| PublicationDate: 4/22/99 Summary: Tip of the Week --- Packaging Query Helpful Hints Author: PSS - Program Systems Service TO: All Destination Points FROM: CPS Customer Service RE: Tip of the Week --- Packaging Query Helpful Hints This week's tip highlights a feature or process in the 1999-2000 EDExpress software: Packaging Query Helpful Hints Using queries correctly is essential to a successful Packaging setup. Query has been redesigned considerably in the 1999-2000 EDExpress software, and it's improved flexibility heightens the degree of detail in which you can define various Packaging setup parameters.You can create Packaging queries in EDExpress by going to Toolsand selecting the Packaging tab. Packaging queries can be attached to various Packaging setup elements (under ToolsFor example, attaching a query to a fund profile in Fund Maintenance will ensure that fund is only awarded to students who meet the query criteria. Likewise, attaching a query to a Budget profile will ensure it is assigned only to the student population designated by the query during ISIR import. Listed below are several helpful hints for defining and using Packaging queries: 1) Be sure to click on Append to add the field, operator, and value you have defined to the criteria box. You can use the Change and Remove buttons later on to modify or remove parts of queries you have appended. 2) Always check the value help before populating the Value field. Some common mistakes include typing Y or N for Yes/No values instead of True (for Yes) or False (for No), and typing FULLTIME as the value for the enrollment status field instead of FULL TIME (with a space between FULL and TIME). 3) If you create a query that includes an OR statement, and plan to attach the query to a budget profile, you must add left and right parentheses to the beginning and end of the entire query statement. If you do not do this, you will likely experience a software lock-up during ISIR import into Packaging. 4) You do not need to create EFC-range queries for funds --- you can account for any school-specific EFC minimum/maximum requirements for fund awarding in your Award Methodology. 5) If you use the correct aid type (in Fund Maintenance) for funds such as Pell Grant ("F"), Federal Subsidized Loan ("S"), and Federal Unsubsidized Loan ("U"), the software will automatically check for regulatory criteria and statutory award restrictions when packaging the funds; you will not need to create queries to account for these rules. For example, during the package process, the software will automatically check the Pell Eligibility flag on the student record, as well as the EFC, budget total, enrollment status, and other elements, before determining the appropriate award. Likewise, the software will check the student's college grade level and other elements before awarding loan amounts. 6) The fields "Interested in Work Study?" and "Interested in Loans?" can be queried on for Federal Word Study and Federal or other loan profiles in Fund Maintenance. Many schools check the student's response to these questions before awarding these funds. 7) Keep in mind you can query on user-defined fields, but the queries will only be effective if you consistently update your students' User Data tabs (using manual entry, multiple entry, or external import). 8) The Packaging queries you define can also be attached to reports (such as List - Packaged Students), Packaging multiple entry, and to global Package, Repackage and Unpackage to restrict which students are listed or updated in the process you are running. 9) Parameter queries are a new feature in 1999-2000 EDExpress. When used in conjunction with a report, multiple entry, or global Package, Repackage or Unpackage, they will prompt you to enter specific values at the time you select them. Some examples of parameter queries you may wish to use are SSN range, college grade level, dependency status, and Packaging Status. You cannot attach parameter queries to any Packaging setup screens. 10) EDExpress helptext contains several other examples of common query statements you may wish to use in your Packaging setup. To view these examples, go to HelpTopicsand search for the topic "Fund Maintenance dialog box" --- scroll down on the resulting screen to view 12 different fund setup examples, many of which include potential queries you may use. If you have any questions, please contact CPS Customer Service at 800-330-5947, option 7, or via email at CPS@NCS.COM. |