SCOTTSDALE, AZ--(Marketwired - Jan 16, 2014) -  In continuing support of free, open, principles-driven data exchanges through which electronic student academic records can be securely exchanged worldwide, Parchment has signed on to G.R.E.E.N., the Global Registrar EduRecord Exchange Network(SM) for higher education established by the National Student Clearinghouse®.

"In creating G.R.E.E.N., our goal was to create a free, open, secure ecosystem to enable electronic student academic records to be securely exchanged worldwide. Students are increasingly mobile, and the access that G.R.E.E.N. creates offers a gateway by which schools anywhere can quickly and easily exchange records with one another," explained Rick Torres, President and CEO of the Clearinghouse. "Driven by the most stringent standards, we are happy that service providers, such as Parchment, are in support of this ecosystem."

Supporters of G.R.E.E.N. agree to a statement of principles that includes:

  • Accessing exchange networks to send and receive communications should be free of charge to participating institutions
  • Exchange networks should support internationally approved data exchange standards, like EDI, XML and PDF
  • Service providers should seek maximum interoperability
  • FERPA, student privacy and file document security is paramount

G.R.E.E.N. upholds the pillars of privacy and security that are critical to the trust Parchment has earned from our members. Parchment's security and privacy policies exceed FERPA requirements and are among the most rigorous in the industry. Transcripts and transcript data are private and not retained; our security practices are reviewed by regular third-party audits; all institutions are authenticated; we perform background checks on all employees; and we have a Chief Privacy and Security Officer to oversee and maintain the integrity of these policies.

G.R.E.E.N. also abides by the electronic data exchange standards recommended by PESC, the trade group that has been leading the establishment of open standards and open, transparent interoperability in education since 1997. "Parchment's endorsement of G.R.E.E.N. is an excellent example of how education service providers work together to ensure transparent, accessible, secure, common service for the greater good," said Michael Sessa, President and CEO of PESC. In addition to supporting open networks for higher education, Parchment powers electronic record exchange for 10 state initiatives, thousands of K12 institutions and non-traditional education providers, such as GED.

"The National Student Clearinghouse recognizes the importance of open networks to ensuring that there are no limits to where electronic student records can be sent, or where they can be received. The best interests of students demand open access, balanced with security and trust. Parchment is pleased to endorse the G.R.E.E.N. statement of principles and underscore our long-held commitment to the same," said Matthew Pittinsky, CEO of Parchment.

About Parchment
 Parchment is the leader in education credentials technology, allowing learners, educators and employers to collect, analyze and share credentials in simple and secure ways. More than 3 million people and 8,300 schools and universities have used Parchment to exchange more than 10 million transcripts and other credentials online. Founded in 2003, Parchment Inc. is headquartered in Scottsdale, AZ, with offices in Roseville, CA, Denver, CO, Grand Rapids, MI and Washington, DC.