UCalgary Course Experience Surveys (UCES)

What is a course survey?

Course experience surveys are an important tool for students to share their course learning experiences with their instructor and the university. Through course feedback, academic excellence is fostered in the university's curriculum and helps fulfill the commitment to quality teaching and learning. It's vital for the ongoing improvement of student learning for future students. 

Since 2023, the University of Calgary has used Explorance Blue to facilitate online course experience surveys, known as UCES, making them more accessible, sustainable and customizable.

UCES Institutional Survey Questions

  • I understood what was expected of me as a student in this course.
  • I received feedback during the course that contributed to my learning.
  • I was provided opportunity through course assessments to demonstrate my learning.
  • I became more aware of how I learn in this course.
  • I felt there was a respectful learning atmosphere in this course.
  • Please provide additional information for any of your answers above.
students

Student Resources

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instructor

Instructor Resources

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administrator

Administrator Resources

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Course Survey History

Course surveys at UCalgary were known as the USRI (Universal Student Ratings of Instruction). In 2018 the institution began a substantial review, and ultimate replacement, of the USRI questions and instrument. It has been replaced with the UCalgary Course Experience Survey (UCES) and is administered through the Explorance Blue software. Review and revisions to the UCES Operating Standard UCES is under the purview of the General Faculties Council Teaching and Learning Committee (TLC), including review and recommendations of the UCES questions.

Course Feedback Implementation Working Group

The Course Feedback Implementation Working Group (CFIWG) serves as an advisory group to the General Faculties Council Teaching and Learning Committee. Their role is to advise on the implementation of recommendations set out in the USRI Recommendation Report and in support of  the replacement survey, UCES.

Terms of reference

Historical Documents

  1. Wendy Benoit (Administrative Co-Chair)

    Interim Vice-Provost (Teaching and Learning) (VPTL) (ex officio)

  2. Arti Modgill (Academic Co-Chair)

    Appointed Academic Co-Chair by the VPTL from among the academic staff members appointed by the TLC

  3. Meaghan Edwards

    Academic staff member appointed by the TLC

  4. Michelle Kilborn

    Academic staff member appointed by the TLC

  5. Nelson Wong

    Academic staff member appointed by the TLC

  6. Gabriela Dziegielewska

    Student named by the Students’ Union (SU)

  7. Lorraine Ndovi

    Student named by the SU

  8. Jacob Amengor

    Student named by the Graduate Students’ Association (GSA) (grad courses)

  9. Vacant

    Student named by the GSA (Graduate Teaching Assistants)

  10. Vacant

    One representative named by the Office of Institutional Analysis (OIA) 

  11. Fouzia Usman

    One academic staff member named by the Taylor Institute for Teaching and Learning

  12. Jennifer Thannhauser

    One academic staff member named by the Office of Institutional Commitments

  13. Christine Martineau

    One academic staff member named by the Office of Indigenous Engagement

  14. Nicole Wyatt

    One academic staff member named by the Faculty Association