DARTS : Beginner PS Query

Beginner Training Videos

There are many training videos and tools available on the web from other universities and users. If you would like a visual overview before you get started, or need a refresher, you can review the videos below from Pepperdine University (you can also try your own YouTube/Google search). Next to each session is the query to use to follow along.  Before you proceed, please read the notes below and download this comprehensive instructional sheet before beginning the videos. Although the Query Manager functionality is similar between databases, this beginner training example is in the MaineStreet Campus Solutions database. The videos can be watched by anyone, but you must have access to MaineStreet CS to follow along with the provided queries.

Note these minor differences which you will understand as you proceed through the videos. They begin with the Session 2 video.

• If you do not have 2 screens with your computer, consider running the videos on another device so that you can follow along on your computer.
• Be aware that our queries may run a bit slower, or that the instructor may go too quickly.  Pause the videos as needed in order to keep up.
• The record that the queries use is named UM_STUD_CENS_VW - Student Reporting Extract.  This will show in place of the record PERSONAL_DATA - EE that the videos use when you are in the Query tab or the View SQL tab. You will understand this more clearly as you progress through the videos.
• The PU videos are using employee data.  Our samples use CSRPT data (Campus Solutions Reporting database) which is student data.  Since this is a much larger data source, the queries have been limited by adding a criteria for "STRM" which will show when you are in the the Criteria tab and the View SQL tab. Just make sure the rest of the info matches.  Keep in mind, you should never run a query in the CSRPT database without adding the STRM field and a criteria limiting the data to a specific academic semester or semesters.  Trying to parse all of the data from all time will lead to excessive run times and use system resources inappropriately.
• When you run the query, you may get a notice that the query result set is too large.  Click OK.  There will be enough results that you can compare accurately to the video.

Pepperdine University Videos

• Query Basics
• Using Query Manager - Query Manager Fundamentals - Session 1
• Edit or Expand Existing Query - Query Manager Fundamentals - 2 - When you open Query Manager, you will not see a list of favorites as shown in the video. Search for UMS_DTS_PU_SAMPLE1_PUB in the Search By field and click "search." Use this instead of LENS_SIMPLE_QUERY_EXAMPLE.  Immediately "Save as" a private query for yourself. The video will take you through these steps. Save and continue to use your own query as you progress through the following sessions.
• Criteria, Sort Order & Headings - Query Manager Fundamentals - Session 3 - If starting here, search for UMS_DTS_PU_SAMPLE2_PUB

• Using Criteria - Query Manager Fundamentals - Session 4 - If starting here, search for UMS_DTS_PU_SAMPLE3_PUB

• Runtime Prompts  - Query Manager Fundamentals - Session 5 - If starting here, search for UMS_DTS_PU_SAMPLE4_PUB - Download this instructional sheet detailing correct UM fields to use in place of Pepperdine data fields.

Other Web Resources

Northwestern University Introduction to Query (Finance)

BGSU PeopleSoft Query Manager Course Manual

Higher Education User Group (HUEG) Presentation.pdf (PS Query Overview)

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Using the Oracle PeopleSoft Help Feature

At any point during the training materials, or when using the query tool, you can always click on the Help option located in the upper right corner of the window. 

Depending where you are within the reporting tool, you will be prompted to pick a topic which you need help with.

Once you select your topic, you will be directed to the Oracle help page with the correlating information. The pages are generic in nature, but can be very helpful and provide more detailed information than basic query training documents.

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