Technology
Formstack
Last modified 2/8/2022
Formstack is an easy-to-use, online tool that gives Illinois State University faculty and staff the ability to create forms for collecting data without any web design or programming background. The tool is centrally supported by the Technology Support Center and is available free to the University community.
Formstack is used to build online forms. It is a fully accessible, user-friendly application that allow you to seamlessly embed forms into websites. Creating the forms is very simple using a drag and drop interface. In addition, the forms are mobile-friendly and include capabilities such as conditional logic, field validation, data routing and approval workflow.
Some examples of the forms created from Formstack include, but are not limited to:
- Applications
- Evaluations
- Feedback
- Order / Sign-up forms
- Surveys
Web Address: forms.illinoisstate.edu
Why use Formstack?
Formstack allows you to create and access simple, as well as complex, forms from a single, web-based location. All data is secured in the Formstack database and is easily available for creating reports and extracts of the submitted data.
With Formstack, you can create surveys, funding requests, event registrations, contact forms, and scholarship applications from scratch or by using the pre-made form templates.
Formstack also includes themes that have been built with University approved design and branding elements that will give the form an official, Illinois State University look and feel. Advanced features, including form access and restriction through CentralLogin, are also available without any special training or system configuration.
Data Classifications and Security
University Policy
Formstack authors and designers are responsible for understanding and following the University’s data classification policy ( http://policy.illinoisstate.edu/technology/9.8.1.php ). The following overview and examples are not intended to serve as a comprehensive guide to the policy. Further questions and clarification should be directed to departmental data administrators and/or the Data Stewardship Council.
Data Classifications
- Highly Restricted
- Definition: Highly restricted data are numbers, characters, images, or other forms of output that are typically protected by federal or state law, regulation, or University policy; or for which the University is required to take action (breach notification or self reporting) if the data are inappropriately accessed or disclosed. Data also are identified as highly restricted when the unauthorized disclosure, alteration, or destruction of the data could cause a significant level of risk to the University or have an adverse effect on University operations, access, or individuals.
- Examples: Bank (and other financial institution) account numbers, birth date/year, credit/debit card numbers, directory information that is FERPA restricted, driver’s license number, marital status, passwords, and social security numbers.
- Restricted
- Definition: Restricted data are numbers, characters, images or other forms of output that may not be accessed without specific authorization or consent because of legal, ethical, or other constraints. Access to these data is limited to employees of the University and individuals who are working pursuant to the contract with the University who have a role-based need to see and use the information. Any use of the data must be used to conduct University business and must follow all applicable laws, regulations and University policies and procedures.
- Examples: Birth date (month and day), gender, photograph, race/ethnicity, UID, veteran status, and any other FERPA protected data.
- Unrestricted
- Definition: Unrestricted data are numbers, characters, images, or other forms of output that have few internal restrictions. Some data elements classified as unrestricted still have certain dissemination restrictions and access may be denied.
- Examples: Class/grade level, education training and level, employment dates, home address and phone, major, name, and ULID.
Technical Assistance
For technical assistance, you may contact the Technology Support Center at (309) 438-4357, by email at SupportCenter@IllinoisState.edu, or via Live text at help.illinoisstate.edu/get-it-help.