FROM:  Dan Angel, President, Marshall University

DATE:  April 20, 2004

IDENTIFICATION NUMBER CHANGE

 Identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes in America.  Identity theft occurs when a criminal steals personal information including Social Security Number, credit card numbers, username and password, or other personally identifying information in order to fraudulently use the victim’s credentials for illegal gain.  In the 2004 State of the State message, Governor Bob Wise addressed identity theft and the measures needed to protect our citizens.

 Historically, most universities have used the Social Security Number as the Identification Number for students, faculty and staff.  Marshall University is changing our existing Identification Number.  This will impact many of the university processes, but it is critical that we protect all parties.

 In order to make this proactive process, I assigned an oversight committee that represents the major stakeholders on the campus. It is chaired by Layton Cottrill, Executive Vice President, Chief of Staff and Legal Counsel who has operational responsibility for the policy.

 The policy will create new Marshall University ID Numbers for all campus stakeholders who need an ID number and will be used for all purposes except for those that require Social Security Number by law or regulation.  The transition to the new Identification Number can provide a more secure environment with our everyday business processes.  The University has set June 1, 2004 as the completion date of this process.