Frequently Asked Questions
Am I required to use the online SEF surveys?
Yes. As of Fall 2017, this is the only option.
What are the advantages of moving to online SEFs?
Providing SEFs online allows for a wider window of opportunity for students to complete them. Paper SEFs must be completed in class so only those students who attend class on the day of administration have access. Online SEFs will be available for a longer time, allowing students to complete them on their own time if desired. Online SEFs also save money and are more environmentally friendly than paper SEFs. CSUN has been using over 2000 lbs of paper a year on SEF forms; since these forms are coded for each class section, they are not reusable so many blank forms go to waste. We will also save on staff time spent on processing the paper forms; a process which is automated with online SEFs.
Do students need a computer or laptop to complete the SEF survey?
The SEF survey can be completed on any internet‐capable device, including a smartphone, tablet, laptop, or another computer. We recommend that you let students know in advance that evaluations will be completed in class so that they remember to bring a device with them that day.
Does this mean that students who are not in class can complete a SEF for my course?
By default, yes, but instructors can change this (see next question)
What if I only want students to complete the SEF during the class time allotted?
By default, SEF surveys will be available for all students the last ~ 4 weeks of the regular Fall and Spring semester. Summer Sessions and accelerated courses will be the last 2‐3 weeks of their class meetings. However, if an instructor would like to change that window to include only the time in class that will be provided (or any other window of time, within the larger, default window), they will be able to do so by going into the CoursEval faculty dashboard and changing the open and close dates/times for the survey. Instructions are available at: [https://www.csun.edu/institutional‐research/sef‐resources].
Will students be notified when evaluations begin?
No. Because some faculty will be changing their evaluation window, we thought it would be confusing for students to receive a general email notification. You will, therefore, need to let students know, and give them the link (www.csun.edu/sef). NOTE: students will receive a reminder notification a week before the end of classes to remind them to complete their SEF surveys. This notification will only go to students who have open surveys.
Who can I contact with questions or if I’m having technical issues
Please contact the Office of Institutional Research and we will route you to the appropriate person. Phone: 818.677.3277. Email: ir@csun.edu