Identity Assurance in Distance Assessment: Practices that Survive a DEAC-Facing Audit

Abstract

Distance assessment without identity assurance is a rumour of a degree. This paper documents Frontier’s identity-checked assessment practices for online students and the equivalent attendance and ID practices on campus. The operational lesson is proportionality: high-stakes work needs stronger checks; weekly quizzes need speed. Students accepted checks when the university explained them as award protection, not as distrust of Minnesota learners. Frontier Innovation University should keep identity assurance boring, documented and equal in spirit across pathways. Research on this topic is how a U.S. accredited digital pathway stays defensible.