Protecting Student Privacy in Distance Education Courses

Protecting Student Privacy in Distance Education Courses 

The faculty and staff of Roanoke College are committed to maintaining the privacy of all students in all courses whether instruction is conducted in a traditional classroom setting or via distance education. College policies regarding student privacy and security of records apply to all modes of instruction, including distance education.

Distance education faculty are encouraged to use assessment methodologies such as collaborative writing assignments, portfolios, and projects with frequent assessments, for the purpose of preventing falsification or misuse of identity.

All faculty teaching on line courses must:

• Manage content of online courses using Inquire, the College’s learning management system, or Digication (both require log in using College username and password) to ensure security of student work and grades. Use of other systems must be approved by the Associate Dean/Registrar.
• Use the College’s student information system, Colleague, to report grades.
• Use Inquire or the College’s e-mail system for all communication as it relates to student progress and grading.
• Maintain confidentiality of academic information related to the submission of course work, progress and grades. At no time should information be available to other students in a class.
• Maintain security of Inquire and College e-mail account information by never sharing username and password with anyone.

Complete information on FERPA and College policies on information security may be accessed using the following websites:

https://www.roanoke.edu/itpolicy
https://www.roanoke.edu/inside/a-z_index/information_technology/about_and_policies/e-mail_appropriate_use_policy
https://www.roanoke.edu/inside/a-z_index/registrar/policies_information_and_forms/family_educational_rights_and_privacy_act_(ferpa)