Degree Audit User Training | Branching

What is branching?

Branching is the ability to create new requirements off of a parent requirement depending on if the student met or did not meet the parent requirement. It is most commonly used for some foreign language requirements.However, branching should only be used as a last resort. If you must use branching, build as few branches as possible.

Unsatisfied Requirement:

Use this if you are building out a series of requirements that you cannot fit under the section/options. A good example of this type of branching is the foreign language branch in Natural Sciences. (ESASTBS)

 This requirement contains the base requirement, option A, the standard second semester proficiency requirement based on two foreign languages, and the branch, option B, the language/culture combination with the 2 course culture combination. If option A is completely satisfied, the requirement shows as fulfilled. If it is not fully satisfied, it then checks the branch. If there is one course that can satisfy the requirement in option B, it will display as partially satisfied.

Satisfied Requirement:

This option will create an entirely new requirement for the student to meet once they complete the parent requirement. Once they have satisfied the parent requirement, it will activate the branch and display the new requirement.

You can use this branching type if you want the students to take courses in a specific order, or if they take a course that might require more instruction or coursework. This is most commonly used with high school deficiencies. If a student meets the deficiency then you can give them one set of requirements that are different than if they do not meet the deficiency requirement.

General Notes:

1. A branch can be identical or completely different in scope, requirements, etc. from the parent requirement.
2. A student who does not meet any of the branches will always move to the last branch.
3. Overrides must be done on the parent requirement.
4. The only way to access all branches is from the parent requirement.
5. You cannot trump one part of the branch; you must trump the whole branched requirement and recreate the requirement.
6. You can mix your branches setting up different requirements depending on meeting or not meeting pieces of your branch structure.