Course Evaluations

The Office of Institutional Research (IR) is responsible for conducting course evaluations each summer, fall, winter, and spring term.

Note: The IR Office does not specify who will be evaluated or when, or determine the questions on the survey form. See the Policies & Procedures page for more details.

Course evaluation results are used by instructors to improve teaching. In addition, they are a significant component of the performance review process, which includes reviews for tenure and promotion.

• Instructors use feedback from course evaluations to improve their teaching and the overall experience of a course.
• Department chairs use feedback from course evaluations to help instructors improve their teaching and make changes to the course and/or program that is being delivered.
• In many cases, course evaluations provide the only opportunity for students to provide feedback to instructors on how courses might be improved.

All course evaluations are administered electronically. The University utilizes a web-based student end-of-course evaluation system, which is hosted by an off-site vendor known as Watermark Course Evaluations and Surveys (formerly known as EvaluationKIT). Watermark Course Evaluations and Surveys uses a secure server that ensures the security of all data. The electronic course evaluation system is easy, convenient, secure, and confidential. Watermark Course Evaluations and Surveys is integrated into the University’s Canvas course management system, which provides easy access for both instructors and students.

Note:  Fall 2024 course evaluation reports are now available.  See the Reports page for more details to access reports.  See the Course Evaluation Schedule page for the current schedule.