Program Model
–Cohort-Based: Learn alongside peers facing similar challenges
— Mentorship: Direct access to experts
An 8-week cohort-based program for higher education institutions planning to implement identity proofing solutions
Making Identity Proofing Work for Your Campus
Identity Proofing Accelerator Overview
Identity proofing helps make sure that someone really is who they say they are, so institutions can safely share sensitive data and resources with the right people. Given the security landscape today, the importance of this organizational process has moved from “nice to have” to mission-critical. Whether you’re facing NIH’s 2027 compliance deadline, combating financial aid fraud, or standardizing inconsistent help desk processes across campus—your institution needs robust identity proofing. But where do you start?
The Identity Proofing Accelerator is a collaborative learning program for higher education professionals charged with understanding and improving identity proofing at their institutions, no prior business analysis experience required. Through facilitated sessions, peer collaboration, and hands-on implementation work, you’ll gain the knowledge, tools, and actionable roadmap needed to build or strengthen identity proofing capabilities at your institution.
This isn’t a lecture series, it’s a planning sprint. Working in use case teams, you’ll move from understanding requirements to mapping stakeholders, analyzing gaps, and creating a concrete roadmap.
Program Features
Use Case Tracks
Choose to work on the use case that best fits your institution’s goals:
- Step-Up: Step-up identity proofing is confirming someone’s identity more thoroughly when they need access to something more sensitive than their current credential supports
- Student Enrollment/Financial Aid Fraud Prevention: Identity proofing by Financial Aid and other offices that on-board new students confirms that applicants are real people who are who they claim to be, preventing fraudsters from enrolling under fake or stolen identities to collect financial aid or use institutional email for nefarious purposes.
- ID Card issuance/Help Desk Re-credentialing: Identity proofing ensures that ID cards and replacement credentials go to the right person so that their online or physical access privileges are not given to an imposter
Resource Creation and Curation
As part of the inaugural cohort, you will be involved in co-creating resources to be used by future cohorts and institutions solving similar challenges. The comprehensive resource collection provides ongoing support beyond the program duration.
Milestone-Driven Progress
Structured assignments and clear goals ensure progress toward your identity proofing goals. Each week builds upon the previous, creating momentum and ensuring you stay on track.
Peer-to Peer Learning & Mentorship
Connect with a supportive cohort and gain insights from InCommon Catalyst partners. Learn from institutions that have already navigated the identity proofing process and benefit from their real-world experiences
Duration
–8 Weeks (Core Program)
+ 30-60-90 day check-ins
Format
— Virtual Live Sessions:
Bi-weekly interactive learning studio sessions
— Office Hours:Bi-weekly collaboration lab sessions for ongoing support
— Self-Paced Assignments: Practical implementation work
Cohort Size
— Limited to 20 Institutions
— Up to 3 participants per institution
— Work in smaller groups according to use case to ensure personalized support and meaningful peer connections
Who Should Participate
This program is designed for institutions ready to make a serious commitment to tackling their real-world identity proofing challenges. We’re looking for organizations that meet specific readiness criteria to ensure program success.
- Institutions beginning their identity proofing journey – You’re exploring identity proofing requirements and need to understand the landscape before implementation
- Teams ready to assess current capabilities and gaps – You’re prepared to evaluate your existing processes and identify what’s needed for identity proofing
- Organizations ready to assess their identity proofing landscape – Your leadership is willing to facilitate stakeholder conversations and explore how current processes might evolve
- Staff capacity to engage in an intensive 8-week program – Your team can dedicate the necessary time and resources to fully participate
- Institutions willing to share learnings with the community – You’re committed to contributing to the broader InCommon community through knowledge sharing
Meet Your Facilitators
Ann West
Director for InCommon Partnerships and Research
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Tom Barton
Senior Consultant
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Jody Tracy
Accelerator Program Manager
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Additional guest advisors and instructors will be joining some sessions. To be announced soon.
Program Pricing
Invest in your institution’s future with the Identity Proofing Accelerator. Our program offers value for developing a roadmap for identity proofing, continuing expert guidance, peer learning, and comprehensive resources in an intensive 8-week experience.
| Price Per Institition | Pilot Program Fee |
| Per-institution pricing is designed for collaboration across roles, so teams can learn alongside peers and apply insights directly to their institution environment. This rate includes all program materials, live sessions, office hours, and 3-month follow-up support for up to 3 team members. | $2,500 |
Fee waiver notice: We’re committed to making this program accessible to institutions of all sizes and resource levels. If the program fee is a barrier to your participation, we encourage you to contact the Program Team to request a fee waiver.
Application Process
Step 1: Submit Application Form
Complete our comprehensive form to indicate your institution’s interest in the next cohort. This initial step helps us understand your current status, goals, and readiness level for this accelerator program.
Step 2: Notification & Onboarding
Receive your acceptance notification, complete the registration process, and begin the onboarding process for your cohort. We look forward to working with you!