MSC03 2210
Student Union, 1018
1 University of New Mexico
Albuquerque, NM 87131
Phone: (505) 277-4706
Fax: (505) 277-2987
sac@unm.edu
Student ID Numbers and Social Security Numbers From the Registrar's Office:
Prior to the Fall Semester 2006, the University of New Mexico used the individual student's social security number as the student's identification number at the University. This number is used for record-keeping purposes only. The authority to use the social security number came from the Board of Regents and was adopted on March 24, 1967
The University of New Mexico is discontinuing the use of Social Security Numbers to identify student accounts. When doing business with UNM, you may be asked for your UNM ID Number, your Student ID Number, or your Banner ID number. These numbers are the same.
Your UNM ID appears in the top right corner of the screen when you are logged into LoboWeb. You can also find your UNM ID by visiting Demographic Self-Service and logging in with your NetID and password. Click on the Demographic Information link. Your UNM ID will be shown on that page.
University Business Policies and Procedures Manual 2030
Effective Date: 06/01/08
Authorized by Regents Policy 3.1 "Responsibilities of the President"
The University of New Mexico (UNM) collects and maintains confidential information, including social security numbers (SSNs) of its students, staff, faculty and individuals associated with the University. "Information Security," Policy 2550, UBP (proposed draft policy), describes the basic components of the UNM Information Security Program which all applies to employees (student, staff, and faculty), contractors, vendors, volunteers, and all other individuals who work with UNM data and information. This policy defines additional requirements applicable to SSNs. UNM recognizes the importance of the proper handling of SSN’s in order to protect personal privacy and minimize the growing risks of fraud and identity theft. The Federal Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. Sec. 552a) is the federal law that regulates the collection of SSNs. This law makes it illegal for federal, state or local government agencies to deny any rights, benefits or privileges to individuals who refuse to disclose their SSNs unless the disclosure is required by federal statute or the disclosure is to an agency for use in a record system which required the SSN before 1975. This Act applies to UNM. The Federal Privacy Act also requires that any agency that requests SSNs must inform individuals asked:
Where IRS or other federal regulations require UNM to report SSN, we require individuals to provide us with that information.
2.1. Notification Statement
In all instances when UNM requests an individual to supply his/her SSN, it must indicate in writing:
2.2. Employees
Employees are required to provide their SSNs on payroll/personnel, health insurance, and retirement forms.
2.3. Students
Students are required to provide their SSNs for admission, financial aid, and student housing contracts. Students unable to provide a SSN will be assigned an alternative number.
2.4. Patients
Patients of University Hospital and medical clinics are required to provide their SSNs on inpatient and outpatient registration forms.
2.5. Other Individuals
Other forms that request disclosure of SSNs, and proposals by departments to collect SSNs for any purpose must be approved in advance by Office of University Counsel. The provision of SSNs in such cases must be strictly voluntary and individuals who decline to disclose the number may not be denied any rights, benefits or privileges.
An individual's SSN is personal information and shall not be released by UNM to outside individuals or entities, except:
UNM does not use SSNs as primary identifiers for students or employees. Any exception must be approved in writing by the cognizant vice president and the University Chief Information Officer (CIO). Students and employees are assigned a unique randomly-generated identification number to allow access to records and to transact business with UNM. These numbers remain the property of, and are subject to, UNM's rules. UNM identification numbers are not accorded the same confidential status as SSNs.
The following guidelines must be followed by UNM employees with access to SSNs:
Departments that collect, use and/or store SSNs must submit a report to the Director of Information Assurance documenting the reason for collection, the handling processes in place to ensure protection of SSNs, and the notification statement required by Section 2.1. herein. Reports must be made no later than September 30, 2008, or within ninety (90) days of beginning collection, use, and/or storage of SSNs, whichever is later. In addition, departments must review SSN procedures annually and report any changes to the Director of Information Assurance.