Course Evaluation
Blue Administrator provides course evaluation services that allow students to evaluate academic courses and instructors. Evaluation services are available using either an online methodology (the Class Climate system from Scantron) or in a traditional print format.
Students
Instructor
Course Evaluation Features
- Online Course Evaluations can be used with any type of course - in-person, hybrid, or fully online.
- Evaluations can be used during Fall, Winterim, Spring, and Summer semesters.
- Tabulated reports are created and sent to department chairs/designates after each evaluation period.
- Students are notified via email when evaluations are available.
- Students can access the evaluations directly inside their Canvas course.
Getting started with Course Evaluations
The online course evaluation system, Explorance Blue, can be used for any type of course, whether it is a traditional classroom course, a hybrid course, or a course that is entirely online. It can be used for either 8-week, 16-week, summer or Winterim courses.
Evaluations are sent to students via email; students complete the form and submit, and the central system tabulates the results and sends a completed report to department chairs and their designates.
Online Course Evaluation Schedule (current semester)
| Task | Session 1 | Session 2 | Session 3 | Session 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Department Questionnaire Changes Due (optional) | -- | -- | -- | -- |
| Instructor Question Selection Opens (CoBE Only) | June 4 | June 24 | July 16 | August 6 |
| Instructor Question Selection Due (CoBE Only) | June 9 | June 29 | July 21 | August 11 |
| Evaluations Open | June 10 | June 30 | July 22 | August 12 |
| Evaluations Close (11:59 pm) | June 13 | July 3 | July 25 | August 15 |
| Participation Data Availability Closes | June 15 | July 6 | July 27 | August 17 |
| Final Report Availability | June 17 | July 8 | July 29 | August 19 |
Starting Fall 2026, traditional printed course evaluations will be managed by instructors for their own courses using Scantron TestFlex, a powerful, cloud-based assessment solution designed to streamline creation, delivery, and grading.
Transitioning to Scantron TestFlex is a coordinated effort with IT Services, the Provost Office, and CATLST as part of our ongoing efforts to improve assessment services. TestFlex streamlines assessment workflows and integrates directly with Canvas. TestFlex uses standard white copy paper and departmental scanners rather than costly Scantron forms.
The primary method for administering course evaluations is through the online evaluations service, Explorance Blue. Scantron TestFlex will replace manual preparation and scanning services formerly handled by IT Services. Access to Scantron TestFlex will be managed through a request process and is available for instructors who used the traditional print course evaluations in the past.
Support model:
- IT Services leads technical implementation of the transition.
- CATLST supports the Canvas integration.
- Scantron will provide training and user support.
The Course Evaluation Advisory Group is comprised of a department chair and administrator from each college, a student from each college, CATLST, and Information Technology Services representatives and is convened by the Vice Provost. The group was created to help manage and oversee the online course evaluation process that takes place after each term.
This group will:
- improve communications related to the Explorance Blue course evaluation tool
- funnel issues from instructors & departments to Blue Administrator
- review policies and procedures
- suggest improvements and revisions that benefit the implementation and use of Explorance Blue
- communicate issues & problems to Blue Administrator
- review improvements in response to the issues, and make policy decisions on things such as setting survey deadlines and exceptions to stated policies (e.g., late surveys, opening surveys late for students).
Current advisory group members are as follows:
| College / Department | Members |
|---|---|
| Arts and Communication | Jared Janovec and Robert Mertens |
| Business and Economics | Kelly Delaney-Klinger and Yamin Ahmad |
| Education and Professional Studies | Andrea Ednie and Lynn Gilbertson |
| Letters and Sciences | Loren Wilbers and Susan Johnson |
| Integrated Studies | Tricia Clasen and Jeff Suarez |
| CATLST | Shane Degen |
| ITS | Kevin Behringer |
| Provost Office | Kristin Plessel, Eric Loepp |
| Student Representatives | Anneliese Burke, Paige Lenz, Danijela Gallo, Hannah Jones, Abi Leon |
Related Policies & Agreements
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