Primary and Secondary Identifiers

Primary identifiers are used to verify the student, family member (parent, guardian or spouse), third-party or legitimate educational interest requests.  After collecting the student’s first and last name, a combination of at least two primary identifiers and one or more secondary identifier must be confirmed before releasing information.

Student

Primary Identifiers:

• Ohio State username (lastname.#)
• Student OSU ID number

Secondary Identifiers:

• Class schedule
• Other college or university attended
• High school attended
• Photo identification (in person)
• Alternate email address
• Current address

Parent, Guardian, or Spouse

Primary Identifiers:

• Required: Inquirer’s first and last name
• Required: Access Code (listed on Student Information Release)
• Student’s OSU ID number

Secondary Identifiers:

• Photo ID (in person)
• Relation to the student

Third Party

Prior to providing any information, verify the request is a legitimate inquiry.

Primary Identifiers:

• Required: Inquirer’s first and last name
• Required: Access Code (listed on Student Information Release)
• Student’s OSU ID number

Secondary Identifiers:

• Current address

Depending on the situation, you may need to direct the third party to contact an alternate office, such as Student Financial Aid, Office of the University Bursar, University Registrar, or Office of Student Life.

Legitimate Educational Interest

Prior to providing any information, verify the request is a legitimate educational request and the requestor has a “need to know.”

Primary Identifiers:

• Required: Inquirer’s first and last name
• Required: Verify Ohio State employment information by utilizing Ohio State's people search
• Student’s OSU ID number

Secondary Identifiers:

• Ohio State username (lastname.#)
• College of enrollment