How can I use Box as an alternative assignment submission portal?

This article provides instructors with a step-by-step guide to setting up a Box File Request folder for student assignment submissions. It highlights the security benefits of private uploads, instructions for customizing submission forms with metadata (like UIN and Name), and the importance of using this tool as a reliable contingency during LMS service outages.

Overview

Box File Request provides instructors with a secure way to collect student assignments without requiring students to be collaborators on a folder. This is an ideal alternative for large-scale submissions or when you want to keep student work private from other students while maintaining a central repository in Box.

Why Use Box File Request?

• Security: Students cannot see other students' submissions.
• Convenience: Students do not need to log in to Box to upload (unless you require email validation).
• Organization: All files are automatically consolidated into one specific Box folder.
• Metadata: You can require students to provide their Name, UIN, or Section number as part of the upload form.

Requirements

University of Illinois Box accounts are available to current UIC students, faculty, and staff. A valid UIC primary NetID and common password are required to create a University Box account and to later access the University Box account. External/Sponsored Affiliates are not able to self-create university Box accounts but instead need to Request Box Account Creation or Migration.

Instructions for Setting Up a File Request

1. Create a Submission Folder

1. Log in to your Box account.
2. Create a new folder (e.g., "Assignment 1 Submissions").
3. Navigate to the folder.

2. Enable & Customize File Request

1. From inside your new folder, click File Request in the right-hand sidebar.
2. In the File Request window, select Edit to customize your submission page:
   1. Title & Description: Clearly state the assignment name and any specific instructions (e.g., "Submit your PDF here").
   2. Form Fields: Click Add Field to request information such as:
      1. Student Full Name
      2. Email Address
      3. UIN or Section Number
3. Click Save button in the upper right corner of the page.

3. Distribute the Link

1. Once your form is ready, click Share and copy the File Request URL.
2. Provide your students the submission link via your preferred secure method of communication.

Identifying Student Submissions

When a student uploads a file via the request link:

1. The file will appear in your designated Box folder.
2. To see the details provided in the form fields (like UIN), open the file in Box Preview and check the Details tab in the right sidebar under the Metadata section.

Best Practices

• File Naming: Advise students to include their name in the file title (e.g., LastName_Assignment1.pdf), though the metadata fields will also track this.
• Testing: Open the link in an Incognito/Private browser window to ensure the form looks exactly how you want it to appear to students.
• Confirmation: Students will receive a "Success" message on their screen once the upload is complete.