Blue (Online) Course and Faculty Evaluations

• When it opens: begins when approximately 45% of the course duration has passed.
• Faculty notification: faculty receive an email with a link to their QP setup for each course section.
• Customization options:
  • Add up to five scale-type questions
  • Add up to five open-ended questions
  • Use the preview option to review before submission
  • Save work and return later for further editing

Tips for efficiency:

• Save your questions in Microsoft Word to reuse in future semesters
• Copy questions from previous semester reports if not already saved
• Remember to click submit to include your questions in the survey

• When it opens: starts at approximately 75% of the course duration
• Student notification: students receive an email with a direct link to their surveys

Key details:

• Students can save partially completed surveys and return to finish them later
• Only submitted surveys are counted. Surveys saved but not submitted are excluded
• Students receive email reminders to complete their evaluations

Faculty role:

• Remind students to complete evaluations via email, Blackboard or direct URL
• Encourage participation by explaining how feedback improves teaching and future classes

Before evaluations begin:

• Include information about course evaluations in your syllabus
• Schedule dedicated class time for students to complete evaluations

During the evaluation period:

• Verbally remind students in class to complete their evaluations
• Post announcements on Blackboard with reminders about evaluations
• Emphasize that student feedback is critical for improving future courses

Encourage participation:

• Provide class time for students to complete evaluations using laptops, tablets or phones

Monitor response rates:

• Use NIU Blue to track response rates in real-time
• Note: Only summary statistics are shown, not individual student responses

• Evaluation closure: FO activities end no later than 10 days before the semester’s conclusion.
• Report timeline:
  • Reports are generated 12–14 days after the semester ends.

Notifications are sent via email once reports are ready for viewing or downloading.

NIU Blue is accessible on laptops, tablets, and phones, making it convenient for both faculty and students. Research shows response rates are highest when faculty highlight the importance of evaluations and share how feedback will be used.