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2008-2009 IT Security Implementation Plan update!

The dates for the quarterly implementation plan submissions have been updated to reflect the 2008-2009 schedule.

Incident Response

Alternative Identifiers FAQ

Below are commonly asked questions about alternative identifiers and the OSU ID number.

  1. Where can I learn more about the OSU ID number?
  2. Will an alternative identifier be assigned to students?
  3. When will students be assigned the OSU ID number?
  4. How do I find out my OSU ID number?
  5. How will the OSU ID number be any safer from identity theft than the Social Security Number?
  6. Is the OSU ID number the same as the BuckID number?
  7. Can the BuckID number be used as the alternative identifier?
  8. Who do I contact if I believe my Social Security Number is being inappropriately used or protected?

Download a PDF copy of these FAQ

Further Questions?

Please use the email form at the bottom of the page to contact us.

Where can I learn more about the OSU ID number?

The OSU ID number is part of the Student Information System (SIS) Project. Information about this project is available at http://oaa.osu.edu/sis/. Questions can be sent to sis@osu.edu.

Will an alternative identifier be assigned to students?

Yes, students will be assigned a nine-digit OSU ID number. Students who have been employed and have an eight-digit OSU ID number will retain that identifier.

When will students be assigned the OSU ID number?

The current plan is to assign the OSU ID number to students during the conversion to the PeopleSoft Student Information system for go live (June, 2008).
As of Monday, September 29, 2008, students can obtain their 9-digit OSU number by logging into buckeyelink.osu.edu and selecting the “Lookup your OSU ID Number” link, which is located on the student tab in the personal information section.
As a security and privacy measure, the OSU ID number replaces SSN as the main identifier for students, providing a higher level of identity protection for students, as well as all student related data systems. While some students may not need to know their OSU ID number until the new Student Information System (SIS) is fully implemented later in 2009, students who have signed up for Student Health Insurance will need to obtain their OSU ID number now in order to print their insurance card and/or to apply for Student Financial Aid later this year.

For more information, see: http://oaa.osu.edu/sis/communication_highlights.php

How do I find out my OSU ID number?

Students can obtain their 9-digit OSU number by:
1. Going to buckeyelink.osu.edu
2. Selecting the “Lookup your OSU ID Number” link, which is located on under the "Personal Information" heading on the "Student Tab".
3. Logging in with your OSU Internet username (lastname.#) and password.
For help or problems, contact 8help at 688-4357 or 8help@osu.edu.

How will the OSU ID number be any safer from identity theft than the Social Security Number?

The OSU ID number pertains to business related to the University while the Social Security Number can provide access to financial and credit card records across the country.

Is the OSU ID number the same as the BuckID number?

No, the OSU ID number will either be eight or nine-digits while the BuckID is 16 digits.

Can the BuckID number be used as the alternative identifier?

The BuckID number is very similar to a credit card or debit card number and should be protected accordingly. Therefore, it would not be appropriate to use the BuckID number as an identifier.

Who do I contact if I believe my Social Security Number is being inappropriately used or protected?

Contact the Office of the CIO Security Group at security@osu.edu.

Further Questions?

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