Contrary to popular belief, professor evaluations don’t get thrown out the window.
Dean of Academic and Student Affairs, Donna Dalton, is the recipient of all professor evaluations. She reviews each one thoroughly and discerningly to create a holistic impression of professors and to maintain the effectiveness of their instruction.
“We make it absolutely clear that excellence in teaching is paramount. They [potential professors] cannot be just good. They have to be excellent,” said Dalton.
Once professors begin, it’s most influential for students to provide honest feedback regarding the class and professor. There’s no more straightforward of a way to express one’s opinion towards a class and professor than in a formal review.
If Dalton notices a trend in negative reviews for a particular professor, she relays the findings to the head of their respective department and the president of the college. From there, appropriate measures are taken to correct instruction to make it more effective for students.
Specific details of professor’s evaluations are protected by the Collective Bargaining Act.
With so many reviews for various courses and professors being submitted at once, it may seem as though one opinion won’t make a difference, but this is false. Expansive time and energy is involved in reviewing all evaluations, therefore Dalton urges students to speak their minds honestly.
“Student evaluations are unbelievably important. I take them very seriously,” she said.
Dalton recognizes the opinions of students, and insists upon truthful communication and involvement.
“I hope that students would be absolutely honest because this is information that is critical,” Dalton said.