Purpose

Rider University is committed to maintaining the integrity of its academic programs and complying with applicable federal regulations governing student identity verification in distance education.

This policy is intended to satisfy the student identity verification requirements of the Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA) and 34 CFR §602.17(g), which require institutions offering distance education to establish that the student who registers in a distance education course or program is the same student who participates in, completes, and receives academic credit for that course or program.

The University employs a layered approach to student identity verification that begins during student onboarding, continues through secure authentication to University systems, and may be supplemented by instructional practices appropriate to the course and discipline. Throughout these processes, Rider University protects student privacy and does not assess additional fees specifically for student identity verification.

Scope

This policy applies to all Rider University credit-bearing distance education courses and programs delivered through Canvas and other University-supported instructional technologies.

Student Identity Verification Methods

Rider University uses multiple methods to verify the identity of students enrolled in distance education courses and programs.

Student Onboarding and University Identification

Identity verification begins before students enroll in online coursework.

As part of the Rider University identification card process, all students are required to verify their identity by submitting:

  • A government-issued photo identification document
  • A current photograph meeting University identification requirements

Once verified, students are issued an official Rider University identification card, and their official identification photograph is maintained in University systems for institutional purposes.

For more information about the University identification process, please visit the Rider University ID Card Information page.

Secure Authentication

Students access Rider University systems using their Rider Key credentials.

Secure authentication through Rider Key provides access to Canvas, Rider email, and other University-supported instructional technologies using the University's single sign-on process.

Because these systems require institutional authentication, any academic communications, coursework, and instructional activities conducted through them contribute to Rider University's layered approach to student identity verification.

Students are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of their Rider Key username and password and must not share their login credentials with others.

Course-Level Verification

Faculty members may incorporate instructional activities that provide additional opportunities to verify student identity when appropriate for the learning objectives and instructional design of the course.

Examples may include:

  • Live class sessions conducted through Zoom or other University-supported platforms
  • Recorded video presentations or assignments
  • Individual conferences or interviews
  • Other instructional activities that reasonably confirm student identity

When appropriate, instructors may compare student participation with official University identification photographs maintained by the University and shown in Canvas under each student’s profile.

Protection of Student Privacy

Rider University is committed to protecting the privacy and security of student information used in identity verification processes.

Student records and personally identifiable information are handled in accordance with:

Student authentication credentials, official identification records, and identity verification information are maintained securely and are accessible only to authorized University personnel with a legitimate educational or administrative need.

Student Responsibilities

Students are responsible for:

  • Protecting the confidentiality of their Rider Key username and password
  • Not sharing their login credentials with any other individual
  • Using only their own Rider University credentials to access Canvas, Rider email, and other University-supported instructional technologies
  • Participating in identity verification activities required by the University or course instructor
  • Complying with applicable University technology, academic integrity, and student conduct policies

Failure to comply with these requirements may constitute a violation of University policy and may result in disciplinary action.

Additional Student Charges

Rider University does not assess additional fees specifically for student identity verification in distance education courses or programs.

Responsible Offices

Questions regarding this policy may be directed to:

  • Office of Information Technology
  • Department of Public Safety (University Identification)
  • Office of the Registrar