The undergraduate faculty approved a standardized Student Perceptions of Teaching (SPoT) Survey. The newly approved SPoT surveys will take effect in winter term 2025 and will replace any current student evaluation survey being used by departments.
All SPoT surveys will be delivered using the Watermark Course Evaluations & Surveys software. Watermark Surveys integrates seamlessly with Watermark Faculty Success and Canvas while streamlining the process of capturing student feedback through a central automated system, including invitation emails to instructors, administrators, and students. The system is convenient, secure, and confidential. Watermark Course Evaluations & Surveys integrates into the university's Canvas system, which provides easy access for both instructors and students.
Foundational Principles for SPoT Use
Formative and summative assessment of teaching effectiveness must draw on multiple sources of information, with SPoTs serving a minor role. SPoT responses reflect student perceptions and experiences in and outside of the classroom. Those perceptions, while important, may or may not accurately indicate teaching effectiveness. SPoTs must be kept in context as only one piece of a robust holistic framework for assessing teaching effectiveness.
All students in a course should complete the SPoT evaluation. This ensures more representative feedback than responses from only those with strong opinions (positive or negative).
Faculty should allocate approximately 20 minutes during class for students to complete the SPoT. This best practice increases participation and ensures a more accurate reflection of student experiences.
SPoTs must be completed by the final day of classes.
SPoT results should be released to faculty on the day following grade submission.
