News - North West University, Mafikeng Campus
Important Notice on the GLOBE.gov Website and Trainings
This article provides important updates for the GLOBE community, including updates on website outages and map access, changes to organization account creation and management, a reminder of GLOBE.gov account type simplification, updates on protocol assessment and workshop administration issues, and information about the trainer and mentor trainer program. Please review the information below to stay informed about the latest resources and updates.
Website Updates
Website Outages and Map Access
We are aware of recent sporadic website outages and issues with maps on the website and are working to address them. The issues are caused by automated software tools that scan websites — while these scans are common across the internet, an unusually high volume can temporarily affect website performance. Thank you for your patience as the Digital Information Systems (DIS) team works to minimize these disruptions while maintaining the security of the GLOBE website.
Access to maps on the websites was temporarily restricted during a recent automated scan. Logged in users can now view the maps, but public access remains restricted at this time.
Changes to Adding a New Organization or School
Previously, users could create new schools during account creation. Since the December 2025 update, only Country Coordinators and website administrators can create new schools and organizations.
If you would like to request the creation of a new organization or school, contact your Country Coordinator (listed on your country’s page). The Country Coordinator can create the organization or school using the Users and Organizations portal or the Workshop Administration tool. Your Country Coordinator will then provide you with a referral code to join the new organization or school. Please contact the GLOBE help desk if you encounter any issues.
Changes to Joining an Existing Organization or School
If the school or organization you want to join already exists, you do not need to create a new one; you'll need a valid referral code to join. Referral codes can be provided by members of the existing school or organization. If that is not an option, contact or your Country Coordinator. If you are still having issues, contact the GLOBE help desk.
Not sure if your organization or school is part of GLOBE yet? Find your country’s page and click “Schools/Informal Education Organizations” in the left menu for a list of existing organizations.
GLOBE.gov Account Type Simplification
As a reminder, all GLOBE accounts created as of December 2025 are Citizen Scientist/GLOBE Observer accounts, which do not require Country Coordinator approval. New Citizen Scientist/GLOBE Observer users automatically join their country’s Citizen Science organization.
All users on GLOBE.gov now have access to 10+ guest accounts (formerly called student accounts), which can be used when working with groups of youths or non-GLOBE users. And all users now have the ability to get trained and enter data for all GLOBE protocols through the app and website.
Protocol Assessment Issues
Some Protocol eTraining modules may not be marked as complete after successful protocol assessment test completion, preventing training records from updating correctly. After taking the protocol assessment test, be sure to check your training records under Account settings. If you do not see the training listed in your records, clear your web browser cache and retake the assessment test.
Workshop Administration Tool Issues
When creating workshops on GLOBE.gov, Country Coordinators and Partners have reported issues with adding a location and adding people. We are happy to report that DIS has fixed these issues. If you encounter an issue with the tool, please contact the GLOBE help desk.
Protocol Training
Protocol Training Requirements
Since December 2025, the training system asks you to indicate whether you are trained the first time you attempt to enter data for a protocol. Please confirm that you have completed a training for that protocol.
Training options include (1) reviewing the field guide, (2) completing a Data Collection eTraining in Mighty Networks, (3) completing the Protocol eTraining and assessment test, or (4) completing a workshop on that protocol. All four options satisfy the training requirement for the protocol. Choose the option that best fits your learning style and goals. See table below.
Reminder: You only need to complete ONE of the training options to satisfy the training requirement for a protocol.
| Training Types | Describes Data Collection Process | Offers Scientific Background Information | Offers Facilitation Strategies | Offers Live Support | Completion Acknowledgment | Effort Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Field Guide |
X | None | Low | |||
| Data Collection eTraining | X | Badge in Mighty Network System | Moderate | |||
| Protocol eTraining & Assessment Test | X | X | X | Training recorded on GLOBE.gov | High | |
| Workshop | X | X | X | X | Traning recorded on GLOBE.gov (if done through a registered workshop) | High |
Retraining on Updated Protocols
The Secchi Disk and Water Transparency protocols were updated in December 2025, and minor changes were made to the Relative Humidity Field Guide in November 2025. Please complete one of the training options (described above) for these revised protocols before entering data.
If a protocol is updated in the future, you will be notified through the app and by email. In addition, before you can enter data for the updated protocol, the system will ask you to confirm that you have completed the training, even if you have previously indicated that you were trained.
Becoming a Trainer or Mentor Trainer
GLOBE values our trainers and mentor trainers! If you are in the process of applying, please continue. The GIO’s Regional Hub leads will work with Country Coordinators to review and evaluate applications. If you are interested in becoming a trainer or mentor trainer, learn more here. If you have questions about this process, please email the GLOBE help desk.
News origin: GLOBE Implementation Office