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ENGINE Student Data Upload/Download Instructions

There are 3 steps to uploading and downloading ENGINE data. Before uploading data, all contacts must either create a Gatorlink ID and password or renew them (if a returning ENGINE contact). There are two methods for uploading and downloading, either via WordPress or Dropbox. Instructions for both methods are outlined below. Should any difficulties arise, please contact Krista Smith (kristasmith@eng.ufl.edu) for troubleshooting.


Gatorlink ID and Password Creation

  1. Locate your UF identification number (UFID). You will receive this via email from Krista Smith (kristasmith@eng.ufl.edu).
  2. Create your UF Gatorlink ID and password. You will receive an invitation via email from UF Information Technology (UFIT) to complete this step. If you cannot locate the invitation email or have other trouble, please contact the UF Information Technology Help Desk to set your Gatorlink password.

Enroll in Two-Factor Authentication & Download the UF VPN

*If you are not familiar with Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) and two-factor authentication, we recommend requesting assistance from your university IT staff before proceeding to this step.

  1. Follow these instructions to enroll in two-factor authentication. Select “UF Gatorlink Enroll” when signing up.
  2. Download the UF VPN software at https://net-services.ufl.edu/provided-services/vpn/clients/ which walks you through the process. Note: You will need administrative rights to your device or have your IT/Computer services department help with the process.
  3. Choose which operating system you have and follow the installation instructions (this is where administrator rights are needed). You will be redirected to the University of Florida AnyConnect VPN Clients page.
  4. Once the VPN client is installed via this page, you must type “vpn.ufl.edu” in the “Connect To” dialog box. If you have any difficulties, contact the UFIT Help Desk at 352-392-4357 or via email at helpdesk@ufl.edu

Log into ENGINE

*You will need to log into the ENGINE website to create a user profile in order to upload and download files to/from the website.

  1. Log into the VPN software and proceed to: https://engine.eng.ufl.edu/participate/institutions/upload-student-data/
  2. This will bring up a log in screen where you will login with your Gatorlink username and password
  3. Your user profile will automatically be created when you log into ENGINE the first time
  4. Successfully logging in will take you to a page like this:
The landing page of a WordPress account.

Reset Your UF Gatorlink Password

  1. Locate your UFID. If you are unable to locate it, please contact Krista Smith (kristasmith@eng.ufl.edu)
  2. Contact the UF Information Technology (UFIT) Help Desk by calling 352-392-4357. You will need to provide them your UFID. The IT Help Desk will email you a verification code to reset your password.
  3. Go to http://login.ufl.edu/ and enter the verification code to reset your password.

For more information on managing your Gatorlink ID and password, see https://it.ufl.edu/iam/authentication-systems/gatorlink-management/


The student upload data period for the 2026 ENGINE cycle is August 17 – September 11, 2026.

  1. Log into the VPN (Cisco AnyConnect Secure Utility Client) and log into ENGINE at eng.ufl.edu/wp-admin/ which will direct you to the dashboard.
  2. Go to the ENGINE site by clicking the ENGINE button on the top left of your screen. Navigate to the Student Data Upload Form or select this link: https://engine.eng.ufl.edu/participate/institutions/upload-student-data/
  3. You should then be on a webpage that looks like the one below where you will select Browse under the Upload Load Your File section.
How to upload student data.

4. Select the ENGINE file from your computer and please make sure the file is titled with your institution name. Once the file is selected, uploaded, and submit is selected on the form above, your screen should look like the image below.

Student data has been successfully uploaded.

The student upload data period for the 2026 ENGINE cycle is August 17 – September 11, 2026.

  1. Email Krista Smith (kristasmith@eng.ufl.edu) to request access to the ENGINE Dropbox folder. Your access will be granted to your Gatorlink email address.
  2. Log into Dropbox with your Gatorlink ID and password.
  3. Name your ENGINE data file as your institution name.
  4. Upload or drag and drop your file to Dropbox.
  5. Email Krista Smith (kristasmith@eng.ufl.edu) immediately after uploading your file.

The ENGINE Database will be available for download September 18 – October 16, 2026.

  1. Log into the UF VPN (Cisco AnyConnect Secure Utility Client) with your Gatorlink ID and password.
  2. Log into the ENGINE dashboard via eng.ufl.edu/wp-admin/
  3. Go to https://engine.eng.ufl.edu/participate/institutions/download-student-data/ to download the ENGINE database
  4. Select the orange Download Database button. You will have the option to save or view the ENGINE Database.
  5. A second ENGINE file will be available for those who opted to provide Master’s student data during the data collection period.

The ENGINE Database will be available for download September 18 – October 16, 2026.

  1. Email Krista Smith (kristasmith@eng.ufl.edu) to request access to the ENGINE Dropbox folder.
  2. Krista will upload the ENGINE file(s) as appropriate and notify you via email with the Dropbox link. The ENGINE file(s) will be accessible for 2 hours after Krista emails the link.
  3. Click on the Dropbox link and log in to Dropbox via your Gatorlink ID and password.
  4. Download the ENGINE file(s) to your computer and save in a secure location.
  5. Email Krista Smith (kristasmith@eng.ufl.edu) once you have downloaded the file(s).