Electronic Forms and Signatures
What is the difference between electronic signatures and digital signatures?
Electronic Signature: Electronic signatures are defined as a signature in electronic form attached to or logically associated with an electronic record. An electronic signature may be proved in any manner and includes but is not limited to electronic check boxes, initials, signatures, and authenticated form submissions. Digital Signature: A digital signature is a type of electronic signature that includes a security procedure used to validate the identity of the signer with a predetermined and appropriate level of assurance. It generates a digital certificate to be attached to or logically associated with the electronic document or record. By definition, all digital signatures are electronic signatures, but not all electronic signatures are digital signatures.
I'd like to get started creating digital forms. Where can I find training materials?
The ITS Form Building and Support page has web based training resources for each product available as well as recommendations for when to use each form creation solution.
Do I have to start from scratch?
Microsoft Forms and Qualtrics have easy form building tools and do require you to start from scratch. If you would like to add digital signatures to existing Adobe Acrobat forms, Adobe Sign does have an easy to use import tool.
Who do I contact for help?
Call or email the ITS Help Desk at 618-650-5500 or help@siue.edu
How do I choose which product or digital signature method to use?
The ITS Form Building and Support page has recommendations for when to use each form creation solution.
Where are my completed forms, surveys, and agreements stored?
In general, completed electronic forms and agreements are stored in the cloud. Departments should be familiar with applicable record retention policies when deciding if completed agreements should also be stored in another location (e.g. Perceptive Content). Detailed storage information for each product is below.
Completed Adobe Sign agreements are stored in the Adobe Document Cloud. You may also download a PDF copy of any completed agreement. Please contact ITS for assistance if these completed agreements should also be stored in Perceptive Content.
Completed Microsoft Forms are stored on Microsoft servers. You may also download an Excel workbook with the response data at any time.
Completed Qualtrics survey responses are stored on Qualtrics servers. Qualtrics offers robust data export options.