CatCard database will place less emphasis on SSNs

The CatCard Office is setting up an administrative database to make the UA's new ID cards compatible with other systems on campus.

The "Data Mart" is regarded as the first step toward moving away from Social Security numbers and replacing them with an ISO, a 16-digit identification number.

"The goal is to get information about CatCard holders while maintaining access and security in a place," said Varsha Das, a UA data steward.

Data stewards have always held the reins on campus information, and Das said this will not change.

"A department, six months down the road, may say 'we need this info' and the data stewards will meet and say yes or no," Das said.

The project was presented to the CatCard Advisory Team for a recommendation.