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Connect - How do I add or import data into my custom roster columns?

Learn how instructors add or import data into custom roster columns in Connect.

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Once you have created your custom roster column(s), the next step is preparing the file used to import data into your new custom column.

Preparing Your File to Import

CONNECT accepts a data file format called “comma-delimited”. This is a common, universal format for exchanging database information.  Don’t let the name intimidate you. It’s just a basic text file that contains comma characters between each piece of information you are importing.  We’ll show you how to organize your information in Microsoft Excel and then export it as a “comma-delimited” file CONNECT can understand. 

Let’s begin with a simple example to show you how the Excel spreadsheet file should be organized. We’ll assume you want to import Blackboard IDs into your roster. CONNECT uses the student email address to match up the Blackboard ID with the proper student in your CONNECT roster.

  1. In the first column of your Excel spreadsheet, column A, enter the email address of each student you want to import a Blackboard ID for.
  2. In the second column, column B, enter the corresponding Blackboard ID.
  3. Once you have all the email addresses and Blackboard IDs entered, select Save As… from the File menu.  The Save As dialogue box opens.
  4. From the Save as type:  option menu, select CSV (comma delimited)(*.csv)
  5. Name your file, for example blackboardIDs.csv and click Save.
  6. Save the file on your computer’s hard drive in a place you can easily find, such as your “My Documents” folder.

You may be able to save some time by exporting a data file from your course management system. This file could be opened in Excel and resaved as a comma delimited file. However, keep in mind that the email addresses used in CONNECT may be different. If they are, you’ll have to edit the file manually before importing it.

Now that you have your comma delimited file saved you can import it into your CONNECT roster

Importing Your Data File

To import a data file:

  1. From the my courses page, click the Roster icon. 
  2. Click import student info.
    --If the column already contains data, CONNECT will display a message indicating data already exists in this column along with a button to delete the existing data.  If you want to replace the data, then click the Delete Data in this Column button to remove the existing data and continue on to the next step to import your new data file.
  3. Click the “Browse…” button.
  4. Locate the comma delimited excel file (csv) you saved earlier and click Open.
  5. Next, click the Preview button.

CONNECT will provide a preview of your roster before your data is imported and how it will look after your data is imported. 

CONNECT will also notify you if there is a problem with any of the data you are importing. For example, if the file you’re importing has no matches for students in your roster, a yellow box will appear above the roster listing the mismatch of data.  If there is a problem, you can click Edit to go back to the Roster: Import Column Data page. You will need to edit your data file and upload it again. 

If the Import Column Data Preview is correct, click Accept Import to finalize the import process.

You are returned to the Roster page with the new custom column data in your course section roster.  A message appears at the top of the page confirming the column data was imported successfully. This new column data can now be included in your CONNECT reports and exported for use with other applications.

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