Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Commonly Asked Questions resulting in the theft of a University laptop.

Question: What specifically was stolen and how did it occur?
Answer: A laptop computer was stolen from a locked University vehicle while an admissions recruiter was on University travel visiting prospective students in the greater Chicago area. Further details are being withheld as the investigation proceeds.

Question: When did the theft happen?
Answer: Around Friday noon, October 26, 2007

Question: What type of information was on the laptop, what's at risk?
Answer: Included on the storage device of the laptop was personal information regarding applicants for our 2007 and 2008 student classes. The information does not include any social security numbers, driver's license numbers, credit card information, banking information, or financial data of any kind. However, the data file does include name, home address, telephone number, date of birth, e-mail address, academic information, and student identification numbers. Other information on the laptop was of the general nature of office correspondence. Access to the laptop computer is protected by user identification and two levels of password protection.

Question: How will this impact me?
Answer: Because the information was of a personal nature, the University feels that notification to you is in your best interest. Specifically, you should be on guard against identity theft. We are doing this even though we feel the risk is fairly low because no social security or driver's license numbers were involved in the loss. Please review the Federal Trade Commission's Identity Theft web site and other resources, Identify Theft Links. At present, we have had no indication that this information has been accessed or has been misused in any way.

Question: How will this be prevented from happening in the future?
Answer: The specific data type in question has been removed from all University laptop computers. The University is reviewing its electronic data security methods and procedures to prevent similar occurrences. Although theft can be of a random or premeditated act, one specific goal of the University is to provide data support services to our campus community in a safe and secure manner.

Question: How do I know if my information was stolen?
Answer: The data in question was that of applicants to the University's main campus for the 2007 and 2008 school years. Students who applied, or are enrolled at 'off campus' sites such as University Center for Extended Learning, FSU-Grand Rapids and Kendall College of Art and Design are not affected as this data was not included in the theft.

Question: What is the University doing about this situation?
Answer:

1. The Ferris State University Department of Public Safety is working in conjunction with other law enforcement authorities towards the resolution of the crime.
2. The University is taking measures to review and enhance data security and management.
3. Students which may be subject to this data theft are being notified via electronic messaging and US Mail.
4. Although the expected impact of the security breach is minimal, if you are a student who entered Ferris State University during 2007 and are studying an academic program on the main campus, you may request the issuance of a new student identification number and Bulldog ID card. Click this link to request a new identification number and card. The issuance of a new Bulldog ID card is at no cost to the student.

Question: How will this affect my Admission status for the entry year of 2008?
Answer: The processing of your application to Ferris State University remains unchanged. The theft of data has not inhibited our ability to process your application in a timely manner.

Question: What if I have more questions?
Answer: You may call the University at 1-800-433-7747, or use the following E-mail form:

Disclaimer: Materials presented here are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Users are advised to contact an attorney directly whenever considering a matter with legal implications. Ferris State University does not access student credit reports.