Resolution Calling for Reform of the Course Evaluations and Instrument Process

On May 14, 2025, the ASI Board of Directors passed the Resolution Calling for Reform of the Course Evaluations and Instrument Processes, co-authored by Hannah Reyes and Jett Palmer. The resolution recognizes widespread concerns regarding statistical validity, response bias, and potential discrimination in Student Evaluations of Teachings (SETs).  

The resolution calls for more accurate terminology by officially referring to “Course Evaluations” as “Student Evaluations of Teaching (SETs)” in all relevant university documents and communications. It encourages the inclusion of more qualitative, student-appropriate feedback questions, the adoption of anti-bias review practices across colleges, and enhanced visual representation of evaluation data to improve clarity. 

Additionally, it recommends exploring options to allow faculty to request the removal of biased or inaccurate SETs from their Personnel Action Files to increase accuracy and reduce bias in the representation of teaching performance. Also, the resolution recommends that administrators explore the feasibility of providing students with access to a curated version of SETs, filtered for bias and relevance, to support informed decision making when selecting courses, instructors, and schedules. 

ASI Board of Directors representative – Bailey College of Science and Mathematics, Jett Palmer, noted, “As students, we have a responsibility to engage thoughtfully with the systems that shape our education — including how our feedback influences faculty evaluation. The current course evaluation system has serious limitations, from severe response bias to the propagation of prejudice. This resolution is not a final solution, but a call to action — inviting students, faculty, administrators, and college leadership, to reimagine a more equitable and accurate approach to evaluating teaching at Cal Poly.”

Hannah Reyes, ASI Board of Directors representative – College of Engineering, stated, “After receiving feedback from both students and faculty about the inefficacies and faults in our course evaluation process, I found great passion in working to improve this system that affects both sides of our education system. By passing this resolution, we took a great step in not only clearly identifying the inherent bias and limitations of our evaluation instrument but also recommending change that will only improve our ability to create a more inclusive and fairer academic environment for our students and staff.” 

The resolution ultimately seeks to improve SET response rates, reduce systemic biases, and ensure SETs are used more constructively in evaluating teaching effectiveness. Resolutions passed by the ASI Board of Directors certify the voice of students at Cal Poly. 

If you have an issue you are passionate about, contact a college representative on the Board of Directors to get involved in advocacy on campus. To view the full resolution and learn more, visit the ASI website or contact Catherine Ogden at cjogden@calpoly.edu.