R2StudentID

R2StudentID is a digital credential system used by higher education institutions to verify student eligibility for services and to streamline access to campus resources. It links a unique student identifier to a profile containing enrollment status and essential attributes, and may be issued as a mobile app credential, a smart card, or both.

Functionality includes authentication, authorization, and attribute exchange with campus services such as libraries, dining, IT services, learning platforms, and building access. Implementations often support standards like OAuth 2.0 or SAML to enable single sign-on, and may provide offline verification via QR codes or RFID.

Data model and privacy considerations describe attributes that typically include name, student_id, program, status, and expiration, with sensitive data minimized and protected by encryption at rest and in transit. Access controls, audit logs, and consent-based sharing govern how information is used, with data retained according to institutional policies and subject to user rights and revocation where applicable.

Governance and interoperability note that adoption varies by institution and there is no universal standard for R2StudentID, which leads to interoperability efforts and sector-wide guidelines. Compliance considerations include privacy regulations such as FERPA and GDPR, as well as accessibility requirements and policies on data portability and revocation.

Impact and criticism discuss potential benefits and risks: proponents point to streamlined services, improved security, and consolidated credential management, while critics raise concerns about privacy risks, overreliance on digital IDs, and challenges for students without access to compatible devices. Institutions typically provide traditional alternatives where needed.