Impacts
SSN Conversion Impact Overview
The Georgia State University Unique ID Number, or Panther #, serves as a unique identifier for each individual in the Georgia State community and replaces the primary use of Social Security numbers (SSNs) to identify university constituents. After the initial conversion of existing campus members, the Panther # will be assigned at the beginning of an individual's affiliation with the university. The Panther # will be used across all systems, applications, and many business processes throughout the lifetime of an individual's relationship with the university. Regardless of the association/relationship an individual has with Georgia State, the same Panther Number will follow that individual.
Creating a new, unique Panther # eliminates using SSNs as the look-up key or primary identifier in administrative systems/applications and addresses two critical issues:
- The Panther # provides campus-wide continuity in identifying all constituents regardless of their association with Georgia State University; and,
- By eliminating SSNs as the key or primary identifier in automated systems, Georgia State University is taking an important step in reducing the risk of identity theft for the university community.
Conversion at Georgia State is September 1, 2007, at which time the Panther # will be assigned to all current and former Georgia State University students, faculty, staff, affiliates, and associates. Policy and process implementation will also begin September 1, 2007, with targeted completion by the end of September. Although the Panther # will be functional as soon as the Banner conversion is complete on August 31, 2007, September 1 is the day that will be communicated as the primary kick-off for the Panther Number.
New students will be assigned a Panther # during the application and admissions process beginning Spring Semester 2008 if applicants are admitted after the conversion date of September 1, 2007. This number will be used throughout the student's enrollment at Georgia State University. Once enrolled, students will use this number as their log-in to GoSOLAR and for all administrative transactions, activities, and services provided by Georgia State.
The assignment of a Panther # only constitutes authorization that this individual is eligible for services appropriate to the type of relationship they have with the university. Once the Panther # is assigned, the normal business process to request and/or activate services and benefits with appropriate units can be initiated. They can activate e-mail accounts, access library resources, obtain a PantherCard, and other services such as parking. A Panther # must be assigned before GoSOLAR can be used.
The current PantherCard will continue to be active. It will not be necessary for current cardholders to have their card reissued immediately after conversion. However, it is recommended that current cardholders have their card reissued as quickly as possible because all new cards will have the Panther Number printed on the card, providing ready access to your new Panther #. New cards must be obtained by the end of the Spring Semester 2008 (May 2008).
Be prepared for the SSN Conversion! Visit this page regularly for updated information about how the Panther # project will affect you. Also look for articles in The Villager and The Signal with updates on the Panther # Project!
Find out more information about how this conversion will affect you if you are a student.
Find out more information about how this conversion will affect you if you are faculty or staff.