Filling out university surveys benefits students
Throughout the year, University of South Dakota administrators send out a plethora of surveys to students via email to get feedback on certain parts of the school. While it may seem like the surveys are annoying or overwhelming, they are important to the university and can ultimately change the environment and/or amenities available to students.
Take the most common survey about Internet, for example. Students receive at least one of these surveys a semester to get feedback about the university’s Wi-Fi connection. Although it is a common complaint that the Wi-Fi “sucks,” it should be noted the IT department has made several changes to improve Wi-Fi services.
Recently, the university updated its Wi-Fi connection capabilities to reach more devices. In our society, it is very common to have more than one device in use at a time — i.e. phone, tablet and computer — that needs a Wi-Fi connection for schoolwork and other activities. This update led to easier usage and directs the Wi-Fi to certain devices throughout the day. For example, during normal school hours, D2L can be accessed better, while at night Netflix works better than it would during the day.
This wouldn’t have been possible if it wasn’t for student feedback. The university is trying to accommodate its students to the best of its abilities, and as students we need to meet them halfway. We have a chance to be heard, and there are changes being made to please the majority of the student body.
Between the flow of surveys that are sent out, students should have every opportunity to voice their opinion on things they want changed.
For university food and health services, there are comment cards available to fill out. For any academic complaints, students can talk to the heads of each department. For other complaints and concerns relating to the university, students can find comment drop boxes on the MyUportal.
Finally, at the end of each semester students are required to fill out an evaluation form about their professors and courses. While most students do not take this seriously or fill it out as best they can, this is a crucial time to present feedback and possibly help the department better its academic experience.
Students are here for nine months out of the year, and the university is aware there is always room for improvement. But students need to realize although there may seem to be a lot of surveys being sent out, it is because certain areas of the university can improve for the betterment of the student body.
