Faculty Course Evaluations

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Course Evaluations

Course evaluations are vital to identifying the strengths and weaknesses of the teaching and learning experiences offered at VMI. The information collected through evaluations is used to better understand and improve those experiences.

VMI uses the online platform, EvaluationKIT, to manage faculty course evaluations. The platform integrates with, and can be accessed through, Canvas. The evaluations are standardized for all courses offered at VMI. Responses are anonymous.

During the fall and spring semesters, course evaluations generally open two weeks prior to and end on the last day of classes. Once open, cadets will receive email notification and reminders from the Office of Institutional Effectiveness’s office manager. Links embedded within emails will direct cadets to their specific course evaluations.

Evaluations may also be completed by logging into Canvas, locating the course dashboard and clicking on the course/course evaluation tab located on the left side menu. Cadets who have not completed their evaluations will receive reminder emails.

Faculty are expected to provide time in-class for cadets to complete the evaluations.

Cadet Information

Faculty Information

Administration Timeline

Course evaluations are administered during the fall, spring, and summer sessions, including the Summer Transition Program. Course evaluations for the fall and spring terms open two weeks prior to the last day of class and close on the last day of class. During the summer sessions and the Summer Transition Program the course evaluations open one week prior to the last day of class and close on the last of class.

Instructions for Cadets

Cadets’ participation in course evaluations is necessary and expected. Not participating in course evaluations lowers response rates, which can diminish confidence in results.

Faculty are expected to provide time in-class for cadets to complete the evaluations, but the evaluations may be completed anytime the evaluation window is open.

Cadets will receive an email from the Office of Institutional Effectiveness letting them know when course evaluations are open. Use the link within the email to log into EvaluationKIT.

Username = same name you use to access email
- doejd21@vmi.edu
Password = same password you use to access Canvas
- Sometimes this is different than your email password
Complete an evaluation for each course listed
Press Submit

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I complete course evaluations?

Your feedback is used to identify strengths and weaknesses of the teaching and learning experience. Often, the information provides insight for areas of improvement, which may include teaching methods or course materials.

How does VMI use the results of course evaluations?

Faculty are encouraged to use comments and data submitted on the course evaluations to evaluate instructional quality or modify their curriculum, syllabi, etc. The information may be used for annual reviews or annual performance evaluations.

Are course evaluations anonymous?

Yes. A system generated ID number is assigned to each cadet. EvaluationKIT uses your login information to determine which courses you should evaluate and to track whether or not your evaluations have been submitted. No personally identifying information is attached to your responses.

Will completing the course evaluation impact my grade?

No. The data from course evaluations is not available to instructors, departments, or the Dean’s Office until all grades have been submitted to the Registrar’s Office. Instructors may monitor the percentage of cadets who complete the course evaluations, but they cannot identify which cadets have completed them.

Which courses will NOT be evaluated?

Courses with an enrollment of less than 4 cadets will not be evaluated. ROTC courses are evaluated separately by ROTC instructors and are not included in EvaluationKIT.

How do I complete evaluations when there are two instructors?

You will be asked to answer the same questions for both instructors. Please pay close attention to which instructor you are evaluating.

Faculty Information

Logging in to your evaluations

Access your course evaluations (in EvaluationKIT) through Canvas
Log into Canvas using your VMI login and password. (ex. SmithJD and your Canvas/Email Password)
On the left, select Account
Select Settings
Select Instructor Course Evaluations

Courses Not Evaluated

Courses with an enrollment of less than 4 cadets will not be evaluated. ROTC courses are evaluated separately by ROTC instructors and are not included in EvaluationKit.

Monitoring Response Rates

Instructors may monitor the percentage of cadets who completed the course evaluations, but they cannot identify which cadets have completed their evaluations.

Within the EvaluationKIT banner click on Results:

Select Response Rate Tracker
Enter the Name of the term ex. FL21
The status should be In-Progress (or Ended, if the course evaluations are closed)
Select choice for Course Evaluation
Press Search
The Response Rates box should appear
The course name and the response rate should be visible

Report Availability

Current term reports/results will not be available until all grades have been submitted to the Registrar’s Office.

Accessing Reports

Within the EvaluationKIT banner click on Results

Select Project Results
Double click on the term ex. FL21 or click on View
You can select which version of the report you would like to download
1. Detailed Report
2. Detailed Report + Comments
3. Short Report
4. Short Report + Comments
5. Raw Data