Applying Field Rules
Overview
Field rules are sets of logic-based rules that control what fields and options are visible to a student based on data in another field. Field rules affect a dependent field based on a primary field using a comparison to specified value(s). The primary field must come before the dependent field on a form for the field rule to work properly. For example, if some programs only start in the spring term the programs field would need to come before the start terms field. These rules apply across EMP to all forms. Though it may seem complex, the foundation of field rules is simple if/then logic.
Creating a Field Rule
To create a new field rule:
- Click Content in the top navigation bar and select Field Rules from the drop-down.
- Click New Field Rule Set and select the primary field to base the rule on. If the field already has a rule set, click the plus sign next to the rule group to add an additional rule. View the rules in a rule group using the eye icon.
- Choose a Comparison Operator, Value(s), Dependent Field, and Action/Options.
- Click Save at the bottom of the page.
For a form to function effectively, fields must be in the correct order - starting with the Primary Field, then followed by the Dependent Field. For example, if certain programs are only available in the spring term, the Programs field should appear before the Start Terms field. In this case, Programs is the Primary Field that determines the options shown in the Dependent Start Terms Field.
There is no way to revert or undo field rules. We highly recommend that any changes made to field rules, especially complex rules and rule groups, are noted before saving.
Deleting a Field Rule
Click the trash icon inline with the rule group to delete the all rules in that group. Click the trash icon inline with an individual rule to delete an individual rule.
Example Field Rules
Equals as a Comparison
Field rules can show limited options to students in a dependent field based on inputs in a primary field.
Example: freshman students are required to live on campus.
Configure the field rule as shown below: freshmen students are restricted to On Campus Housing only, while other Student Types have several housing options.
| Field | Comparison | Value | Dependent Field | Action/Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Student Type | Equals | Freshman | Housing | On Campus |
Does Not Equals as a Comparison
Field rules can also make a dependent field appear only if the student selects the primary field.
Example: English Major Concentration should only be available for English majors.
Configure the field rule as shown below: the field English Major Concentration does not appear unless the English is selected as the major.
| Field | Comparison | Value | Dependent Field | Action/Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Major | Does Not Equal | English | English Major Concentration | No Options |
Multiple Field Rules in a Rule Group
More than one field rule may be needed for a primary field - this creates a Rule Group.
Example: freshman students are required to live on campus, and a special housing option is exclusively available to military students.
Configure the field rule as shown below: freshman students only see On Campus as a housing option. Military students see Military Housing which includes On Campus and Off Campus options. All other student types see On Campus and Off Campus as an option.
| Field | Comparison | Value | Dependent Field | Action/Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Student Type | Equals | Freshman | Housing | On Campus |
| Student Type | Does Not Equal | Military | Housing | On Campus, Off Campus |
Multiple Primary Values in a Rule
More than one value in the primary field can be used.
Example: Electrical, Mechanical, and Civil Engineering have the same minor options.
Configure the field rule as shown below: the engineering programs only see Math, Business for Engineering, and Physics as a minor option.
| Field | Comparison | Value | Dependent Field | Action/Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Program | Equals | Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering | Minor | Math, Business for Engineering, Physics |
Note: that these minors are still be visible to other programs. If these minors are only for engineering students, you can build the inverse of the rule above using Does Not Equal and listing all other programs and minors outside of engineering. All programs then see all minors expect for engineering minors and engineering programs will only see engineering minors on the form.
| Field | Comparison | Value | Dependent Field | Action/Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Program | Does Not Equal | All programs except Engineering | Minor | All minors except Engineering minors |