Student Identity Verification
Students enrolled in online courses are asked to verify their identity by using secure login and pass code (RIDER KEY) in order to access Rider’s learning management system (Canvas). Rider provides students with a single sign-on login credential, thus enabling them to securely access a myriad of technology resources (Canvas, library databases, registration system, etc.) Some online courses also incorporate proctored exams, depending on the subject matter and faculty-established course requirements.
Proctored exams are administered by a student’s academic Dean’s Office, or through a third-party provider electronically. For students who reside outside of commuting distance, the procedure includes providing students with information about local testing sites available through the Consortium of College Testing Centers.
In addition to login credentials, Rider faculty can access student photographs (from the University’s official ID) through Student Advising Tool and thus validate student identity if their online classes incorporate video assignments (e.g. student recorded videos, Zoom (or other university-supported web conferencing platforms), etc.) Students enrolled in online degree programs, who are unable to come to campus to get their official ID, can provide notarized photographs which are uploaded into the ID system.
All students are provided with A Student’s Guide to RiderNet which familiarizes them with technology resources available at Rider, as well as provides guidance on information security and password security.
Student Privacy Protection
Rider University’s Information Security Policy outlines the University’s commitment to maintaining appropriate protection of all confidential and sensitive information in Rider’s custody. All faculty and staff are expected to be familiar with the policy. The Information Security Policy can be accessed on the University website.
The University classifies all captured, stored, processed or transmitted data into three sensitivity levels: a) legally protected, b) need to know, and c) public. Thus, Rider ensured protection of student information as governed by The New Jersey Identity Theft Law, Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA), Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act of 200 (GLP), Health Information Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), among others.
Student Identity Verification Charges
Rider University does not have a separate charge for student identity verification. All technology related charges are financed in part through Technology Fees assessed each semester. Students are notified of fees prior to matriculation and then annually after the Board of Trustees adopts tuition and fee rates for the upcoming academic year (this is typically in April of each year). Tuition and fees are also advertised on the University website.
Unit Responsible
The University designates Information Custodians who are responsible for managing a set of University data (e.g. payroll data, student records, alumni records, etc.) Information Custodians are responsible for granting access to information to University employees (by name and role) and communicating the level of protection that is expected of employees who are authorized to access protected information. The names of data custodians (and their roles) are also listed in the Information Security Policy.