Authentication of Students in Online Courses

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Last revised on 7/23/2025 by KK

Overview

The purpose of this article is to guide the University community as faculty seek methods of verifying student identity in distance learning and online courses. These guidelines were designed to meet NECHE accreditation standard 4.48 and federal requirements under Sec. 602.17(g)of the Higher Education Act of 1965. Additionally, these guidelines are designed to meet Department of Homeland Security requirements for international students in online and remote learning environments.

Responsibility

Federal law guides the University to verify that a student who registers in a "distance education or correspondence education course" is the same student who participates in and completes the course and receives academic credit.

UConn requires that instructors of all distance education course sections ensure that students who register in these courses are the same students who participate in and complete the course activities and assessments and receive academic credit. Distance education courses are currently defined as the following course modalities:

  • Online Synchronous (OS)
  • Online Asynchronous (OA)
  • Online Blended (OB)

    Methods

    Instructors must use a minimum of two authentication methods, one of which can be students logging in with their NetID credentials.

    No additional cost to students can be required in order to complete authentication processes; however, students may incur additional costs by not following outlined procedure (e.g., ProctorU late fees).

        Method 1: NetID and Password Required

        Students use their NetID and password to access course content, activities, and assessments. For this to count as one of the two required methods:

        • Instructors must use HuskyCT as the primary repository and access point for course content, activities, and assessments, and
        • Students must use their NetID and password to securely access the HuskyCT site.

          Method 2: Choose From the Following Options

          Faculty teaching OS, OA, and OB courses must choose at least one additional authentication method from the table below or an alternative method that has been approved by the Office of the Provost and UConn eCampus.

          List of authentication methods
          Assessments and Activities Method Process
          Recorded exam or test submissions Instructors can use Respondus Lockdown Browser with Monitor to record student display of ID and assessment session. Instructors review the recorded assessments to confirm display of ID and if needed, confirm student identity via official UConn photo in Student Admin.

          Note: For online courses that generate the online course fee (i.e., online courses offered in the May Term, Summer Session, and Winter Intersession and any graduate course in a revenue generating certificate or degree program), ProctorU is available. ProctorU is only available for use in courses that generate the online course fee.
          Live instructor-proctored assessments Instructors observe students taking tests/assessments and/or lead one-on-one synchronous oral examinations using a University-supported online platform (e.g., Microsoft Teams, Webex, Respondus Lockdown Browser with Monitor + Live). Instructors confirm student identity via official UConn photo in Student Admin.

          Note: To ensure compliance with FERPA policy:

          • • Faculty cannot request student IDs in a live video conference when other students are present.
          • • Faculty cannot record live instructor proctored testing sessions.
          • • Faculty must alert students to the nature of the live proctoring prior to the start of class in the course syllabus. This should include requirements for technology, participation, and locations and expectations related to direct faculty observation of test taking.
          • • Students must also be alerted to proctoring information with enough time to make adjustments to their testing environment or to arrange for alternative testing locations to ensure their privacy.
          Routine interactions via email, phone, and video Instructors use check-ins and/or office hours to discuss content, previous assignments, and progress on existing assignments. These interactions must be structured in such a way that the faculty member has concrete evidence that the student with whom they meet is the student enrolled in the course and completing assignments and assessments. Instructors ask for identification and/or confirm student identity via official UConn photo in Student Admin.
          Synchronous virtual class, small group meetings, and individual student meetings Instructors facilitate synchronous class sessions, small group meetings, and individual student meeting discussions using an online platform (e.g., Microsoft Teams, Webex). Instructors ask for identification and/or confirm student identity via official UConn photo in Student Admin.
          Student-created videos and video assignments Students use webcams with Kaltura or other technology to create and submit videos (individually or in groups) in which they discuss course content, make presentations, or perform other activities. Instructors confirm student identity via official UConn photo in Student Admin.
          Alternative Method Not Listed Above

          Requests for approval of an alternative method should be directed to eCampus for review and approval in coordination with the Provost’s office.

              Approved Forms of Identification

              Official student ID photos found in the Student Admin roster can be used to confirm the identity of students participating in class activities and assessments. Student photo submission through the One Card Office includes a process of verifying the student photo against a government-issued ID making the roster photo valid for student authentication. If faculty will use the roster photos in their authentication process, they should request that all students ensure they have a photo submitted through the One Card office by following the Online Photo Submission directions. Acceptable IDs for the Student Admin upload include State Issued Driver’s License, State Identification Card, Military Identification Card, Passport/Visa, Permanent Residence Card. All students, regardless of standing and campus are encouraged to follow these steps prior to the start of a term.

              If students have not uploaded photos or faculty have difficulty viewing or comparing the roster photos in Student Admin, faculty may request that students meet with them and display an acceptable government ID in a private online video conference. Acceptable IDs in these cases include state-issued Driver’s License, State Identification Card, Military Identification Card, Passport/Visa, Permanent Residence Card, and UConn Student ID.

                  Additional Guidance

                  Documentation

                  Though not required, we strongly recommend documenting any authentication and identity verification plans. When teaching an OS, OA, or OB course for the first time, complete a UConn Student Authentication Plan for Distance Learning and save a copy to your HuskyCT site. Remember to note all changes in your syllabus.

                      Suggested Syllabus Language

                      The authentication methods used in a course must be specified on the course syllabus.

                      Student Authentication and Verification

                      The University of Connecticut is required to verify the identity of students who participate in online courses and to establish that students who register in an online course are the same students who participate in, complete the course activities and assessments, and receive academic credit. Verification and authentication of student identity in this course will include:

                      1. Secure access to the learning management system using your unique UConn NetID and password.
                      2. [Method 2]

                      Students who do not complete the above required authentication steps may be denied access to the course and given an incomplete. Students could lose credit if the identity of the enrolled student completing course activities and assessments cannot be confirmed.

                          Academic Misconduct

                          If you suspect academic misconduct, follow the University's respective procedures: