SA R29 (2014-2015): Calling for Implementation of Open Course Evaluations

Acknowledged by the President

• Resolution:
  SA R29 (2014-2015): Calling for Implementation of Open Course Evaluations
• Day:
  January 26, 2015
• Action:
  Acknowledged by the President
• Summary / Notes:
• File Attachments:
• Text Attachment:
  Dear Sarah,
  
  
  
  I am following up regarding my earlier email this month about Student Assembly Resolution 29. I have had discussions with Interim Provost Harry Katz about the student assembly request that Cornell move to a system of openly circulated student course evaluations. As you know, we take very seriously the undergraduate educational experience. In part, that concern is expressed in the fact that the tenure standard at Cornell requires excellence in teaching. Much of the focus on effective teaching at Cornell takes place at the college level. Some of it occurs through the teaching advisory committees that all colleges were asked to form several years ago. The nature and use of course evaluations also is managed at the college level.
  
  
  
  In light of the concerns expressed in your request, Interim Provost Katz has agreed to discuss your request at an upcoming meeting the he will hold with all of the college deans. I learned from Interim Provost Katz that the college deans had discussed this very issue of circulating course evaluations widely four years ago and a majority of the deans were opposed to doing that for a number of reasons including differences in the way colleges make use of course evaluations and different preferences regarding the exact content of student evaluation forms. To open that discussion, two students who were taking the lead in pressing for changes in the use of course evaluations explained their rationale to the deans. Nonetheless, the deans will give your request renewed serious consideration and I will get back to you regarding the outcome of that discussion.
  
  
  
  Best regards,
  
  
  David