Proctoring and Identity Verification

Proctoring is a process in which an impartial individual monitors or supervises students while they are completing an assessment/exam. Some online courses (generally where Challenge Exams are involved) require proctored online exams or assessments in order to maintain the integrity of the assessment process. In online courses, proctoring is accomplished through the use of a third-party online proctoring service. During a proctored exam, students are visually monitored online by a proctor for behaviors which are inconsistent with guidelines set forth by the instructor. Students must have access to a computer with a webcam, speakers and microphone, and they must show photo identification to the proctor. Students schedule proctored exams in advance. There is no fee for students. Students are notified of proctored exams in their syllabus to allow time to schedule the exam and plan for the use of appropriate hardware. Students taking a proctored exam are provided a disclosure entitled "Criteria for Proctored Exams" prior to taking the exam which explains the proctored exam requirements.

Identity Verification of Students in Online Courses

JWU uses a secure login and password to ensure each student who registers for a Covered Program is the same student who participates in the Covered Program. It does so as follows:

• During the admissions process, each student receives a unique student identification (ID) number (J#).
• Each student receives a unique and secure network account linked to the student ID. This network account is used to sign into the university’s learning management system (Blackboard/ulearn) and other major applications, such as email.
• All users requesting assistance to reset passwords or to gain access to various systems are asked for two or more types of information to compare against data stored in the administrative system, such as student ID, date of birth, last four digits of their social security number, or other similar information.
• JWU does not charge additional fees for student identity verification.

JWU publishes a policy on Academic Integrity, with which students must abide, and incorporates best practices to help ensure academic integrity, such as requiring authentic writing responses and randomized quiz/exam questions. JWU charges faculty with monitoring student academic behavior and using appropriate tools to check the originality of student work. JWU also uses best practices in password and identity management to manage appropriate access to its systems.