Did you know that response rates are generally higher when faculty actively promote and discuss course evaluations with their students? Instructors can influence response rates by:

  • Mentioning evaluations to students as soon as surveys open
  • Informing students about the purpose of evaluations
  • Explaining how you use their feedback
  • Providing some specific examples of useful feedback, and how you have improved the course/pedagogy in response

In advance (optional, but advised):

  • Note the active dates of upcoming surveys on the Student Feedback on Instruction page.
  • Choose a class meeting date (in person or synchronous remote) when you’d like to have students complete their evaluations.
  • Announce the date to students in class (and in your Blackboard notices or via email).
    • Let students know that your class is part of the online feedback system.
    • Indicate why evaluations are important to you, and how you will use student feedback.
    • Remind students to bring an internet-connected device (mobile, laptop, etc.) with them to class on the day you’ve indicated. (Students can also borrow loaner laptops —they can request those in advance via email to Academic_Affairs@uml.edu—or share devices as needed to complete the survey.)

On the day when you’d like to have students complete the survey:

  • Set aside 10-15 minutes at the beginning (recommended) of class for evaluations.
  • Optionally, invite students to review the course goals and outcomes on your syllabus.
  • Remind them why their constructive input is valuable to you.
  • Navigate to www.uml.edu/sfi. Project the URL on screen or write it on the board.
  • Have students select “Login to Course Evaluations” and use their UML email credentials to enter; a list of surveys currently available to them will appear on their home page.
  • Have them choose your course survey from their list; confirm that they are able to access the survey.
  • Step out of the room for about 10 minutes to allow students privacy to complete the survey.
  • Thank them for their feedback.!

That’s all! Results will be available to you roughly two weeks after the end of the term. Questions? Email sfi@uml.edu.

  • Note the active dates of upcoming surveys and links to the main Student Feedback on Instruction page.
  • Let students know that your class is part of the online feedback system.
  • Indicate why evaluations are important to you, and how you will use student feedback.
  • Use a course announcement to remind students of the survey dates and send a second reminder as the deadline nears.
  • Mention student feedback on instruction during chat (optional).
  • Remind students that surveys cannot be completed after the deadline.

Sample Announcement: 

"Dear Students, 

"Please complete the feedback survey on this course before the deadline on . Log in directly with your email credentials by visiting www.uml.edu/sfi, or follow the personal link that was sent to your email. I use student feedback to help improve my course each semester, so I really want to hear from you."

That’s all! Results will be available to you roughly two weeks after the end of the term. 

Questions? 

Email sfi@uml.edu.