Overview
This release introduces new features for administrators to better manage Assessment Plans, including the ability to tailor plan fields and directions, and a new way to import course measures.
Configurable Plan Fields and Help Text
Institution-level administrators can now configure plan fields and add global directions to guide users as they fill out plans.
To configure global directions for all assessment plans, go to Admin > Configuration Settings > Plans.
The help text will be visible to users on the Plan Outcome page. It will appear as a Note from your Administrator.
Plan-Specific Directions and Guidelines
Administrators at the institution level can now configure and save directions and guidelines for specific plans. This allows for tailored instructions for completing each plan. By default, global directions apply to all assessment plans.
To create custom directions for a specific plan, choose the Define Custom Directions option under Plan Scope in the plan settings.
When you choose to customize directions for a plan, the institution-level directions are pre-populated in all fields. Administrators can then modify this text to create unique instructions for that specific plan.
Improved Administrative Controls
Administrators that are not affiliated with the institution level do not have access to configuration options within the assessment plan module or under Admin > Configuration Settings. This change ensures that only institution-level administrators can define directions and access specific settings.
Course Measure Import
This release introduces a new feature that allows administrators to import course measures directly from a CSV file. This streamlines the process of adding measures for all courses.
Importing Measures
A new dedicated landing page for importing measures is now available. This page includes clear instructions and a detailed guide for using the required CSV template.
To access the import functionality, follow these steps:
- Navigate to the import measures page.
- Download the provided CSV template to ensure your data is correctly formatted.
- The template outlines all required fields, including definitions and character limits.
- Fill out the template with course measures data.
- Upload the completed file.
If any errors are found, the system will block the import and display an error message allowing the admin to review the errors and make corrections.
Note: Only csv files are accepted. The system will display an error message for other file types.
Data Management and Validation
- The system includes several checks to ensure data accuracy and prevent errors during the import process.
- The system validates all data in the CSV file, checking for correct column headers and required fields.
- If any validation errors are found, the entire import is blocked, and a detailed error message is displayed. Specific messages are provided for missing required fields, invalid course codes, and other data issues.
- Imported measures are stored in the relevant locations, including Manage Measure and associated outcomes pulled into an assessment plan.
- Measures can be included in past plans if specified in the import file.
Permission Controls
Access to this feature is limited to top-level administrators only. The import option is hidden from lower-level administrators and contributors.
To prevent data conflicts, the system now restricts simultaneous imports for the same course. If a user tries to upload a file for a course that is currently being imported, a message will appear.
The message displays the name of the user who is currently performing the import and gives the option to try again once the process is complete.
Update to Measure Analysis: Unlimited Characters
The character limit has been removed from the Analysis field on the Measure Details page within Assessment Plans. Users can now add as much detail as needed without any text restrictions.