RUL 02.66.04 Student Identification in Distance Learning

Authority: Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost

History: First Issued: January 18, 2024

Contact Info: Vice Provost, Digital Education and Learning Technology Applications, (919.515.4362)

Additional References:
Higher Learning Commission Policy – Institutional Practices for Verification of Student Identity and Protection of Student Privacy
NC State Digital Education and Learning Technology Applications (DELTA)
NC State DELTA Off-Campus Testing Guidelines

1. Introduction
NC State protects the integrity of the educational credentials awarded to students enrolled in the university’s off-campus, online, and correspondence education programs (collectively “distance education”) by implementing measures to certify student identity and protect student privacy.

2. Identity Verification
2.1 Verification Methods
To authenticate the identities of distance education applicants and students, the university will use one or more of the following methods for verification:

2.1.1 Student provision of personally identifying information during the admissions, financial aid, enrollment, and registration processes

2.1.2 Student provision of government-issued photo identification card (photo ID) to obtain a university-issued student identification card (Student ID)

2.1.3 Student provision of their Student ID or a government-issued photo ID at on-campus testing centers and for off-campus testing

2.1.4 Secure login with NC State-assigned username and student generated password

2.1.5 Two-factor authentication

2.1.6 Proctored examinations

2.1.7 The university 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.

2.2 Student Responsibility

2.2.1 Students are responsible for providing their complete and true identity information in any identification verification process.

2.2.2 Student use of University IT resources must comply with federal and state laws, and University policies, regulations and rules. Users may not allow or facilitate unauthorized access to University computer accounts or IT resources by others.

2.2.3 Failure to comply with this Rule may result in disciplinary action under the Code of Student Conduct.

2.3 Verification Fee
The university will notify students at the time of registration or enrollment of any projected additional student charges associated with the verification of student identity, such as separate
fees charged by remote proctoring services.

3. Student Privacy
All methods of verifying student identity must protect the privacy of student information in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), and other applicable laws and the university’s policies, regulations, and rules (including REG 11.00.01–Family Educational Rights and Privacy (FERPA)) regarding the confidentiality of personally identifying information.