Use of Student Social Security Numbers

 

Applicants are required to include their correct social security numbers (taxpayer identification numbers) in designated places on applications for admission pursuant to the authority contained in Section 41201, Title 5, California Code of Regulations, and Section 6109 of the Internal Revenue Code. The Internal Revenue Service requires the university to file information returns that include the student's social security number and other information such as the amount paid for qualified tuition, related expenses, and interest on educational loans. That information is used to help determine whether a student, or a person claiming a student as a dependent, may take a credit or deduction to reduce federal income taxes. The social security number is also required by the Franchise Tax Board for collection of returned checks.

For other records and services, the university uses an assigned Campus Wide Identification number (CWID) which may also be referred to as a SID (Student Identification Number) as the student's account number. A student's TitanCard number is not his or her identification number.

Students are required to write their student identification numbers on personal checks submitted for any payment to the university. Payment by personal check is consent by the student for the university to write the student's identification number on the check if it is not referenced. If a student prefers that his or her student identification number not be on the check, then the student must submit payment by cashier's check, money order, or when appropriate ( other than mail-in or drop-off registration), cash. Use of the student identification number assures credit to the correct student university account.