The Link

As students, you are often asked for your opinions on topics, ranging from parking spaces to the course registration process. The feedback gathered supports decision-making in explicit ways, such as snack selection in vending machines, and is embedded in broader university business, such as identification of strategic initiatives. Though we understand the value of your input, you may be unaware of how it can guide decision-making and change. The Link was developed to reflect on student participation in the process of change at RIT.

The Student-to-Student Survey '2009'

In 2009, the Division of Student Affairs supervised the development of a student-written quality of experience survey in order to involve students in the process of institutional assessment and to understand RIT’s strengths and challenges from the student perspective. Over 4,000 students responded to the survey, offering their opinions on items determined by students to be most important to the RIT student population. Survey items were categorized into the following nine themes: sustainability, housing, food, grading system, quality of education, campus environment, campus resources, RIT policies and procedures, and life at RIT. The results were disseminated to the RIT community via multiple venues such as, an open forum by Dr. Mary Beth Cooper, the Student Affairs Assessment website, the Student Life Committee meeting of the RIT Board of Trustees, a student government meeting, and individual consultations. Due to the broad basis of the questions on this survey, results were not necessarily actionable by specific departments but influenced further exploration and strategic directions of multiple areas across the university. Click to view the survey.

Speak Up Day '2010'

Student Speak Up Day was an innovative Student Government solution to Dr.Destler's need for student feedback. The solution involved bringing 55 of RIT’s Departments to the stage to be reviewed and evaluated face to face by a vast body of students. In hopes of obtaining feedback from students, several departments manned tables along the quarter mile for student passerbys to complete surveys. For each completed survey, survey-takers obtained one ticket towards a satisfying meal that waited at the end of the quarter mile.Student Government leaders created this initiative to endorse and support the continual progress and improvement of RIT through the utilization of student feedback. It encouraged RIT to take a proactive stance towards maintaining its role as a community that is open to positive, constructive feedback.

Closing the Loop

In 2010-11 departments were invited to participate in the closing the loop phase by reporting on how they have utilized student feedback to make decisions and implement changes. Twenty-five departments agreed to take part. Over the course of the 2010 academic year departments were interviewed and their information, related to changes that are in progress and have been implemented, was compiled. Departments were asked to consider feedback derived from multiple methods, including but not limited to Student Speak Up Day, the Student-to-Student survey, and department developed surveys. Closing the loop information is posted on the Link website to offer departments the opportunity to tell you that your participation in this process was meaningful.