Define a Cluster?A cluster can be defined as a group of update codes. You may want to form these groups to create an efficient method for performing simultaneous updates for several update code and type combinations. For Financial Aid Manager, a Satisfactory Academic Progress cluster named SAP is provided for you. The SAP cluster code should not be deleted because the system will use it when running Calculate Satisfactory Progress. This is generally an optional feature; you are not required to define clusters in order to utilize the rules based update process except when using Rules Based Update in Financial Aid Manager to Calculate Satisfactory Progress.
While clusters are generally defined on the Update Cluster Definition window, you may also find it convenient to define clusters while performing an update on the Rules Based Update window. The Rules Based Update window is not available through the Financial Aid Manager module; therefore, the only way to execute the defined SAP rules is through Calculate Satisfactory Progress.
For Financial Aid, a group of three (3) update codes is recommended to form an effective calculation process:
1. SAP1 Rule Assignment
2. SAP2 Pass/Fail Calculation
3. SAP3 Final Progress Status Calculation
Your SAP update codes must be named to force a sequential order as each represents a building block that requires a value set in the previous update code. Jenzabar recommends the designated update codes. You may choose more than one update type and code on the Rules Based Update window and determine that you would like to preserve this group as a cluster to be used at another time. Click the Save as Cluster button and you will be asked to assign a Cluster Code and Description to the group.