Insights

Introduction

Population Selection in Campus Solutions PeopleSoft empowers institutions to efficiently identify, manage, and process groups of students or otherconstituents. This powerful functionality streamlines tasks such as batch processing, reporting, and data analysis. In this blog, we’ll explore the key aspects of Population Selection, its benefits, and how to effectively use it within Campus Solutions.

What is Population Selection?

Population Selection’s query framework transforms complex student data filtering into automated group management. By defining precise selection criteria—such as GPA thresholds, enrollment patterns, or demographic parameters—institutions can automate administrative processes while maintaining data accuracy. Key Components of Population Selection

Population Selection provides three powerful tools for creating and managing constituent groups, each designed for specific selection needs:

1. Selection Tools: PeopleSoft provides several tools for defining populations, including PS Query, Equation Engine, and External File. Each tool offers different capabilities and flexibility depending on the complexity of the selection criteria.
2. Selection Criteria: This involves specifying the conditions that individuals must meet to be included in the population. Criteria can be simple (e.g., students with a GPA above 3.0) or complex (e.g., students enrolled in specific courses and meeting certain demographic criteria).
3. Population Update: Once a population is defined, it can be updated dynamically as the underlying data changes. This ensures that the population remains current and accurate.

Benefits of Using Population Selection

• Administrative Efficiency: Automates the process of identifying and managing groups, saving time and reducing manual effort.
• Data Accuracy: Ensures that populations are defined based on precise criteria, minimizing errors.
• Flexibility: Allows for the creation of highly customized populations tailored to specific needs.
• Integration: Seamlessly integrates with other PeopleSoft modules, enabling streamlined workflows and data consistency.

How to Use Population Selection

1)  Add Pop Select sub record to the run control and state record
Start by adding the Pop Select sub record “SCCPS_RCNTL_SBR” into your run control record & state record.

2)  Add the ‘SCCPS_RUNCNTL_SBP’ to the run control page
Update the record name in Subpage with your run control record name.

3)  Write PeopleCode for Pop Select Functionality
Write Peoplecode to all the necessary events to work it properly, i.e. rowinit, fieldchange & app engine.

4)  Create Bind and Target Record Create a new record (SQL View) as a bind record with _BND as suffix, which act as a data source for Pop Select framework while creating PS Query as well as Equation Engine.
Create a new record (SQL Table) as Target record with _TGT as suffix, which holds Pop Select data in application engine. Target record must have PROCESS_INSTANCE as Key Field and other Key fields from Source Record (here _BND record).

5)  Define the Population: Use PS Query, Equation Engine and External File to create the selection criteria.
Navigation: Menu -> Set Up SACR -> System Administration -> Utilities -> Population Selection -> Context Definition

Fill in the following details on the ‘Context Definition’ tab:

• Context Name: A description of your process
• Process Type: Application Engine
• Process Name
• Menu / Component of the run control page
• Applicable Selection Tools – We are using all three tools for our demonstration – PS Query, Equation Engine and External File, but you can tailor according to your needs.

Next page ‘Selection Mapping’ page, enter the following details:

• Results Record – Target record name (_TGT)
• Required Fields Record – Bind record name (_BND)
• Data Source Records – Again, bind record name (_BND)
• Required Fields Mapping – This should automatically default to the correct values. The only value you might need to set is for PROCESS_INSTANCE. Set the ‘Mapping Action’ field to ‘Process Instance’.

Example 1: Population Selection using “PS Query”

Note: Create PS query including your bind record (_BND).

Example 2: Population Selection using “External File”

Example 3: Population Selection using “Equation Engine”

6)  Run the Selection Process: Execute the query or process to generate the population.

7)  Review and Update: Regularly review the population to ensure it meets the desired criteria and update as necessary.

Practical Examples

• Batch Enrollment: Automatically enroll/drop a group of students in a specific course based on their academic standing or any other criertia.
• Targeted Communications: Send personalized emails to students who meet certain criteria, such as those at risk of academic probation.
• Reporting: Generate reports for specific populations, such as international students or scholarship recipients.

Conclusion 

Population Selection in Campus Solutions PeopleSoft is a versatile and powerful tool designed to optimize administrative workflows and data accuracy. By understanding and leveraging this feature, institutions can improve the management of student data and streamline various processes – increasing operational efficiency.