Validation of Identity

Verification of Student Identity in Lehigh University Distance Education Courses

This policy applies to all Distance courses and programs offered through the College of Education at Lehigh University, beginning with the application for admission and continuing through to a student’s graduation, transfer, or withdrawal from study, in compliance with accreditation-relevant federal regulations (HEOA).

All credit-bearing courses and programs offered through the College of Education will verify that the registered student is the same student who participates in and completes the course or program and receives academic credit. One or more of the following methods will be used:

1. A secure login and pass code for access to the course and associated course materials.
2. Proctored examinations using student-obtained proctors screened and verified by the Lehigh University.
3. New technologies and/or practices that are effective in verifying student identification.
4. Pedagogical and related practices that are effective in verifying student identity (faculty review, questioning students, etc.)

All methods of verification of student identity must protect the privacy of student information. Personally identifiable information collected by the university may be used, at the discretion of the institution, as the basis for identity verification. For example, a student requesting that their password be reset may be asked to provide two or more pieces of information for comparison with data on file. Each student has their own University-assigned User Name and student-generated password to log into the course management system. All users of the course management system are responsible for maintaining the security of usernames, passwords and any other access credentials assigned. Access credentials may not be shared or given to anyone other than the user to whom they were assigned. Users are responsible for any and all uses of their account. Users are held responsible for knowledge of information contained in the University’s Student Handbook hosted by the Student Affairs office, and particularly Section 3, the Student Code of Conduct. Students are responsible for providing complete and accurate information in any identity verification process, Failure to read university guidelines, policies and regulations will not exempt users from responsibility.

Examination proctors for online courses are instructed to protect student privacy regarding all student information, specifically relating to Lehigh University courses and assignments, must be kept confidential at all times. All documents and files handled/accessed as part of proctoring Lehigh University, College of Education online examinations must be kept in a secure location until the exam is administered and returned according to the required provisions submitted with the exam. 

Lehigh’s College of Education, through its Global Distance Office, will continue to monitor, assess, and implement new and/or emerging processes and resources to assist in the verification of student identities for those taking distance education courses.