Exploring the Watermark Course Evaluation System

This article provides answers to frequently asked questions regarding the Watermark Course Evaluation system at Idaho State University (ISU). The Watermark Course Evaluation system streamlines the process of capturing student feedback across the institution. Through a central system with automated, information-rich reporting, faculty and administrators have access to the data they need to monitor quality and make timely, actionable decisions to improve teaching and learning.

• Commonly Asked Questions About Watermark Evaluations

Q: What are the benefits of using Watermark for course evaluations?

• A: Watermark provides a tech-forward system with the following benefits:
  • Higher response rates - leverages Canvas integration, automated reminders, and easy access for students to significantly improve participation;
  • Reduced manual work - the automated system eliminates the need for manually compiling and distributing evaluations, freeing up time for more strategic tasks;
  • Utilizes technology for student convenience - Watermark is mobile-friendly so students can complete evaluations from their mobile devices at a time that is convenient for them; and
  • Reminders are automatically pushed out by Watermark making it easy for students to access the evaluation without any extra steps or hunting around a course for a link to an evaluation.

Q: How does Watermark work?

• A: Watermark integrates with Canvas and Banner to pull the most recent student enrollments for each course.
• Targeted evaluation questions for each department are mapped to courses via the course title.
• Each evaluation cycle is launched via a Watermark "Project" that is configured to:
  • Map to courses that fit a specific date range
  • Automatically open and close on specific dates
  • Send automated correspondence to students, faculty, and administrators/coordinators
  • Create easy-to-access reports and analytics
• Evaluation responses are completely anonymous.

Q: How do students access their course evaluations?

• A: Students receive automated emails with direct links to the course evaluations that they have been assigned to. 
• When students log into Canvas, a pop-up window will appear with direct links to any evaluations that they have not yet completed - they have the option to close the window, but every time they log in to Canvas, they will see the pop-up until they have completed all assigned evaluations.
• Any students who have not yet completed evaluations by a specific date in the project will receive reminders via the Watermark system
• Watermark is mobile-friendly so they may use any device to access and complete the evaluations.

Q: Are students required to complete course evaluations?

• A: No. Students are not required to complete course evaluations. The pop-up reminders will not prohibit students from accessing their courses in Canvas.

Q: What types of result reports are available?

• A: See Viewing Course Evaluation Results for Faculty for specifics on the types of result reports available for faculty.

Q: When are evaluation results made available to faculty?

• A: Evaluation results are made available the day after final grades are due for the semester. Instructors and administrators receive an automated email from the system (sender: courseevals@isu.edu) announcing that evaluation results are available. Evaluation results will continue to be visible for faculty and administrators after the project is completed.

Q: Are colleges and departments required to use Watermark?

• A: No. Participation in the Watermark Course Evaluation System is not required. For more information, contact Laura Ahola-Young, Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs.
• If your department would like more information about using Watermark, contact the ITRC at itrc@isu.edu to set up an appointment to discuss your needs. 

Q: Are there mandated and/or required evaluation questions?

• A: No. There are no university-wide required questions. Colleges and/or departments can provide their own, unique questions. 

Q: What Other Types of Surveys and/or Evaluations Are Available Through Watermark? 

• A: In addition to course evaluations, Watermark can be used for projects such as program/course exit interviews, gathering demographics and research data, conducting anonymous elections/votes, etc. 
• Contact the ITRC to set up an appointment to discuss the potential use of Watermark for your unique needs.

• Chat with Canvas Support for Faculty (external link)
• Canvas Instructor Guides (external link)
• Visit the ITRC Portal for answers to common questions (external link)
• For additional assistance email AnswersITRC@isu.edu