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Course Evaluation FAQ

The course evaluation process is led and supported by the Office of Faculty Evaluation. Course evaluations are conducted every semester and it is required for each course. Austin Community College (ACC) maintains a comprehensive set of pages on the processes and procedures for faculty evaluation.

If you have any questions regarding the evaluation process and procedures, please contact the Office of Faculty Evaluation via the following options: visit the Faculty Evaluation web pages, email facultyevaluation@austincc.edu or call 512-223-7992.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

General

What strategies does the Office of Faculty Evaluation implement to promote course evaluations to students?

The Office of Faculty Evaluation launched a comprehensive promotion campaign to increase student participation in course evaluations. These campaigns are implemented every semester. Here’s a detailed overview of our initiatives:

1. In-Person Campus Tabling

        • Conduct promotional events across campuses
        • Reach students directly
        • Provide hands-on assistance with the evaluation process

2. Classroom Presentations

        • Deliver Zoom presentations
        • Partner with faculty to reach students in their virtual classrooms
        • Explain the evaluation process and address student questions

3. Visual Marketing Campaign

        • Distribute informational posters across 11 campuses
        • Collaborate with campus managers for strategic placement
        • Partner with ACCTV to display promotional slides district-wide

4. Strategic Communications

        • Publish tips for increasing response rates in TLED newsletters
        • Include reminders in Student Affairs communications

5. Student Incentive Program

        • Implement an Amazon gift card raffle
        • Encourage participation through tangible rewards

Through these combined efforts, we aim to create a comprehensive awareness campaign that reaches students through multiple channels each semester.

How can I encourage students to complete the course evaluation survey?

The Office of Faculty Evaluation reached out to ACC Faculty who consistently achieved 85-100% course evaluation response rates and gathered the following strategies they implemented to promote course evaluations to their students:

1. Remind students: Remind students both in the syllabus and in class that course evaluations are important and open during the evaluation window. Encourage students to check their email for the evaluation link sent by the Office of Faculty Evaluation. Students can also look for the “Course Evaluation” link in Blackboard. To ensure students have enough time to complete the evaluation, consider allowing them to fill it out during class breaks.

2. Honest conversations: Share with students that course evaluations are important to you and how you use the feedback to improve your teaching.

3. Offer incentives: Offer small incentives, such as extra credit or bonus points, for completing the evaluations, or if X% of the class completes the evaluation.

4. Follow up: Send reminder emails or announcements to students throughout the evaluation period.

5. Be open to feedback: Let students know that you are open to their feedback, even if it is negative. Let them know why their feedback is important to you.

6. Be specific: Ask students specific questions about what they liked and disliked about the course. This will help you get more useful feedback.

7. Thank students: Thank students for taking the time to complete the evaluation. This will show them that you appreciate their feedback.

8. Show the student course evaluation video in class:

We have developed a playlist of videos about course evaluation for students. You may share them with your students to encourage their participation. To share, click on the share icon in the upper right hand corner to copy the link.

Below is a playlist of videos about course evaluation at ACC that you can view and share with your students.

View Playlist

For questions regarding course evaluation response rates, please visit the Course Evaluation FAQ or contact the Office of Faculty Evaluation via email at facultyevaluation@austincc.edu or call 512-223-7992.

Will faculty receive a notification when the course evaluation survey is ready?

Yes, the course evaluation system will send a message to the instructor.

Will the Course Evaluation panel in Blackboard show a generic message to let students know that the evaluation is not available yet (before the scheduled time) and when it will be ready at the scheduled time?

Yes, the Course Evaluation panel in Blackboard will show a message to let students know that the course evaluation is not available yet (before the scheduled time) and when it will be ready at the scheduled time.

Have students been updated about the new process?

Yes, the Office of Faculty Evaluation has collaborated with Student Affairs and other ACC offices that work directly with students, such as Ascender and Student Government to share information about the new course evaluation process.

Are course evaluations accessible?

Yes, the Office of Faculty Evaluation is working with the Student Accessibility Office to ensure accessibility in the course evaluations.

What should I do if I accidentally remove the “Course Evaluation” link from the left side navigation menu?

You can bring back the link by following the steps in the PDF document linked below:

View PDF

What is the course evaluation calendar?

The course evaluation calendar is the schedule with specific dates for when course evaluations will open and close.

Course evaluation surveys will open at the scheduled time for students. Course evaluations will open on Monday during the antepenultimate and penultimate week of the course for 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 16 and 17 week sessions. This will provide the student with 16 days to complete the evaluations prior to the last week of class. Course evaluations will open on Monday during the last week of class for 1, 4, 5, and 6 week sessions and will provide students with a 7 day window to complete the evaluations.

View the Course Evaluation Calendar

How do I embed course evaluation videos into my Blackboard course to encourage students to complete the course evaluation?

For step-by-step directions for how to embed a video into your Blackboard Course, please use this tutorial page.

If you need additional support for embedding a video, please submit the following form:

TLED Media Support Form

What is the course evaluation experience of my students?

Students participate in the evaluation process using either (1) the “Course Evaluation” link in Blackboard or (2) the link(s) our system sends them via email. Here is a video showing the student’s experience in Blackboard.

Below is a sample system email message:

Sample message to students from course evaluation system

We also attach this screenshot in the system message to students in case students’ cell phones block the poll labels.

Screen grab of system message

What happens if my students report issues with their course evaluations?

The Faculty Evaluation Office hours are from 8-5, Monday-Friday. If your students encounter any issues with their course evaluations, please have them contact the office before 4 pm on the evaluation closing date. Any message sent after that will be answered the following business day.

General

Accessing Course Evaluations: Faculty

Course Evaluation Reports

Deans & Department Chairs

We want to hear from you!

Let us know your feedback on the course evaluation process by submitting this survey. Please feel free to contact us for any questions or concerns at facultyevaluation@austincc.edu.