Ability to specify file types that are acceptable for upload

In addition to SMM-I-842, client is asking for the ability to define which type of files are acceptable for upload.  If incorrect file type is chosen, system would not allow upload and would provide detailed error message to user so that user is able to detect and correct error directly.

  • Deleted User
  • Dec 27 2017
  • Shipped
Employee Name Nora Miller
Client Name "shard name" hamiltonfoundation, austincc, csulb, umass, uoregon
User System Admin
Functional Unit Questions
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    Carrie Goldberger commented
    June 14, 2019 15:57

    See similar request from Utah in the merged enhancement; description below -

    "Under questions for the opportunities, when someone chooses a file upload for their question, provide the ability to select a particular file type. For example, if an Opportunity Administrator only wants PDF files submitted allow the person to select PDF only. Or if they only want a Word Doc, allow that to be one of the options. If they don't have a preference, allow all the file types to be allowed. Also, provide help text so that anyone who is uploading a file will know not to include punctuation, special characters, spaces in the file name so that they know if they have any of this in their documents title that the system will not accept the document. Also include to users which file types are not allowed. Specify the acceptable file type when setting up the question, along with letting file uploaders know what is an acceptable title for their document and which document types are acceptable. "

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  • Guest commented
    November 09, 2018 21:05

    CSULB would also like to see this.  They'd like to limit uploads to pdf's only; this is the best type of file for them as it simplifies opening in a new tab, versus downloading to the computer.  This is for admins as well as reviewers.

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  • Deleted User commented
    October 16, 2018 22:16

    From uoregon:

    For any kind of file upload question, can we have the ability to limit file type? Last year we had people upload all kinds of crazy files (like .pages or .doc) in the Letter of Reference section. When a reviewer clicks on that file, they MUST have that type of program on their own personal computer in order to view it.
     
    This presented a huge problem with the .pages files specifically, because only mac computers have that program and most of our Reveiwers don’t have macs. I found this crazy workaround where I downloaded the .pages doc myself, turned it into a .zip file, then converted it to a .pdf file. Then I had to go in ‘as user’ as the person who submitted the Reference letter, re-upload the pdf file, and tell the Reviewer they are now able to read it. This happened about 15 times, and I can only imagine how much more often it will happen as we add more departments and colleges. 
     
    Likewise, I really dislike having people upload .doc files as well. When a Reviewer clicks on the link, the file actually download to their computer. If they were looking at a .pdf file, it would just open in a new tab or browser window. This is a VERY huge security risk, as we cannot have student’s records living in the “Downloads” folder of the various people who do our Reviewing.
     
    My work-around for this was to add some help text and lie to the Reference person, telling them they are ONLY allowed to upload .pdf. “PLEASE NOTE:  *You may only upload a .pdf file.* All other file types are not supported.”  But unfortunately they are not great at following directions. I am also encouraging people to use a text box rather than a file upload when building questionnaires, but sometimes Review Committees really want to see letterhead, so they want the real thing. 
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  • Deleted User commented
    April 04, 2018 14:29

    That makes sense, thanks!  

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  • Deleted User commented
    March 26, 2018 18:09

    Sorry for the delay in getting back to you with more info:  Hamilton wants to specify that applicants upload transcripts and their Student Aid Report in PDF format for consistency and for ease in opening/downloading. Right now they specify type of file to upload in emails (Drafted Applications Closing Soon - Email) and in body of question at opp level. Thank you!

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  • Jessica Beatty commented
    March 20, 2018 15:32

    The Admin I spoke with at Umass wanted only PDF files. This should help to prevent users from having difficulty opening other files. They have a higher success rate with PDFs.

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  • Deleted User commented
    January 04, 2018 22:50

    Do we know the specific file types they want to restrict and why? 

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