Digital Learning Blog

Now is a good time for a reminder about Attendance Verification in Canvas as a new semester begins. This information is also helpful for all of our new faculty and adjunct instructors joining FGCU.

What is Attendance Verification?

Federal financial aid regulations require that students who receive federal Title IV aid must complete an academically related activity in each course in which they are enrolled prior to the disbursement of their financial aid. In compliance with federal regulations FGCU financial aid and scholarships will be disbursed only after all attendance (every course) has been confirmed for the term of enrollment.

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How do I create an Attendance Verification assignment in Canvas?

In order to accomplish this, students must complete an academically related activity (assignment) via Canvas. 

Examples of acceptable evidence of attendance at an academically related activity include:

• submitting an academic assignment
• taking an exam/quiz
• submission of an academic assignment or exam
• documented participation in an interactive tutorial
• posting by the student showing participation in an online study group assigned by the instructor
• post by the student in a discussion forum showing participation in an online discussion about academic matters

Review guides for creating various activities in Canvas to verify attendance.

Digital Learning has also created a VoA assignment for any faculty to use. This video demonstrates how to locate the assignment in Canvas Commons and add it to your course.

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When is this assignment due each semester?

This assignment should be listed as due at the end of the first week of classes (7-days in), regardless of the day the semester starts.  The assignment should remain open throughout the term. This will allow students to complete the assignment and receive a late disbursement without creating extra work for the faculty member.

For example, if the first day of class for a semester is Thursday, August 19, then the activity should be completed by Wednesday, August 25 11:59 PM. 

The confirmation of attendance via an academically related activity is required for all students, not only those receiving financial aid.