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Data and Information Administration
Kansas State University
KSU Foundation Center
2323 Anderson Ave.
Suite 400W
Manhattan, KS 66506
pid@k-state.edu
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Personal Identifier Initiative

Introduction

Kansas State University is committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of personal information related to its students, faculty, staff, and other individuals affiliated with the University community. Traditionally, K-State, like many universities, has used the Social Security Number (SSN) as an ID number for individuals and as a common key to university records and information systems maintaining their personal information. Recognizing the increased concern over privacy and the risk of identity theft and to meet federal and state legal requirements, the University is accelerating its efforts to protect the SSNs of K-Staters through establishing the Personal Identifier Initiative.

Coordinated by the Vice Provost for IT Services, this multi-year initiative will have university-wide impact and will require close coordination with university colleges, departments, administrative units, and affiliated organizations.

Objectives

The Personal Identifier Initiative has several objectives:

  1. Broaden awareness of the confidential nature of the SSN and the risk of identity theft related to the disclosure of the SSN.
  2. Reduce unnecessary collection, storage, and use of the SSN within the K-State community.
  3. Develop and implement consistent policies regarding the use of the SSN throughout the University in conformance with federal, state, and university requirements.

Implementation and Timelines

Because the SSN currently serves as a key to access major university records and information systems, the movement away from reliance on the SSN in these systems will take time and resources. The expectation is that there will be steady and purposeful movement away from dependency on the SSN except as required by law. First steps to be taken during the 2006 academic year include removing SSNs from all Wildcat ID Cards as required by state law; developing consistent university policy on the collection, storage, and use of the SSN by K-State entities; and creating an inventory of existing university information systems that include the SSN. Once the policy and inventory are completed, a schedule and plan for making required changes will be developed in coordination with affected university organizations.

For additional information on the Personal Identifier Initiative, see Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).

Watch this page for updates about this Initiative and how it affects you!

Do you have a question that was not answered by the resources on this website? Please send your questions or comments to pid@k-state.edu.