Blockchain is a distributed ledger technology (DLT), somewhat like a giant, shared spreadsheet that captures every transaction on the blockchain network. Each block of immutable, time-stamped data (the block) is secured and bound to each other using a cryptographic hash (the chain), which connects to the real data off the chain. Like the Internet, blockchain uses a peer-to-peer network; however, it does not rely on any central server or authority so the records are public and verifiable. Blockchain is capable of carrying value in addition to just data.
 

Maryville University is currently implementing a blockchain solution to help create a truly student-owned learning credential solution, which is a secure, tamper-proof, readily shareable and verifiable record of diplomas, certificates, transcripts, etc. Maryville students can use these permanent academic records to build their own digital online profile.
 

Maryville students will be able to receive, manage, search, and verify their learning credentials on their smart phones and mobile devices. They can easily share their academic achievements with their friends, family, and employers on LinkedIn and other social media sites, or privately via email or text using a link. Students can choose what and with whom they want to share their credentials.

Simply put, your credentials will always be at your fingertips, and ready for you to send and share when needed. Further, when you own your official records, you no longer have to get original copies from the registrar every time you are applying for a new opportunity, whether that is at a school or with an employer. You can simply send your digital [certificate type] via email or text message or paste a link to your [certificate type] in your resume or LinkedIn profile for easy verification.
 

It is free for all Maryville students to receive, manage, search, share and verify their learning credentials on blockchain.
 

Maryville is currently implementing the blockchain learning credential solution, starting with a pilot to issue diplomas and certificates to August 2019 graduates. We expect that for December 2019 and beyond, all Maryville University graduates will have the option to receive their diploma and/or certificate on the blockchain. Initiatives and pilots for other types of credentials are forthcoming.
 

Receiving credentials is easy!

• First, download the free mobile app.
  You will receive an email from Maryville University inviting you to download the free Blockcerts app from your phone’s App Store. Once installed, copy your secure passphrase and store it somewhere safe; you will need it if you ever delete the app or lose your phone.
• Next, add Maryville University as an issuer.
  Once you have installed the app, click the link in the email to add Maryville as an issuer. You only need to add Maryville once; after that, we can send you as many credentials as you earn.
• Finally, add your credentials to the app.
  When it’s time to receive your credential, you will receive a second email from Maryville with your actual credential attached. This file is your real blockchain certificate; store it wherever you store other important data files. You can also click the link in the email to add the certificate to your Blockcerts app, which makes sharing and online display easy.

Your app works just like a private folder. It’s cryptographically secured, so nobody but you can access it. It talks to the organizations that issue you credentials, so they know where to send them. It also lets you keep credentials and certificates from many different organizations all in one place on your own devices. It’s not tied to any public identity you have (like a social media profile or a school account), so you choose when and how you want to share the information in your app.

This also means you are responsible for managing your app. It will have a secure passphrase to which only you have access. Make sure you save your unique passphrase in a secure place, like a password manager. This will let you regenerate your app and prove you own your credentials if you ever delete your app or lose your phone. The passphrase is also what allows you to maintain ownership of your credentials across multiple devices.
 

Having your credentials on the blockchain means that your original record is always in your possession. You control how it is used. You can choose to share the information publicly, like on a social media profile, or send it privately by email or text message. You can include links to your credentials on your resume, public portfolio, or applications, so that others can verify your qualifications with the click of a button, such as a potential employer.
 

Once a record is on the blockchain, it is there forever. Some information may expire (if it’s time-delimited, like a license) or be revoked (if it was issued in error), but you will always have it in your possession. If it is expired or revoked, a third party would no longer be able to verify its validity.
 

As long as you have your passphrase, you can import your credentials to a new app at any time and still prove it belongs to you. Just re-download the app, enter your passphrase, and import your credentials.

If you lose your passphrase, however, it is like losing the ID that says you are who you say you are; without the passphrase you will not be able to retrieve your credentials on a new app. If this happens, you will need to download the app again, get a new passphrase, and contact us so we can re-issue your Maryville credentials.
 

If you have any questions about your blockchain credentials, the Blockcerts app, or the issuing process, please contact the Solution Squad at blockchain@maryville.edu or (314) 529-9360. We’re here to help!