OpenCCC Account: Data Elements

OpenCCC Account: Data Elements

This version of the OpenCCC Account DED is up-to-date with 2025 changes and updates.


Account Data Fields

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California Community College ID

Data Element:

ccc_id

Apply API (Glue)

cccId

Description:

The user’s unique CCCID for Federated Identity.

The unique identifier for a single user’s account. This identifier is assigned during account creation in OpenCCC.

Type/Format, Length:

VarChar 8

Values/Response Options:

The format of the ccc_id is:

Positions 1 - 3:   AAA thru ZZZ (Sequentially assigned beginning with AAA)

Positions 4 – 7:  0001 thru 9999 (Sequentially assigned beginning with 0001 for each value in positions 1-3)

Position 8:  For future expansion if all values become exhausted.

Note:  In positions 1-3, “I” and “O” are not used to avoid confusion with “0” and “1”.

Allows Null:

No.  This is a system assigned field and is not entered by the user.

Default:

System assigned.

Storage/Usage:

Populates the CCCApply applications from the applicant's OpenCCC Account at the time of submission.

Notes/Constraints:

System-generated unique identifier.

System will support expansion of CCCID to 8 characters (XXXXNNNN).

 

This field is passed as part of a submitted application to each college and is stored in the college Student Information System (SIS).  This field can be used for student authentication when a student signs in at a college.  It can be passed as an attribute to student statewide services so the service can verify the student has an OpenCCC account and perform automatic sign in.  This field will also be passed as an MIS field. 

Revision Log

 

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Accepted Terms of Use

Data Element:

accepted_terms

Apply API (Glue):

acceptedTerms

Description:

Acknowledgment by the user of acceptance of the OpenCCC student account Terms of Use.

Type/Format, Length:

Boolean

Values /Response Options:

True / False

Conditions

If email address is verified during account creation, then display the terms disclaimer that pertains to contact by email.

If mobile phone is verified during account creation, then display the terms disclaimer that pertains to contact by phone and/or text message.

Allows Null:

No

Default:

Default = True

Storage/Usage:

Stored with date and timestamp in database at time of account creation.

Error Validation Checking:

Required response; else error message, ”You must agree to the Terms of Use.”
ES: “Debe aceptar los Términos de uso.”

Onscreen Label/Prompt Text:

Acknowledge Terms of Use

[ checkbox ] (Email): “I agree to the Terms of Use and to receive emails at any email address I have provided or may provide in the future, from any entity associated with my application process, including but not limited to my designated schools and programs.”

(Phone): “I agree to the Terms of Use and to receive calls and/or texts and emails at any phone number and/or email I have provided or may provide in the future, including any wireless number, from any entity associated with my application process, including but not limited to my designated schools and programs.”

Notes/Constraints:

Terms of Use URL: https://www.cccmypath.org/uPortal/p/terms-use/max/render.uP

DELIVERED via SuperGlue for Apply.

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Accepted Terms Timestamp

Data Element:

accepted_terms_timestamp

Apply API (Glue):

acceptedTermsTimestamp

Description:

Date and time of user’s acceptance of the Terms of Use.

Type/Format, Length:

date timestamp with time zone

Allows Null:

 No

Default:

 

Storage/Usage:

Stored with <accepted_terms> at time of account creation.  SuperGlue delivery only.

Notes/Constraints:

DELIVERED via SuperGlue for Apply.

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Address Validation Override

Data Element:

address_validation_override

Apply API (Glue):

addressValidationOverride

Description:

Indicates that the USPS address validation service. does not recognize the address as provided by the user and has suggested an alternative to the user.

Type/Format, Length:

VarChar 20

Values/Response Options:

True / False

Allows Null

Yes

Default

 

Storage/Usage:

If no suggested address is returned by the USPS address validation service, a null value is stored.

Address override is stored as True or False.

Error Validation Checking:

IF user accepts a USPS “suggested address” displayed, then <addressValidationOverride> is stored as True; otherwise it is stored as False.

If USPS address validation returns a notice of Invalid address, then user must override the response (True) or return to the address fields and edit their entry (False).

Onscreen Label/Prompt Text:

Invalid Address message box:
“We are unable to validate your address with the USPS Postal Service. Please review the address below and review or edit.”
[Button] “I verify my address”
[Button] “Edit my address”

 

Verify Address message box:
”To ensure an accurate address we suggest the one below. Would you like to use the suggested address?”
[Button] “Yes”
[Button] “No”

Additional Onscreen Text

For a Suggested Address: “To ensure an accurate address we suggest the one below. Would you like to use the suggested address?”

Notes/Constraints:

After all required address fields have been entered in the Contact Information section of the Account Profile, the USPS address verification service is run to check if the address exists, and whether the address meets USPS address standards.

Indicates that the user has accepted an address alternative provided by the USPS address validation service does not recognize the address as provided by the user and has suggested an alternative to the user.

DELIVERED via SuperGlue for Apply.

Revison Log

 

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Address Validation Override Timestamp

Data Element

address_validation_override_timestamp

Apply API (Glue):

addressValidationOverrideTimestamp

Description

Date and time that the user chose to override a suggested address that meets USPS format, or s of the address validation override.

Type/Format, Length

date and time with time zone

Values/Response Options

 

Storage/Usage

 Stored with <address_validation_override> at time of account creation. SuperGlue delivery only.

Allows Null

Yes

Notes/Constraints

DELIVERED via SuperGlue for Apply.

Revision Log

 

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Date of Birth

Data Element:

birthdate

Apply API (Glue):

birthdate

Description:

User’s date of birth.

Type/Format, Length:

date, 10

Provided in this format: yyyy-mm-dd

Values/Response Options:

Valid date

Allows Null:

No

Default:

None

Storage/Usage:

Storage: Stored in database (with leading zeros as appropriate) for use in auto-population. Included in Account Profile.

Usage: Birthdate is used in the admission application to calculate age, to identify applicants who are too young to transact business online per COPPA (Child Online Privacy Protection Act —under age 13), and to identify minors for residency calculation and collection of parent or guardian contact information. OCR acknowledges that collection of birth date is allowed under California State law.

For residency and minor identification, the applicant’s age is calculated as of the day before the term_start date <ResidencyDeterminationDate>.

Used for residency and minor identification, the applicant’s age is calculated as of the day before term_start date <ResidencyDeterminationDate>.

Error Validation Checking:

 

Date of birth is required; else error message, “Valid date of birth is required.”

Confirm date of birth is required; else error message, “Valid Confirm Date of Birth is required.”

Both entries must match exactly; else error message, “Date of Birth entries do not match.”
(ES: “Las entradas de la fecha de nacimiento no coinciden.”)

 

Must be a valid date (‘dd’ must be appropriate for ‘mm’ and ‘yyyy’, for example, 02/29/2009 would not be a valid date); else error message, “Invalid date. Please enter the date in the format MM/DD/YYYY.

Date must be after 01/01/1901; else error message, “Must be on or after 01/01/1901.”

Date must be before <current_date>; else error message, “Must be before <current_date>.”

Must not edit or update birthdate and full legal name at the same time; else error message, “Do not update your name (first, middle or last) and birth date at the same time.”
ES: “No actualice su Nombre (primer, segundo o apellido) y fecha de naciemiento a la mismo tiempo.”

Onscreen Label/Prompt Text

Please enter your birth date”.

Date of Birth* [textbox + calendar widget]
(ES: “Fecha de Nacimiento”)

Confirm Date of Birth* [textbox + calendar widget]
(ES: “Confirmar fecha de nacimiento”)

MIS Correlation:

MIS DED SB03

Notes/Constraints:

Birthdate is sensitive information protected by federal law and the Office of Civil Rights (with regards to age discrimination). Any change to the text, prompt, access, or transmission of this data item must be approved by the Legal Counsel of the CCC Chancellor’s Office and the Office of Civil Rights.

Date of birth information may not be provided to staff in the capacity of making a decision to admit an applicant until after the applicant is admitted—that is, uniformly enabled to register for classes.

Users cannot change their legal name and date of birth at the same time to ensure two or more users cannot share an account (prevent duplicate accounts).

OCR acknowledges that collection of date of birth is allowed under California State law.

Revision Log

 

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Email Address

Data Element

email

Description

User’s email address.

Type/Format, Length

Character varying, 254

Two fields; each up to 254 characters, alphanumeric plus ‘@’ and ‘.’

Values/Response Options

Text string in valid email address format.

Allows Null

No

Default

No

Storage/Usage

Used in account creation as a method to verify identity. Can be set as the user’s preferred method of contact by the California Community Colleges or an authorized partner.

Only one field is stored in database. Included in Edit Account Profile.

Input Controls

Must contain one ‘@’ symbol and one “.” (the “@” symbol cannot be the first character).

Error Validation Checking

Required user response. Must be unique.
Email address and Confirm Email inputs must be identical and must meet validation checks; else error message, “Your Email Address is invalid or absent. You must enter a valid Email Address”.

Create Account:

Required response else error message: “Email address is required.”
(ES: “Se requiere Correo Electrónico.”)

Must meet validation check; else error message,“Please enter a valid email address.” (ES: “Por favor, introduzca una dirección de correo electrónico válida.”)

Must be unique; else error message: “Your email address is already in use. Please enter a different Email Address.”

Sign In:

Required response unless phone number is entered; else error message, “Email or mobile phone required.” (ES: Se requiere correo electrónico o teléfono móvil.)

Must meet validation check; else error message, Your mobile number, email or password is not recognized by our system. Need Help? Contact Support
ES: “Nuestro sistema no reconoce su número de teléfono móvil, correo electrónico o contraseña.”

Legacy User Sign In:

Email address must be unique and meet format validation checks; else error message, “Your Email address is already in use. Please enter a different Email address, or contact a support representative.”

Onscreen Label/Prompt Text

Create & Verify Account:

Email [textbox]

Create Account (Contact Information):

Email Address [textbox]

Confirm Email Address [textbox]

Sign In: Email or mobile phone* [textbox]

Additional Onscreen Text

”Enter your email address to begin creating your California Community Colleges student account. You will receive a code via email to verify your identity and keep your account secure.

ES: “Entra tu dirección de correo electrónico para comenzar a crear su cuenta. Recibirás un código a través de correo electrónico para verificar su identidad y mantener su cuenta segura.

Notes/Constraints

A valid email address is required from each user and must be unique.

If the email address is verified during account creation, the system will pre-populate the <email> field in the Contact Information section and it doesn’t need to be entered again in Confirm Email). The pre-populated field will be disabled to prevent edits until the account creation process is complete.

Edits or changes to Email Address must go through verification process again.

If a mobile phone is verified during account creation, the user is required to enter their Email address on the Contact Information page; else error message, “Your Email Address is invalid or absent. You must enter a valid Email Address.”

DELIVERED via SuperGlue for Apply.

Revision Log

 

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Email Verified

Data Element:

email_verified

Apply API (Glue):

emailVerified

Description:

Indicates that a valid email address has been verified with security code.

Type/Format, Length:

Boolean

Values /Response Options:

True / False

Allows Null:

 

Storage/Usage:

Value stored in Account database with timestamp.

Additional Onscreen Text:

Email verified

ES: Correo Electrónico ha sido Verificado

Notes/Constraints:

If email address has been verified, an asterisk is displayed on the Email field label in the user’s Account Profile.

At least one method of contact must be verified.

DELIVERED via SuperGlue for Apply.

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Email Verified Timestamp

Data Element:

email_verified_timestamp

Apply API (Glue):

emailVerifiedTimestamp

Description:

Date and time of the verification of user’s email address.

Type/Format, Length:

date timestamp with time zone

Allows Null:

 

Storage/Usage:

Stored with <email_verified> at time of account creation.

Notes/Constraints:

DELIVERED via SuperGlue for Apply.

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ID Verification Account ID

Data Element:

idme_account_id

Apply API (Glue) Name:

idmeAccountId

Description:

Internal field only, used to identify accounts that have encountered the IDme process.

Type/Format, Length:

Varchar, varying 256

Values/Response Options:

 

Storage/Usage:

Restricted use. Internal use only. Value is not deliverable.

Allows Null:

Yes

Default:

 

Notes/Constraints:

Restricted use. Implemented as part of IDme student ID verification integration with OpenCCC.

Revision Log:

December 2023

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Social Security Number

Data Element:

ssn

Apply API (Glue):

ssn

 

Description:

Applicant’s Social Security number or Taxpayer Identification Number.

Type/Format, Length:

text, 2147483647

Two fields; each 11 characters, numeric plus: format nnn-nn-nnnn Hyphens are not required in input but will be inserted in stored value.

Values/Response Options:

Null or numeric string with hyphens. Encrypted

Allows Null:

Yes. If applicant selects the check box indicating they do not have a social security number or taxpayer identification number or decline to provide one, then the ssn field stores null.

Default:

None

Storage / Usage:

Only one field is stored in database

Error Validation Checking:

Required user response IF <ssn_no> = “Yes, I have a Social Security number or Taxpayer Identification number”, else error message, “You must provide your social security number or taxpayer identification number, or select the option indicating you don’t have a social security number or taxpayer identification number, or you decline to provide one at this time.”

Two SSN/TIN entries must match; else error message, “Your social security number or taxpayer identification number entries do not match.  Please try again.”

SSN entries must meet validity check (see below); else error message, “The social security number or taxpayer identification number you entered is invalid. Please re-enter the correct number, or select the option indicating that you don’t have a social security number or taxpayer identification number, or you decline to provide one at this time.”

 

Onscreen Label/Prompt Text:

Please enter your 9-digit social security number or taxpayer identification number.

Confirm your social security number or taxpayer identification number.

Help:

“Why am I being asked for my social security number?”

A Social Security Number (SSN) or Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN/iTIN) is needed to allow California Community Colleges to report tax-related information to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

However, this reporting is not required with respect to non-U.S. resident students (whether documented or undocumented), students taking non-credit courses, students whose qualified tuition and related expenses are waived or paid with scholarships or paid by an institutional third party including an employer or government agency. (26 C.F.R. § 1.6050S-1.) A SSN or TIN/iTIN is not required when IRS reporting is not required.

Notes/Constraints:

SSN is never displayed to the applicant and cannot be viewed by anyone properly or improperly using the applicant’s account.

Populated from legacy OpenCCC Account if available from previously submitted application at time of submission.

See Social Security Number: None  for further Help text.

Revision Log:

Moved from OpenCCC Account to CCCApply Standard application in December 2021 (v.6.9)

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Social Security Number Type

Data Element:

ssn_type

Apply API (Glue):

ssnType

Description:

Indicates the type of identification number being provided: social security number or taxpayer identification number.

Type/Format, Length:

character/numeric, 1

Values/Response Options:

0 = SSN

1 = TIN

Null = no response

Allows Null:

Yes

Default:

 

Storage/Usage:

 

Error Validation Checking:

No error checking. Value is calculated automatically based on the number combination that is entered in the <ssn> input fields.

Notes/Constraint:

All validity checks will apply to the <ssn> field, but not the <ssn_type>.

If available, populated from legacy OpenCCC Account at time of submission.

Revision Log:

No longer collected via UI form field. Auto filled based on SSN or TIN number provided.

December 2021 (v.6.9)

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Social Security Number: None

Data Element:

ssn_no

Apply API (Glue):

ssnNo

 

Description:

Applicant has no social security number or taxpayer identification number or declines to provide it at this time.

Type/Format, Length:

boolean, 1 (character, numeric)

Values/Response Options

1 = Yes (checked)  

0 = No (not checked)

Allows Null:

Yes

Default:

 

Storage/Usage:

Stored in database for use in auto population.

Error Validation Checking

The “No” radio button must be selected if there is no entry for Social Security Number or Taxpayer Identification Number; else error message, “You must provide your social security number or taxpayer identification number, or select the option indicating you don't have a social security number or taxpayer identification number, or you decline to provide one at this time.”

If the radio button for “No, I do not have a social security number or taxpayer identification number, or I decline to provide one at this time.” is selected:

Conditionally hide the SSN fields

Conditionally display an informational message (see Additional Text, below)

Conditionally display the check box for noncredit, undocumented or international student, or nonresident alien (see Additional Text, below and the ssn_exception field details)

Onscreen Label/Prompt Text

“Do you have a social security number or taxpayer identification number?”

[ ]  Yes, I have a social security number or taxpayer identification number.

[ ]  No, I do not have a social security number or taxpayer identification number, or I decline to provide one at this time.

Additional Onscreen Text

Under the “Social Security Number” header:

The Social Security Number (SSN) or Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN/iTIN) is used by the college as a means of matching student records, facilitating federal financial aid, and reporting tax-related information to the Internal Revenue System (IRS). However, it is not required for admission.

 

The Why am I being asked for my social security number? Link displays this text in the Help window:

A Social Security Number (SSN) or Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN/iTIN) is needed to allow California Community Colleges to report tax-related information to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

However, this reporting is not required with respect to non-U.S. resident students (whether documented or undocumented), students taking non-credit courses, students whose qualified tuition and related expenses are waived or paid with scholarships or paid by an institutional third party including an employer or government agency. (26 C.F.R. § 1.6050S-1.) An SSN or TIN/iTIN is not required when IRS reporting is not required.

 

Informational Text (displays when you select the “No” radio button):

Just Remember...

Providing a social security number or taxpayer identification number is not required with respect to non-U.S. resident students (whether documented or undocumented), students taking noncredit courses, students whose qualified tuition and related expenses are waived or paid with scholarships or paid by an institutional third party including an employer or government agency. (26 C.F.R. § 1.6050S-1.) An SSN or TIN/iTIN is not required when IRS reporting is not required.

Check this box if you are a student enrolled exclusively in noncredit courses, an undocumented student, an international student, a nonresident alien, or another exception and do not have a social security number or taxpayer identification number.

Notes/Constraints:

AB46 and other legislation prohibit requirement of Social Security Number for admission or student record-keeping. While the colleges and many educational agencies remain reliant on SSN as the only reliable unique identifier of a student, the applicant must have the option not to provide it.

Revision Log:

Moved from OpenCCC Account to Standard Apply in December 2021 (v.6.9)

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Social Security Number: Other Exception

Data Element:

ssn_exception

Apply API (Glue):

ssnException

Description:

Applicant is an international student, nonresident alien, or other exception and has no social security number or taxpayer identification number.

Data Type/Format:

boolean

Default value: false

Values/Response Options:

1 = Yes (checked) 

 0 = No (not checked)

Allows Null:

Yes

Default:

 

Storage/Usage:

Stored in database for use in auto population.

Error Validation Checking:

None; optional field.

Onscreen Label/Prompt Text

[Checkbox]

Check this box if you are a student enrolled exclusively in noncredit courses, an undocumented student, an international student, a nonresident alien, or another exception and do not have a social security number or taxpayer identification number.

Notes/Constraints:

This check box only appears if an applicant selects the check box for "Check this box if you do not have a Social Security Number or Taxpayer Identification Number, or decline to provide one at this time." This check box allows international students to further indicate that they do not have an SSN or TIN.

 

AB46 and other legislation prohibit requirement of Social Security Number for admission or student record-keeping. While the colleges and many educational agencies remain reliant on SSN as the only reliable unique identifier of a student, the applicant must have the option not to provide it.

 

Due to recent IRS penalties levied against California community colleges for failing to provide, or providing invalid, social security or taxpayer identification numbers, CCCCO Legal advises compliance with IRS Requirements for Collecting SSN/ TINs (IRS p. 1758) – which includes displaying specific regulations/restrictions “to every student in attendance”- including those not required to provide a SSN/TIN or are not eligible to obtain one (see Exceptions).  Statement to students includes what is being collected and provided to the IRS and why, and the admonishments/ penalties for not providing one/valid number.  SSN Encouragement language contains reiteration of “statement” with additional confirmation checkbox or “click here to confirm acknowledgement of receipt of information.”

Revision Log:

Moved from OpenCCC Account to Standard Apply in December 2021 (v.6.9)

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ID Verification Confirmation Timestamp

Data Element:

idme_confirmation_timestamp

Apply API (Glue) Name:

idmeConfirmationTimestamp

Description:

Indicates the date and time when the student’s identity has been successfully verified by the | IDme vendor.

Type/Format, Length:

date, with timestamp

Values/Response Options:

 

Storage/Usage:

Timestamp value returned by the IDme vendor’s API upon successful verification of a student’s identity.

Passed to the college with application data and stored with the student's Account data.

Allows Null:

Yes

A null value should be acceptable and representative of a user who has not verified their identity with the IDme vendor.

Default:

 

Notes/Constraints:

System-generated. Does not display to applicants.

Implemented as part of the IDme student ID verification integration with OpenCCC.

Revision Log:

Production release: Feb 2, 2024
Pilot release: December 2023

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ID Verification Opt-In Timestamp

Data Element:

idme_optin_timestamp

Apply API (Glue) Name:

idmeOptinTimestamp