Dual Credit Programs Policies

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a Federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. The law applies to all schools that receive funds under an applicable program of the U.S. Department of Education. FERPA calls for the protection of student records once they turn 18 or attend a school beyond the high school level. Dual Credit students fall under this classification.

It is the policy of STC to maintain the confidentiality of academic records and be in compliance with all federal and state laws governing the release of academic records. In accordance with these laws, STC will not permit access to or the release of personally identifiable information contained in academic records to any party without the written consent of the student.

College instructors are required to follow FERPA regulations. The release of dual credit student educational information, even to the parent, violates federal law.

For a full version of the policy please visit the Department of Education: Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

Dual Credit Programs Policies

• 3230: Dual Credit Programs with Partnering School Districts
• 3232: Dual Credit Student Eligibility Requirements
• 3320: Academic Progress Standards

Dual Credit Programs – Distance Learning Security Measures

To protect and secure the integrity of online exams, in both proctored and non-proctored settings, students may be required to download Honorlock which is a customized browser that increases the security of test delivery in the Blackboard Learning Management System. When students use Honorlock to access an exam through a computer or tablet with video/camera access, they are unable to print, copy, go to another URL, or access other applications. Once an assessment is started, students are locked into one screen until assessment is submitted for grading.

Moreover, Honorlock is a fully automated proctoring tool that enables students to take online assessments, without pre-scheduling. Students complete assessments utilizing Honorlock after verifying their identity through the use of college student ID, government photo ID, or driver’s license. Students use a webcam to record themselves during an exam. A "startup sequence" guides them through requirements selected by the instructor, such as showing identification or making a short video of the exam environment. Only the instructor of record can review video recordings, the results of the proctoring session, and compare the recorded image with previous methods to ensure academic integrity. Honorlock has a built-in functionality feature to detect suspicious behaviors during an assessment by creating flags for the instructor to review.

For Blackboard FAQs and information on the Honorlock, please visit the following URL: https://stusouthtexascollege.sharepoint.com/sites/DistanceLearningStudentInformationCenter/SitePages/Exams.aspx