An institution that offers distance or correspondence education documents each of the following: 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.
Compliance Status
Louisiana State University and A&M College is in compliance with this principle.
Narrative
Louisiana State University and A&M College (LSU) uses secure, unique login and pass codes for students participating in distance and correspondence education courses. Examinations for distance and correspondence courses use proctored examination locations that have been reviewed and approved by the institution. As part of an ongoing process for verifying the identity of a student participating in a distance program, LSU is exploring new technologies that include monitored online testing systems, biometric verification systems, and other emerging technologies.
In addition to verifying student identity at the point of enrollment and at the time of course assessments, a distance student interacts intermittently with faculty and with administrative offices throughout the course term. LSU faculty members teaching distance courses have many opportunities to recognize variations in level and style of work that may suggest questions about student identity. LSU staff members similarly may become aware of conflicting statements, changes in contact information, or other behaviors that could call a student’s identity into question. If a student is submitting work that is not his or her own, or if someone participating in a course is not the person who was enrolled, the enrolled student is engaged in academic misconduct. LSU has clear policies in the Code of Student Conduct for investigating allegations of academic misconduct that involve participating in a course under false pretenses.
The following information documents compliance with this principle:
LSU Online Identity Verification
Identity verification and exam proctoring services for LSU Online programs are offered through ProctorU. Upon admission to an LSU Online program, each student is required to set up an account with ProctorU and walk through an initial “identification verification” procedure. Students must meet ProctorU’s technical requirements, including a computer with high-speed Internet, Web cam, and microphone [1].
LSU Online Distance Learning Exam Proctors
All exams for Online Distance Learning (ODL) courses must be proctored by ProctorU, a proctoring service that allows students to take exams from anywhere using a computer with Web cam, microphone, and a high-speed Internet connection. Students must be able to meet ProctorU’s technical requirements [2].
LSU Independent & Distance Learning (IDL) Exam Proctors
LSU IDL courses have two or three proctored exams. If students are unable to take their exams at LSU IDL offices, they must identify a proctor to administer their exams, and submit information about the proctor to LSU IDL for approval [3].
MyLSU
In addition to the above accounts, each student is also issued a MyLSU account with a unique user identification and a password that he or she creates [4]. Using this log-in, the student is able to access the academic platform, Moodle [5], other class information, degree audits, and grades. Students are cautioned not to share passwords with others.