Student concerns have led Penn State to rethink its policy of using Social Security numbers as student identification numbers. It is in the university's best interests to realize that identity theft is a frightening and very real danger.

Presently, students provide their Social Security numbers in many situations where the numbers are left exposed to the public.

Professors pass attendance sheets around classrooms, giving predators the opportunity to match a number on a sheet with a student's seat.

A student reported in Wednesday's Daily Collegian that she had discovered another student's Social Security number on recycled computer paper that was distributed in class.

Ironically, Social Security numbers are sometimes readily available to anyone in an attempt to protect students' privacy.

Rather than post last names on grade reports, allowing anyone to see how a particular student is performing in class, professors often post Social Security numbers.

Only showing the last four digits of Social Security numbers can greatly reduce the risk of theft, but some professors insist on listing all nine digits.

Identity theft can lead to serious problems for anyone whose Social Security number is stolen, and there are often extremely heavy financial repercussions.

According to the Social Security Administration's Web site (www.ssa.gov), "if someone has used your Social Security number to get credit, Social Security cannot fix your credit record."

As the debate over changes in student identification continues, professors should do whatever possible to keep Social Security numbers out of the classroom, and they must remember that university guidelines do not permit them to ask for Social Security numbers in class.

Meanwhile, Penn State must continue to look for an alternative identification system. Social Security numbers certainly are convenient.

But considering the ease with which numbers can be stolen and the problems that arise from having a card stolen, the risks that come with using Social Security numbers for identification far outweigh the benefits.