RamCT Section Life and Backups
Academic Sections
RamCT academic sections utilize a “single use” model. That is, new sections are created each semester and used only for that one semester. Instructors and students are systematically added and removed as assignments and enrollments are updated in ARIES.
Sections are created upon instructor request. Content may be copied forward from one RamCT section to another. For more information view the Section Check List.
After the semester, the sections (including content and student data) remain on the system for approximately two years, after which they are permanently deleted. Read more for full details.
CSU Training Sections
RamCT can be used by CSU departments for employee training. These are perpetual sections for ongoing use. Content and enrollment are managed by department staff. For more information, email us at: ramctsupport@colostate.edu
Safeguards: Backups and Grade Book Downloads
There are two types of backups: database backups and individual section backups.
Database backups are made regularly by Central administration and can use them to restore the entire RamCT system in case of a disaster.
Section Backups: ACNS has determined it is not feasible for central RamCT administrators to create or store individual RamCT section backups; therefore, it is recommended that Instructors do the following at the end of each semester and before/after making major changes in their RamCT sections:
- Instructors, make a section backup file and download it to a computer or network drive. Section backup files can be used by administrators to restore a RamCT section for you should the need arise. Instructions for making a Section Backup.
- Instructors, download your Grade Book to a computer or network drive. These files can be opened in a spreadsheet program, such as Excel, to quickly look up grades if students have questions at a later date. Instructions for downloading your Grade
For assistance, you can contact your college’s RamCT Coordinator:
Note: Temporary Section Backups: When an instructor makes a section backup in RamCT, it is first created and temporarily stored within the system so the instructor can make it into a downloadable file to copy to their own system. These temporary backups are deleted weekly (Friday mornings) to maintain high system performance.
