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When Should I Use This?
Use these steps when you need to:
Launch a new program and make it available to applicants later (your new program will start in Draft).
Select the correct Program Template based on how your program will operate (the template cannot be changed after selection).
Start building program components after saving basic info (additional features become editable after the initial save).
Step-by-Step Instructions
Go to the Programs tab.
Click New.
In Create Program, enter your Program Name.
Enter your Program Description.
Select your Program Template. Choose carefully: once selected, the template cannot be changed. If the wrong template is chosen, you must create a new program.
Click Save.
Confirm you are returned to the Programs Screen and your new program appears in Draft status.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Choosing the wrong Program Template. Templates cannot be changed after selection. If you pick the wrong one, you must create a new program.
Adding commas in Funding Source (when configuring settings later). Funding Source “cannot include commas.”
Trying to delete an active program. A program must be inactive before it can be deleted.
Best Practices for FORWARD Direct Users
After creating your program, save the basics first. Once basic program info is saved, “additional features within the program will become editable.”
Use TEST status to check functionality and collect test applications before going live.
Know that when a program is ACTIVE, it is live and “cannot be edited.” If you need to make changes to an active program, set it to PAUSE (PAUSE can only be applied to programs with Active status).
When changing program status, use the status dropdown and click Confirm to finalize the change.
FAQ
What status is a new program created in?
A new program will be in Draft after you save it.
Can I change the Program Template after I create the program?
No. Once a template is selected, it cannot be changed. If the wrong template is chosen, you must create a new program.
What is the safest way to test a program before it is public?
Use TEST status to check functionality, including collecting test applications.
Can I edit a program after it is active?
An ACTIVE program is live and cannot be edited. To make changes, use PAUSE (only available for programs with Active status).
Who can recover a deleted program?
Only Portal-Admins (Organization Administrators) can recover deleted programs. Process-Admins (Program Managers) can delete programs they manage but cannot recover deleted programs.