Configuration Portal Quick Start Guide
Background Information
The CAS application is divided into four sections:
- Personal Information
- Academic History
- Supporting Information
- Program Materials
The first three sections contain the data elements and questions that are common across all participating programs, such as biographic information, colleges attended, standardized test scores, etc. The fourth section is specific to your program and can be customized via the CAS Configuration Manager.
Using the CAS Configuration Manager, you can ensure the Program Materials section:
- Reflects your institution's branding
- Provides applicants with core details about your program, such as eligibility requirements and deadlines
- Asks applicants to provide any additional information that might be relevant to your program, such as:
- Program-specific questions
- Documents
- Transcripts
- Prerequisites
- Evaluations (e.g., letters of reference, letters of recommendation, etc.)
The information you collect in the Program Materials section is available to you in WebAdMIT.
Understanding Your Environments
The Configuration Portal has two environments: prelaunch and production. The prelaunch environment is where you can create and edit programs for a new cycle. The production environment is where you can make limited updates to your program after it is live in the application. Learn more in the Prelaunch Environment Reference Guide.
How do I configure my program?
The configuration process is divided into four phases. In phase 1, you'll determine your application requirements. In phase 2, you'll build out those requirements. In phase 3, you'll preview what you built. In phase 4, you'll submit your program for CAS approval. If you have any questions throughout this process, contact customer service.
Note: each CAS has a specific window of time within which you will configure your program. Navigate to your CAS Program User Guide and review the Cycle Timeframes section to determine your configuration window.
Phase 1: Determine Your Application Requirements
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Step |
Actions |
Notes |
|---|---|---|
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1 |
Gather Your Application Requirements |
Whether you're configuring your application for the first time or making changes for a new cycle, it's important you meet with any stakeholders on campus who are involved in the application review process. Ask your stakeholders what information needs to be collected in the CAS application. Take note of these requirements before moving to the next step. |
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2 |
Review the Application |
It’s important you review the first three sections of the application, as these sections contain the "standard" application questions for all programs. This will help you determine which questions are already included in the application by default and what program-specific questions you may need to add. To review the application sections, navigate to your CAS's Applicant Portal and create a test account (i.e., an account with “test” in your name). If you do not know your application's website, navigate to your CAS Program User Guide and review the Applicant Portal section for a link to the application. |
|
3 |
Review Transcript and Coursework Verification Options (if applicable to your CAS) |
Some CASs require applicants to enter certain coursework and/or send certain transcripts. If you do not know your application's transcript and coursework requirements, navigate to your CAS Program User Guide and review the Applicant Portal section for a link to the Applicant Help Center (note: you can also access the Applicant Help Center from within the CAS application). |
|
4 |
Be Aware of Cycle Rollovers |
All program pages from the current cycle will be automatically rolled over to the new cycle and available for editing. You can jump to the Edit Program Data section for information on editing the rolled-over pages; however, we recommend reviewing this entire guide first to help you determine what edits to make. Additionally, the Transfer Settings Guide contains more information about a cycle rollover in the Configuration Portal, including items to review and prepare. |
Phase 2: Build the Application (or Edit an Existing Application)
Note: in Phase 2-4, you must work in the Configuration Portal prelaunch environment. Additionally, it may be helpful to review our Configuration Portal on-demand course accessible in Liaison Academy as you work through the following steps.
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Step |
Actions |
Notes |
|---|---|---|
|
1 |
The home page is the first page applicants see when they view your program in the Program Materials section, so it's important it reflects your brand and includes any necessary instructions for applicants. |
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|
2 |
The configuration options available to you vary by CAS. Review this list to ensure you know what you can configure. |
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3 |
Once you know which configuration options you want to use, review these best practices to help ensure a positive applicant experience. |
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| 4 | Configure Your Program | Refer to this guide for step-by-step instructions on configuring each option. |
| 5 | Save Often | Save your information at least every fifteen minutes to prevent the system from timing out on you. |
Phase 3: Preview Your Configurations
Once you’re done configuring everything, make sure you preview how it will appear to applicants in the application.
Phase 4: Submit Your Program for CAS Approval
After reviewing your program pages, you must submit your program for review and approval.