Social Security Number Privacy
The University of Florida actively limits use of and protects the personal identification information that it collects, including Social Security numbers (SSNs).
Collection and use of SSNs is authorized by Florida law (F.S. 119.071(5)), which provides that a “public agency” in the state of Florida may collect and use SSNs where the agency is specifically authorized by law to do so or where it is imperative for the performance of the agency’s duties and responsibilities as prescribed by law.
Some examples of when your Social Security number may be collected and maintained include, but are not limited to, applying to and enrolling in the university, administration of federal financial aid, becoming employed by the university, and other activities related to maintaining employment and education records. Additional information about the collection of SSNs of “Students and Employees within the State University System of Florida” is available from the Florida Board of Governors here.
Florida law also requires a public agency collecting an individual’s SSN to notify the individual of the specific authority by which it is collecting the SSN. The University of Florida published a “SSN Matrix” to assist with this notification.