Identity Verification and Fraud Prevention Policy

Southeastern Oklahoma State University reserves the right to verify the identity of any applicant, student, or individual interacting with university systems when circumstances indicate possible fraud, identity theft, falsified information, inconsistent application data, suspicious activity, or other concerns related to institutional security, financial aid compliance, or eligibility requirements.

The University may require identity verification as a condition of application processing, admission, enrollment, financial aid eligibility, access to university systems, or release of educational records. Verification methods may include, but are not limited to:

• Presentation of government-issued identification
• In-person identity verification
• Secure live video identity verification
• Submission of supporting documentation
• Other institutionally approved verification methods

Applicants who fail to complete requested identity verification, fail to respond to university communications, refuse to participate in the verification process, or cannot be contacted after reasonable attempts may have their application canceled and removed from active processing.

Reasonable attempts to contact an applicant may include:

• Up to three (3) unsuccessful contact attempts; or
• Twenty (20) calendar days without response following notification

The University reserves the right to delay or deny admission, enrollment, financial aid processing, or access to university services until identity concerns have been resolved.

The University may retain records related to suspected or confirmed fraudulent activity in accordance with applicable laws, audit requirements, institutional policy, and investigative needs.

Appeal and Review Process

Applicants who believe an application was canceled or adversely impacted in error may request a review through the Office of Admissions for undergraduate programs or the Graduate Office for graduate programs.

Upon written request, the applicant seeking review may be required to appear in person or through an approved secure verification process to present identifying documentation and supporting information for review.

The University may convene an internal review committee consisting of appropriate university representatives to evaluate the request and determine whether the application or student record should be reinstated or permitted to proceed.

The decision of the University following review shall be final.