Distance Education Policy

Purpose and General Information

Both Federal Requirements and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) (sacscoc.org; 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033; questions@sacscoc.org) require 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 passcode, (b) proctored examinations, or (c) new or other technologies and practices that are effective in verifying student identification

Piedmont University outlines the following procedures to effectively verify student identity in online courses and protect identity:

Piedmont University issues each student a seven-digit student identification number at the time of initial registration.

This student ID becomes the unique identifier for the student throughout his/her academic career at the university.

The student ID is required to access all university resources.

Additionally, a secure email address is assigned to each student upon enrollment. 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 eight-digit, alphanumeric password that uniquely identifies and provides access to university resources. Once established, these credentials act as a student’s credentials for all of Piedmont’s online resources (student email, Canvas, PilgrimNet, etc.). Students accept responsibility for the security of their passwords.

Procedures for Assuring Distance Learning Student Identity:

Secure Email and Password: Each distance learning student gains access into the Canvas system by using their pre-established credentials mentioned above. Once registered, students are automatically assigned to the appropriate Canvas course sections for the current term.

New techniques or technologies intended for distance learning student verification must be reviewed and approved by the Chief Information Officer prior to the implementation of the process.

Privacy

Piedmont University protects the privacy of all students, including distance learning students, through 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 University website. University employees receive annual training in FERPA regulations.

Fees

There are no additional charges associated with verifying student identity.