Overview
Display label: Enable Custom message for Students on Dashboard
Setting ID: Enable_Custom_Message_For_Students_On_Dashboard
Location: Main Settings > General Settings > Dashboard Settings > Dashboard Info Messages
What This Setting Does
This setting turns on or off a custom announcement banner that appears at the top of the dashboard for _Student_ portal users. It is the on/off switch for the message; the actual wording is entered separately.
Where It Is Used
The banner appears automatically on the dashboard home page immediately after login for portal users with the Student role. There is no separate preview screen; the toggle and the message text are both configured from Main Settings > General Settings > Dashboard Settings > Dashboard Info Messages.
Business Logic / Behavior
- When enabled and the Custom message for Students on Dashboard (Custom_Message_For_Students_On_Dashboard in Dashboard Settings > Dashboard Info Messages) setting has text saved, that text is displayed as a highlighted banner on the Student dashboard.
- When disabled (the default), the banner never appears, regardless of what text is stored in the message setting.
- The message text supports rich formatting (bold, colors, links, lists) and is rendered exactly as entered.
- The banner is evaluated every time the dashboard loads, so turning the toggle on or off, or editing the message, takes effect the next time a Student opens their dashboard.
- This toggle and message are independent from the ones used for staff, Teachers, and parents; each user type has its own separate enable flag and message text.
Example(s)
Alpha Institute wants to remind students that the annual science fair registration closes on July 15, 2026. The registrar enables this setting and enters the notice in Custom message for Students on Dashboard. Every Student who logs in before the deadline sees the reminder banner on their dashboard. After July 15, the registrar turns the toggle back off.
When to Use
When to Enable
- You need to notify all students of a time-sensitive item, such as an event deadline, an exam schedule change, or a school-wide notice.
- You want every Student to see the same notice automatically at login, without sending a separate email or internal message.
When to Disable
- The announcement is no longer relevant and the Student dashboard should return to its normal, notice-free appearance.
- You are still drafting or updating the message text and do not want it visible to students until it is finalized.
Notes
Prerequisites: requires a portal account with the Student role to see the banner; no other setup is needed.
- Related settings: Custom message for Students on Dashboard (Custom_Message_For_Students_On_Dashboard in Dashboard Settings > Dashboard Info Messages)
K-12 vs Higher Education: behaves the same regardless of institution type.
