Course evaluations received an excessive amount of hype last semester with the promise of special video messages from certain administrators upon their completion.
According to Dean Henry Biggs, who runs evaluations each semester, there was a 72 percent response rate, a 5 to 6 percent increase from the previous semester.
“I think it plays a role, but is not responsible for the increase,” said Biggs of the “thank you” videos.
Biggs said there were multiple factors that improved the course evaluation response rate. Professors had an easier time e-mailing students to alert them that they had not yet filled out the evaluations, and department administrators had a new tool to get in touch with students.
“The overall response was much more positive . it felt more like a community,” he said.
Biggs said that although negative reinforcements were considered for students who did not fill out evaluations, administrators favored the carrot over the stick. He added that the positive atmosphere seems to be partially responsible for the high response rate.
“A lot of the credit goes to the students,” said Biggs.
Many students understand the importance of doing course evaluations. Senior Alison Petok often fills out and looks at the course evaluations.
“I have a friend [who goes to a different school], she’s actually having the experience of teaching and learning how important the course evals actually are,” said Petok.
Sophomore Della Heiman sees the value of course evaluations, but wishes they were less time consuming.
“I’m really honest, and I really take the time to do them, but I think they have too many questions,” said Heiman.
Heiman continued saying that she does not like filling out the long questions or rating the TA in a class. She did appreciate the option to expand her thoughts, however.
Biggs said that several other universities have inquired as to the success of University course evaluations.
When viewing course evaluations, University students have access to more information than 90 percent of other universities. Many students use the course evaluations when selecting classes. Heiman, for example uses them to look at what classes are good and what professors to take. Petok also looks at them when deciding on classes.
Biggs emphasized the importance of engaging faculty when doing the course evaluations, as the course evaluations are looked at when they come up for tenure.
As far as the future for course evaluations, “we have a few things in the works,” said Biggs. “It has the potential to be more entertaining.”
Biggs explained that he has been working with students in terms of improving the “surprise” at the end of the course evaluations.
Biggs is talking with the senate and regularly working with students.
“It’s a student admin. team rather than just administrative or a student arm.”