University of Nebraska Kearney

NUID FAQ

STUDENT RELATED QUESTIONS

Q: If my NUID is printed on my UNKCard, can't someone gain access to my personal UNK information?
A: Knowing your NUID does not necessarily give anyone access to your personal UNK information.  Services that pertain to your personal records should always require positive physical identification or, if you are using an electronic service, the use of a password.  Be sure, however, to safeguard your card and your password to prevent unauthorized use. 

Q: Are there particular UNK departments that may ask for my SSN?
A: In general, the UNK offices that may require your SSN will be Admissions, the Finance Office, Financial Aid, and Human Resources. (???????)

Q: What should I do if someone asks for my SSN and I am not sure that I should give it to them? A: If you are not sure whether you should disclose your SSN, send an email message to the University Privacy Officer at privacy@unk.edu (obviously we would need to identify the person and get this account created - I could do it.)

FACULTY RELATED QUESTIONS

Q: Am I still permitted to use SSNs in email correspondence with students or other faculty?
A: Any transmission of data containing SSNs by UNK facuty or staff over any communication network, including emails, must be transmitted through encrypted mechanisms.  If you absolutely must email an SSN make sure you encrypt the email message.  Generally, most UNK faculty and staff will not need to email any Social Security Numbers and it should be avoided.  Contact ITS for more information if you need to transmit SSNs electronically.

Q: Am I permitted to use NUIDs in email correspondence with students or other faculty and staff?
A: Yes.  The NUID can be used in encrypted email correspondence with students or other faculty.  It is a best practice to encrypt the NUID whenever you transmit it.  The NUID is protected under FERPA and is not considered Directory Information.  See the FERPA information on the Student Records page for more information.   (The u-wide NUID Steering Committee is going to draft an NUID policy but I'm not sure what it will say yet.)

Q: Will my SSN and the SSNs of my students still be listed on sheets and grade lists?
A: The NUID will be listed instead of the SSN.

Q: Can I post grades using the NUID?
A: You cannot use the full NUID or any portion of the NUID to post grades.   As an alternative, you can use Blackboard for posting grades.

Q: I have student records that list SSNs.  What should I do with these records?
A: Review the documents and shred all unnecessary files, email messages, or documents containing the SSN.  If you need to hold on to particular paper files that include the SSN, you must safeguard them in a locked cabinet or secure office.  All necessary electronic files (spreadsheets, databases) containing SSNs must be converted to NUIDs unless your use of the SSN is approved by the Chancellor.  Contact Andrea Childress in ITS for conversion information.

Q: Are there any circumstances in which I would need to use a student's SSN?
A: Use of the SSN is now greatly restricted and requires the approval of the Chancellor.  To review UNK's policy and procedures for usage of SSN's click here.

Q: Will UNK update its systems, forms, and procedures to adopt the new NUID?
A: Yes.  The NUID is the new identifier that UNK will use as the primary key for tracking students, employees and anyone affiliated with the University.  The NUID will be an eight digit number that is not related to or derived from the Social Security Number.

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