In an effort to protect the Ohio State student population and make the Buckeyelink Web site interface easier to use, social security numbers have been replaced by OSU identification numbers as the main identifier in student-related data systems, according to the Student Information Systems Project press release.

“I think it is going to be very helpful,” said Martha Garland, OSU assistant vice provost and SIS project sponsor. “It will provide more and more [online] functionality.”

Although the new OSU ID number implementation will remove students’ social security numbers as a main identifier in student related data systems, the project was also created to provide a more comprehensive system for students to view information online.

“It’s not just about security,” Garland said. “But it will put us in a position to protect.”

This project will store students’ information in one centralized database rather than multiple databases across campus, said Bill Karl, SIS project manager.

“The old system caused the social security number to be repeated,” Karl said. “[The new system] will streamline services and prevent redundancy.”

Although the BuckID office has been imprinting the new OSU ID numbers on identification cards since June, students will not need new BuckIDs to receive their OSU ID numbers.

Students can access their 9-digit OSU ID number by logging into buckeyelink.osu.edu.

Jordan Jones, a junior in philosophy, said he is concerned with the possible confusion the two identification numbers could cause.

“I think the social [security number] is easier,” Jones said. “We don’t need two numbers.”

Terrance Wooten, a senior in political science, said the new OSU ID number should make administrative tasks easier.

“If it’s easier for the administration, I’m all for it,” Wooten said. “There aren’t many things a thief can do with an OSU unique number.”

Because the project is still in its first phase, Karl said students will still need to know their social security number.

“Students who are doing business now still are going to need their OSU ID number as their key identifier,” Karl said. “After June 2009, [the social security number] will not be used as the main identifier.”

Amber Phelps can be reached at [email protected].