In the past, the University has used Social Security Numbers to identify students in the classroom, leading many students to feel weary of distributing this personal information. However, beginning this fall, usage of the 810 identification number will replace using the Social Security Number in classrooms.

Instead of printing the Social Security Numbers on grade rolls and class rolls, the nine-digit 810 identification number found on student IDs will be used.

Although the number printed on the card is a full 16-digit number, the University will only use the portion spanning from the 810 numbers to the second-to-last digit.

Students will be asked to write this sequence of numbers on tests and projects, and the 810 numbers will be used to identify students in the grading system.

Instructors will only have the 810 ID number with which to identify students.

A number of departments will be using this system, said Rodney Parks from the Registrar’s Office, but the 810 number cannot be used for all applications yet. Each student will still be asked for his or her Social Security Number to access OASIS. But Parks said this may change in the future.

“We’re initially just using this system for class roles and grade rolls,” Parks said. “But this is just the first step to moving forward. Next year we hope to progress even further.”

In the past, students often said they felt uneasy about publicly listing their Social Security Numbers. This new policy is intended to help students feel safer in the classroom.

“I’m glad we don’t have to give out our Social Security Numbers anymore,” said Mona Nasseh, a senior from Atlanta. “I was recently the victim of credit card fraud and now I feel hesitant to give out personal information.”