Course Evaluations in Explorance Blue: Instructor FAQ
Where do I view my course evaluation results?
Visit uwm.bluera.com/reports to log into the reporting panel. Sign in with your UWM credentials.
You will only see reports that you have permission to access.
When will I be able to see my results?
Results are usually available about one week after the grade deadline. Course evaluation results are not released while grades are still being submitted.
Why am I not showing up on a course evaluation?
Explorance Blue uses instructor information from PAWS. To appear on a course evaluation, you must be listed on the course section in PAWS and the “Print” box must be checked (which is the same setting used to show instructors in the UWM Schedule of Classes).
What happens if my course has more than one instructor?
Students will see instructor-specific questions for each instructor listed on the course in the Schedule of Classes. Students will also answer one set of questions about the course overall.
Which of my courses will be evaluated?
Graded course sections listed in PAWS receive course evaluations. Non-graded sections, such as some labs or discussions, are not currently being evaluated separately.
Why didn’t one of my courses receive evaluations?
There are several reasons a course may not have received a course evaluation.
- Courses with fewer than five students do not receive evaluations. This helps protect student anonymity.
- In combined undergraduate/graduate courses, graduate “G” sections may be counted separately from undergraduate sections. Each section must meet the enrollment minimum on its own.
- Non-graded sections of a course (often labs or discussions) are not currently evaluated.
What happens if students add or drop my course?
Explorance Blue updates course evaluation access automatically based on information from PAWS. If a student adds your course, they may be added to the evaluation audience. If a student drops or withdraws, their evaluation task is removed. These changes may affect your response rate.
Can students edit an evaluation after submitting it?
No. Once a student submits an evaluation, it is final.
Can students submit a course evaluation late?
No. The deadline for course evaluations cannot be extended.
How do I monitor response rates?
If you are assigned to an evaluated course in PAWS, you will receive an email with a link to view response rates.
How can I encourage response rates with my students?
Here are some tips for increasing student engagement in course evaluations:
- Emphasize the anonymity of the evaluations to encourage honest feedback.
- Remind students that you cannot access feedback until after the grade deadline.
- Communicate the purpose of the evaluations and how feedback will be used.
- Provide guidance on giving feedback.
- Emphasize the importance of student input.
- Include information about course evaluations and writing good feedback in the syllabus.
- Discuss the importance of completing course evaluations.
- Announce evaluations in class and in Canvas announcements.
- Leave time in the middle of class for students to complete evaluations.
- Share Explorance Blue QR codes to allow students to quickly and easily access the link in class on a mobile device.
Do students get reminders?
Yes. Students receive reminder emails while course evaluations are open.
What questions do students see?
Students answer standard course evaluation questions, plus department-specific questions when applicable.
Can I see the student names in the course evaluation results?
No. Course evaluations are anonymous, so instructors will not see who submitted each course evaluation.
My question isn't answered here. Where can I go for more help?
If you have additional questions, contact OAIR Testing.