Seamless student journeys: Leveraging verifiable credentials and digital identity

In higher education, the integration of digital identity is not just a trend—it’s a necessity. As digital identity specialists, we are at the forefront of this transformation, tasked with creating seamless, secure, and future-proofed experiences for our students. At ProofID, we believe that the student journey can be significantly enhanced through strategic digital identity management. Here’s how…

Before diving into the stages of a digital learner, it’s essential to understand the concept of Verifiable Credentials (VCs). Verifiable Credentials are digital representations of credentials and claims (like diplomas, certificates, ID cards, enrolments or university place offers) that can be verified cryptographically. This means that when an individual presents their VC, it can be instantly checked for authenticity without needing to rely on the issuing institution directly each time. VCs are portable, tamper-proof, and secure, ensuring trust in the holder’s identity and qualifications while protecting their privacy.

The student journey can be broken down into five key stages: Interest, Applicant, Study, Alumni, and Return. Each stage presents unique opportunities to leverage digital identity for a more streamlined and secure experience.

The journey begins with a prospective student’s initial interest. By allowing the use of social credentials, we can simplify the process of accessing taster content and attending open days. Issuing a Digital Verifiable Credential at this stage not only enriches the student’s profile but also sets the foundation for a secure and personalized journey. This early issuance of VCs allows prospective students to securely engage with institutions and access preliminary content without compromising their personal data.

When a student applies and receives an offer, identity proofing becomes crucial. Issuing an application Verifiable Credential and an offer credential ensures that the student’s identity is securely managed and integrated into the Student Record System. This step is critical in building trust and safeguarding student data. With VCs, institutions can streamline onboarding, ensuring the student’s identity is verifiable throughout the application process, significantly reducing the risk of fraud.

Once enrolled, students benefit from a dynamic and responsive identity management system. From passwordless authentication to digital ID badges and student discount cards, the focus is on providing secure and convenient access. Whether studying abroad or taking up an industrial experience year, digital identity ensures that access to resources is appropriately managed and updated in real-time. Verifiable Credentials like student IDs or academic qualifications are crucial in securely granting access to both physical and digital spaces.

Graduation marks the transition to alumni status, but the digital identity journey doesn’t end here. Issuing a degree as a Verifiable Credential allows graduates to use their digital identity for employment verification and further studies. This lifelong identity ensures that alumni can seamlessly transition back into the academic community for future endeavors, whether for postgraduate study or professional development. Verifiable Credentials simplify the verification process for employers, making it easy to confirm academic qualifications without extensive paperwork.

For those returning for further studies or taking up staff roles, their digital identity is reactivated and updated with the latest educational records. This continuity not only enhances the user experience but also ensures that access privileges are appropriately managed. Verifiable Credentials ensure that returning students or staff can seamlessly re-enter the institution’s ecosystem, with all previous academic and personal records securely linked to their identity.

At ProofID, we understand that the orchestration of this journey requires a robust identity verification and issuance system. By integrating CRM, student records, and IDAM systems, we can create a cohesive and secure digital identity ecosystem. The use of Verifiable Credentials in this orchestration guarantees that every stage of the student journey is not only seamless but also secure and tamper-proof. This approach not only enhances the student experience but also ensures compliance with governance and security standards.

As digital identity professionals in higher education, our role is to harness the power of digital identity, including Verifiable Credentials, to create a seamless, secure, and future-proofed student journey. By adopting a strategic approach to digital identity management, we can enhance the academic experience, build trust, and ensure that our institutions are well-equipped to meet the challenges of the future.

For more insights on how to implement these strategies, visit www.ProofID.com.