Start a conversation Sign in
Start a conversation
  1. Xenegrade
  2. Understanding the Data
  3. Courses and Sections

Prerequisites

This guide explains how to set and enforce prerequisites for courses in XenDirect. It covers two methods of recording prerequisites, how to add prerequisites to a course, and the steps to enforce them both in the Admin and WebReg modules.

Navigation

Main Menu → Services → Courses (view + Prerequisites tab)
Applies To: XenEnterprise, XenPlus

Overview

Prerequisites are courses that must be taken before enrolling in a specific course. They are set at the course level (not section level) and apply to all sections of the course. Prerequisites are only available for Product Type = Course.

There are two methods for recording and displaying course prerequisites in XenDirect:

  1. Method 1 (Text Field): A simple text-only field in the Course under the Requirements Panel where prerequisites can be listed for reference. These are not enforceable, meaning students can still register for the course without meeting the prerequisites.
  2. Method 2 (Prerequisites Tab): This tab allows you to list enforceable prerequisites. These prerequisites can be checked and enforced for student enrollment.

How To Add Prerequisites

Follow these steps to add prerequisites to a course:

  1. Go to Main Menu → Services → Courses.
  2. Search for and view the course to which prerequisites will be added.
  3. Edit the Requirements panel:
    • Set the [Prerequisites Status] field to Active. (Set to Inactive to disable prerequisites.)
  4. Save the Course record.
  5. Edit the Prerequisite panel:
    • Click the Add Course Prerequisites button.
    • Select an Alternative Group if applicable (see Alternative Prerequisites below).
    • Select the desired Course from the list.
    • Click Add to add the prerequisite.
  6. Add more prerequisites as needed, but ensure each course does not contain the same prerequisite more than once.
  7. Once all prerequisites are added, click Save.

Alternative Prerequisites

  • If a course has unique prerequisites, leave the Alternative Group field blank.
  • If a course has alternative prerequisites, assign them to an Alternative Group. A course can have up to nine (9) groups.
  • Example:
    • ENG101 = required with no alternatives (Group left blank).
    • ENG102 = required with no alternatives (Group left blank).
    • BUS101, BUS102, BUS103 = one is required, and all are tagged as Group 1.
    • SOC101, SOC102, SOC103, SOC104 = one is required, and all are tagged as Group 2.
    • MAT101, MAT102 = one is required, and all are tagged as Group 3.

To Enforce Prerequisites in the Admin Module

  1. Go to Admin/Security → Settings → Branch Profile → Preferences panel.
  2. Set the Enforce Prerequisites field to the desired value.
  3. Click Save to close and save the setting.
    • Enforce Prerequisites = Yes: When adding a new Assignment to a Client, XenDirect will check if the client has completed the required prerequisite course. If not, the user is prompted and cannot add the Assignment.
    • Enforce Prerequisites = Prompt: When adding a new Assignment to a Client, the system will prompt if the prerequisite has not been met but allow the Assignment to be added.
    • Enforce Prerequisites = No: No check will occur, and prerequisites will not be enforced.

Note: If the XenDirect version maintains separate databases for each program year, prerequisite checks will only occur in the currently opened database, not in prior or future year databases.

To Enforce Prerequisites in the WebReg Module

  1. Go to Admin Menu → Settings → WebReg Options → Registration panel.
  2. Set the Enforce Prerequisites field to the desired value.
  3. Click Save to close and save the setting.
    • Enforce Prerequisites = Yes: Prerequisites will display on the Course Details page. If a client tries to add the course to their cart without meeting the prerequisites, a prompt will appear, and they cannot complete the registration.
    • Enforce Prerequisites = No: Prerequisites will not display, and no checks will be made when the client registers for the course.

Note: Just like in the Admin module, prerequisite checks will only be performed in the currently opened database, not in prior or future year databases.

Key Notes:

  • Course Prerequisites: Ensure that all prerequisite courses are set correctly in the system. Prerequisites should be assigned at the course level.
  • Alternative Groups: Use alternative groups if multiple courses can satisfy a prerequisite requirement. This provides flexibility when there are multiple valid course options.
  • Enforcing Prerequisites: You can enforce prerequisites in both the Admin module and WebReg module. It’s crucial to configure both settings to ensure the correct enforcement of prerequisites.

Conclusion

Managing course prerequisites in XenDirect ensures that students are properly prepared for the courses they wish to take. By using the appropriate prerequisites method and enforcing them in both the Admin and WebReg modules, you can streamline the registration process. For further assistance, refer to related articles or contact support.

Choose files or drag and drop files