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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

Canvas-Specific ID Verification Strategies by Assignment Type

3 Commonly Adopted Strategies

  1. Use the check ID option in proctoring software
  2. Have a video recorded Introduce Yourself discussion board in the course
  3. Have a personal meeting with the students during the work of a paper or a project

Proctored or Supervised Assessments

  • Use Respondus LockDown Browser + Monitor or other proctoring software used by the college
  • Schedule on-campus or approved testing center exams
  • Conduct live proctored exams via Teams or Canvas Conferences

Quizzes and Exams

  • Add an academic integrity affirmation question to signal to students the importance of academic integrity
  • Pair with a short follow-up verification activity (video or oral check-in)
  • Use the proctoring software's ID check requirement
  • Record the student taking the exam

Written Assignments

  • Timed essay in a proctored setting
  • Written analysis or reflection in a proctored setting that deals with a larger assignment
  • Summary of process (how the project was completed) in a proctored setting or personal meeting
  • Reimagined assignment (same content, new format) in a proctored setting or personal meeting
  • Self-critique of work tied to course objectives in a proctored setting or personal meeting

Presentations

  • Verify student identity in a private meeting before the presentation
  • Video presentations (recorded) using Kaltura or the Canvas Media Tool (face and voice required)
  • Live presentations via Teams/Canvas Conferences
  • Student-led discussions requiring real-time engagement

Interviews

  • Conduct individual or small group interviews via Teams/Canvas Conferences
  • Real-time questioning ("think on their feet")
  • Ability to assess understanding of submitted work
  • Opportunity to confirm authorship of assignments

Canvas Discussions

  • Include occasional video/audio posts
  • Rotate prompts each term for assignment security

Labs or Skills-Based Work

  • Video demonstrations of skills
  • Process explanations alongside submissions
  • Live or recorded check-ins