MA Student Import

Users with the appropriate permissions may import student records into LACES via a .CSV file. This allows multiple student records to be created by importing rather than by entering the records manually. Keep in mind that the number of records you need to enter may determine whether or not you should import, since preparing the import file can be time consuming.  For example, it may be quicker to manually enter 10 student records than to prepare an import file. 

All student records created from the import file will display the overall status of Waitlist (Full Intake).  This import is not intended for Waitlist (Partial Intake) students. 

Step 1:

Prepare the import file.

• The import file must contain the field names in the columns exactly as shown in the table below, whether you are importing data for these fields or not.  

• The file must be saved in the .CSV format.  

• Data may NOT be imported at the SEA agency but is imported at the individual agencies.  

Create the file or download the MA Custom Student Import Template.

If creating your own file:

1. Open Excel or other spreadsheet program.

2. In the new file, enter the column headings shown below.  Make sure the heading names are correct with no additional spaces either before or after the column heading. 

3. Add the student data to be imported.

4. Save the file to your computer in .CSV format. You may name the file anything you want, but the file type MUST be .CSV.

If downloading the MA Custom Student Import Template:

1. Download the template.

2. Save the file to your computer in .CSV format. You may name the file anything you want, but the file type MUST be .CSV.

3. Add the data to be imported. 

4. Make sure to save the file. 

IMPORTANT NOTE:  Many zip codes in MA have a leading 0.  If you are preparing your own import file, make sure to format the Zip column on the spreadsheet prior to importing the file.  If you do not format the column before importing, you may import students records with an incorrect zip code with only 4 or fewer digits.  These records will have to be manually corrected, or you have to format the spreadsheet and import again. 

To format the Zip column:

1. Select the column heading in the spreadsheet.  This will select the entire column. 

2. Right-click the column heading and select 'Format Cells.'

 3. At the Number tab, select Special, and Zip Code.  Click OK.

4. Now when you enter the zip codes on the import file, the zip codes will display the leading zeroes. 

5. Save the file. 

6. You may import with the file open after saving, or save and close the file, then import.   HOWEVER, be aware that .CSV files do not maintain formatting. The next time you open the file, the Special/Zip Code formatting on the Zip column will be discarded and you will have to format the column again.  

You may format the column before or after entering the data on the import file, but make sure to format the column before importing. 

CHECK YOUR FILE BEFORE IMPORTING! MAKE SURE YOU HAVE ENTERED ALL DATA CORRECTLY. 

TIP:  Until you are comfortable with the import process, create and import smaller files rather than one large file. 

Step 2:

Import the file.

1. Go to the Student area.

2. Click the down arrow on the student MORE toolbar icon.

3. Select 'Import Students (MA).'

Remember that only users with the role Agency Full Access will see the import on the MORE toolbar drop-down list. 

4. Click Select Files.

5. Locate the import file on your computer. 

6. Select the file and then click Open.  

7. Click Import.

8. A success message will briefly display if the import has begun successfully.

Step 3:

Check the status of the import at All System Tasks. 

1. Click MORE on the area menu. 

2. Click All Systems Tasks to check the status of the import. 

Step 4:

1. Go to the student area.  You will see the imported student records that imported successfully.  

Student Import Fields

 Last update:  9/5/2024