--- loncom/interface/loncommon.pm	2007/12/23 04:11:21	1.628
+++ loncom/interface/loncommon.pm	2007/12/23 16:55:25	1.629
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 # The LearningOnline Network with CAPA
 # a pile of common routines
 #
-# $Id: loncommon.pm,v 1.628 2007/12/23 04:11:21 raeburn Exp $
+# $Id: loncommon.pm,v 1.629 2007/12/23 16:55:25 raeburn Exp $
 #
 # Copyright Michigan State University Board of Trustees
 #
@@ -472,7 +472,10 @@ sub setsec_javascript {
     my ($sec_element,$formname) = @_;
     my $setsections = qq|
 function setSect(sectionlist) {
-    var sectionsArray = sectionlist.split(",");
+    var sectionsArray = new Array();
+    if ((sectionlist != '') && (typeof sectionlist != "undefined")) {
+        sectionsArray = sectionlist.split(",");
+    }
     var numSections = sectionsArray.length;
     document.$formname.$sec_element.length = 0;
     if (numSections == 0) {