IDENTIFICATION NUMBERS, SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBERS AND BU ID CARDS

Binghamton University is introducing a new student system, called Banner, which will be made available through a new University web portal called “BU Brain”. The BU Brain is the University portal that provides access to your Registration, Financial Aid and Student Accounts.

All students admitted to Binghamton University are assigned an identification (ID) number, also called a “B-Number”.  This is not a Social Security number.  You have likely already received both your B Number and your Temporary Access Code (TAC).  If not, both will be provided to you during International Student Orientation.  You will want to memorize your B Number.  With your B Number and TAC, you can access your Binghamton University email account and “PODS” password. You will need your B number for many university transactions.  You will use your user ID (the position of your email address that precedes “binghamton.edu” and your PODS password to log into Banner.

For more information about how to use Banner and the BU Brain, please see the following link: http://banner.binghamton.edu/using/   

SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBERS

New international students in F-1 or J-1 visa status are eligible for a Social Security Number if they have an on-campus job offer.

If you do not have an on-campus job offer you will be able to apply for a Letter of Ineligibility.

We will provide information on where to apply for either a Social Security Number or a Letter of Ineligibility at Orientation.

Once the Social Security Number has been issued to you, you will need to report that number to the Registrar's Office.  When you go to the Registrar's Office (Student Wing Room 119), you will request a Student ID and/or Name Change Form.  This requires a passport and your new SSN card for processing.

BINGHAMTON UNIVERSITY ID CARDS

To arrange for your new BU Student ID card, go to the Registrar’s Office, SW-119 in the Student Wing of the Lecture Hall. You will use the same card for the duration of your academic studies at Binghamton University.  It does not expire.  Lost, stolen and mutilated ID cards can be replaced at the Registrar’s Office. However, there is a $2000 charge for a new card.  The card does not list your date of birth therefore it cannot be used for certain identification purposes. 

The office is open daily during the summer from 9am – 4pm and from 9am to 5pm during the semester for ID cards.

        07/2008