2008 Woodie Awards
Student committee looks to change student ID numbers
Cameron Kittle
Issue date: 10/3/08 Section: News
During a successful student senate meeting last Sunday, the Student Identifier Steering Group (SISG) was formed to discuss a new way to identify each student individually without the risks of identity theft that come with having to use their social security numbers so often on campus.
For years, social security numbers have been used at UNH as the primary form of identification for students. They use them in a variety of ways, from signing up for intramural sports or even when gaining access to the dining halls.
But because of its widespread use, people tend to forget a social security number is a unique representation of U.S. citizenship. Junior Kevin Linton, a student senator involved in the newly formed committee, said SISG looks to change the univeristy's policy to eliminate the risk.
"As students, we use our social security numbers on a daily basis at UNH," said Linton. "We are identified by our SSNs. Unfortunately that comes with risks. There is always the possibility that our SSNs can be compromised. The transition plan that SISG will develop will counteract that risk."
The goal is to draft and implement a plan that will change a student's identification number to something other than their social security number. Although it is possible for students to consult the Identification Office in Holloway Commons and change their number presently, the process isn't well-known on campus.
Scott Valcourt, the CIS project manager of SISG, noted a policy hasn't been drawn up yet but said discussion is underway. Valcourt was impressed the change was brought up by students, not officials at the university.
"That's pretty unique," said Valcourt. "Most universities don't have that approach. The universities are the ones who are making the decision to say, 'Let's move away from that' and the students are really not very cognizant of why that's important, but here at UNH the students are."
The positive attitude towards the revision has spread across campus. SISG isn't the only organization at UNH working on a change regarding social security numbers: campus recreation and intramural sports have already modified their policy by asking for students' university-issued e-mail addresses to sign in for games rather than the traditional SSN.
"Over the years a few students had mentioned that they would like to see us move away from using social security numbers, and we responded this past summer," said Intramural Sports Director David Charette. "So far it's worked out well."
Valcourt said he feels the plan is sure to be a success with students involved in the process.
"The students at UNH are very aware of what is important and why it's important," said Valcourt. "There's a strong drive coming from the student senate to help move this project in the right direction."
For years, social security numbers have been used at UNH as the primary form of identification for students. They use them in a variety of ways, from signing up for intramural sports or even when gaining access to the dining halls.
But because of its widespread use, people tend to forget a social security number is a unique representation of U.S. citizenship. Junior Kevin Linton, a student senator involved in the newly formed committee, said SISG looks to change the univeristy's policy to eliminate the risk.
"As students, we use our social security numbers on a daily basis at UNH," said Linton. "We are identified by our SSNs. Unfortunately that comes with risks. There is always the possibility that our SSNs can be compromised. The transition plan that SISG will develop will counteract that risk."
The goal is to draft and implement a plan that will change a student's identification number to something other than their social security number. Although it is possible for students to consult the Identification Office in Holloway Commons and change their number presently, the process isn't well-known on campus.
Scott Valcourt, the CIS project manager of SISG, noted a policy hasn't been drawn up yet but said discussion is underway. Valcourt was impressed the change was brought up by students, not officials at the university.
"That's pretty unique," said Valcourt. "Most universities don't have that approach. The universities are the ones who are making the decision to say, 'Let's move away from that' and the students are really not very cognizant of why that's important, but here at UNH the students are."
The positive attitude towards the revision has spread across campus. SISG isn't the only organization at UNH working on a change regarding social security numbers: campus recreation and intramural sports have already modified their policy by asking for students' university-issued e-mail addresses to sign in for games rather than the traditional SSN.
"Over the years a few students had mentioned that they would like to see us move away from using social security numbers, and we responded this past summer," said Intramural Sports Director David Charette. "So far it's worked out well."
Valcourt said he feels the plan is sure to be a success with students involved in the process.
"The students at UNH are very aware of what is important and why it's important," said Valcourt. "There's a strong drive coming from the student senate to help move this project in the right direction."
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