Social Security numbers will be replaced with new nine-digit number

In light of a recent incident at a university in New Jersey where the names and Social Security numbers (SNN) of more than half the students had accidentally been posted online, a SSN Conversion Task Force has been formed to replace SSNs as the primary identification number with a new, unique identifier. The nine-digit number, known as the JagID number, will begin with 927xxxxxx.

Mary Filpus-Luyckx, director of Special Projects and chair of the SSN Conversion Task Force, says the conversion will help protect against identity theft and also comply with federal and University System of Georgia policies. Identity theft remains the nation’s fastest-growing financial crime.

“This project is supported at all levels, from administration, faculty and staff to students,” says Ms. Filpus-Luyckx. “Safeguarding our students’ identities is a top priority for Augusta State.”

The committee will be charged with converting the university’s information systems such as Banner and ELROY to the JagID number and assist individual departments in converting their records. Filing systems will also be modified. The conversion will take place in March 2006. At that time, faculty, staff, and students will immediately see the change on a new, free JagCard, which will have their new JagID number printed on it.

“We are replacing the actual JagCard so that faculty, staff, and students have their new JagID number on the new card, which will make it easy for everyone to know their 927-number,” says Mark Brown, information analyst in the Office of Special Projects. “The cards will have a whole new look to make it obvious that it is the new JagCard.”

In some cases, however, students will still need to give ASU their Social Security number. For example, the federal government requires the number when applying for admissions, financial aid, or employment. But removing SSNs as the ID number from the university’s information systems and from the JagCard will help protect faculty, staff, and students at Augusta State.

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