Student identification numbers to change
Published Sept. 26, 2006
MU student identification numbers will lengthen in conjunction with the implementation of the myZou system. MyZou will replace several separate interfaces that affect students and faculty, including STARMU and the Customer Information Control System.
Student identification numbers will display seven digits instead of six, including information provided by the Student Administration Implementation Project.
"It's not the hassle students are fearing," University Registrar spokeswoman Brenda Selman said. "The identification number still shows and still connects you to privileges on campus."
In using the new myZou system, login will be through the university Pawprint, rather than using a student identification to log in.
Selman said the student number is still used to identify each student and to connect them with their privileges on campus, but it is deemphasized within the system.
The myZou system is similar to systems being implemented throughout the UM system. The UM-Rolla campus is already using a similar interface customized to its campus.
"MU is already using this system for something called recruiting and admitting," Selman said.
This aspect of the system became active Sept. 5. When students are accepted for admission to MU in upcoming terms, they will automatically receive the newly formatted identification numbers.
Benefits of the software include the ability to see the number of seats available for a given class instantly, rather than with a 24- to 48-hour delay, Selman said.
Selman spoke to various student groups including the Missouri Students Association regarding the changes, and she said the largest complaint among students was why the system could not be implemented sooner.
MSA President John Andersen has not personally used the system, but he said he has seen several of its capabilities.
"I think the students will absolutely love it," Andersen said. "There is no comparison between it and STARMU."
Students who choose to register in March for the Fall 2007 semester will do so using the new system, and those who register in March for the summer semester will continue to use STARMU.
New identification will take place at some point after the new year to transfer existing students to the myZou system.