SFSU is in the final phase of an effort to prevent identity theft and protect the privacy of students, faculty, staff and administrators by assigning a new identification number to each. A unique nine-digit number, known as an SFSU ID, has replaced the Social Security number as the primary identifier for each member of the University community.

New OneCards containing the new SFSU ID number have been issued for some 29,000 students and 3,000 employees. Old OneCards are no longer valid. The OneCard can be used to check out books and other materials from the SFSU Library; gain access to campus computer labs, gyms and swimming pool; purchase snacks from vending machines on campus; and use laundry facilities in the Village at Centennial Square.

SFSU's efforts were prompted by a 2003 Academic Senate resolution calling for the establishment of University-assigned identification numbers to replace Social Security numbers, as well as a 2004 state law that limits the use of Social Security numbers. This law prohibits Social Security numbers from being printed, encoded or embedded on identification cards.

"The issue of identity theft has become more prevalent," says Suzanne Dmytrenko, SFSU registrar. "Now, Social Security numbers are kept in a much more secure place with fewer people able to access them on a daily basis."

Identity theft occurs when someone possesses or uses another person’s name, address, Social Security number, bank or credit card account number, or other identifying information with the intent to commit fraud or other crimes. The Federal Trade Commission estimates 10 million Americans are victims of identity theft each year.

SFSU now only obtains Social Security numbers from applicants for admission to the University and from new employees. Transcripts will include Social Security numbers only when sent to other colleges or universities.

New OneCards can be obtained at the One-Stop Student Services Center in the Student Services building. For details, send an e-mail message to sfsuid@sfsu.edu or visit the OneCard Web site.

Through Oct. 1, students, faculty, staff and administrators may obtain their new SFSU ID on the Web. For details, visit the SFSU ID assistance Web page.

-- Matt Itelson