FR 4.8 An institution that offers distance or correspondence education documents each of the following: (Distance and correspondence education)
4.8.1 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.
In Compliance
Students enrolled at Shenandoah University are provided with secure logins and passwords to access online services and instructional materials. These provide access to encrypted email, Shenandoah’s learning management systems, and the library system. University logins and passwords, and the rules governing their use, are published in the Shenandoah University Information Technology Policy, available to users from Blackboard. An abbreviated version of the policy is provided in the undergraduate and graduate catalogs.
The University utilizes ExamSoft, an online testing system that requires a Shenandoah issued login and password and “locks down” the student’s computer until an examination is complete (see Shenandoah listed at http://learn.examsoft.com/) (screenshot). Additionally new technologies are being adopted that help verify that registered users are the persons participating in the class and receiving the credit such as open forums (blogs), collaborative tools (Google, Prezi), video web-conferencing (Collaborate, Zoom, Google Video Call), and video discussion posts (Canvas). Such tools help students to establish an online identity and thereby foster accountability. Additionally, the Midwifery program offers remote students the option of finding an approved proctor or testing center or utilizing the ProctorU online proctoring service (http://ProctorU.com)(screenshot).
4.8.2 has a written procedure for protecting the privacy of students enrolled in distance and correspondence education courses or programs.
In Compliance
Shenandoah University is compliant with FERPA regulations. Annual notification of student rights and the collection of information are provided in the respective undergraduate and graduate catalogs. Information regarding FERPA is also available on the university web site.
During the spring of 2014, Shenandoah University adopted a specific policy covering the collection of data relating to online activity of distance education students, which is posted in the Addendum to the 2014-2015 Undergraduate and Graduate Catalogs .
4.8.3 has a written procedure distributed at the time of registration or enrollment that notifies students of any projected additional student charges associated with verification of student identity.
In Compliance
Shenandoah University does not charge fees associated with verification of student identity.
Supporting Documentation
Shenandoah University Information Technology Policy 2012-13
Examsoft link (screenshot)
FERPA policies Undergraduate Catalog pp. 56-60
FERPA policies Graduate Catalog pp. 37-42
Privacy Policy in Addendum to Undergraduate Catalog, p. 63
Privacy Policy in Addendum to Graduate Catalog, p. 43
University Privacy Policy
Registrar’s Website
