Discussion 2

Q13 If you could change the nature, scope, or context of surveys to increase

participation or return rates or the quality of the answers given on surveys for improving

institutional decision-making, what suggestions might you offer?

Answered: 385 Skipped: 264

# Responses Date

1 Make certain that all items are clear 4/3/2013 10:53 AM

2 Make them very short. 10-15 minutes seems like a short time frame within a day, but that is a large amount of time for those of us that are used to focusing on many projects and short intervals throughout our work day.

5/22/2012 9:30 AM

3 questions pertaining to our school 5/8/2012 8:13 AM

4 Allow areas such as this survey for feedback without having to make yourself known. Also share your responses in another email with those who took the time to complete.

5/7/2012 6:06 PM

5 I would like to know how the survey brings about actual change in my school. 5/7/2012 2:43 PM

6 na 5/7/2012 11:31 AM

7 External evaluators 5/7/2012 8:43 AM

8 Incentives, disclosing purpose of survey, complete surveys during faculty meetings. 5/5/2012 7:33 AM

9 I prefer surveys that have real potential to influence ethical, political, and/or economic consequences in society and working environment

5/4/2012 10:50 PM

10 Release the information on who is on the committee. If it is all administration backed people could feel pressured to complete the survey.

5/4/2012 10:03 AM

11 I would suggest not submitting them electronically. No one feels as though these are truly anonymous. There always seems to be a way to track things back on the computer. I would also suggest not having very many surveys, and only sending them to those who are affected by the data collected.

5/4/2012 9:41 AM

12 Make them shorter, with less 1-5 range scales and more chance for short-answer responses. 5/4/2012 8:37 AM

13 make them shorter 5/4/2012 8:07 AM

14 Make surveys short, to the point, and explain why they are important and how they will be used 5/3/2012 9:24 PM

15 I have no idea. 5/3/2012 5:11 PM

16 For student evaluation of teachers, ten open-ended questions, no multiple choice 5/3/2012 9:11 AM

17 If institutions would use the surveys to improve the college, you would see people completing surveys without any problems. As long as the participants know that they can not be identified, then they would also open up more.

5/2/2012 2:02 PM

18 If institutions would use the surveys to improve the college, you would see people completing surveys without any problems. As long as the participants know that they can not be identified, then they would also open up more.

5/2/2012 2:02 PM

19 none 5/2/2012 10:41 AM

20 There is no change that could take place that would alter the return rates because people don't feel that their answers really matter - only the statistics the institution can produce showing how many actually responded for their records.

5/1/2012 5:16 PM

21 Stating the purpose of the survey and later reporting the results and future changes that will be made because of the answers.

5/1/2012 4:32 PM

22 Include them in employee training days. 5/1/2012 11:34 AM

23 People need to see that their voice matters. 5/1/2012 9:44 AM

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Survey Response Rates AFS

24 I think most people realize that computerized surveys are not really "annonomous" and can be traced back to the computer they were answered on, so I know that I have not felt "safe" being totally honest in my responses in some surveys. Perhaps if could be addressed, answers might be more honest and meaningful. Also, I think that if the results of the survey could be reported, and then compared to the decisions that were made, it would help to see if the decision makers really listened to the opinions of those surveyed.

5/1/2012 9:19 AM

25 Short and simple 4/30/2012 8:46 PM

26 Make questions clear for everyone to understand what is being asked. Make the objective of the survey known. 4/30/2012 8:23 PM

27 stress the importance of feedback 4/30/2012 6:23 PM

28 N/A 4/30/2012 5:35 PM

29 release survey results 4/30/2012 4:50 PM

30 Don't submit too many surveys at the same time. Plan the surveys throughout the school year. 4/30/2012 4:12 PM

31 Make surveys a feature in FC - Connect (College required attendance). Thus it is easily accessible to faculty. 4/30/2012 4:04 PM

32 Not sure 4/30/2012 3:28 PM

33 Make the survey clear, concise and it has to have a defined scope. 4/30/2012 3:27 PM

34 Relatively short surveys with meaningful questions. 4/30/2012 2:50 PM

35 1. I would like to know the results!!! 2. Make them shorter! 4/30/2012 2:13 PM

36 Make sure the president is involved in the process and that will get results! 4/30/2012 2:04 PM

37 Be brief 4/30/2012 1:59 PM

38 short, more concise surveys 4/30/2012 12:41 PM

39 Once the data is collect, MAKE A CHANGE to improve!!!!! 4/30/2012 12:11 PM

40 I believe attaining feedback is important, but surveys are just one tool by which feedback is attained. The decision- making effectiveness really depends on the decision-makers themselves.

4/30/2012 12:00 PM

41 I don't even really fully understand just what this statement means! 4/30/2012 11:47 AM

42 Offer an explanation of how a survey will be used to make changes and how those changes could affect the person taking the survey

4/30/2012 11:19 AM

43 Make sure to let persons know the results will be used to make necessary changes. 4/30/2012 11:03 AM

44 asking meaningful questions ... even if politically unpopular or counter to the "culture" of the policits of the college ... AND THEN USE THE ANSWERS TO GUIDE PRACTICE ... EVEN IF COUNTER TO THE 'GENERALL ACCEPTED STANDARDS AND PRACTICES'

4/30/2012 10:37 AM

45 It depends on what the survey measures. 4/30/2012 10:17 AM

46 make it more interesting and less legnthy 4/30/2012 9:22 AM

47 TO MAKE IT SHORT AND TO THE POINT 4/30/2012 9:11 AM

48 Provide a clear description of the purpose of the survey and the relevance of participation. Keep the survey short and objective. Limit the number of surveys employees are asked to complete and consider that participation in surveys takes the employee away from work responsibilities (which is oftentimes difficult and frustrating).

4/30/2012 8:43 AM

49 Offer incentives for completing surveys in a timely manner. 4/30/2012 8:36 AM

50 More short answer questions 4/30/2012 7:48 AM

51 making the survey as brief as possible and requiring minimal effort for the taker 4/30/2012 7:29 AM

52 Show us how the results actually improve the institution 4/30/2012 7:25 AM

53 none 4/30/2012 7:11 AM

54 Offer incentives for participation; create research that may lead to increase in pay or benefits 4/30/2012 7:07 AM

55 Shorter and don't repeat questions and just write them in a different manner. 4/29/2012 9:40 PM

56 The only suggestion I have for surveys is to make them a little more interesting looking. They are so boring and painful looking that they turn people off. Sometimes they make me mad when they stuff so many questions together in a row that they all run together and it becomes difficult to interpret them.

4/29/2012 5:38 PM

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Survey Response Rates AFS

57 Limit the amount and "aim small, miss small" 4/29/2012 5:27 PM

58 Specific questions. Open-ended questions allowing meaningful responses. 4/29/2012 4:49 PM

59 none 4/29/2012 6:28 AM

60 Don't waste my time with stupid surveys such as this one! Are you kidding me???? 4/27/2012 6:26 PM

61 Make the questions truly relative to the goal being pursued 4/27/2012 2:47 PM

62 I feel all surveys conducted at our institution are carefully considered and regularly reviewed, making them as applicable and up-to-date as possible. Our IE deparment is very effective.

4/27/2012 12:52 PM

63 someway to respond from a tiny institution so no one can figure out by the answers who actually filled in the survey 4/27/2012 12:20 PM

64 Our survey's seem to be very well done. I would not change them. 4/27/2012 11:41 AM

65 Create surveys that ask specific questions that are relevent and directly pertain to the objective in which the survey is intended and offer dialog boxes so the surveyee may elaborate on their answer. Also, the scope of the survey should be narrow enough to focus on the objective of which it is intended.

4/27/2012 11:18 AM

66 ease of access to survey short length 4/27/2012 11:16 AM

67 Targeted participants Interactive Survey (more than multiple choice) Explanation within survey of how the survey results will influence change

4/27/2012 10:48 AM

68 To encourage more people to answer surveys I would try to make the questions as brief and easy to answer as possible, but still try to achieve the desired answers and opinions about the subject of the survey.

4/27/2012 10:47 AM

69 MAKE SURVEYS BRIEF AND NOT REDUNDANT. 4/27/2012 10:01 AM

70 All online surveys 4/27/2012 9:50 AM

71 I would have questions on the survey like the questions above, but have a space under each question for comments. 4/27/2012 9:44 AM

72 Student evalautions of instructors are poorly designed, carry too much weight, take too much class time, and are skewed toward students who remain in the class after midterm.

4/27/2012 9:24 AM

73 Disseminate the results of a survey to the people who have completed the survey and indicate the action taken in response to the survey so that they will know that their voice has been heard.

4/27/2012 9:18 AM

74 specific information in question 4/27/2012 9:07 AM

75 For an institution to demonstrate positive, popular changes influenced by surveys and evaluations. 4/27/2012 9:00 AM

76 My place of employment is a higher education envirnoment. When we take surveys, we take the surveys from our work computer. However, apprehensive is on your mind because you feel there is a possibilty someone knows your responses. I think a designated place on campus should be set where employees can go and take the survey, and leave without thinking someone knows your resonpses. For example, when you go vote, you mark your choices, place the ballot in a box or device and you leave.

4/27/2012 8:58 AM

77 Questions should be short and comprehendable upon one reading. Surveys should take the average person no longer than ten minutes to complete, and open-ended answers should be optional.

4/27/2012 8:54 AM

78 Make sure participants always get to see survey results. 4/27/2012 8:40 AM

79 I think that if individuals believed that the information submit through survey would be seriously considered they may be more willing to participate. Some people think that surveys are a waste of time and that their opinion will not be heard. I personally think its a great idea to particpate in surveys because you are able to voice your opinion without any backlash. I have participated in an institutional survey at my college and I was pleased to see a change that I mentioned in a survey take effect.

4/27/2012 8:38 AM

80 Don't ask vague questions. 4/27/2012 8:26 AM

81 That everyone get the results in a timely manner. It seems that we have many surveys, but hear from each of them several months later, if then.

4/27/2012 8:23 AM

82 I would like to know that my time wasn't wasted and that my opinion mattered. 4/27/2012 8:19 AM

83 Surveys provide feedback that causes knee-jerk reactions by Administrators without real disscussion with parties involved.

4/27/2012 8:16 AM

84 Please see items 4, 5, & 6 above. 4/27/2012 8:02 AM

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Survey Response Rates AFS

85 I wouldn't submit the survey in electronic form. Even though we're assured that our answers are anonymous, we still feel that, if the someone really wanted to, they could find out who completed a particular survey, which makes us feel like we can't be totally open and truthful when completing a survey.

4/27/2012 7:55 AM

86 Prize for completion 4/26/2012 4:16 PM

87 Ask specific questions that relate to the quality of education and what changes might improve the experience for both student and instuctor and implement those that echoed by the majority

4/26/2012 3:55 PM

88 The surveys need to have a known purpose and be explicit in explaining that purpose. 4/26/2012 1:40 PM

89 Let participants know up front the length (number of questions, estimated time to complete survey, etc) of the survey, are responses anonymous or not, who to contact for results (we often are not provided with survey results unless we ask), and relevance of survey to my job.

4/26/2012 12:09 PM

90 less confusing terminology 4/26/2012 11:11 AM

91 Make surveys short and concise. I am much more likely to complete a survey that will only take me 5-10 minutes than one that take more time.

4/26/2012 11:02 AM

92 Offer incentives 4/26/2012 10:52 AM

93 If the results affected policies, etc. 4/26/2012 10:42 AM

94 No response 4/26/2012 10:23 AM

95 Just keeping the questions short and to the point being assessed makes the completion easier...that we might get feedback about conclusions drawn or potential positive effects would be rewarding

4/26/2012 9:55 AM

96 Limit the issuance of surveys only to groups who use the service. For example, there is no point in giving a business office survey to people who have never interacted with the business office.

4/26/2012 9:30 AM

97 Offer realistic effects of completing a survey. When I understand how my opinions and comments are used and how they affect my environment and position, I am more likely to invest my time in offering them.

4/26/2012 9:29 AM

98 Short and simple 4/26/2012 9:18 AM

99 N/A 4/26/2012 9:02 AM

100 If we actually got the results of the surveys and a notice of things that it will effect. 4/26/2012 8:51 AM

101 make them short and easy to answer 4/26/2012 8:47 AM

102 Have a positive social culture on campus. 4/26/2012 8:25 AM

103 To provide only questions that are truly necessary for the results you are trying to achieve. Often, surveys seems to drag on and seem to ask the same questions repeatedly.

4/26/2012 8:14 AM

104 Surveys that are quick and to the point. 4/26/2012 7:52 AM

105 1. Create short, specific and meaningful surveys. 2. Assured anonymity for sensitive topics 3. Institutional surveys should be given at "down times", not during a semester full of instructional and other duties 4, Survey results...good, bad or ugly should be shared

4/25/2012 9:35 PM

106 Perhaps if surveys were "broken up" into smaller pieces and the questions were presented piecemeal--i.e., 3-4 questions a week posted for students to reply anonymously to on Blackboard--then maybe the answers would be more sincere and well-thought; in addition, this may help integrate the idea of surveying students/faculty/staff into the very nature of the curriculum and the regular procedure of participation in the college at all levels.

4/25/2012 9:09 PM

107 Keep short - Stick to one subject per survey- publish results and actions taken because of results. 4/25/2012 8:50 PM

108 Informed about survey as to what, when, where, why, how, and why 4/25/2012 8:48 PM

109 I dont know. 4/25/2012 8:16 PM

110 I would like to know the intent of the survey, results, and outcomes. 4/25/2012 8:14 PM

111 Be sure it is important. 4/25/2012 6:40 PM

112 NA 4/25/2012 6:17 PM

113 Questions that require a short answer rather that multiple parts. Professors are rather busy and surveys should be given that are needed. People should see changes upon surveys. If I feel that nothing will occur if I fill the survey out, then there is no point to taking it. That would encourage me. Surveys with results, not surveys for busy work.

4/25/2012 5:55 PM

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Survey Response Rates AFS

114 Ensure that surveys are directed to the appropriate population with quality items. Ensure participants understand the purpose of responding to the survey.

4/25/2012 5:28 PM

115 Short, multiple choice responses 4/25/2012 5:01 PM

116 Providing a description of the importance of the survey would encourage participation. In addition, employees who are required to respond to surveys that are job related could be offered a time that is uninterrupted for completion of the surveys. For example, a time could be set aside during faculty development days for the purpose of completing surveys. I would be able to give more thought to the survey during this time as opposed to trying to complete a survey between classes, during registration, during final exams, etc. Surveys are important, but tending to students and their needs must be a priority. When a student comes to my office needing encouragement or assistance, I must turn the survey off. Having a designated time for completing the survey would allow me to complete the survey without feeling like I had to choose between providing thoughful responses and taking care of the student.

4/25/2012 4:55 PM

117 I believe that if a survey is too long, people will tend to not complete it. Also, don't have repetitive questions like some surveys have. It is aggrevating when you are asked the same question several times, just worded a little different each time.

4/25/2012 4:44 PM

118 Very short surveys, no longer than 3 minutes to complete. Only on text box for comments at end. 4/25/2012 4:24 PM

119 I would not as questions like this. 4/25/2012 4:24 PM

120 Relevant questions. Seeing results of survey's implemented. Remove biased questions. Allow "blank" answers. Include places for comments.

4/25/2012 4:21 PM

121 Sometimes questions need a space for adding an explanation to the choice. Sometimes, the choices do not cover all possibilities (I do not know, for example). Explain the purpose of the survey completely.

4/25/2012 3:42 PM

122 combine questions 4/25/2012 2:50 PM

123 Our college surveys are usually very legitimate. I always answer them. Store and promotional surveys do not warrant my attention.

4/25/2012 2:42 PM

124 Offer a chance to win a gift card 4/25/2012 2:22 PM

125 None 4/25/2012 2:08 PM

126 smaller less time consuming portions 4/25/2012 1:52 PM

127 Short and state the purpose. Also. I like when the results are given later and outcomes explained. 4/25/2012 1:45 PM

128 N/A 4/25/2012 1:02 PM

129 25 questions all at once looked a little overwhelming. Having that xx% done button at the top of each page helps to keep going. Is there any way a student can hand in a "proof of survey participation" for something earned in class?

4/25/2012 12:40 PM

130 Reporting the survey data to the respondents. Utilizing the data. 4/25/2012 12:18 PM

131 I would like to see one clear example where results of a survey actually made a difference to me or my institution. 4/25/2012 12:17 PM

132 Make sure that those being surveyed recognize the rational behind the survey and how the informations will be utilized - also to assure the individuals that there will be no penalities for honest answers

4/25/2012 11:57 AM

133 How about a guarantee that the changes brought about by the survey will be spelled out to those who took the survey once they have been implemented.

4/25/2012 11:27 AM

134 No suggestions at this time. 4/25/2012 11:17 AM

135 Lenght 4/25/2012 11:16 AM

136 I'm not sure. I probably would need to sit in an open-think group meeting and collectively identify common perceptions and alternative methods, then develop suggestions.

4/25/2012 11:16 AM

137 There has to be some type of motivation for people to participate in surveys whether it be monetary or the person really feel that they will see some type of results.

4/25/2012 11:16 AM

138 Length, relevance, choices that include (no basis for judgement) 4/25/2012 11:14 AM

139 Keep numbers of questions to 10 or less that will take a small amount of your time. Would be able to answer more surveys like that in a short amount of time instead of

4/25/2012 11:01 AM

140 To be given the running results if it's a multiple choice survey. 4/25/2012 10:48 AM

141 Introductory information about the use of the data motivates me -- information, not empty descriptions like "very important."

4/25/2012 10:36 AM

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Survey Response Rates AFS

142 Instead of doing surveys in an online format, try doing more oral surveys. You may get better answers. 4/25/2012 10:34 AM

143 I would offer an incentive such as a chance to win a Walmart gift card for participation. 4/25/2012 10:34 AM

144 No sure how to answer. You either take your job with all aspects seriously or you don't. 4/25/2012 10:29 AM

145 Survey questions should be fairly asked and every opportunity given for any answer. Time frames for survey return should be considered and possibly reminders sent in case they are overlooked.

4/25/2012 10:11 AM

146 No opinion. 4/25/2012 10:11 AM

147 Obtain faculty input prior to the survey. 4/25/2012 10:09 AM

148 Limit questions to 20 or less. 4/25/2012 10:08 AM

149 make them relevant to a real problem with the data actually being used to impact the problem 4/25/2012 10:05 AM

150 Questions should be of positive nature 4/25/2012 9:54 AM

151 Keep them direct and to the point 4/25/2012 9:52 AM

152 I'm not sure that changing the nature, scope or context of any survey would necessarily increase participation or quality of answers on surveys. I think that not seeing any results from surveys is the most important factor in people not participating; thinking that their opinion really doesn't matter therefore it is a waste of time to participate because it will not make any difference or create any change.

4/25/2012 9:52 AM

153 Promoting surveys more. Employees do need to know and feel that their input from surveys does matter to college administrators.

4/25/2012 9:37 AM

154 Make it relevant and understand that more than just survey results should be considered. 4/25/2012 9:32 AM

155 Explain reasons for survey. Clear choices + clear questions Results after finalization Effects 4/25/2012 8:56 AM

156 not sure 4/25/2012 8:46 AM

157 Results. Make changes according to survey results. Ask questions where you get real answers not canned responses 4/25/2012 8:33 AM

158 more open-ended questions, fewer Likert scale and closed-ended questions, an obvious connection between survey results and actions taken, provide survey results to all invited to participate when possible (even if they didn't participate)

4/25/2012 8:18 AM

159 Shorten them and direct them to a single topic. 4/25/2012 8:16 AM

160 Keep them short and on-topic. It should be obvious in the design of the questions and the instructions for the survey the information you are trying to collect and why you need it. I would re-write item 7 on question 12 on this survey for example. It is not immediately obvious when I read that question exactly what you mean, and I had to stop and think what you were going for with that one. That shouldn't happen. I would make item 7 read as follows: "The results of survey data 'should be used' to influence informed decision-making".

4/25/2012 8:16 AM

161 To get more participation, stop formating general survey questions, the questions should be directed toward a particular issue, problem, or subject.

4/25/2012 8:05 AM

162 Do not ask too many questions; especially, those that tend to be repetitive or just asked in another manner. Statistical data from surveys can be used in any manner that those taking the measurement desire. I find that they have no real intrinsic usufulness.

4/25/2012 8:05 AM

163 Relevant and short. 4/25/2012 7:33 AM

164 Changes or improvements as a result of the survey. 4/25/2012 7:21 AM

165 Keep them as short and concise as possible 4/25/2012 7:02 AM

166 Make sure those who are taking the survey understand how the survey results could directly impact them. 4/25/2012 6:15 AM

167 Make the questions as easy to understand as possible. 4/24/2012 8:38 PM

168 I would have to give that more thought. However, length does have an impact. 4/24/2012 7:11 PM

169 KEEP THEM SHORT! 4/24/2012 6:35 PM

170 That clear results of surveys be presented, not just once a year at a busy meeting, but by email, quickly and with adequate explanations. I have participated in all kinds of data-gathering activities at my college, but my actual practice with students has never been affected by any reports. This strikes me as significant since I have radically altered my practice over the years as a result of studies, student comments, colleagues' practices or suggestions, and personal experiences. But I really never get in-house data that tell me anything I can use.

4/24/2012 5:46 PM

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Survey Response Rates AFS

171 None 4/24/2012 5:40 PM

172 Get rid of long lists of questions, like the one above, which I did not respond to because you put too &@!* many questions on it.

4/24/2012 4:07 PM

173 It would be great to see the results of the surveys and know how the survey results are actually used. Often it seems that they are just a formality or a requirement by an accrediting body.

4/24/2012 4:00 PM

174 Length of the survey. 4/24/2012 3:25 PM

175 Limit the questions. 4/24/2012 2:40 PM

176 Clear language in questions. Clear instructions that inform the user of the purpose and usefulness of the survey. 4/24/2012 2:40 PM

177 For results of survey to be taken into consideration and changes/adjustments made based on results of the survey. 4/24/2012 2:27 PM

178 For those who gather such information to not make it known that they can "peek" and see who has/has not completed surveys. If they can "peek" that information then they can "peek" to see who made particular responses that should remain absolutely anonymous!

4/24/2012 2:25 PM

179 Surveys need to be short and concise. 4/24/2012 2:23 PM

180 Accurately disclosing the results and not skewing the answers to make others look good and actually using the results and not considering them an attack.

4/24/2012 2:17 PM

181 Insure anonymity 4/24/2012 2:17 PM

182 I do not feel that my institution uses the information. We go through the motions. We get chided if we don't complete them and then patted on the head when we do. However, the decisions administration makes seem to have nothing to do with the survey results and their decisions to do otherwise are rationalized. In other words, I'm wasting my time when I complete the surveys.

4/24/2012 2:16 PM

183 Have a small number of open ended questions. I also like to rate items. 4/24/2012 2:13 PM

184 n/a 4/24/2012 2:12 PM

185 Go back to paper and pencil. I know several people who DO NOT complete them online for fear of administrators finding out if they said anything negative at all.

4/24/2012 2:07 PM

186 I believe surveys work best when they are not too lengthy in scope and questions are specific and easily understandable.

4/24/2012 2:01 PM

187 More open-ended questions would be helpful, and knowing that results are anonymous. Perhaps an outside party could collate and paraphrase statements so responses wouldn't be recognizable as "oh, so-and-so said that".

4/24/2012 1:59 PM

188 Keep surveys short---no more than 10 questions. This one has already exceeded that, and I begrudge the time. 4/24/2012 1:46 PM

189 no suggestions 4/24/2012 1:37 PM

190 Short and too the point. 4/24/2012 1:36 PM

191 Tell the purpose, make the surveys brief but important, and send out second time if no response within a period of time.

4/24/2012 1:13 PM

192 better attention to ambiguous and redundant questions 4/24/2012 12:59 PM

193 I think short and freqent surveys may be helpful in getting more people to respond. 4/24/2012 12:58 PM

194 Employees are not going to be honest on surveys because of internal politics. If an employee knew that their opinions really mattered (good or bad) and with no retaliation, then more would participate honestly.

4/24/2012 12:39 PM

195 Brief, include reason for survey, include follow up on how survey information will be used. 4/24/2012 12:30 PM

196 Always provide the opportunity to express personal opinion regarding the subject matter of the survey. 4/24/2012 12:26 PM

197 none 4/24/2012 12:26 PM

198 Follow up. We have several professional development days where our input is gathered but we never see the results. If it is important enough to do a survery, it should be important enough to see results.

4/24/2012 12:10 PM

199 Break the surveys up into specific areas instead of lumping them all in one. 4/24/2012 12:07 PM

200 n/a 4/24/2012 11:52 AM

201 Shorter time requirements to complete surveys. O 4/24/2012 11:48 AM

202 write new questions, do not ask the same question over and over , same survey each year. 4/24/2012 11:48 AM

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Survey Response Rates AFS

203 Make sure the survey is targeted to participants who have an interest in the topic 4/24/2012 11:43 AM

204 quality not quantity in the use of surveys 4/24/2012 11:42 AM

205 Surveys should be narrow in scope to offer the most precise data. 4/24/2012 11:40 AM

206 only multiple choice 4/24/2012 11:23 AM

207 Target your audience to people invovlved in the area of your survey 4/24/2012 10:55 AM

208 I would keep the scope narrow and focus. Time and attention span is often in short supply and surveys must respond accordingly.

4/24/2012 10:02 AM

209 would depend on the survey topic 4/24/2012 10:02 AM

210 Include no more than 10 questions. 4/24/2012 9:42 AM

211 The people responsible for creating and using surveys often have no understanding of basic survey design and analysis. Professional development at the institution level is needed so that people are competent to do surveys themselves.

4/24/2012 9:21 AM

212 Any suggestions I have made in the past have always fallen upon deaf ears. 4/24/2012 8:56 AM

213 Make sure that the survey is truly private and that management absolutely will not know who said what about who. I think most of us, including myself, do not really trust surveys or survey takers to guarantee that the boss won't have an idea of who gave negative feedback.

4/24/2012 8:10 AM

214 Make sure that the results are incorporated into the decision making. 4/24/2012 8:02 AM

215 Question 22 could limits my response. I would prefer multiple choice but with a area to respond to certain questions. 4/24/2012 7:50 AM

216 Quality of answers: Provide "other" options - plus space to provide information on multiple choice questions. Return rates: Provide feedback to the participants related to purpose or findings: What was the value of the information? Did the information "influence" decision-making?

4/24/2012 7:50 AM

217 Keep them brief even if you prepared your respondents to take additional brief surveys in the future. Three would be the max one surveyor would get from me.

4/24/2012 7:20 AM

218 Develop and share a primer so that people clearly understand the purpose of the survey and the potential impact it could have.

4/24/2012 5:24 AM

219 I think offering a link for survey participants to view the immediate survey results after completion would be an incentive to finish the survey. My institution, afraid of negative feedback, will not allow the use of this option.

4/23/2012 3:32 PM

220 Use multilple answer options 4/23/2012 3:28 PM

221 short and sweet 4/23/2012 2:58 PM

222 Get employees' buy-in to completing surveys by reserving a specific location and offering employees a time schedule where they could reserve a convenient time to take the survey. It is dificcult to complete a lengthy survey when one is constantly interrupted by calls, work load, etc.

4/23/2012 1:55 PM

223 don't make them too long and complicated...just as this one is starting to get 4/23/2012 1:23 PM

224 I just hope that you get the person doing the survey at a good time. 4/23/2012 12:54 PM

225 Keep the surveys short clearly stated and to the point. 4/23/2012 12:53 PM

226 Make certain that the participants know the reason and value of the survey. Give polite reminders, a fair amount of time to respond, and confidence of privacy.

4/23/2012 12:37 PM

227 Incorporate faculty and staff input into establishing certain surveys and evaluations that have a meaningful impact on the college

4/23/2012 12:32 PM

228 Ask a few questions over a period of time instead of asking for many questions to be answered at once. 4/23/2012 12:32 PM

229 It may be helpful to provide aggregated results of various groups within the institution with an explanation of what has been determined to be focused on, why, and how to improve the perception that surveys don't actually accomplish anything.

4/23/2012 12:10 PM

230 Make surveys short and to the point. 4/23/2012 12:06 PM

231 Provide the results of the surveys to the employees and explain how, if, and when the results will be utilized. Also, ensure that the results of the surveys can be submitted anonymously and people will respond.

4/23/2012 12:04 PM

232 Short and sweet and easy to access. Also, limit the number of surveys to get a better response. 4/23/2012 12:04 PM

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233 Maybe a professional develoment session on how surveys are used in decision making at our college with practical applications or lessons learned from the knowledge provided by previous surveys.

4/23/2012 11:54 AM

234 Don't inject descriptors or phrasing that may not be relevant in some people's value sets. For example "positive practice" (see number 20 above): why can't you just say "practice" ("positive" is a value judgment)? Make sure every question has a specific purpose. What if "self-motivation" is or is not "a huge factor . . ."? What will you do with that information? And is the adjective "huge" necessary? How about just "significant"?

4/23/2012 11:49 AM

235 n/a 4/23/2012 11:48 AM

236 Have accountability for employees to do surveys. Ask employees from different departments to work together on surveys

4/23/2012 11:37 AM

237 To increase participation, make surveys mandatory, and explain to participants that surveys are used to help with improvements and much needed changes of the institution.

4/23/2012 11:36 AM

238 I feel like there should be more meetings with question and answer sessions with time to fill out important surveys to hand back before leaving the meeting.

4/23/2012 11:31 AM

239 No suggestions 4/23/2012 11:17 AM

240 I prefer a survey that lets me give my opinion rather than one which simply has often ambiguous answer selections. 4/23/2012 11:03 AM

241 Make them short 4/23/2012 11:01 AM

242 Limit surveys time of completion 4/23/2012 10:53 AM

243 Educated people on how important surveys are to thier day to day life. 4/23/2012 10:30 AM

244 KISS-keep it simple stupid 4/23/2012 10:26 AM

245 Make the surveys meaningful to the individuals completing them. 4/23/2012 9:54 AM

246 Surveys taking 5 minutes to complete, with a series of closed & opened ended questions 4/23/2012 9:43 AM

247 see above 4/23/2012 9:26 AM

248 After a survey is taken for the institution to give the feed back of the survey and the changes that will come from the feed back.

4/23/2012 9:21 AM

249 Limit surveys for students- we have way too many and I do not see survey results driving changes. The current electronic surveys only address classroom instructors- we need a tool that addresses courses taught by teams as a whole, clinical site surveys (nursing) as a whole and part time clinical supervisors. Each semester it takes hours of work to conduct and summarize results.

4/23/2012 9:21 AM

250 Give feedback on what changes (in policies, programs, etc.) were actually made as a result of the survey regardless of how minute the change may be. Make the survey 10 questions or less

4/23/2012 9:15 AM

251 An incentive and a sense that the loop's been closed: too often, it feels like responses are sent out into the world, but there is no sense that the results go anywhere or are used in any meaningful way.

4/23/2012 9:09 AM

252 The survey designers need to have more specific questions and less of them. 4/23/2012 8:55 AM

253 Many of the questions appear repetitive. 4/23/2012 8:45 AM

254 N/A 4/23/2012 8:23 AM

255 Use the internet. Enclose a one dollar bill to encourage mail responses 4/23/2012 8:16 AM

256 Always share the results of the surveys. It seems that individuals would be more likely to complete surveys if they knew they would be informed of the results at the conclusion of the survey.

4/23/2012 8:12 AM

257 Allow open ended questions. 4/23/2012 7:57 AM

258 Make them load quickly, and make them relatively short. 4/23/2012 7:47 AM

259 --Let the participants know the purpose of the survey --Also, don't give so many surveys 4/23/2012 7:43 AM

260 real time results 4/23/2012 7:37 AM

261 Make them as short and clear (not ambiguous) as possible! 4/22/2012 8:50 PM

262 Make the surveys relevant to the mission of the school, to educate students. A lot of surveys seem to be a method of checking some box or satisfying some whim of an administrator.

4/22/2012 5:21 PM

263 I'd make them short and precise. 4/22/2012 7:16 AM

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264 Get faculty invested in the surveys. Let them plan and publicize them. Explain them more fully. 4/21/2012 8:14 PM

265 Specifically focused to my job description 4/21/2012 12:44 PM

266 Often, they seem to exist simply so that the entity/institution can claim to have done one. In the end, little seems to be done with the complex issues and answers--things that bear more scrutiny than agree/disagree/neutral. Or questions, including some of those above, which are phrased so vaguely that they require a neutral response. Perhaps a box should be added that reflects the dissonance a participant experiences with a question, rather than the only choice of "neutral". Some surveys will not complete if the participant puts no answer down for an item, thus forcing an artificially neutral outcome. This communicates to the participant that the response doesn't really matter as long as it fills the box.

4/21/2012 2:20 AM

267 Select persons with relative interests to participate in the survey. 4/20/2012 6:37 PM

268 I don't know!! If you figure it out, please share the secret. We have poor return rates on our program graduates, alumni and employer surveys!!

4/20/2012 1:53 PM

269 They should be concise, short, and user friendly. 4/20/2012 12:17 PM

270 Make sure the data is used 4/20/2012 11:52 AM

271 Make changes according to reommendations of the survey if it is for the betterment of the institution. 4/20/2012 11:46 AM

272 Keep them short and to the point! 4/20/2012 11:24 AM

273 I realize that adminsitrations make decisions based on information that I do not possess. It would be nice to feel that my voice is heard, and that my expertise in a given area matters.

4/20/2012 11:11 AM

274 N/A 4/20/2012 10:51 AM

275 Do not have deadlines that are in the busiest time of the semester. 4/20/2012 10:37 AM

276 I know that some survey answers are read, documented and published, so answers are getting to the right people. However, that's all that are done with them. No one follows up or seems to actually do anything about some of the issues people have.

4/20/2012 10:28 AM

277 always have short answer options for people to go more in detail on certain items 4/20/2012 8:09 AM

278 Share results with the participants 4/20/2012 8:06 AM

279 Make the survey as short as possible.... 4/20/2012 7:57 AM

280 Set surveys to automatically send reminders to those who have not completed them, but only if the survey is one approved by the institution. Filter out random surveys people are doing for these education degrees people are getting online and at local colleges. Limit surveys only to those that are designed by the institution, for the institution, or approved by the administrators at the institution.

4/20/2012 1:43 AM

281 Either a person will respond or not to a survey, about the only thing I could suggest to promote more involvement, people are always more motivated with cash incentives, but of course that is not going to happen. But to many survey or pushing one to much with often result in a negative ratio response. People get tired of them and the whole subject is devalued.

4/19/2012 11:31 PM

282 The lay out could be more interesting for this survey. The font is small and I enlarge the computer page to read it more easily. This causes me to have to scroll across the page. This is annoying.

4/19/2012 10:39 PM

283 Be straight forward about why you are taking the survey. This on is strange. Surveys on surveys. 4/19/2012 9:08 PM

284 They must be relevant and they must not be too long. 4/19/2012 8:43 PM

285 Tie the survey to an end result. The results of this survey will be used to.... 4/19/2012 5:07 PM

286 be short and specific 4/19/2012 5:06 PM

287 I think this question type works better than the type of data collection in quesiton 12. In that format it is easier to just start clicking any answer.

4/19/2012 4:47 PM

288 I think that if the scope is limited to small areas of concern, those affected would more likely respond. 4/19/2012 4:46 PM

289 I would prepare surveys in different secitons so as to tailor the questions to the age group. If the survey will be given to young people in college(millinneals and generation xers, I would offer a few points of extra credit or drop the lowest essay grade.

4/19/2012 4:43 PM

290 make supervisor surveys more similiar to support staff surveys. 4/19/2012 4:32 PM

291 None 4/19/2012 4:23 PM

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292 Make them relative to the departments which they are surveying, thereby keeping them more focused in nature. I think, more positive feedback would be given if done this way.

4/19/2012 4:18 PM

293 That would depend on the administrations philosophy. 4/19/2012 4:16 PM

294 Not make them so generic, make them more specific. 4/19/2012 4:15 PM

295 Make sure there are not too many surveys or ones that are too long. I would also make the purpose of the survey and the intended use of data clear.

4/19/2012 4:08 PM

296 make them short, and sweet. Down to the point is better than the same question being repeated in a different context to try to sway the survey.

4/19/2012 3:31 PM

297 I would introduce the importance of the survey and how the inormation received will benefit the participants and others.

4/19/2012 3:30 PM

298 make them brief and to the point 4/19/2012 3:08 PM

299 Make them shorter and more pointed. While it doesn't help me, many seem to be motivated by a reward of some kind. I, personally, like to see the results.

4/19/2012 3:08 PM

300 Sometimes questions cannot be answered on a yes/no or agree/disagree basis, and neutral seems like it just says that you dont agree or disagree but doesnt really answer the survey question. I might somewhat agree or disagree to a point but not be able to show that on this particular survey.

4/19/2012 2:45 PM

301 short survey on specific topics 4/19/2012 2:33 PM

302 I have no valuable input. This is not, to me, an easy thing to solve. 4/19/2012 2:27 PM

303 People have to know that something meaningful is being done with the data. They also need to know how that something is going to create change though I don't believe it has to be a change that necessarily impacts them personally.

4/19/2012 2:25 PM

304 Offer short, focused surveys that deal with only one topic. Offer these surveys to the groups that can directly relate to the topic. Often times, their interest in the subject alone will propmt a deliberate and thoughtful response.

4/19/2012 2:17 PM

305 Incentive 4/19/2012 2:13 PM

306 if employees were told why the survey was being taken and what impact the survey would have. If we could see actual results from surveys. Too often, nothing is done with the information gathered.

4/19/2012 2:13 PM

307 At my institution, inclusion of adjunct faculty in more of the general activities and development issues would allow us to feel more invested in the college, which would undoubtedly lead to better response rates on surveys.

4/19/2012 2:12 PM

308 Make short and simple as possible. 4/19/2012 2:11 PM

309 clarify the metrics of how the survey data is being assessed and to what end 4/19/2012 2:10 PM

310 As stated earlier, the length of surveys tend to discourage most people from completing them. I suggest keeping a survey to 10 questions or less when possible.

4/19/2012 1:59 PM

311 I think we should probably use surveys in place of open-floor discussions. 4/19/2012 1:57 PM

312 1. Assure anonymity 2. Inform participants of the reason for the survey and communicate how it will be used. 4/19/2012 1:48 PM

313 People are just not trusting with surveys as being confidential tools. Some are very afraid to post responses because of internet "tracking" features.

4/19/2012 1:47 PM

314 Make sure that each question has a clear purpose. 4/19/2012 1:45 PM

315 Since time and workload seem to be determining factors regarding whether or not someone completes a survey, maybe block off time for groups of individuals to meet in a place separate from their working environment in order for them to be free of interruptions. This would not only free up time to do it, but it would also free one's mind of distractions; therefore more emphasis could be placed solely upon the content of the survey.

4/19/2012 1:44 PM

316 I think people are more willing to participate in surveys that directly impact their department or themselves as individuals.

4/19/2012 1:35 PM

317 That they would be evaluated by outside sources. 4/19/2012 1:26 PM

318 short surveys with questions that don't ask for a writtten or oral elaboration 4/19/2012 1:19 PM

319 Making sure that changes actually happen based on survey info collected would be the best way to improve survey participation.

4/19/2012 1:16 PM

320 Make the survey so that it is short and straight-forward 4/19/2012 1:15 PM

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321 Share survey results and demonstrate changes made because of such results. 4/19/2012 1:01 PM

322 Absolute guarantee of anonymity (no name, email, IP address, or even time stamp associated with a specific completed survey). Last year a supervisor evaluation form was sent to employees that promised anonymity yet when I opened the survey my email address was displayed at the top of the screen. Shockingly, they said almost no one submitted a completed form. Later, in a meeting with someone in administration (my supervisor's supervisor) I was asked for specific feedback and told that all responses would be put into a single document so my supervisor wouldn't know which person had made which comment. She only met with a few of us (one at a time), so the word choice and phrasing of each comment would have been pretty strong indicators of who had made it. How does one fully explain the reasons for needing anonymity before obtaining it?

4/19/2012 1:01 PM

323 The issue must be one that directly affects respondents. 4/19/2012 12:51 PM

324 I think making questions more concise would help. Removing ambiguity and making things clear will grab people's attention. The less they have to really think about things, the more likely they are to respond. I also believe that tailoring surveys in specific ways will help with keeping people's attention.

4/19/2012 12:39 PM

325 Allow for answers that are not simply based on the Likert scale. Many of the questions in this survey could have been Yes/No, with a field for inputting personal observations.

4/19/2012 12:30 PM

326 Open discussion of results and consequent decisions 4/19/2012 12:12 PM

327 none 4/19/2012 11:51 AM

328 I WOULD LIKE FEEDBACK ON ANY SURVEY HAVING TO DO WITH THE SCHOOL AND MANDATE ACTION ON THAT FEEDBACK.

4/19/2012 11:38 AM

329 Emphasize the imprtance of participation and implication(s) of results 4/19/2012 11:24 AM

330 The credibility of the researcher to remain objective in designing the survey and analyzing the data is often problematic. Use of unbiased investigators and the investigator's reputation of maintaining confidentiality. Surveys offered by investigators with conflicting personal interests are likely to either not be responded to or responded to in a manner that reflects awareness of the researcher's personal motives.

4/19/2012 10:56 AM

331 Allow for more open-ended responses. Then evaluate the responses carefully and actually (duh!) use the results to make positive changes.

4/19/2012 10:44 AM

332 Nothing 4/19/2012 10:16 AM

333 Pertains to job 4/19/2012 10:15 AM

334 I am skeptical of surveys that appear biased, surveys that ask for one answer to a multi-part question, surveys that ask the same question in multiple ways. These types of surveys insult my intelligence.

4/19/2012 10:14 AM

335 timing 4/19/2012 10:05 AM

336 I would offer a prize for the first 10 people who fill out their survey. 4/19/2012 10:05 AM

337 Be very honest when composing questions. Make them direct so we can get direct answers. 4/19/2012 9:55 AM

338 Shorter questions and bubble answers. No questions that require typing or writing an answer. 4/19/2012 9:52 AM

339 N/A 4/19/2012 9:35 AM

340 Make them mandatory. 4/19/2012 9:27 AM

341 Surveys should ask the hard question as well as the easy ones. You cannot fix something if you do not know it is broke.

4/19/2012 9:23 AM

342 Short, to the point and guarantee feedback on results. 4/19/2012 9:19 AM

343 I would try to make statements clear, concise and to the point to promote definitive results. I would use a variety of formats to promote responses. I would limit the time requirement necessary to complete the survey.

4/19/2012 9:12 AM

344 Make the surveys more user friendly and relevant to the person you are seeking responses from. 4/19/2012 8:52 AM

345 Make them short with only a few important questions 4/19/2012 7:56 AM

346 I have no idea. 4/19/2012 1:15 AM

347 Keep short and topics related to population; use in ways to gather relevant feedback to most of the group 4/18/2012 5:46 PM

348 Surveys should be short, to the point, and participants should know how the information was used. 4/18/2012 4:03 PM

349 Make them short to the point and no more than 5 questions. 4/18/2012 3:47 PM

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350 Survey employees only if you intend to use the survey responses in decision making. 4/18/2012 2:51 PM

351 I would change the fact that usually surveys are not taken seriously and therefore changes nothing. 4/18/2012 1:12 PM

352 Offering an incentive is benifical to the employee when completing a survey. 4/18/2012 12:37 PM

353 I have an instructor at Auburn University that informs his classes that when he sends out a student survery, he sends it out to students as coming from Aubie, the mascot. He has a higher percentage of return when Aubie sends out the survery rather than the university. I feel students/people will respond to surverys from people they know versus institutions.

4/18/2012 12:32 PM

354 offer $$$ 4/18/2012 11:52 AM

355 Keep it short 4/18/2012 11:33 AM

356 Make them shorter...even if there were more of them. 4/18/2012 11:30 AM

357 Some questions are not written well so the offered responses are inadequate. Have a choice that indicates N/A or 'don't understand the question'. I find the biggest problem with surveys is poorly written questions that do not solicit the desired information.

4/18/2012 11:25 AM

358 Give me some incentive (that I could really use) to do it. 4/18/2012 11:09 AM

359 none 4/18/2012 11:04 AM

360 Allow participants access to some of the results to decide in the future weather or not questions/answers are considered. Surveys should also be specific to certain areas and colleges. I shouldn't respond to a survey regarding another college or department unless I have at least a minimal knowledge of their policies or operations.

4/18/2012 10:57 AM

361 Most surveys at my institution are engineered by the college administration to gather results that support foregone conclusions or "good" responses. That makes employees reluctant to participate and makes it harder for other departments to get responses that may actually be used.

4/18/2012 10:48 AM

362 Make them easy to understand and explain what outcomes the survey will affect. This would help the person completing the survey to know their input is important and would be useful. Do not make them too long or complicated.

4/18/2012 10:32 AM

363 I think for surveys to have an impact they must be completed in a culture of trust. 4/18/2012 10:29 AM

364 rewards 4/18/2012 10:24 AM

365 Make them short (sess than 20 items), multiple choice responses with four optons (not five) and provide a box for additional comments.

4/18/2012 10:20 AM

366 posted results so that we know someone actually looked at them. Seeing changes in policy/procedure based on survey results

4/18/2012 10:19 AM

367 Keep questions short, specific, and very clear. 4/18/2012 10:17 AM

368 Fire all of the current institutional research people since they are usually worse than a bad lawyer. 4/18/2012 10:08 AM

369 If we knew that things woyuld change for the better with our response, I think more people would respond. 4/18/2012 10:05 AM

370 Reasure participants that the responses are confidential and encourage participation 4/18/2012 10:04 AM

371 Don't make them too long. 4/18/2012 9:37 AM

372 That the data when received is used for improvement. Also, that you are not asked to fill out surveys just to fill them out.

4/18/2012 9:35 AM

373 The questions need to be given one question at a time with the option to back up. All 25 questions seemed to jumble and i had to concentrate to make sure i was checking the right response for the right question,

4/18/2012 9:31 AM

374 incentives 4/18/2012 9:15 AM

375 Demonstrate how change is made due to survey data. 4/18/2012 9:04 AM

376 Make surveys short and to the point. 4/18/2012 9:03 AM

377 keep them short and relatively simple 4/18/2012 8:52 AM

378 Ensure that submissions are completely confidential 4/18/2012 8:47 AM

379 1. Keep the survey short and to the point. 2. If it is a paper & pencil survey, include a stamped return envelope. 3. Work to change the culture at my college to promote participation.

4/18/2012 8:19 AM

380 having the administration take a more pivotal role in relaying the importance of survey responses and also ensuring that changes are made based on feedback.

4/17/2012 3:27 PM

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381 MAKE SURE that the surveys results are directly linked to decisions and that the outcomes are then related to the employees of the organization; if this is done, people might take the surveys more seriously.

4/17/2012 1:11 PM

382 student surveys, faculty - staff surveys are important! 4/17/2012 11:17 AM

383 Clear and definite questions 4/17/2012 10:13 AM

384 These 25 questions above made me answer quickly - perhaps break questions down into smaller subjects would have helped. This was a very difficult section to read.

4/17/2012 8:00 AM

385 Let your people know what the results were in terms of decisions made; Create a report of the data submitted, even if it is a short report;

3/27/2012 10:52 AM

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Survey Response Rates AFS