Check out your UID number. It’s a nine-digit number that looks like this: 800-55-5555 and it’s found on the front of your Redbird Card.

Say “hello” to your University Identification (UID) Number ... and “goodbye” to using your Social Security Number (SSN) when it comes to filling out Illinois State University records and documents or using university services.

Do I have to memorize my UID number?

No. Use your Redbird Card just like you use a debit card for many university services, ranging from check cashing to the library.

Who gets a UID?

UID numbers are issued to all university faculty and staff ... plus students, applicants for admission to the University, and alumni.

What does the UID protect?

Two words: identity theft.

The Associated Press reports that more than 11,000 Illinois residents said they were victims of identity theft last year—and that’s up 15 percent from 2003, according to a federal report. Identity theft is the number-one fraud complaint made by consumers. Illinois had the nation’s 10th-highest rate of identity theft reported in 2004. And, nationally, identity thefts climbed nearly 15 percent last year to 246,570 complaints. The UID is a private system that creates ID protection.

What are my responsibilities in using the UID system?

Manage your UID.

Don’t lose it—use it! And don’t use your SSN on university forms, records, documents, or for university services, and don’t give your SSN or UID to others.

Help others to be responsible.

Make your staff aware of the new UID system! Challenge administrators when they request ID using SSN, for example.

Protect the privacy rights of others.

Follow university policy and purge SSNs from your electronic files...check your computer records for files using SSNs and delete them, archive them to CDs, or convert them to UIDs