Course Student Evaluations Resource Page

Note that construction of this webpage is ongoing as we continue to develop content related to the course student evaluation process.

In June 2024, the MSCA and the Council of State University Presidents on behalf of the Massachusetts State Universities agreed upon a new set of ten course student evaluation questions to replace the SIR II for all lecture and lab courses, and a process for administering a new digital student evaluation instrument called Explorance Blue.

explorance logo word with diamond design

Lecture and Lab Courses

Explorance Instrument Highlights

  • The survey instrument is integrated directly into Blackboard; it is also available through the centralized hub at login.fitchburgstate.edu.
  • Faculty members are notified prior to the launch of the course student evaluation survey, noting the date the surveys will be made available to students.
  • 2-3 weeks prior to the last day of classes, students receive automated invitations and reminders to complete the survey.
  • Faculty members receive automated invitations to monitor aggregated response rates and receive a summary report after the submission of semester grades.
  • Tenured faculty members may select which classes they want to be surveyed, with the selection deadline approximately 4 weeks before the launch of the course student evaluation survey.
  • If a minimum of 5 student responses is not achieved, the course student evaluation surveys shall not be used for evaluative purposes.

Non-lecture and non-lab courses*

All non-lecture and non-lab courses will continue to use the Appendix C-4 for course student evaluations.           

* For student-teacher supervision, physical education activities courses, studio (creative and performing arts), shop, cooperative education, field work supervision internship practicum, independent or directed study, and nursing clinical supervision. 

Faculty Resources

Please consult the collective bargaining agreement for details related to course student evaluation requirements or direct any questions to the Fitchburg MSCA Chapter President.