The recurring Student Evaluation of Teaching (SET) is crucial in enriching Wayne State University’s academic environment by providing faculty with student feedback about course content and teaching methods. Administered online by Testing, Evaluation and Research Services near the middle or end of every semester, the current SET response rate averages 37%. WSU has launched 'SET Together,' a new initiative that emphasizes shared responsibility for SET, with the goal of significantly increased response rates.  

SET is a critical process for both faculty and students. Information gathered via SET provides faculty with valuable insight from the student perspective, and can result in adjustments to course content and teaching methods. In turn, SET also allows students a confidential opportunity to share feedback about their classroom experiences and make informed decisions about future course and instructor selections.  

“Sharing feedback to improve the student experience is a two-way street, and all faculty and students should seize the opportunity to take an active role in teaching and learning on campus,” said Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Mark Kornbluh. “Together, we can ensure this process is transformative in nurturing student success and engagement.”  

Students can conveniently complete the SET on any device, whether it be a laptop or smartphone, by visiting https://wayne.bluera.com/wayne. Faculty can view the Response Rate Dashboard to track participation in real-time.  

To help faculty bolster participation this semester, Testing, Evaluation and Research Services compiled survey results and tips from faculty with strong SET participation rates:  

1. Make an announcement and tell them why it’s important  — Mentioning the importance of SET on the first day of class and in the syllabus – and then reiterating it throughout the semester – can help set the stage for success. Students will likely reciprocate the respect and feedback you give them, and creating an atmosphere of open discussion in class where all opinions are valued can translate to increased participation. It may be helpful to tell students about a specific change you’ve made as a result of SET feedback, so that they can see how the process will benefit future students.  

2. Monitor participation and offer reminders — Check the participation dashboard frequently, and remind students to participate. Knowing that students are especially busy at the end of the semester, consider recurring announcements during class or on Canvas, or a follow up email to the class. Consider sharing the classes’ overall participation rate with students when asking them to complete the evaluations to help them see the groups’ progress in real-time and create a sense of urgency.

3. Provide time during class — Regardless of teaching format, consider allocating 10-15 minutes in class during the last two weeks of the semester for students to complete the survey on their phones or computers.  

4. Add an assignment with a due date — Creating a SET assignment in Canvas – even without allocating points – will create a due date that shows up on students’ task list so they are reminded to participate.  

5. Get in the habit of giving feedback — Faculty suggest that providing timely and thoughtful feedback to students throughout the semester can encourage them to do the same via SET. Soliciting student feedback throughout the semester can help demonstrate that you respect student input and create an atmosphere of natural, open dialogue. Consider reminding students that they have provided feedback all semester, and that students now have an opportunity to do the same through SET.    

For more information about the SET Together campaign and how to participate, please visit Testing, Evaluation & Research Services.