1. Purpose of policy

1.1 This policy commits the University to the collection and use of student feedback regarding the quality of its courses and teaching and providing response to students regarding the consideration of their feedback. It sets out the requirements and responsibilities for ensuring compliance with relevant higher education legislation and standards.

1.2 The University is required under the Higher Education Standards Framework (Threshold Standards) 2021 (Cth) to collect, and subsequently respond to, student feedback on its higher education activities. The eVALU8 survey process contributes to the requirement to collect student feedback about performance at the course level.

1.3 This policy must be read in conjunction with the linked Student Evaluation of Courses and Teaching – Procedures.

2. Policy scope and application

2.1 This policy applies to all enabling, sub-degree, undergraduate, and postgraduate coursework courses.

3. Definitions

Please refer to the University’s Glossary of Terms for policies and procedures.

4. Policy Statement

4.1 Student feedback regarding the quality of the University’s courses and teaching is collected using the eVALU8 survey process (eVALU8) which provides students with an opportunity to evaluate each course and the teaching in that course by means of a standardised survey instrument; the eVALU8 survey. This provides the University with consistent data which is used to: assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement with the curriculum and learning outcomes; improve student learning experiences; assure and enhance the quality of courses and teaching, and; support staff in the scholarship of teaching.

4.2 eVALU8 results will be reviewed against a threshold value, as detailed in the Student Evaluation of Courses and Teaching - Procedures, which provides a point of reference to recognise exemplars and identify aspects of the quality of courses and teaching in need of review to determine appropriate support.

4.3 The Reporting and Analytics, Information and Analytics Unit administers the operations of the eVALU8 survey process, including the production and release of results as specified in the Student Evaluation of Courses and Teaching - Procedures. eVALU8 surveys will be automatically released for student completion for relevant courses offered in each teaching period, unless otherwise specified by the Student Evaluation of Courses and Teaching - Procedures.

4.4 The Centre for Support and Advancement of Learning and Teaching (CSALT) provides support to Course Coordinators in interpreting eVALU8 results and developing scholarly approaches to the review of curriculum or teaching practices.

5. Principles

5.1 The following principles support the conduct of the eVALU8 survey process and use of student feedback collected through this process:

(a) all aspects of the design, conduct and reporting of eVALU8 surveys will respect the rights, privacy and dignity of teachers and students involved in the process;

(b) the confidentiality of student responses will be maintained; and

(c) the University will respond to students regarding the consideration of their feedback as detailed in the Student Evaluation of Courses and Teaching - Procedures.

6. Authorities/Responsibilities

6.1 The following authorities/responsibilities are delegated under this policy: