Student Identification

Student Identification

In compliance with the provisions of the United States Federal Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA) of 2008, Public Law 110-315, concerning the verification of student identity in distance learning, Excelsior University has established and will periodically evaluate its process to confirm that a person who has been admitted to the University is the person who applied to the University and that the student who is registered for a course is the same student who participates in, completes, and receives credit for the course.

All methods of verifying student identity are overseen by the Office of the Registrar to protect the privacy of student information in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), any other applicable laws or regulations regarding the confidentiality of personally identifiable information, and the University’s Privacy Policy.

Procedure

To authenticate identities, Excelsior will use one or more of the following methods for verification:

  1. A secure login with username and password
  2. New or emerging technologies and practices that are effective in verifying student identification

Personally identifiable information collected by the University may be used as the basis for identity verification. This information may include a combination of the following:

  • Student ID number
  • Last four digits of the student's Social Security Number
  • At least two other pieces of information such as the student's email address on file, date of birth, address, or username

Identity Verification for New Students

All students who accept admission to the University are issued a unique username and a temporary password to create a user account in MyExcelsior. The student is issued a one-time use link so a secure password can be set.

Identity Verification for Course Takers

  • Students seeking registration in courses will provide appropriate identification to establish their identity.
  • A secure student username and password for MyExcelsior will be required for coursework submitted online.