Students – CSV Import – Full Update

Modified on Fri, 27 Feb at 12:01 PM

Use this option to completely replace existing student records with new data.

⚠️ Every field will be overwritten.
⚠️ Empty cells will clear existing values.


What Full Update Means

  • RC ID is required to match existing students

  • ⚠️ Every field will be overwritten.  — even if only one value has changed

  • ⚠️  Empty cells clear existing data

  • If a student is not found (invalid RC ID), the row will fail

  • The RC ID column must be included in your file


Step 1: Navigate to Import

  1. Go to Students

  2. Click Import (top right)

  3. Select Full Update

  4. Click Continue with Full Update


Step 2: Select Full Update


Step 3: Download the Template

Click Download Sample Template



The template includes:

  • RC ID (required to match existing students)

  • All student fields

Important:

  • RC ID is required to match each student record

  • Delete the instructional second row before saving

  • Blank cells will clear existing data


Step 4: Edit your Template

Enter the updated data into the template. 


Important:

  • ⚠️ Any blank cells will clear existing data for that student.

  • Delete the second instructional row before saving


Steps

  1. Review the column headers (Row 1)
    These are the fields RollCall will replace. Do not rename or remove the headers.

  2. Use Row 2 as your guide
    The second row explains what each column expects (for example:

    • whether it is required

    • whether it should be text or a number)
      Use this row to help you enter data correctly.

  3. Ensure RC ID is included for every row
    This is how RollCall matches each student record.

  4. Capture the required data

    ⚠️ Blank cells will clear data only for the selected fields.

  5. Delete Row 2 before saving
    Row 2 is instructional only. If left in the file, it will trigger validation errors.

  6. Save Your File

    • Save the file
      Save as .csv

    • Rename the file clearly.
      We recommend including:

      • Date

      • Your name/initials

      • What the import is doing

        Example: 2026-03-02_JSmith_AddNewStudents.csv


    • Store the file in a secure, school-approved location.


Step 5: Upload and Review

After uploading, RollCall will validate your file.


Reviewing Your Data Before Importing

You can:

  • Review each row

  • Remove selected rows

  • Make minor corrections directly in the table


If Your File Has Errors

If something needs attention, you will see:

  • Needs Review

  • Highlighted rows in red

  • A Show Validation Errors Summary message


Click Show Validation Errors Summary to see what needs fixing.


Common Issues

  • You forgot to delete the second instructional row
    The second row explains the required data type (e.g. string, integer).
    If left in the file, it will trigger validation errors.
  • Required fields are missing or invalid
    If a required field is blank or the data type is incorrect, the row will be flagged.
  • A student already exists
    Add New Students creates new records only. Existing students will not be duplicated.


How to fix your errors

Use on-screen edits for small corrections only.


If multiple rows need fixing or data formatting is incorrect, we recommend following the Fix via CSV Re-Upload instructions below.


Fix via on screen editing

Use this method for

  • Fixing a typo

  • Updating a single field

  • Adjusting a small number of records


If a row is highlighted or needs a small correction, you can edit it directly in RollCall before importing.


To edit a row:

  1. Click on the row you want to update

  2. Scroll to the bottom edit section (if displayed)

  3. Click into the field that needs correcting

  4. Update the value

  5. Click Review when finished

The row will update and be revalidated automatically.


Fix via CSV file

Use this method for:

  • Fixing multiple rows

  • Correcting formatting issues

  • Updating several fields at once

  • Making structural changes to your data

If your file contains multiple errors or requires significant updates, correct the original CSV file and re-upload it.


To re-upload a corrected file:

  1. Open your CSV file

  2. Correct the required data

  3. Delete the instructional second row (if still present)

  4. Save the file as .csv

  5. Return to the Import screen

  6. Click Upload File

  7. When prompted, confirm that you want to replace the currently uploaded file

  8. Click Upload File


Once confirmed, the new file will replace the previous one and be validated again automatically.


When validation passes, click Select All, then Import Students as normal.


What Happens Next?

  • Existing student records are fully replaced with the uploaded data

  • Blank cells remove existing values

  • Rows with invalid RC IDs will not import

  • The admin who performed the import is recorded in the Student Audit Logs


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Students – CSV Import – FAQs


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