From: Tynes, Sheryl On Behalf Of Academic Affairs
Sent: Tuesday, November 25, 2008 3:07 PM
To: Trinity Students
Cc: Mark Lewis; Fischer, Michael; Black, Brenda
Subject: New evaluations for all classes

As many of you are likely aware, last year the faculty voted to change the way that course and faculty evaluations are done at Trinity.  This is being officially used for the first time this fall and there are a few important points:

·                     You will notice that every evaluation will have the same first page called the Common Form which will ask you to mark an “x” in boxes identifying your class, your anticipated course grade, and your level of effort in this class. This information helps us to put into perspective your responses on the rest of the form.  Note that you mark with an “x”, not by filling in the bubble, with a blue or black ink pen.  Fill in only to correct an error if you want to mark a different box.

·                     The first page of the form then asks you to select from any number of boxes identifying your primary criteria in evaluating a course.  It asks you, in other words, to specify what you care about most in courses of this kind.  You may check as many of these boxes as you would like.

·                     You are then asked to write fully, fairly, and honestly about your experience in the class while considering how this class relates to your expectations for a course of this kind. 

·                     It is important to understand that your responses and comments will remain anonymous, and that they will be read carefully by your instructor and other faculty who evaluate the course.  Moreover, your responses will not be seen by the instructor until after he or she has submitted your grade for the course.

·                     Faculty and the administration take these forms very seriously.  They help us to make changes in the syllabus, to select readings and assignments, to decide on classroom technology, etc.

·                     Productive and constructive comments are most likely to be taken seriously, so please make your comments thoughtfully and use appropriate language.

·                     On the back page, you will find a second form called the Departmental Form generated by the course’s home department and tailored to that department’s specialization and teaching methods.

·                     Because each Departmental Form is different, it is highly important that you pay close attention to the instructions and criteria, and that you remain alert and attentive.  Please do not presume that the forms share any characteristics.

·                     Some classes may offer multiple evaluation forms, one for the department and one for the individual class.  Again, please follow the instructions on each form, and do not expect that they will employ the same evaluative criteria or instructions.