Procedures to Verify the Identity of the Distance Learning Student

Purpose and General Information: The US Department of Education and the Southern Association of Universitys and Schools Commission on Universitys (SACSCOC) requires that: The institution that offers distance or correspondence education demonstrates that the student who registers in a distance or correspondence education course or program is the same student who participates in and completes the course or program and receives the credit by verifying the identity of a student who participates in class or coursework by using, at the option of the institution, methods such as (a) a secure login and pass code, (b) proctored examinations, or (c) new or other technologies and practices that are effective in verifying student identification.

Piedmont University outlines the following policy to effectively provide this verification: Piedmont University issues each student a seven-digit student identification number at time of initial registration. This student ID becomes the unique identifier for the student throughout his/her academic career at the college. The student ID is required to access to all college resources. Additionally, a unique email address is assigned to each student within three business days of initial registration. This email address is unique in that it consists of the student’s first letter of the first name, last name, plus a four digit numeric component which is the student’s birth month and day (e.g., jsmith0123@lions.piedmont.edu). The student creates an alphanumeric password of at least eight characters that uniquely identifies and provides access to college resources. Students accept responsibility for the security of their passwords. 

Procedures for Assuring Distance Learning Student Identity: Unique Email and Password: Each distance learning student gains access into the Canvas system by using online course credentials provided by the course instructor via the unique username, which is the first part of the student's unique email address (everything in front of @lions.piedmont.edu; see example above). The student creates an alphanumeric password of at least eight characters that uniquely identifies and provides access to the learning module. This combination of unique email and password identifies the student to the system on each subsequent course visit. New techniques or technologies intended for distance learning student verification must be reviewed and approved by the Associate Vice President of Information Technology prior to implementation of the process. 

Privacy: Piedmont University protects the privacy of all students, including distance learning students, through the strict adherence to the rules of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA). The official FERPA statement is available for student and public view through the college web site. University employees receive annual training in FERPA regulations. 

Fees: There are no additional charges associated with verifying student identity.