Qualitative Student Course Evaluations

At the January 27, 2025 Faculty Senate meeting, Niall Ó Murchú (Fairhaven) described the use of qualitative student course evaluations at Fairhaven and said that both the Office of Institutional Effectiveness and UFWW said the standard forms (that combine quantitative and qualitative questions) need to be used under the CBA. Elementary, Early Childhood, and Multilingual Education has also been discussing this issue. Senators discussed several options including having a Fairhaven-specific form, creating a University-wide qualitative form that could be used where permitted under unit evaluation plans, and designating Fairhaven or “Fairhaven-style” as a separate evaluation form type. Two issues were identified: the immediate Fairhaven issue, which will be discussed by Senate Exec and brought before the Senate on February 10, and a longer-term policy.

On February 10, 2025, the Faculty Senate considered a motion brought forth from Senate Executive Council to approve a Fairhaven-specific qualitative student course evaluation form for AY 2024-2025 and AY 2025-2026. The motion also instructs Senate Executive Council to present a motion to the Senate to create an Ad Hoc Committee on Qualitative Student Course Evaluations.

The Senate unanimously approved the motion, "Approving Fairhaven College of Interdisciplinary Qualitative Student Course Evaluation Form for AY 2024–2025 and AY 2025–2026 and Instructing Senate Executive Council to Present a Motion on Creating an Ad Hoc Committee on Qualitative Student Course Evaluations," on February 10, 2025.