OVERVIEW
To further safeguard the online privacy and security of our students, faculty, and staff, OU IT will standardize OUNet IDs (4+4s) this summer using the following format:
first 4 letters of last name + last 4 digits of Sooner ID
Example: if your last name is Sooner and your 9-digit OU ID number is 123456789, then your OUNetID is: soon6789
If your 4+4 includes the last 4 digits of your social security number, your OUNet ID will change this summer. Your password will NOT change. OU IT will communicate to those with "legacy" 4+4s using weekly email reminders and other media. Visit the Communications page for details.
This is the final phase of a project started in March 2005, when we began creating all new OUNet IDs using this format. However, many students, faculty, and staff still have legacy OUNet IDs containing a portion of the Social Security Number associated with the account.
The standardization is tentatively scheduled for mid-June. Check out the Timeline page for more information.
Why Change?
While some might view the change as inconvenient, this is very positive for the OU community and will provide additional protection for your sensitive information.
Many businesses now use the last 4 digits of your social security number to confirm your identity by phone or online. For instance, a credit card company might ask for the last 4 digits of your social security number before providing sensitive information about your account. This project will further protect your identity.
More information: http://www.ssa.gov/pubs/10064.html#steal
With many students continuing their studies in OU’s graduate programs and the University’s strong record of employee retention, this is the optimum way to phase out all users with legacy 4+4s in a timely manner.
QUESTIONS?
Our Questions? page addresses the most common questions. If you do not see the answer you're looking for, you can contact OU IT by phone at (405) 325-HELP or by email at needhelp@ou.edu.