Complex rules are those that use more than one field, operator and/or value. These types of rules have the same three parts as standard rules (Field, Operator and Value) as well as the addition of the Join Operator. The Join Operator allows you to connect two or more rules so that all rules must be true for a result to populate or so that one of many rules must be true for a result.
Select And from the Join Operator if you want both rules to be true for the data to filter (ex: EntranceStatus Equals Freshman AND StudentLastName Starts With L).
Select the Or from the Join Operator if you want one of the rules to be true for the data to filter (ex: EntranceStatus Equals Freshman OR EntraceStatus Equals Readmit).
The Join Operator allows you to make more complex rules using many different rules and operators. Just remember: the more complex a rule is the larger the room for error. Also, if your rule has a lot of “And” Join Operators you will be filtering down to an increasingly smaller group of results. Building a complex rule is very similar to building a standard rule:
- Add a New Rule - Click the + New Rule button (
) at the top of the screen
- Name the Rule - Give the rule a Name—This is an internal label that will populate in fields where you can add rules—ex: XYZ Freshman Only
- Describe the Rule - Give the rule a Description—This is an internal descriptor that populates within the Rules section of CrossConnect; you should provide a thorough explanation, which will allow you to easily know what the rule is doing, without having to click into it to see the setup—e.g., Applies to applicants that select “Freshman” as their entrance status
- Add Logic to the Rule - Click the + Add Rule button (
)
- Choose the Field Affected by the Rule - Under the Field heading, click the dropdown menu to populate the large download list of field keys (in the order they appear on your application) and select the one you want (you can type into the field to perform a smart search to find your field key faster)
- Choose Your Operator - Under the Operator heading, click the dropdown menu to reveal the list of possible logic operators for your selected key and select the one you want
- Enter a Value - Under the Value heading, enter the value on which you want to filter the field
- Add a Second Piece of Logic - Click the + Add Rule button (
)
- Choose Your Joining Operator - Under the “Join Operator” heading, click the dropdown menu to select “And” or “Or” – “And” will mean both rules will need to be true for the data to filter; “Or” will mean that one of the two rules will need to be true for the data to filter.
- Choose the Next Field Affected by the Rule - Under the Field heading, click the dropdown menu to populate the large download list of field keys (in the order they appear on your application) and select the one you want (you can type into the field to perform a smart search to find your field key faster)
- Choose Your Operator - Under the Operator heading, click the dropdown menu to reveal the list of possible logic operators for your selected key and select the one you want
- Enter a Value - Under the Value heading, enter the value on which you want to filter the field
- Create Additional Rules as Needed - Repeat steps 4 through 12 for each additional field, operator and value on which you want to filter the data.
- Save the Rule - When you are finished, click the Save button (
) at the top of the screen 
The rule appears in the Rule Sets list on the left side of the screen; the system highlights it automatically.
