Decisions That Have Been Made Beginning Jan. 1, 2005, a new Penn State identification number will be used in place of the Social Security number (SSN) as the University's primary identifier. This number will be used for all internal processes that do not require SSNs for reporting and taxation purposes. The new primary identifier will be called the PSU ID and will be a nine digit randomly generated number. This number will begin with a "9" since the Social Security Administration currently does not use "9" as the first digit for their numbers. The format of the new PSU ID will be 9-9999-9999. A new policy on maintaining the privacy and confidentiality of an individual’s SSN will serve as the guide for future uses. The PSU ID numbers will be printed on the new Penn State id+ cards, which will be distributed Nov. 1-5, 2004 to all current cardholders (faculty, staff and students).  Cardholders will need to continue using their current cards until the new cards take effect on Dec. 20, 2004. Student grades should not be posted by SSNs. Also, in accordance with University policy AD19, the PSU ID cannot be used to display students' scores or grades publicly (neither by the whole number or by just the last four digits). The University will move to a common label for the new main identifier after Jan. 1, 2005. The new label on Web applications, services and forms will be 'PSU ID.' Some limitations apply. They are covered on the 'Frequently Asked Questions' page under Will the University standardize a new label for the new main identifier? AIS will convert IBIS, ISIS and the Data Warehouse beginning late on Dec. 18, 2004. These systems will be unavailable for normal business, Dec. 19-25. SSNs may not be stored electronically anywhere other than Penn State's Central ID Repository unless and exception is granted by the Chief Privacy Officer.

Printer friendly view