Students and professors have experienced some confusion as of late about the use of University ID numbers.
The implementation of the Banner computerized records system has brought a host of changes to Brown, not least of which was a switch from the SISD numbering system to the new Banner ID system. While SISD numbers were once used to numerically identify students, Banner keeps track of students through a different system, requiring different ID numbers.
The sudden change in bookkeeping has caused some confusion among faculty and students, since some student files are still managed using SISD numbers. SISD numbers will be in partial use until all academic records are converted, which will happen around the end of the semester, according to Associate Registrar Lisa Mather.
Though some professors continue to ask for SISD numbers as identification on exams, faculty members should only use the Banner ID system, Mather said. She noted that the Office of the Registrar receives frequent calls from faculty who cannot access a student's data using the SISD number, and the registrar's office staff must convert the numbers to the new system.
SISD numbers were once printed on every Brown ID card, but starting with the class of 2011, ID cards issued to incoming students no longer have SISD numbers. In fact, these students no longer have an SISD assigned to them - which can cause problems if the freshmen are asked to provide an SISD number on an exam.
The confusion isn't just limited to freshmen. When ID cards were reprinted last year for the implementation of Banner, both the SISD and Banner ID numbers were included. Some students have had trouble switching to the new ID numbers, though others have reported no problems.
"(Professors) usually say which one they want," said Julia Brooks '08.
"I don't think it's a huge problem," said Rachel Cohn '10, though she said she had some problems applying for the Brown University Tutoring program online.
Until recently, the application page for the tutoring program merely asked for an ID number, without specifying which type. The page has since been amended and now asks for Banner ID numbers.
Mather said confusion between the two identification systems is common.
"Training was provided, but (students and faculty) didn't take advantage of it," said Jeanette Bradley, student assistance coordinator in the registrar's office. Mather said the training sessions for both faculty and students had poor turnout.
Because professors now have to use Banner ID numbers for their courses, their transition to the new system is progressing at a faster clip than students'.
"Students are adapting a little more slowly," said Mather, noting that upperclassmen have already grown accustomed to their SISD numbers, and have somewhat conservative attitudes about the change.
Though the formal transition from the SISD system to the Banner ID system will be finalized in the next few months, Mather predicted there will be complications for some time.
"There will be a vestige of a problem until everyone who had an SISD number leaves," Mather said.
