5021 Online Learning Identification Procedure

Procedure

Policy Name: Online Learning Identity Verification 

Policy Number: 5021

Applicable Code/Law: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) Standard 2 G.7  

Shoreline employs a multi-layered approach to ensure that students enrolled in online (distance education) courses undergo appropriate identity verification to maintain academic integrity from application to enrollment and course completion.  

This aligns with the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) Standard 2 G.7 which states:  

“The institution maintains an effective identity verification process for students, including those enrolled in distance education courses and programs, to establish that the student enrolled in such a course or program is the same person whose achievements are evaluated and credentialed. The institution ensures that the identity verification process for distance education students protects student privacy and that students are informed, in writing at the time of enrollment, of current and projected charges associated with the identity verification process.”  

Application  

Shoreline uses the State Board for Community and Technical College’s global admissions application. When students complete the application, they certify that all statements on the form, including identity information, are true to the best of their knowledge. 

Secure Authentication  

Upon admission to Shoreline, students receive an acceptance letter with their ctcLink ID number, including a link to instructions on how to activate their account and set up a secure password.   

  • Password requirements include character and complexity minimums.  
  • Security questions and answers are used when necessary to recover an account.  
  • Multifactor authentication is used to enhance account security.  

This ctcLink ID and password are used to access our Learning Management System (LMS), currently Canvas, where their online course content and grades are housed.  

Account and Password Reset  

If a student needs to recover or reset their username and/or password for ctcLink, or their Shoreline Network Account, there are automated processes to assist them. If these do not resolve their issue, they will be required to confirm their identity before their account or passwords are reset.   

  • Ideally, they come in person with state/government identification that is verified by trained Enrollment Services personnel.   
  • If they are unable to come in person, Enrollment Services has specific questions and processes to confirm their identity that also include state/government photo identification.  

Remote Proctoring Identity Verification   

When fully online students are required to use remote proctoring software for tests and exams, there is an identity verification step built into the proctoring process. Students launch their exam in Canvas, then the proctoring software requires them to show official photo identification. The software uses facial recognition to match the photo identification with the tester’s image on the screen as well as their name in Canvas. This ensures that the student enrolled in the course is the student taking the proctored exam.  

Identity Verification Costs  

We do not charge students to verify their identities. 

Approval

 Reviewed and Approved by Executive Team: 07/14/2026