As finals knock at the door and your inbox overflows with steady reminders and deadlines on course feedback, it can be tempting to ignore yet another message. But taking just a few minutes to complete your course feedback can make a real difference!
Course feedback is one of the most crucial and direct ways to influence your academic experience. It gives students a chance to reflect on what they’ve learned, share what worked and didn’t, and help shape how courses are taught in the future.
This input doesn’t disappear; it’s used to guide crucial improvements.
Beyond the Numbers
At Syracuse University, course feedback isn’t about giving your professors a simple rating—it’s so much more. Course feedback results inform new teaching strategies, inspire course adjustments and lead to overall better learning experiences for the Orange community. Think about it this way: the courses you’re taking right now may reflect the feedback from students who came before you. Taking those extra few minutes to share your insights helps to improve the experience of those that come after you.
No Names, Just Feedback
A common misconception is that feedback shared can be linked back to you. Truth is, it can’t. Responses are completely confidential and reports do not include any identifying information. Instructors only see aggregated results. This means students can be honest without fear of consequences.
Turn Thoughts Into Impact
Not all feedback has the same impact. To make yours count:
- Take time to reflect on the course and your learning experience. Don’t just skim through the feedback form.
- Be specific and descriptive in your comments. Details help instructors as they refine their courses. Give examples of when something went well and when it didn’t.
- Keep it respectful and professional. Focus on the course, instruction and your learning experience, and avoid demeaning or inappropriate language.
- Balance your feedback. Help instructors continue practices that supported student learning and make changes where improvement is needed.
Quick, Simple, Worth It
Completing your feedback is quick and convenient:
- Log in to coursefeedback.syr.edu with your Syracuse University credentials.
- Click the link in your invitation or reminder emails.
- In Blackboard, follow the prompt to “Go To Survey.”
Your perspective matters—and the only way to add to the impact is if you take the time to share it.
Questions? Contact the Office of Institutional Effectiveness team at coursefeedback@syr.edu.
Written By Jasmine Williams ’28, S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications and Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs