UH Number (AKA UH ID) FAQ

It is a unique identifier for each person affiliated with UH.   It is the recommended persistent identifier for all UH business processes to utilize as needed.

To replace the SSN with a very safe alternative.  

Because it is classified as "restricted" to internal UH use and, importantly, is not classified as "sensitive".   To use it in a sensitive fashion would be a policy violation. It is never reassigned to another person.

Presenting it as a challenge-question in order to determine if a person is who they say they are violates UH policy.