Release of Wiscard Data

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Policy Number:
UW-500
Responsible Office:
Data, Academic Planning & Institutional Research

University Policy

Rationale/​Purpose:

Some services across campus rely on Wiscard data, including photos, as one component of verifying an individual's identity. This policy establishes data management and data governance principles for the release and use of Wiscard data.

Definitions:
Wiscard
The official photo identification credential at UW-Madison. Students, faculty, staff, retirees, emeriti, and people affiliated with the University are typically eligible to obtain a Wiscard. 
Wiscard Data
All personally identifiable data elements collected for the purpose of issuing a Wiscard including, but not limited to, Wiscard photo, Wiscard ID, and biometric data such as fingerprint and photographic likeness. Other data created by the use of a Wiscard is not Wiscard data.
Scope:

This policy applies to the use of and access to Wiscard data by all of UW–Madison. The data elements on the Wiscard, such as a person’s name, are not be solely governed by this policy.

Policy:
  1. Wiscard data are sensitive data per UW-504 Data Classification.
  2. Access to Wiscard data is determined by the institutional data steward, and limited to applications that are serving a business need for UW-Madison, typically for verification of individual identity.
  3. The Data Governance Council is designated as the responsible institutional data steward for Wiscard photos by the UW-Madison Data Governance Program. Stewards carry out all data stewardship responsibilities, including provisioning access and authorization.
  4. The Wiscard Office and the DOIT Identity and Access Management team are designated as the data system custodian for Wiscard data and are jointly responsible for the administration of institutional data systems, tools, and resources for this data.
  5. Exceptions may be granted by the Data Governance Council or designee or as required by law.
Related UW-Madison Policies:
Related UW–Madison Documents, Web Pages, or Other Resources:

Policy Administration

Approval Authority:
Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs
Policy Manager:
Vice Provost for Data, Academic Planning & Institutional Research
Contact:
Data Governance Director -- Lisa Johnston, LRJOHNSTON@WISC.EDU, (608) 262-8637
Revised Dates:

05-24-2023, 07-16-2025

Reviewed Dates:

07-16-2025

Retrieved:
07-30-2025 02:27:24