When logging on to the new “Banner System,” many returning students become puzzled when asked to key in their E-number and password.
This is causing many to ask: What is an E-number and why do I need one?
E-numbers are the new student identification numbers issued to students, faculty and staff due to the implementation of a new software system, according to Tony Warner, assistant vice president for Campus ID/University Center Services. This “Banner System” is used throughout ETSU, as well as all other Tennessee Board of Regents schools.
Banner is an update from SIS, a software system dating back to the ’80s.
Warner says a “move up in the times” was needed, especially since the company who created SIS is no longer able to provide tech support.
Part of the implementation of Banner was the assigning of the new “E-numbers.” These new student ID numbers begin with the letter E and are followed by eight digits. The numbers can be found in the right-hand corner of Gold Link and according to Warner, 20,000 of these numbers are currently active.
Although the E-numbers are being used throughout campus, students who have not memorized or did not even know that they had an E-number should not panic. The old eight-digit student ID numbers are still “fully functional with no problems,” said Warner.
In fact, the university has decided to re-card the entire campus, issuing “freebie IDs” with “no replacement fee” to students, faculty and staff. The ID office can even use the same picture or take a new one.
Since this is a massive undertaking, the ID office is contacting people by building. They are sending e-mails to z-accounts and giving students a 10-day window to renew their identification cards. This way, the office hopes to keep lines short.
“It’s not critical to do it now,” Warner said. He asks that students restrain from coming to the ID office until they are summoned via e-mail.
Warner stressed the importance of students waiting to come in until after they are e-mailed, even if they miss the 10-day window.
One of the first offices to go live with Banner System was the registrar’s office. Students had their first look at the software system when registering for fall classes last spring, according to Registrar Sheryl Burnette.
“I must admit that it has been a lot of work for the [registrar’s] office, but overall, the transition has been pretty smooth.
The conversion and preparation of the data has taken a lot of time because it has to be thoroughly tested for accuracy,” said Burnette. She also advises students to use their E-numbers rather than their Social Security numbers in order to “help protect your identity.”
The bursar’s office has also made changes with the implementation of Banner.
Bursar Lois Sams explained the new payment program, which allows to students to sign up for a direct deposit of financial aid refunds.
Students must know the last four digits for their E-numbers in order to sign into the payment area. “The last four digits are used in the new Bill/Payment area of Gold Link as the student’s e-signature. The last four digits of the E-number is requested for installment plan and refund account,” said Sams.

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