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Dear Banner Bestie: Seeing double

Dear Banner Bestie: Seeing double

  • In progress

    • Banner’s convinced one of our students has a twin in an alternate dimension. Same name, same birthday, two different TU ID numbers — it’s like the multiverse opened right in SPAIDEN. How do we close the portal responsibly? - Seeing Double

    Dear Seeing Double,

    Ah yes - the classic parallel universe problem. One student, two identities, and a trail of chaos stretching across modules. It’s tempting to just ignore one of the IDs and pretend it never happened, but that’s how legends (and audit findings) are born. Data resolution across multiple IDs isn’t a solo mission, but rather a governed process.

    How duplicate TU ID numbers are born

    Duplicate IDs often sneak in through admissions process, hiring, or incomplete searches

    before record creation. Individuals may use different names at different entry points, enter their birthday slightly differently, use different address or phone numbers - and some times all of the above!

    It’s also important to point out that sometimes what looks like a duplicate is actually two distinct people who just happen to share uncanny similarities - like twins. 👯

    Here’s how we work together to safely collapse the timeline

    1. When you identify one or more possible duplicate ID numbers for an individual, review the following data:

      1. Full name

      2. Birthdate

      3. Social Security Number (SSN)

      4. Addresses

      5. Phone numbers

    2. To the extent possible, stop new activity on both records (registration, grade entry, financial aid processing, just to name a few). New transactions on both IDs make the merge infinitely messier.

    3. Open a ticket with our team and provide information as identified in Reporting duplicate IDs.

    4. I’ll review to confirm which is the duplicate ID and work with data stewards to move their data from the duplicate ID to the keeper ID to give us a single, unified identity for this person. This alliance includes Accounts Receivable, Financial Aid, Admission, Registrar, Human Resources and IT. When all data has been moved, I’ll modify the duplicate ID number so that the first digit is X so that it’s clear which ID number should not be used.

    5. I’ll follow up with you to let you know the merge is complete so that you can review attributes, advisor assignments, and holds to update as needed.

    🪄Parting thoughts

    When it comes to duplicates, prevention is the best dimension. Be sure to check out Determining if a person has a Tulane ID number for more details.

    Banner doesn’t need more universes; just a shared commitment to pause and confirm before adding new stars to the system.

    Yours in good data and great vibes,

    Your Banner Bestie

    Got a Banner brain-bender or a process puzzle that’s been keeping you up at night? Ask Your Banner Bestie — your friendly neighborhood navigator through the quirks, charms, and mysteries of our favorite system.