Joe DeCristoforo

UTSA appoints Social Security number representative

(March 15, 2004)—Joe DeCristoforo, assistant vice president and university registrar, has been appointed the official Social Security number representative for The University of Texas at San Antonio.

DeCristoforo previously represented UTSA on a UT System fact-finding committee that studied the usage of Social Security numbers on UT System campuses as well as other state campuses.

According to DeCristoforo, a movement has been underway for the past several years to stop using Social Security numbers as identifiers or access points for student records.

UTSA started addressing the issue in 2002, when it converted to the Banner student information system, which implemented an alternate random generated identification number to take the place of a student's Social Security number.

"The Social Security number is an identifying piece of information and when it applies to student population, you have to be very restrictive and just not let anybody have access to it," said DeCristoforo. "It's basically on a need-to-know basis, to safeguard and keep confidential." 

DeCristoforo is developing a plan to educate UTSA students, faculty and staff on the limited legitimate uses of a Social Security number. All UT System components are required to be in compliance by 2007.

For more information, contact Joe DeCristoforo at 210-458-4548.