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Attention: Your Student Identification Number is Changing!

In June 2001, the Washington State Legislature passed a bill that requires Washington state colleges and universities to discontinue the use of Social Security number (SSN) to identify students and their records. The law is intended to add additional protections to student privacy, student identity and student records.

How will this affect you?

  • A new student identification number (SID) will be assigned to students whose Social Security number was being used as their primary identifier.
  • You will need your new SID number to access Web and Touchtone services or when you request other services on campus. The new SID will also appear on class rosters and other college documents and records.
  • You will need a new Student ID card. You can get this after May 1 by visiting your student programs office.

Note: If you currently have a SID number that begins with a letter (such as FSC, PC9, PUY, etc.), you will NOT be assigned a new Student Identification number.

Where will you get your new SID number?

  • The college will assign your new number after Spring Quarter 2002 begins.
  • If you enrolled in classes during the 2001-2002 academic year, you will receive your SID number via U.S. mail sometime between April 6 and 27.
  • You will also be able to access your new SID number at www.pierce.ctc.edu under Student Online Services after April 27.

Caution: Be sure to safeguard your new SID number - it's not your Social Security number anymore, but it is still confidential and could provide access to your records.

When will you need to start using your new number?

  • Begin using your new SID number on April 29!

What happens to my Social Security number?

Your Social Security number will be stored confidentially in your records and used only for necessary purposes as authorized by law. Key purposes include:

  • Financial aid (including deferments and other financial aid-related verifications).
  • Tuition tax credits (Hope Scholarship and Lifelong Learning ).
  • Official transcripts.
  • Workforce or unemployment data-matching and other legitimate uses authorized under state law SB 5509.

Disclosure of your social security number is voluntary - no student rights, benefits or services will be denied if you do not provide the college with your social security number but it is required for employment at the college.

Questions? Contact your registration office at:

For military programs, contact: