In compliance with Florida Statute 119.071 (5), this document serves to notify you of the purpose for the collection, release and usage of your Social Security Number (SSN).
Pursuant to Florida Statute, 119.971(5) (a) 2.a., Okaloosa Technical College collects and uses your SSN only for the following purposes in performance of the college & duties and responsibilities, including compliance with federal and state statutes related to financial and academic assistance, inter-institutional articulation or transfer, and for actions imperative to the performance of Okaloosa Technical College's duties and responsibilities as prescribed by law.
To protect your identity, Okaloosa Technical College will secure your SSN from unauthorized access; strictly prohibit the release of your SSN to unauthorized parties contrary to state and federal law, and assign you a unique student identification number. This ID number is used for associated educational purposes at Okaloosa Technical College, except as set out below.
Admissions
Federal legislation relating to the Hope Tax Credit and other tax benefits for education require that all post-secondary institutions report student SSNs to the Internal Revenue Service. This IRS requirement makes it necessary for colleges to collect the SSN of every student. A student may refuse to disclose his or her SSN to the College for this purpose, but the IRS is then authorized to fine the student $50 pursuant to the Internal Revenue Code, Section 25A. To avoid potential fines, please complete form, W- 9S, and return it to the Okaloosa Technical College campus & financial aid office. While the collection and use of Social Security Numbers may be authorized, a student is not required to provide his or her Social Security Number as a condition of enrollment or graduation. Non-credit programs may use your Social Security Number for the purpose of reporting to the state to facilitate the process of certification and license renewal, and for reporting non-credit course and in-service training information as required by state law.
Financial Aid
A student & SSN is required for the following financial aid purposes: The U.S. Department of Education & Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) requires applicants to report their SSN for all federal financial aid programs as a student identifier for processing and reporting (34 CFR 668.16]. In addition to its use by USDOE as a student identifier, the SSN is required for the Department of Homeland Security to investigate citizenship status (34 CFR 668.32, 33], for the federal Work Study Program (34 CFR 668.36], and for all loan applications for use by the lender/servicer/guarantor.
Okaloosa Technical College collects a student & SSN on certain institutional scholarship applications for student files and federal and state audit/reporting purposes. If you are a recipient of a State of Florida grant or scholarship such as the Florida Student Assistance Grant (1009.40 FS], Florida Work Experience (1009. 77 FS] or Bright Futures (1009.53 FS], the Florida Department of Education will require the SSN on its grant/scholarship disbursement website and for reporting purposes.
