May 06, 2008

'DAWG Tag' ID system begins next month

by Pete Rosenbery

CARBONDALE, Ill. -- A new "DAWG Tag" identification system for Southern Illinois University Carbondale students, faculty and staff will be in place beginning next month.

The University is transitioning away from using Social Security numbers as the student ID. Replacing Social Security numbers with random identification numbers follows a nationwide trend designed to reduce identity theft and increase confidentiality, said Victoria Valle, assistant vice chancellor for enrollment management.

The nine-digit DAWG Tag numbers will be generated by computer for existing students, faculty and staff by Memorial Day weekend, and the University will begin requiring those numbers -- rather than Social Security numbers -- on various forms. All current and former SIUC students are receiving new ID numbers. New students are receiving a new ID number during the application and admissions' process. DAWG Tag numbers for faculty, staff and all student services and processes, such as for bill payments, the Student Recreation Center, and Morris Library, will be available for use starting June 2.

New photo identification cards are available in the ID Card Office beginning June 2. The ID Card Office is on the second floor of the Student Center. The office is open 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. ID cards will also be available on the third floor of Morris Library from 1 to 8 p.m., June 2-6, and June 9-11. Additional times are listed below.

Students, faculty and staff must obtain a new ID card by Oct. 1 when the current card becomes obsolete.

Social Security numbers are still required for certain University-related business functions, including tax reporting to federal and state government agencies, and in conjunction with insurance and retirement programs, and other University-related business activities as appropriate.

For more information about the conversion, contact Valle at 618/453-2943 or at vvalle@siu.edu. Additional information is also available at http://udc.rocks.siu.edu/udc/dawgtag/

The schedule for obtaining new photo ID cards for students, faculty and staff is:

  • June 2 -- 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., ID Card Office, Student Center, second floor.
  • June 2-6 and June 9-11 -- 1 to 8 p.m., Morris Library, third floor.
  • Aug. 11-22 -- various times, Student Center, Kaskaskia/Missouri Room. Check http://udc.rocks.siu.edu/udc/dawgtag/get_id_card.html for specific times.
  • Aug. 25-Sept. 30 -- 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., ID Card Office, Student Center, second floor.

Contact Jeffrey M. Duke, deputy director, Student Center, at 618/453-3494 or at jduke@siu.edu, for more information on obtaining a new ID card.