FAQ
General Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)- What is the University System's Board of Regents doing about the use of SSNs for all state schools?
- How will the university use my Social Security number?
- Why do we need a SSN policy?
- What number do I use to log in to GoSOLAR?
- Do I need to obtain a new PantherCard which contains the Panther Number?
- If I am a new student, how do I get a Panther Number?
- Can grades be posted using the Panther Number?
- How will this affect my PantherCard Account?
Staff and Faculty Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What is the difference between my Employee ID and Panther Number?
- Will my Panther Number appear on my paycheck?
- Will the Panther Number impact retirement and insurance records?
- How do I get a Panther Number as a newly hired employee?
Responses
Q: What is the University System's Board of Regents doing about the use of SSNs for all state schools?
A: The Board of Regents issued the document "Protecting Student Identity - Principles for Good Practice" in August 2002. This document states:
Currently all 34 institutions, under Board of Regents policies and procedures use the Social Security number as the primary student identification number. Beginning Summer 2003, institutions are encouraged to implement the necessary business practices and procedures to replace the use of the Social Security number as the primary student identification numbers. USG institutions will be expected to continue requesting and maintaining the Social Security number as part of the student record. It is anticipated all USG institutions will complete the transition by 2005.
Institutions should have clearly defined policies and procedures on the generation and maintenance of student identification numbers and the collection and use of the Social Security Number. These policies should be developed within the governance structure of the institutions and should be included in student, faculty and employee handbooks.
The federal law prohibits institutions from requiring students to provide their Social Security number; however, the law does not prevent or discourage institutions from requesting and maintaining the Social Security number a part of the student record.
Institutions are encouraged to clearly document why the Social Security number is being requested, how and when the number will be used, and to whom it can be disclosed. A statement should be printed on the admission application and in the student handbook.
Return to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How will the university use my Social Security number?
A: Georgia State follows all legal requirements for use of SSNs. Your SSN is handled in a confidential manner, and will not be used as a record number in Georgia State business systems. It will be used for mandated business functions such as tax reporting to federal and state government agencies. It will also be used in conjunction with insurance and retirement programs, Board of Regents reporting, and other official university business activities as appropriate.
Return to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
A: In response to the growing concern by all campus constituents regarding identify theft and the confidentiality of individual Social Security numbers (SSNs), Georgia State established a project team with both functional and technical campus representatives, to implement a unique, non-SSN campus identifier for students, faculty and staff. As part of that effort, administration has adopted a Social Security Number Policy to clearly inform and direct campus units on the proper and improper collection and disclosure of Social Security number. It is the intent of the university to take the necessary precautions to protect the identity of all of its constituents.
It is important to note that an individual’s Social Security number, where appropriately collected, will remain a part of every individual’s official records, as it will be required for certain business and services, like payroll and student financial aid. It is the university's intent to protect this confidential information for all individuals by informing all constituents how the number will be used.
Return to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What number do I use to log into GoSOLAR?
A: You should use your Panther Number as your User ID for the GoSOLAR, Georgia State Web Access System.
Return to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Do I need to obtain a new ID card, which contains the Panther Number?
A: Georgia State is requiring students, faculty, staff, and affiliates to obtain a new PantherCard, which contains the Panther ID#. All existing PantherCards will continue to be accepted on-campus with no interruption of service through Spring Semester 2008. However, a cardholder may voluntarily come to the Auxiliary Services to receive a new PantherCard containing the Panther Number. If a cardholder comes to the Auxiliary Services to receive a new card, their existing PantherCard must be exchanged for the new card. There is no charge for the production of a new PantherCard when the existing card is exchanged for the new card.
Return to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: If I am a new student, how do I get a Panther Number?
A: After September 1, new freshmen, transfer and graduate students who enroll fall semester 2007 will have their Panther Number automatically assigned to them as part of the conversion process. Once implemented, there will be a web-based mechanism that allows all students, faculty, and staff to find their Panther Number.
Return to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can grades be posted using the Panther Number?
A: No. Student information cannot be posted using "personally identifiable information" as defined in FERPA. According to federal regulations, "Personally identifiable information" includes, but is not limited to:
The student's name;
The name of the student's parent or other family member;
The address of the student or student's family;
A personal identifier, such as the student's Social Security number or student number;
A list of personal characteristics that would make the student's identity easily traceable; or
Other information that would make the student's identity easily traceable.
Return to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How will this affect my PantherCard Account?
A: Your PantherCard Account will be unaffected by any of these changes.
Return to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the difference between my Employee ID (EmplID) and my Panther Number?
A: Your Employee ID is an automatically assigned number which identifies you in Georgia State's PeopleSoft HR/Payroll system. The Panther Number is a unique number which identifies you across multiple systems at Georgia State.
Return to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Will my Panther Number appear on my paycheck?
A: No. Your PeopleSoft Employee ID will still be used in HR/Payroll and printed on your paycheck advice.
Return to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Will the Panther Number impact retirement and insurance records?
A: No. The Panther Number will not be used as an identifying number for reporting to retirement systems or insurance companies. It is still necessary to use SSNs for these purposes.
Return to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How do I get a Panther Number as a newly hired employee?
A: Student employees will already have a Panther Number assigned by the Banner Student Information System. Authorized department administrators will request a Panther Number for new faculty and staff via a new web-based Panther Number Request System.
Return to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)