University administrators are implementing a long-awaited plan to remove Social Security numbers as primary identifiers.
The LSU ID Project Team formed by Provost Risa Palm is developing a plan to implement random nine-digit identification numbers to replace Social Security numbers, said Robert Doolos, university registrar and team chair.
According to the Social Security number policy draft, the objectives are to eliminate social security numbers as the primary identifier for students, faculty and staff, protect the privacy and legal rights of the University and promote the confidential treatment of Social Security numbers.
The policy draft is awaiting approval from the provost’s office, Doolos said. He continued that if the policy is approved, team members expect the random number implementation to take about two or three years.
Frank Cartledge, vice provost of academics and planning, said he will meet with Palm in the next few days to examine the policy statement. Cartledge said if the statement is approved, it will move to Chancellor Sean O’Keefe’s office for approval.
It’s in reasonably good shape to be approved, Cartledge said.
The draft describes the LSU ID numbers as permanent and unique numbers that will be assigned at the earliest possible point of contact between the individual and the University. The draft outlines compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, which details guidelines for educational privacy.
This new number will still be protected. This number won’t be posted for grades, just as Social Security numbers were not posted for grades, Doolos said.
Doolos said the University examined how other universities, such as Pennsylvania State University and the University of Texas at Austin, implemented similar systems.
Student Government President Michelle Gieg and Vice President Patrick Downs had the social security number initiative as one of their campaign goals.
Gieg said the first concern was to provide University students with the most safe environment possible.
Downs said he and Gieg decided to promote the change as one of their goals because of increasing identity theft incidents throughout the country.
We’ve heard from students about the relaxed way that their social security numbers were used, such as writing it on tests, Downs said. We’re really glad to get the ball rolling on this.
Dorothy Kemp, SG director of student services, said SG has worked closely with the registrar to express students concerns.
Identify theft is now so prevalent, Kemp said. The main goal is to ensure student privacy and safety.