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Student Verification Policy for Online Instruction

Student Verification Policy for Online Instruction
UC Merced PACE

November, 2018

I. Purpose

This describes the process for verifying the identity of UC Merced PACE students enrolled in online academic courses, for which there are no in-person meetings.

This policy is consistent with the WSCUC Distance Education Review Guide, which states:

“WSCUC requires institutions that offer distance education to have processes in place through which the institution establishes that the student who registers in a distance education course or program is the same student who participates in and completes the course or program and receives the academic credit. To meet this requirement, the institution must employ, at its option, methods to verify the student who participates, such as:

  • A secure login and pass code
  • Proctored examinations
  • New or other technologies or practices that are effective in verifying student identification.”

II. Overview

  1. UC Merced PACE requires at least one proctored/supervised exam or experience per online course for which students are required to present photo identification upon signing in or appearing for the proctored experience or test. In this way, instructors are able to verify that the individual participating in the assignment or exam is the same individual who is enrolled and receiving a grade for the course.

UC Merced PACE adheres to the UC Merced Code of Conduct and Academic Honesty Policy . It is expected and required that only the individual who is registered in a course will produce and submit assignments and take examinations for that course. Violations of this requirement will be processed according to these UC Merced policies.

To protect student privacy, instructors should perform identity checks one-on-one and not in front of other students. This is especially important in an online environment, where a student should only be required to present identification directly to the instructor and not in a setting where classmates can see private information.

  1. Proctored Exams/Experiences

Distance courses, including asynchronous courses, may require an in-person meeting, assignment or examination at a specific day and time. This information must be published in the course description of the unique section the student enrolls in so they are aware of the meeting day and time prior to registration.

  1. In-Person Exams

Proctor exams in a classroom setting where students show a photo ID (driver’s license, passport, or student ID card) before they take their test. UC Merced PACE distance courses that require in-person, exams on a specific day and time will state such a requirement in the course description of the unique section the student enrolls in, and will be stated on the syllabus.

  1. Online with Examity or Proctor U*

Both Examity and Proctor U offer live online proctoring for academic institutions. Webcams and other similar technology are utilized to monitor students taking exams online.

*Online proctor fees are paid by the student directly to the vendor. The current cost is $20.00 per proctored experience (price is subject to change by agreement between the University of California and the vendor). This cost must be published in the course description of the unique section the student enrolls in so they are aware of the additional fee prior to registration.

  1. Alternatives to Proctored Exams
  1. Presentations

Presentations give students the opportunity to display knowledge gained in the course and present that information to their classmates and instructor. Instructors should check student identity by verifying IDs in a one-on-one online or in person meeting prior to the presentation.

  1. Zoom: Using the online conferencing tool Zoom, instructors could require students to lead presentations and discussion sessions with their classmates. This method requires students to present information and to answer discussion questions similar to that of an in-class setting. This method may be utilized with the entire class, small groups within a class, or for an individual student and the instructor, depending on the needs and requirements of the course.
  2. Pre-recorded Video Presentations: Students create video presentations in which their voices must be heard and faces must be seen as they cover specific information from the course as assigned by the instructor.
  3. In-Person Class Meetings: To facilitate student presentations and whole-group discussions in a classroom setting.

Considerations

  • If students are required to be physically present at a certain time and location, this information must be published in the course catalog at the time of enrollment, as well as in the syllabus.
  • If special equipment is required (webcam, speakers, etc.), this information must be published in the course catalog at the time of enrollment, as well as in the syllabus.
  • If an online proctoring service is used and students are responsible for paying the testing fee out of pocket, the cost must be published in the course catalog at the time of enrollment, as well as in the syllabus.
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Academic Policy Information