Survey Designer

Tool Search: Survey Designer

The Survey Designer allows a user to create survey templates containing questions and responses. These templates can be saved and re-used if the survey is a reoccurring event. Surveys are accessed and filled out in the Parent/Student Portal. 

screenshot of the survey designer tool

Read - Access the tool.Write - Edit existing surveys.Add - Create new surveys.Delete - Delete existing surveys.

For more information about Tool Rights and how they function, see the Tool Rights article.

Create a New Survey Template

The steps below will guide you through the process of creating a new survey:

Step 1. Enter Survey Details

Click the New button. A Survey Detail editor displays.

screenshot of the new button being selected and the survey detail editor appearing

See the table below for information on these fields.

  1. Enter the Survey Name.
  2. Determine if the Survey is Active.
  3. Enter the Start Date/Time.
  4. Enter the End Date/Time.
  5. Mark the Record Results Anonymously, if desired.
  6. Mark the Allow Repeat Responses, if desired.
  7. In the Organize To dropdown field, select which user group has access to this survey template.
  8. Click the Save icon when finished. The Survey Detail will be saved. Move on to Step 2

The table below describes each Survey Detail field:

Field

Description

Survey Name
Required

The name of the survey. This name is visible to those individuals taking the survey and is included in survey reports.

Active

When marked, the survey is active. Respondents may access, complete and return the survey.

If this checkbox is not marked, respondents are not able to respond to the survey.

Start Date/Time
Required

The day and time the survey is available for respondents. Dates are entered in mmddyy format or can be entered using the calendar icon to select a date. Time is entered in HH:MM AM/PM format or in HH:MM Military format.

End Date/Time
Required

The day and time the survey is no longer available for respondents. Dates are entered in mmddyy format or can be entered using the calendar icon to select a date. Time is entered in HH:MM AM/PM format or in HH:MM Military format.

Record Results Anonymously

When marked, surveys will be submitted anonymously, without any identifying respondent information (personID). Respondents are alerted when surveys are recording anonymous results. The option to Allow Repeat Responses is not available as no identifying person information is retained after the survey is completed.

If this checkbox is not marked, the respondent's personID is recorded with results. And, Allow Repeat Responses can be marked.

Allow Repeat Responses

When marked, the survey allows respondents to submit more than one response, should they decide to repeat the survey. Reports and extracts will display only the most recent submission.

This option is not available if the Record Results Anonymously checkbox is marked, as no identifying personal information is retained after the survey is completed.

A message indicating the survey can be taken multiple times displays at the top of the survey when this option is marked. Answers to previously answered questions are NOT overwritten.

If this option is not marked, the respondent can only take the survey one time.

Organize To

The user account/user group(s) to which the survey is assigned. If a survey should only be accessible to the main survey staff member(s) and the district administration, this field should be set to User Account.

Options in this dropdown list include any group to which the current user belongs.

Step 2. Create the Survey

Once Survey Details have been entered, you now need to create the survey by clicking the Survey Creator button. 

screenshot of the survey creator button highlighted

The Create a New Survey editor will appear, allowing you to begin adding in questions, modifying question properties, adding pages to the survey, and more.  

screenshot of the create a new survey editor

Add Questions to the Survey

Begin creating your survey by selecting a question type in the Toolbox section on the right-hand side of the screen.

Once a question type is selected, it will appear in the editor in the middle of the screen where you can begin filling out question details.

For example in the image below, the Radiogroup option was selected which added the question to the editor and can now be filled out with question and answer details. 

screenshot of the radiogroup option selected and appearing in the survey

For more information about each Toolbox option, expand the section below.

Click here to expand...

Question TypeDescription and Example
Single InputThe Single Input option creates a question with a single allowed input such as text or a dropdown list.
example of a single input survey question
CheckboxThe Checkbox option lets you to create a question with checkboxes used for marking responses.
screenshot of an example of a checkbox question in the survey
RadiogroupThe Radiogroup option lets you to create a question with radio buttons to mark a response.
example of a radiogroup question within a survey
DropdownThe Dropdown option lets you to create a question where the user selects a response from a dropdown list.
example of a dropdown question within a survey
CommentThe Comment option lets you to create a question where the response is a text field.
survey of a comment field within a survey
Date PickerThe Date Picker lets you create a question where the answer is selecting a date.
example of a date picker within a survey
Text with ButtonThe Text with Button option lets you create a question where the response is selecting a customized button.
example of a text with button question within a survey

Premium Options - Only Available to Customers with the Campus Analytics Suite


RatingThe Rating option lets you add a star rating to the survey.
example of a rating question within a survey
Image PickerThe Image Picker option lets you create a question where the user has to select an image to answer.
  • Max file size of 2mb. 
  • Allowed File Types: jpg, png

example of an image pickter question within a survey

This option requires use of the Campus Digital Repository (CDR) to function. If your district does not use CDR, this option is not available.
BooleanThe Boolean option lets you create a question where the user has to move a circle left or right to indicate their answer.
example of a boolean question within a survey
ImageThis option lets you insert an image as the question.
  • Max file size of 2mb. 
  • Allowed File Types: jpg, png
This option requires use of the Campus Digital Repository (CDR) to function. If your district does not use CDR, this option is not available.
HTMLThis option lets you use HTML to format and display a question in the survey. 
Signature PadThe Signature Pad option lets you create a question where the user can use the mouse cursor to sign their name within the field.
example of a signature pad within a survey
This option requires use of the Campus Digital Repository (CDR) to function. If your district does not use CDR, questions using this question type will not appear on external surveys.
Expression (Read-Only)Allows the survey creator to perform a calculation in the survey.
For example, 2+1 = 3 would display to the Survey Respondent.
FileThis option lets you create a question that links to an uploaded file. Max file size of 5mb.
This option requires use of the Campus Digital Repository (CDR) to function. If your district does not use CDR, questions using this question type will not appear on external surveys.
Matrix (single choice)Allows respondents to evaluate one or more row items using a single set of column choices.
Matrix (multiple choice)Allows respondents to evaluate one or more row items using multiple column choices.
screenshot of a matrix question within a survey
Matrix (dynamic rows)Allows respondents to dynamically add row items and select from multiple column choices.
Multiple TextAllows respondents to input text for one or more rows of prompts.
PanelThis option lets you create a Panel container within the survey. This is not a question. Questions can be embedded into panels.
The following questions cannot be imbedded into an Panel:
  • Panel
  • Dynamic Panel
  • File
  • Signature Pad
  • Image 
  • Image Picker
Dynamic PanelsThis option lets you create a Panel container within the survey that can be replicated or deleted by the respondent. This is not a question. Questions can be embedded into dynamic panels. The maximum number of Dynamic Panels that can be added to a survey is 5.
The following questions cannot be embedded into a Dynamic Panel:
  • Panel
  • Dynamic Panel
  • File
  • Signature Pad
  • Image 
  • Image Picker
Sortable ListThis option lets you create a question where the answer can be sorted and ordered.  
example of a sortable list within a survey
Bar RatingThis option lets you create a question where the respondent answers by selecting a bar rating.
Emotions RatingsThis option lets you create a question where you ask the respondent to answer by selecting an emoticon indicating their satisfaction (or dissatisfaction).

These types of questions are great for adding a condition where if the answer is dissatisfaction, another field appears asking the respondent to explain why.
example of an emotions rating question within a survey
noUiSliderThis option lets you create a question where the respondent answers by moving a slider left or right.
example of a slider question within a surveyWhen the Stepped option is selected, slider values are rounded to smooth out where the pips appear. For example:
example of a stepped count slider question within a survey

Modify Survey Settings

Survey Settings can be further modified by clicking the screenshot of the survey settings button button near the top of the screen and modifying setting throughout the  tab. 

screenshot of the create a new survey editor with survey settings highlighted and the properties section shown

Expand the section below to learn more about each available property.

Click here to expand...

PropertyDescription
GeneralGeneral properties let you modify the survey title, description, whether or not the title appears in the survey, the default language of the survey, and whether the survey can be edited (answered by the user) or is read-only.
screenshot of the general properties editor
Logo in Survey TitleThis editor lets you add a logo to the title of the survey, modify the position of where the logo will appear as well as the size and width of the title logo.
screenshot of the logo in survey title editor
NavigationThis editor lets you modify how the user is able to navigate within the survey. You can add customized previous, complete, preview, and start buttons, as well as define where these buttons will appear in the survey and if a survey progress bar is shown.
screenshot of the navigation editor
QuestionThis editor allows you to modify how questions appear within the survey. You can indicate where the question title appears, there question description appears, if questions are numbered, the pattern of how questions are displayed, and the maximum amount of characters allowed for questions.
screenshot of the question properties editor
PagesThis editor allows you to modify survey page names, the order of pages in the survey, add additional pages to the survey, and whether or not page titles and page numbers are displayed.
screenshot of the pages properties editor
LogicThis editor allows you to add logical expressions to your survey as well as question triggers. Triggers can be used to allow additional questions to become available depending on how the user answered a previous question (such as asking for clarification if the user indicated displeasure or confusion in a previous question).
screenshot of the logic properties editor
DataThis editor allows you to determine how data is stored and updated within the tool.
screenshot of the data properties editor
ValidationThis editor allows you to control how data validations are processed, whether it be when the user attempts to move to the next survey page or when the user attempts to complete the survey.
screenshot of the validation properties editor
Show on CompletedThis editor allows you to add customized text and URLs to appear once the user has completed the survey. You can also set the survey to redirect the user to a URL or load specific HTML upon completion of the survey.
screenshot of the show on completed editor
Time/QuizThis section allows you to determine how much time the user is given to complete the survey, the maximum amount of time allowed to finish a page in the survey, and if a timer is show in the survey to indicate to the user the survey time constraints.
screenshot of the time quiz editor

Modify Question Settings

Each question within a survey can be further modified using a number of available properties. To modify a question's properties:

  1. Select the question
  2. Click the Properties button
  3. Navigate to the Properties tab on the right-hand side and begin modifying each property accordingly. 

screenshot of the properties icon being selected and displaying on the screen

Expand the section below to learn more about each available property.

Click here to expand...

General
PropertyDescription
NameName of the question within the Properties tab. The name helps you identify which question you are modifying when using the Properties tab. 
TitleTitle of the question. For example in the image above, the question is titled 'Test Question'.
DescriptionThis field allows the user to explain (describe) the answer that they are looking for - may contain guidelines for length, format, examples, or clarifying text related to the question.
screenshot of a description value showing in a survey question
Is visible? Determines whether this field is automatically visible to the user.
Is required?Determines if this question must be answered before the survey can be submitted.
Read onlyDetermines whether the question allows the user to edit it or if the values can only be read.
Input TypeThis determines the type of values that the field expects.
Input place holderThis determines the placeholder text that is initially set before a user enters their own value.
Auto completeThis field engages the browser's auto-complete feature. The value entered in this field determines the type of information that can be auto-completed and what cache values the browser will look for when performing an auto-complete.

For example, Street-address will look at your browser's cache to find stored address information.
See this article for more information about autocomplete.
Data listThis field allows you to build a list of preferred auto-complete answers offered to the user when filling out the field.

This field does not require an Auto complete value be entered however, this field and the Auto complete field can work in tandem. For example, if an auto complete value is entered, the question will auto-complete with associated browser-cached values along with all value entered in this field.

Each item in this field must be entered on a new line (do not separate items by commas, semicolons, etc). 
Clear incompleteIncomplete survey answers which do not meet the input requirements are cleared out when the user attempts to complete the survey.
Show mask on hoverHovering the cursor over the answer field displays a message indicating the input mask entered in the Input mask field below.
Input formatThe allowed format for inputted values. For example, the question is set to 'datetime' and this field is set to mm/dd/yyyy as the input format.
Input maskThe type of input allowed for the question (i.e., decimal, email, datetime, etc).
Logic
PropertyDescription
Visible ifAllows for conditions to be set in order for this question to be visible to submitters.
Enable ifAllows for conditions to be set in order for this question to be enabled for submitters.
Required ifAllows for conditions to be set in order for this question to be required for submitters.
Default value expressionAllows you to enter an expression to display a calculated default value.
Layout
PropertyDescription
Is start with a new line?Determines whether this question should be on its own line or if can be on the same line as other questions if space allows it.
Hide numberHides the automatic question numbering for this question.
StateAllows you to control if the question is defaulted to being expanded or collapsed. This is especially useful for very long questions.
Title locationSets where this question’s title will appear.
Description locationSets where this question’s description will appear.
IndentSets the indentation for this question.
WidthSets the initial width of the question.
Min widthSets the minimum width of the question.
Max widthSets the maximum width of the question.
SizeSets the size of the question.
Data
PropertyDescription
Value nameAllows the value of the answer to be saved under a different name than the question name. This is useful when multiple questions share the same name as each question name should be unique to keep answers aligned with the proper question.
Default valueThis is the value that will initially be inserted into the field.
Correct AnswerThis allows a correct answer to be set for the question.
Use display values in titleEnables display values within the title.
Text update modeThis determines when text will update.
Validation
PropertyDescription
Required error textThis is the text that displays when a required field is not filled in.
ValidatorsThese allow the entered values to be validated against the condition(s) inserted here.
Maximum lengthMaximum length of the value that the question will accept.

Add Additional Pages to the Survey

You can add additional pages to your survey by click the  button. 

screenshot of the add new page icon highlighted

Additional survey pages appear as tabs near the top of the editor (see image below). 

screenshot of survey tabs showing in the editor

Step 3. Modify Survey Logic

Once questions have been added, you can customize conditional logic to be applied to each question and answer. 

To add logic:

  1. Click the survey logic icontab near the top of the screen.
  2. Click the Add New button. An editor will appear where you can begin adding conditions and actions. 
  3. Once complete, click Save or Save and Return

screenshot of the screen after selecting new in the survey logic editor

Step 4. Test the Survey

Once details, questions, properties, and logic have been entered, it is time to test the survey and ensure its functioning and appearing as intended. To test the survey, click the test survey icontab found near the top of the screen. 

Once selected, the survey will appear in the editor where you can interact with each question, simulating exactly how users would experience the survey. 

screenshot of a test survey and the next button highlighted

Once you finish the survey you will see your survey results. You can expand survey questions to see additional answers. 

screenshot of survey results

Step 5. Enter Language Translations

The Translations tab allows survey creators to enter language translations for each question (and responses) within a survey. Once translations are entered and saved, users taking the survey are able to select the language and translate survey content into this language. 

If you prefer to modify your questions and answers in Microsoft Excel (or similar product), you can export your list of questions and answers via the Export to CSV button. Once you are ready to add your translations back into Infinite Campus, click the Import from CSV button and import the file.

This feature is only available for users who have purchased the Campus Analytics Suite. 

screenshot of selecting different languages for a survey question

Using the Respondent's preferred language (Census > People > Demographics > Preferred Language), the Translate tab's logic tries to map the preferred language code to the survey's language code.

screenshot of the preferred language field highlighted within Demographics

When the preferred language code matches with a survey translation, the survey will appear to the respondent in their preferred language. For example, if the survey has been translated to Spanish and a respondent's preferred language is Spanish, then the survey will appear in Spanish when the respondent takes the survey. 

Preferred languages can be added to the Core Attribute Dictionary by selecting the Contact attribute and expanding the dictionary (System Settings > Custom Data and Links > Core Attribute/Dictionary > Contact > Preferred Language)

For the Survey tool to correctly map the preferred language to the survey language code, use the following naming convention:

  • language code underscore US

For example, en_US for English or es_US for Spanish.

The Translation tab logic splits the Preferred Language code at the underscore, and then maps the first value to the appropriate survey language code. For example, "ar_US" becomes "ar" which matches to the survey language code "ar" for Arabic.

Available Language Translation Codes:

Click here to expand...

NameSurvey Language Code
Arabicar
Bahasa Indonesiaid
Bulgarian gb
Catalàca
Ceštinacs
Chinese (Simplified)zh-tw
Chinese (Traditional)zh-cn
Cymraegcy
Danskda
Deutschde
Eesti keel et
Englishen
Españoles
Georgian ka
Greekgr
Hebrewhe
Hrvatskihr
Islenskais
Italianoit
Japaneseja
Koreanko
Latviešulv
Lietuviult
Macedonian mk
Magyarhu
Nederlandsnl
Norskno
Persianfa
Polskipl
Portuguêspt
Português brasileiropt-br
Românăro
Russianru
Suomifi
Svenskasv
Swahilisw
Tajiktq
Thaith
Türkçetr
Ukrainian ua
 

If the survey is English only, meaning no translations exist, the Languages dropdown will not appear when taking the survey. It only appears when the respondent has languages to choose from.

screenshot of the languages field available for survey questions

Step 6. Add Respondents

Now that the survey is ready, it is time to send it to parents, students, and/or staff. To add survey respondents, click the Add Respondents button (see image below).

screenshot of the add respondents button highlighted on the survey detail editor

The Select Filter editor appears, asking if the respondent list will be comprised from a student or census/staff filter(s), a section roster, or if the survey will be sent to external users. 

The Generate URL and QR Code option is only available for users who have purchased the Campus Analytics Suite. See the Create an External Survey section for more instructions on this option.

Ad hoc filters are created within the Filter Designer tool. For a guide on how to create filters, see the Filter Designer article. 

Select the appropriate option and click Next.

screenshot of selecting the survey filter type

The Add Respondents editor will appear, displaying a list of existing Ad Hoc filters in the Saved Filters window. 

  1. If Student Filters was selected in the previous step, select which group of people will be invited to take the survey (Students, Student Guardians, Student Portal Contacts). Census/Staff filters do not have invite options as it is assumed all people in the selected filter(s) should receive the survey.
  2. Select which filter(s) should be used to determine the respondent list by selecting the filter in the Saved Filters window and clicking the  button. The filter will now appear in the Selected Filters window. 
  3. Select the Operation:
    • Union - All respondents in all filters selected (depending on the invite value) will receive the survey.
    • Intersection - Only people who appear on all selected filters will receive the survey.
  4. To limit respondents to only those who have a user account within Infinite Campus, mark the Only add respondents with user accounts checkbox. Since surveys are accessed via the Portal and in order to have Portal access you must have a user account, 
  5. For student filters, mark the Let guardians take the survey on behalf of the students checkbox if you would like to designate the legal guardian allowed to take the survey on behalf of a student. See the section below for more information about this process.
  6. Click Next

screenshot of selecting an ad hoc filter or filters

If the Let guardians take the survey on behalf of students checkbox is marked and you select Next, the Add Guardians editor will appear (see image below). Here, you can designate student by student which legal guardian is allowed to take the survey on behalf of the student. 

Once guardians are selected, click Nextscreenshot of adding guardians to students who will recieve the survey

The Review Added Respondents editor appears, detailing now many respondents were selected, how many of them had a user account, how many did not have a user account, how many have already completed the survey, how many have yet to complete the survey, and a detailed breakdown of all people who received the survey. 

If you have reviewed this information and feel the survey is ready to be sent out, click Finish. The survey has now been sent out to all respondents with a user account. 

screenshot of the final screen to verify respondents before sending the survey

Respondents will receive a message about the survey in the Message Center under the Survey tab. From here, they can click on the survey and begin filling it out. 

example of a survey appearing in a person's message center

Review Respondents

Once a survey has been sent out, you can review who received the survey and how many have completed the survey by selecting the survey  in the Survey List and clicking the Review Respondents button.  

screenshot of the review respondents button highlighted on the survey details screen

An editor will appear, detailing information about survey recipients and whether or not they have completed the survey. 

screenshot of reviewing a survey's respondents

Modify an Existing Survey Template

To modify an existing survey, select the survey's name in the Survey List. The Survey Details editor will appear, allowing you to work through the survey creation process. 

You cannot modify a survey once a respondent completed the survey.

screenshot of selecting a saved survey

Copy a Survey Template

To copy a survey template, mark the checkbox next to the template's name and click Copy

screenshot of marking the checkbox next to a survey and selecting copy

The survey template copy will appear below the original with 'Copy of' added to the survey template name. 

screenshot of an example of a copied survey within the survey list

Deactivate a Survey Template

To deactivate a template, select the survey's name in the Survey List, unmark the Active checkbox, and click Save

The survey is no longer active within Infinite Campus and can no longer be accessed or used until it is made active again and the current date falls within the Start Date and End Date entered on Survey Details.

screenshot of deactivating a survey

Delete a Survey Template

To delete a template, mark the checkbox next to the survey's name and click Delete. Users can no longer access or modify this survey.

screenshot of selecting a survey and clicking the delete button

Create an External Survey

Users who have purchased the Campus Analytics Suite have the ability to create external surveys. These surveys can be accessed and taken without the need for a person to be logged into Infinite Campus or have an Infinite Campus account. 

To create a new external survey, click the New button. The Survey Detail editor will appear.

screenshot of clicking new on the survey detail editor and starting a new survey

See the table below for information on these fields.

  1. Enter the Survey Name.
  2. Determine if the Survey is Active.
  3. Enter the Start Date/Time.
  4. Enter the End Date/Time.
  5. Mark the Record Results Anonymously, if desired.
  6. Mark the Allow Repeat Responses, if desired.
  7. In the Organize To dropdown field, select which user group has access to this survey template.
  8. Click the Save icon when finished. The Survey Detail will be saved. Move on to Step 2

Expand the link below to view a table describing each Survey Detail field:

Click here to expand...

Field

Description

Survey Name
Required

The name of the survey. This name is visible to those individuals taking the survey and is included in survey reports.

Active

When marked, the survey is active. Respondents may access, complete and return the survey.

If this checkbox is not marked, respondents are not able to respond to the survey.

Start Date/Time
Required

The day and time the survey is available for respondents. Dates are entered in mmddyy format or can be entered using the calendar icon to select a date. Time is entered in HH:MM AM/PM format or in HH:MM Military format.

End Date/Time
Required

The day and time the survey is no longer available for respondents. Dates are entered in mmddyy format or can be entered using the calendar icon to select a date. Time is entered in HH:MM AM/PM format or in HH:MM Military format.

Record Results Anonymously

When marked, surveys will be submitted anonymously, without any identifying respondent information (personID). Respondents are alerted when surveys are recording anonymous results. The option to Allow Repeat Responses is not available as no identifying person information is retained after the survey is completed.

If this checkbox is not marked, the respondent's personID is recorded with results. And, Allow Repeat Responses can be marked.

Allow Repeat Responses

When marked, the survey allows respondents to submit more than one response, should they decide to repeat the survey. Reports and extracts will display only the most recent submission.

This option is not available if the Record Results Anonymously checkbox is marked, as no identifying personal information is retained after the survey is completed.

A message indicating the survey can be taken multiple times displays at the top of the survey when this option is marked. Answers to previously answered questions are NOT overwritten.

If this option is not marked, the respondent can only take the survey one time.

Organize To

The user account/user group(s) to which the survey is assigned. If a survey should only be accessible to the main survey staff member(s) and the district administration, this field should be set to User Account.

Options in this dropdown list include any group to which the current user belongs.

Once Survey Details have been entered, you now need to create the survey by clicking the Survey Creator button. 

screenshot highlighting the survey creator button

The Create a New Survey editor will appear, allowing you to begin adding in questions, modifying question properties, adding pages to the survey, and more. For detailed instructions on this process, see the Create the Survey section. 

External survey responses are recorded anonymously and allow for repeat responses. If you would like to capture information about the user taking the survey, please make these questions within the survey itself.

Once the survey has been created and saved, it is now time to add respondents, or in the case of external surveys, generate an external URL and QR code. To begin this process, click the Add Respondents button. The Select Filter editor will appear (see image below).

screenshot of selecting add respondents and the select filter screen appearing

Select the Generate URL and QR Code radio button and select Next

screenshot of selecting generate URL and QR code option

A message will appear, informing you that external surveys are only active for 90 days, certain question types are not available for external surveys, and external surveys cannot be modified once published.

If the time window entered on the survey detail editor extends beyond 90 days, a prompt will display allowing you to edit the start and end dates before publishing it so the dates are synced with the 90 day expiration. When a survey expires, the user that created it will receive a notification in their message center and the survey can be republished.

screenshot of the publish confirmation pop up window

Click the Publish button. The Review Added Respondents editor will appear, containing the external Survey URL, Survey QR Code, and the ability to download this information into a PDF (Download PDF button).

screenshot of the survey URL and QR code provided for an externally published survey

Clicking the URL or QR code with your cursor will copy it to your clipboard, allowing you to easily paste it into an email or other form of communication. You can also download the URL and QR code into a PDF by clicking the Download PDF button. 

Once you are done, click Finish.

Review External Survey Results

To review results for your external survey, navigate to the Response Extract, mark the checkbox next to the survey and generate responses in a table or summary (see image below).

For detailed information on how to use and navigate Response Extract options, please see the Response Extract article. 

screenshot of response extract