Using the People Directory - Part 1 - How to Create the Spreadsheet
The People Utility uses a structured dataset to generate a searchable, organized people directory on your website. In this Part 1 of the guide, you’ll build that dataset in the provided Google Sheet template and export it as a CSV file. Part 2 shows how to upload, process, and publish your directory in Modern Campus CMS.
More About the Spreadsheet
You’ll make your own copy of the master People Component Datasource spreadsheet, configure optional tabs and groups (if you want your directory segmented), enter your people details, and export a CSV file in the exact format the utility needs.
Tabs and groups: how they work
Tabs are the top-level sections of your directory (for example: Leadership, Faculty, Staff). Groups are optional sub-sections that appear within a tab (for example: Executive Team, Program Staff). If you don’t want tabs, you can leave the tab list blank. If you don’t want groups on a tab, you can leave Group blank for everyone on that tab.
Important note about groups
Groups must be consistent within each tab: if you assign a subgroup to anyone on a tab, then everyone on that tab needs a subgroup. If even one person on a tab has a blank subgroup, then no one on that tab can have a subgroup.
Featured people
You can mark people as Featured to push them to the top of their group. If multiple people are Featured, Featured people are listed alphabetically, followed by the rest of the group in alphabetical order.
Naming your export file
By default, you should export your CSV as people-directory.csv. You can use a different name if needed, but Part 2 is simplest when you keep the default name.
Let’s dive into how to use the spreadsheet!