Because there have been increasing concerns about the privacy of personal data, Congress addressed the misuse of Social Security numbers . That also means, at BSC it is no longer acceptable to post grades or test scores containing any portion of a student's Social Security number .

Prior to the new legislation, the college had been posting grades using the student's last five digits of their Social Security number . In compliance with guidelines set by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act , the college recognizes its current practice for posting grades is no longer appropriate. Mark Bausili, registrar, explained what it means to “post” a grade.

“To post means to display the grade in such a way that someone, other than the student to whom the grade belongs, can see it,” he said.

Bausili added faculty could continue to communicate grades and test scores to students by using other methods. The American Association of Collegiate Registrars says this can be done through a number of methods: “Instructors and others who post grades should use a system that ensures FERPA requirements are met. This can be accomplished by obtaining the student's written permission to do so or by using code words or randomly assigned numbers that the instructor and individual student know.”

Students at BSC can continue to view their end-of-semester grades using Degree Navigator. Faculty members may also email students their grades and test scores , but have been notified to remove grades as soon as possible. All postings must be removed by March 31.

School Compliance

According to the Privacy Rights Clearinghouse, schools receiving federal funding must comply with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act if they wish to retain funding. Social Security numbers are considered personally identifiable information, which means colleges must have a student's consent to use or post them.

Any college violating the new laws may be sued by the students. In 1992, students were successful in suing Rutgers University for distribution of class rosters containing Social Security numbers . The federal government also takes this matter seriously. Unauthorized use of Social Security numbers is a federal felony, and carries up to a five-year prison sentence and a maximum fine of $5,000.

For more information on social security number protection visit: http://www.privacyrights.org/
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Email: solana23@mail.buffalostate.edu