Adding Fields and Field Categories

Overview

Fields contain information about a student gathered either through the inquiry form or imported data. Although EMP is configured to collect standard data like name, major, entry year, etc., you have the option to customize specific fields to align with your school's requirements. Fields can then be used as variables in emails and printed materials.  

Once you've added new fields to EMP, you may want to organize them into categories different from the default settings. Field Categories control how the fields are displayed in the Information section of the student record.  

Adding a New Field

1. Click Account and select EMP Settings.
2. Click Fields.
3. Click New Field.
4. Add the Field name, which is displayed on backend EMP forms and selections that only staff users will see.
   • Note: field names cannot include special characters.
5. Add Label Text, if necessary.
   • The Label Text is displayed on all student-facing pages (including forms and event signups). If left blank, the Field Name is what students see.
6. Select the type of field, (i.e., radio button, drop-down, etc.) and add the corresponding options.
7. If you want to use the field as a variable, select the checkbox.
8. Use the drop-down to place the field in a Field Category. 

You can also add a new Field by navigating to New Field Category under your EMP Settings and selecting New Field from the drop-down menu. 

Editing a Field

EMP allows the modification of field names. For example, a field such as "High School" can be displayed to students as "Pick your High School." 

1. Click the edit pencil icon to open the field in a new window.
2. Update the name of the field and field category, if necessary.

Adding a New Field Category

By default, the Information area displays a standard suite of tabs – General Fields, Interest Fields, Extended Fields, etc. Field Categories allow you to change these defaults to help you navigate to the information you use most frequently. To customize, re-name, or re-organize your Field Categories:

1. Click Account and select EMP Settings.
2. Click Field Categories.
3. Click the Actions button, then select New Field Category.
4. Add the name of the Field Category. 
5. Check the box corresponding to each level of permission access that should have visibility to the Field Category.
6. Click Save.
7. Use the gripper to drag Fields into the new Field Category.

Reordering a Field Category

After you create a new field category, you may want to rearrange the order of the field categories that appear on the student record. To reorder your field categories:

1. Click the Actions button, then select Reorder Categories.
2. Use the Gripper to move the Field Categories to the desired order.
3. Click Save New Order.