: Federal regulations do not prescribe the frequency, form, or storage of verification. Each institution is responsible for determining these items.

RIT Administrative Policy:

Student Identity Verification in Distance Education

• Identify verification resources are available from RIT's Center for Teaching and Learning
• Best Practices for Including Proctored Exams in your Course
• Using Zoom for a Live-Proctored Online Exam
• Sample Syllabus Statement:
  • While an online course does not require physical attendance, active engagement and participation is necessary to successfully meet the course learning outcomes. RIT also requires students to complete the Student Identity Verification process for each online course they participate in to ensure RIT compliance with the United States Federal Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA). ​​​​As such, students are expected to:
    • Have an RIT-approved ID Photo on file which can be used to verify their identity.
    • Attend at least one virtual session as determined by the instructor where video identification can be made before week 3 of the course.
    • Complete all online course activities using RIT provided computer accounts, including RIT’s learning management system (myCourses) and RIT email.
    • Use online proctoring solutions for online exams when deemed necessary by their instructor

Completing a Proctored Online Exam on Zoom

Why We Require ID Verification

RIT’s core values of integrity and honesty are reflected in all RIT educational and business practices, including issuance of an RIT student ID.

To ensure the security and integrity of our university community, all students are required to verify their identity before receiving a university ID. This process involves submitting a government-issued photo ID and uploading a current photo of yourself. Government-issued IDs are solely to confirm that the person requesting a university ID is the same person enrolled at the university. Uploaded photos are used on physical university ID cards and in other RIT systems.

This helps:

1. Prevent identity fraud or misuse of university credentials
2. Ensure that only authorized individuals have access to university facilities and services
3. Maintain the safety and security of our campus community

Your information and images are handled securely and used only for verification purposes in compliance with university privacy and data protection policies.

To receive your RIT ID, please complete this verification process. Failure to do so will result in administrative action, up to and including withdrawal from the university.

Guidance Messages

• Sample email to Faculty who are Teaching an Online Course
• Sample email to Students who are Taking an Online Course

View the Frequently Asked Questions