Inholland signs all degree certificates digitally from 1 June
For various reasons, Inholland University of Applied Sciences has decided that all our degree certificates are to be signed digitally from 1 June 2022. This means that our degree certificates are no longer signed with a ‘physical’ signature. This new method ties in with the digital transition that is taking place in society, the professional field and at Inholland.
‘The degree certificate is the crowning glory of your degree programme and your admission ticket to a career,’ explains information manager Peter Haemers from the Information Services and Technology (IVT) department. ’However, some students have to wait a long time for their degree certificate. Degree certificates are not being created and awarded on time. In many cases, this is due to the fact that degree certificates frequently travel between branches. After all, the members of the Examinations Boards who are required to sign the certificates do not usually work at the same location. Given the value of the degree certificates, they must be transported safely. The necessary organisation and administration is also very time-consuming.’
With the new method, the members of the Examinations Boards will sign the degree certificates from their workplace. The certificates will be created at the location of issue using digital images of the signatures of the members of the Examinations Boards. Peter: ’We have the information technology in-house and therefore meet the strict legal requirements for this working method. We have also tightened up the procedure for the creation of the degree certificates. This has been approved by Legal Affairs and our security experts.’
With this digitalisation, our university of applied sciences is following in the footsteps of several higher education institutions that have already switched to digital signatures, including Zuyd University of Applied Sciences, Utrecht University of Applied Sciences, the University of Maastricht and The Hague University of Applied Sciences.