Identity Verification

ID Verification in Online Courses

Because we value student learning and academic integrity, the faculty of Snow College online courses must verify that the student enrolled in a course is the same individual completing the work.

The college's Admissions and Financial Aid Offices verify identity at enrollment and the single-sign-on (SSO) login for Canvas acts as another form of verification; however, an extra step is needed to ensure that the student on the school records is the student completing work in the class.

Effective ID verification helps us:

• protect the value and credibility of Snow College credentials
• ensure fairness for all students
• demonstrate excellence by adhering to NWCCU accreditation expectations

What This Means for Snow College Faculty

To align with these expectations, online courses should include at least one verified assessment or experience leading to a signature assessment where student identity is confirmed. This does not always require high-stakes proctoring, but it must provide reasonable assurance of identity.

In doing this, faculty should also:

• Clearly communicate verification methods in the syllabus and Canvas
• Protect student privacy and FERPA compliance (avoid public ID display)
• Notify students at the beginning of the semester of any technology or scheduling requirements
• Provide reasonable alternatives when students face access barriers