Transcript Task Force
AACRAO Survey
of
Electronic Transcript Delivery Services
AACRAO's VP for Records and Academic Services has directed a workgroup to collect information and report on the current availability and pricing of electronic transcripts delivery services. To this end we have developed this survey to identify prospective suppliers for the electronic delivery of transcripts and to describe their companies, services, and pricing. Results of this survey will be made available to AACRAO members in a report that will be published In AACRAO’s College and University, as well the AACRAO website. In addition, the work group will also present the results of the survey at the AACRAO annual meeting in New Orleans, April 2010.
Please note that the workgroup will not recommend any one technology, vendor, or practice over another. The questions are intentionally exploratory and encourage you to provide detailed responses so that AACRAO members may conduct a prudent evaluation of the features, prices and services offered by each company. Our purpose is to describe the current state of electronic transcripts and to provide useful information to the AACRAO membership that will help them make an informed decision regarding whether or not they should deploy an electronic transcript service.
Thank you in advance for taking the time necessary to complete the survey.
Part 1
CORPORATE INFORMATION
Short Answer
(Yes, No, n/a, number, etc)
Description / Explanation
What is your company's full name
SCRIP-SAFE International
Year of incorporation
1989
How is your company organized?
For Profit, S CORP
List any other products/services you currently provide.
Transcript security paper
Diploma paper
Corporate security paper
Diploma printing service
Transcript ordering service
How many academic customers do you currently serve?
1,800
How long has your company been providing electronic transcript services?
4 years
Where or to whom should schools interested in learning more about your service be directed?
Mindy Starcher
National Sales Director
mstarcher@scrip-safe.com
513-707-1333
800-736-7319 x126
419-253-0653 fax
Web link
www.scrip-safe.com
Where or to whom should technical questions be directed?
J. James Wager
Vice President and CIO
jwager@scrip-safe.com
513-707-1325
800-736-7319 x122
513-697-7891 (fax)
Other information you wish to add
Visit our Web page (www.scrip-safe.com) for the dates and times of Web conferences that demonstrate our products.
Part 2
ELECTRONIC TRANSCRIPT FORMATS
Short Answer
(Yes, No, n/a, number, etc)
Description / Explanation
In what format(s) can you deliver electronic transcripts? (Check all that apply)
* PDF
Yes
* EDI (ANSI X12 standard)
No
* XML (PESC standard)
SCRIP-SAFE is a member of PESC and is an active member of the committee developing the new standard of delivering XML imbedded in a PDF document. Once this national standard is adopted, SCRIP-SAFE will be delivering this XML delivery capability.
* ASCII/flat file
No
* MS Word or MS Excel
No
* Proprietary format
No
* Other
No
Part 3
CREATION OF THE ELECTRONIC TRANSCRIPT
Short Answer
(Yes, No, n/a, number, etc)
Description / Explanation
What data format do you require from the school as you prepare to deliver the school’s transcript electronically? (Check all that apply)
* PDF
Acceptable
SCRIP-SAFE will accept the print-stream that the school would otherwise send to a physical printer. If the school’s student system produces a PDF document, that is acceptable.
* EDI
No
* XML
Acceptable
See below
* ASCII/flat file
Acceptable
See below
* MS Word or MS Excel
Acceptable
See below
* Proprietary format
No
* Other
Acceptable
Multiple acceptable print-stream formats include postscript, text, data formats that can be printed using Internet Printing Protocols, or data formats transmitted using SecureFTP.
Does your system create the PDF for the sending institution?
Yes
SCRIP-SAFE accepts the inbound print-stream and produces the deliverable transcript in PDF form.
If you deliver an electronic transcript in PDF format, does it include:
* Cover sheet?
Yes
* If a cover sheet is provided, what information is included?
The cover page is dynamically generated for each transcript and includes:
* Information about the sending school including school Web site, Registrar office Web site, and course catalog Web site
* Information about the student
* Information about the receiver
* Link to school website?
Yes
* Link to registrar’s website?
Yes
* Link to school course catalog?
Yes
* School identity
Yes
The school logo or watermark is printed in color on each page of the delivered PDF transcript. Creation of the school identity is part of the core service.
* Transcript Key/Legend
Yes
SCRIP-SAFE will replicate the transcript key/legend that the school uses on their security paper. Creation of the key/legend is part of the core service.
* Other features
Yes
Information on each page identifying the sender and receiver, date and time of creation, and a unique transcript ID number.
Part 4
DISTRIBUTION OF OUTGOING ELECTRONIC TRANSCRIPTS
Short Answer
(Yes, No, n/a, number, etc)
Description / Explanation
How do you distribute transcripts (Check all that apply)
* Texas Server delivers to each recipient using the senders’ specified requirements
No
* Provide a secure web service where receivers can retrieve transcripts.
Yes
The SCRIP-SAFE system includes a capability for non-registered receivers to obtain transcripts. This is referred to as the out-of-network receivers. Each transcript delivered in this manner is provided through a uniquely named Web address (URL). Receivers must complete a brief registration process before viewing the transcript.
* We utilize a network registry.
Yes
The SCRIP-SAFE system includes a trusted network of vetted receivers. There is no cost to join the network as a receiver. This is referred to as the in-network set of receivers. The advantage to the receiver is that all delivered transcripts from multiple senders may be easily retrieved by one simple login to a secure Web site.
* We email the transcript.
No
Email is a very unsecure form of transmission. We do not email transcripts.
* How are transcripts delivered to recipients unable to use the Texas Server or your in-network capabilities?
Yes
SCRIP-SAFE is capable of delivering transcripts to anyone. Both in-network and out-of-network capabilities exist and are equally available.
* Are recipients required to be registered with your service?
Optional
This is the preferred option for a recipient that receives larger volumes of transcripts.
* Other, please describe.
Once delivered to the recipient, will the transcript expire?
Yes
The SCRIP-SAFE business model is that our transcript delivery service is not a data warehouse. The delivered transcript is deleted from the SCRIP-SAFE system 24-hours after the transcript is received and opened by the recipient.
Once opened by the recipient, will the transcript expire for the recipient?
No
Recipients are instructed to:
* Save the received PDF document in a desktop/network directory
* Move the received PDF document directly into their document imaging system
* Print a copy of the PDF document (least desired option)
* As mentioned above, if the recipient takes no action to save after opening, they will not have access to the delivered transcript after the 24-hour expiration window.
Part 5
RETRIEVAL/DISTRIBUTION OF INCOMING ELECTRONIC TRANSCRIPTS
Short Answer
(Yes, No, n/a, number, etc)
Description / Explanation
Other than a PDF reader, does your system require any special software installation to receive delivered transcripts?
No
Receivers simply need access to the internet and a PDF reader such as the free Adobe Reader ®
NOTE: Questions below may pertain only to a PDF transcript.
How are “mailboxes” established for recipients?
Yes
Recipients complete a brief registration process. SCRIP-SAFE performs an off-line verification of the recipient. Once the vetting is completed, an in-network account is established and the recipient is issues access credentials. This is intended to insure the integrity of all in-network receivers.
Does your system deliver to multiple “mailboxes” at a single school/organization?
Yes
Once the in-network account is established, this receiver account is available to all sending schools. This single point of access is very efficient for the recipient.
For those schools that have multiple offices that receive transcripts, the SCRIP-SAFE system enables multiple unique receiving accounts. Example: Undergraduate Admissions, Transfer Admissions, Graduate Admissions, University Employment.
Does your system deliver in batch to a single destination?
Yes
Both options are supported.
Are recipients required to identify themselves each time transcripts are delivered?
Only out-of-network receivers
Each transcript delivered to an out-of-network receiver requires the receiver to register for the receipt of the delivered transcript.
Are email(s) delivered to the receivers with instructions (perhaps including passwords and URL's) whenever a transcript is ready for be retrieved electronically?
Yes
In-network receivers receive notification messages immediately upon delivery, daily, and weekly. Out-of-network receivers receive daily email messages for 14-days or until the transcript is opened. Out-of-network email notifications include a uniquely assigned URL that is used to access the transcript.
Are students notified that their transcript requests have been delivered and have been opened by intended recipient?
Yes
The student receives two notifications: once when the transcript is delivered, and secondly when the transcript is received and opened. These email notifications are sent in real time, not batched.
Is the sending institution notified that transcripts have been delivered and opened by intended recipients?
Yes
As the recipient opens the transcript, this action is date/time stamped. The sending school is presented with this information along with the email address and name of the recipient that viewed the transcript.
Are transcripts delivered in real time?
Yes
Delivery occurs immediately. There is NOT any inherent delay due to batch or overnight processing.
Other
Part 6
DATA STORAGE
Short Answer
(Yes, No, n/a, number, etc)
Description / Explanation
Does your service require a copy of the sending school’s transcript data base?
No
The school’s transcript data base is private. We do not require a copy of this critical information.
Does your service store transcript data after delivery of the transcript?
No
As mentioned previously, the transcript resides on the SCRIP-SAFE servers only until the transcript is read by the recipient. After being read, the transcript is deleted.
* If so, for how long?
24-hours
Deleted 24-hours after being read.
* If so, can the transcript data be released multiple times?
No
To remain FERPA compliant, the generated transcript is specifically released to the identified recipient.
* If so, can the data be mined?
No
The student transcript is released by the student for the intended delivery to the identified recipient. Transcripts resident in the SCRIP-SAFE service DO NOT represent a data base that can or should be used for any other purpose.
How are delivered transcripts documented and reported if (after) they are physically removed from the system?
Yes
Each transcript is date/time stamped when it is delivered, opened, and deleted. In addition, the person opening the transcript is recorded and identified.
Other information you wish to include.
Part 7
TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS
Short Answer
(Yes, No, n/a, number, etc)
Description / Explanation
List the Student Information Systems on which you have installed your electronic delivery service.
Multiple systems
Banner, PeopleSoft, Datatel, multiple home grown systems. The SCRIP-SAFE transcript delivery system works with any student information system.
Describe a typical installation process and the time required for implementation and activation of your system.
Hours to days
A typical installation consists of two steps. First, we establish a connection between the school’s student information system and the SCRIP-SAFE transcript delivery service. We provide 5 different connection methods and select the single method that best accommodates the school’s environment. Second, SCRIP-SAFE configures the inbound transcript to add the cover page, watermark, and transcript key/legend.
Does your service require the use of proprietary software?
No
The SCRIP-SAFE delivery service does not require the purchase or installation of any proprietary software or software licenses. The service is Web based; all software issues are the complete responsibility of SCRIP-SAFE.
What are the minimum hardware/software requirements that your service requires of a school, if any?
None
The SCRIP-SAFE delivery service does not require the purchase or installation of any hardware. Users will need to have typically configured workstations connected to the internet.
Describe how your system accommodates multi-campus delivery and reporting requirements.
Yes
In a multi-campus environment, the SCRIP-SAFE delivery service will create a separate account for each campus. This will enable each campus to operate as a separate entity from other campuses. If there is a need or desire to aggregate management level information for all campuses, this service will be provided.
Describe the on-line help capability your system provides to all users.
Yes
The SCRIP-SAFE delivery service includes integrated on-line help. Each individual Web screen is documented and an overall help index and full system documentation are also available.
Part 8
SECURITY
Short Answer
(Yes, No, n/a, number, etc)
Description / Explanation
How are institutional/campus administrators selected and authorized?
Yes
The school will identify one or more account administrator(s). The account administrator has local authority to add/delete an unlimited number of account users.
Is the data that you send/receive encrypted?
Yes
All data transmitted across the Internet is encrypted.
Is the data that you send sent through some form of secure FTP?
Yes
The SCRIP-SAFE system offers 5 different technologies to establish connection between the school’s student information system and our system. One of these connection methods is SecureFTP.
Are any networks secured?
Yes
The network utilized in the SCRIP-SAFE system is secure and incorporates all typical firewall, intrusion detection software, data backup, and other standard secure network functions used in banking and electronic commerce applications.
Are any servers secured?
Yes
See above
If you deliver PDF transcripts, are they secured via a digital signature?
No
See below
If NO, how does your system ensure that transcripts are authentic and have not been altered?
The SCRIP-SAFE system utilizes a document hash value to guarantee authenticity of the document. The hash value provides the receiver with two guarantees: 1) The document was sent from the school as claimed; 2) the document has not been altered since it was sent.
How are delivered electronic transcripts verified as authentic over time?
Yes
The SCRIP-SAFE system provides a free public service to upload a PDF document to the system. On receipt, the hash value for the received document is computed and tested against the expected hash value. If the values are different, an invalid document message is returned to the sender. If the values match, a valid document message is returned to the sender.
Describe the use and assignment of user passwords
Yes
All passwords are assigned by the user. Passwords must be at least 8 characters in length and must contain at least one letter and one number. Passwords are encrypted and the unencrypted value is NOT available in plain text to anyone.
Part 9
HIGH SCHOOLS
Short Answer
(Yes, No, n/a, number, etc)
Description / Explanation
Is your service utilized in high schools?
Yes
Describe any features only used by high schools.
n/a
All system services are available to high schools.
Part 10
REPORTING FEATURES
Short Answer
(Yes, No, n/a, number, etc)
Description / Explanation
What reporting functions are included with your service?
Yes
The SCRIP-SAFE system includes an extensive and dynamic reporting service. Multiple search (filter) parameters enable flexible reporting. Multiple standard report formats are available. In addition, all reports may be exported as Excel files. Reports are run online and real-time.
Can you report the number (by type, e.g. PDF, XML, EDI) of transcripts delivered on a monthly basis, weekly basis, etc.?
Yes
The SCRIP-SAFE system is limited to PDF delivery.
Are your reporting services offered at additional cost?
No
The reporting feature is an integral component of the system and does not represent any additional cost.
Part 11
PRICING/CONTRACT TERMS
Short Answer
(Yes, No, n/a, number, etc)
Description / Explanation
Is a binding contract required?
No
The SCRIP-SAFE business philosophy is that if the school is not satisfied with our service, we will not hold the school contractually liable. Our success has been to exceed the expectations of our customers.
If yes, please describe contract period.
n/a
Is there a per transcript fee? How much?
$1.00 or $0.55
$1.00 – for schools that do not use our transcript security paper
$0.55 – for schools that use our transcript security paper
Is there an installation/initiation fee?
No
Is there an annual fee?
Yes
$400 per year for high schools
$500 per year for post secondary schools
Are there initial or annual third party license fees?
No
Do you offer tiered pricing/service models? If so, please explain.
No
Are there charges for training?
No
Do you offer discounts?
Yes
Per transaction fee based on use of our security paper
Are there code escrow fees?
No
Are there charges for upgrades or new releases?
No
Are fees borne entirely by the sender?
Are there fees borne by the recipient?
Sender – yes
Recipient – no fees
Is pricing bundled to other services?
No
Describe your customer support program.
Each customer is assigned a personal account representative and technical contact. These representatives are familiar with the assigned school, school representatives, and school practices. We take pride in our personalized customer service. In the event that the assigned representative is not available, other SCRIP-SAFE representatives are available.
How is your transcript delivery system documented?
Yes
The service includes online documentation that is integrated into the Web application. Each Web page has contact sensitive help information. In addition, a complete system help document is available, along with a topical index of help features.
Part 12
SUMMARY
Short Answer
(Yes, No, n/a, number, etc)
Description / Explanation
Please list and describe the 5 top benefits of your system.
* Fully Trackable
eSCRIP-SAFE’s enhanced tracking capabilities keeping you and your student in the know – automatically confirming delivery, reporting when each transcript was opened, even pinpointing who opened them.
* Instant Delivery
With eSCRIP-SAFE you can deliver official electronic transcripts via our secure network in seconds (not weeks or days) to anyone, anywhere in the world .
* Responsive Service
Your students won’t have to worry about missing a deadline or a job opportunity because their transcript was slow arriving or lost in the mail. SCRIP-SAFE listens to our customers and we constantly add and enhance program features to improve service. Find out why 100% of eSCRIP-SAFE users would recommend eSCRIP-SAFE to their colleagues.
* Affordable and Easy to Use
eSCRIP-SAFE is:
* Contact free. We deliver what you expect or you end the relationship with no penalty
* Intuitive
* Less expensive than traditional transcript printing/mailing
* Adaptable to any student information system and does not require extensive IT involvement
5. Unmatched Document Security
For 20 years, SCRIP-SAFE has been the leader in transcript security paper. Now we’re leading the way in electronic transcripts. Encrypted data are transmitted via a secure internet connection applying the same high security protocols and confidentiality standards used for online banking and commerce.
Describe any features of your service not previously mentioned.
Part 13
AFFILIATIONS
Short Answer
(Yes, No, n/a, number, etc)
Description / Explanation
Are you an AACRAO member?
Yes
SCRIP-SAFE has been a corporate member since 1994.
Are you a PESC member?
Yes
Our representative is J. James Wager, Vice President and CIO
Are you contracted to provide services to a state(s), region or consortium?
Yes
SCRIP-SAFE has been awarded contracts in multiple states.
List any other affiliations pertinent to electronic transcript services.
Attach a list (or active link) identifying the postsecondary institutions using your services as receiving and/or sending institutions.
www.scrip-safe.com
Please see the Network Members under the Electronic Transcripts link
Part 14
TRANSCRIPT ORDERING SERVICE
Short Answer
(Yes, No, n/a, number, etc)
Description / Explanation
This area is focused on transcript delivery. Briefly describe:
Do you offer a transcript ordering service
Yes
The SCRIP-SAFE transcript ordering service is provided to the school at no cost. Students pay a service fee of $2.25 for each transcript request. The service can be used as a standalone service and also integrated into the school’s secure student portal. The ordering service collects the school’s transcript fee, and the fee is completely reimbursed to the school.
Is your ordering service integrated with your delivery service
Yes
The SCRIP-SAFE transcript ordering service is highly integrated with our transcript delivery service. However, each service may be used without the other if so desired by the school
Can other ordering services be used with your delivery service?
Yes
SCRIP-SAFE has collaborated with Credentials Inc. to integrate the Credentials ordering service with the SCRIP-SAFE delivery service.