Social Security Number Policy

Welcome. This web site provides extensive information pertaining to the University of Illinois´ policy on the collection, maintenance, and dissemination of Social Security numbers (SSNs). Social Security numbers are highly confidential and legally protected data. The University of Illinois is committed to protecting the privacy of the members of the University population.

Early in the year 2000, the University of Illinois adopted a formal policy on the collection, maintenance, and distribution of Social Security numbers (SSNs). This web site provides members of the University community with information about this policy and its implementation. Additionally, it contains a number of both educational and practical resources pertaining to the Social Security number, particularly with regard to its use at the University.

When an individual enrolls in or is hired by the University of Illinois, both parties enter into a relationship. This relationship is increasingly formalized over time and to some degree predicated on the idea of trust. One of the most important ways in which the University demonstrates its worthiness to share in this relationship is by protecting the considerable body of information it collects about individuals that can be considered confidential or private. The University's policy puts into place protections for University maintained SSNs that go beyond those strictly required by Federal law.

The full policy produced by the committee that drafted the policy may be viewed from the following table.

Social Security Number Policy

The sample disclosure statements page has been updated with additional and more recent examples.