The Observer, September 21, 2007
Volume XL, Issue 4
Social Security number use still a concern
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Last fall, an Undergraduate Student Government resolution and student survey provided details on the university's alleged overuse of Social Security numbers as a main form of student identification. In response, the issue was taken on by the administration, and the new PeopleSoft student identification system will eliminate the use of the Social Security number for ID purposes beginning with registration in summer 2008.
The USG survey, which was conducted in November 2006, noted many instances of Social Security numbers being divulged in students' day-to-day activities. Students who overheard others being required to provide their number, faculty who used lists of numbers rather than names in posting grades, and student employees who were repeatedly exposed to others' Social Security numbers were just a few of the reasons the administration decided to implement the new system.
Though the proper framework is being put into place to transition to the new system, students who have tried to change their student ID outside of the implementation have often met with frustration.
Adam Derewecki, who will graduate in December, made a request to change his ID number that was later denied.
"A follow-up e-mail from [Deputy Registrar] Don [Hunt] said that it's largely because of the way the current systems are connected, with the Social Security number as the connecting key, and that students in the past who have gotten their student ID changed have had problems," said Derewecki.
Hunt confirmed that not all requests to change ID numbers are approved, due to the inadequacies associated with the current system.
"Prior to the implementation of this new student information system, the university has limited ability to issue alternate student ID numbers," acknowledged Hunt. "Since the use of non-Social Security number identifiers in the current student information system requires manual intervention at multiple points, it comes with a risk of inaccuracies and the known difficulties linking the identification number uniquely to a student."
Hunt also clarified the current policy toward issuing a new ID number.
"A student may request an alternate ID number by completing the online request form or by visiting the registrar's office and completing an alternate ID number change request form. That petition must be accompanied by supporting documentation that demonstrates that use of the Social Security number as an identifier would pose a real security threat to the student. Examples of adequate documentation include a court order [or] evidence that identity theft has occurred," Hunt explained.
Many have expressed frustration with such requirements. "It bothers me that policy is dictated by out-of-date technology. I really feel that a plan to change student IDs until PeopleSoft is implemented should be looked at," Derewecki said.
USG president Adam Rupe agreed. "I understand that the university is transferring over to PeopleSoft in the late spring and this problem will be ended," he said. "However, that is months away, and students have genuine concerns about the safety of their personal information. It is unacceptable that a feasible plan has not been made to transition at this point."
Others were able to change their ID from their Social Security number, presumably before the current policy went into effect. Benjamin Chodroff, who will also graduate in December, had his request approved.
"I had it changed back in early 2005," he said. "It took some jumping through hoops, but it is possible and it hasn't caused me any inconveniences with accessing systems now that it is done."
Given the examples of Social Security number exposure brought to light in the USG survey, Rupe feels that a student concerned about the availability of their confidential information should have the option to change their student ID before next year.
"People's Social Security numbers are far too important of a thing to wait until April to worry about," he added. "Students have thousands of things to worry about each day, and USG and the students feel that the safety of their private information is something that should not have to be on that list. It is the job of the university to protect it by the best means possible."
For many students, the PeopleSoft system will be a welcome change, simply because of the trouble associated with obtaining a new ID number.
"For as much as we have to use it, I don't think that having our Social Security numbers for our IDs is a good idea," said sophomore Kathy Ward. "I've heard you can change it, but I've also heard that it's really difficult to do."
Hunt emphasized that "alumni will most likely be able to phase out the use of their Social Security number" under the new system when it previously would have been required to identify their records, though it will remain a part of confidential student records.
He also urged students to visit http://www.case.edu/its/security/docs/identity_protection.html to learn about important ways to prevent identity theft.
