Course Experience Survey

LSU’s move to Watermark Course Evaluations & Surveys stemmed from regular evaluations of our systems to support student success. Blue Explorance had served LSU for over a decade, but Watermark allows for features such as direct Moodle notifications and streamlined reporting. The redesign establishes a standard, high-quality core set of questions across departments while allowing for discipline-specific flexibility, improving both participation and data quality.​ 

No. Watermark automates distribution, integrates with Moodle, and delivers results directly to your dashboard. 

Set aside a few minutes of class time—whether in person or through an online prompt—to allow students to complete the survey and directly communicate its value for course improvement. Regular reminders, transparent messaging about how feedback is used, and follow-up summaries can also improve participation.​ 

Explain how specific feedback from previous terms directly led to course improvements. Share “You Said—We Did” examples to make the connection tangible. 

The survey window is dependent on the academic period; you will be notified of the specific dates each term. Timing Calendar coming soon.  

Courses with low enrollment or certain special topics may be excluded per LSU's current policy. Policy details coming soon.

Departmental liaisons can request approval for up to six custom questions. These questions will be added to all courses within the department. Instructors cannot add questions for individual sections.  

Yes. Student anonymity is protected; reports contain no identifying information. 

Yes, each core item features an optional comment space, and there is a general open-response section for additional detail. 

Through links in Moodle and via coordinated email reminders. 

Watermark provides real-time response tracking for your course sections. 

Instructors, department heads, and deans have access to section-level data as appropriate. OIE maintains the institutional archive. 

All results are released for sections meeting the minimum enrollment of five students. 

Focus on patterns and themes across multiple terms. LSU encourages faculty to combine student feedback with peer reviews and other evidence for holistic teaching evaluation.​ 

Share changes made in response to feedback in your syllabus, course announcements, or via “You Said—We Did” updates from departments or OIE. 

OIE and the Institutional Effectiveness Council will review results each cycle, refine procedures, and provide ongoing support. Faculty and staff input through the Campus Interest Group, along with student input through the Student Advisory Group, will continuously shape instrument updates, implementation strategies, and communication efforts.

The Office of Institutional Effectiveness leads implementation, supported by the IEC, Academic Affairs, and department partners. 

When students understand that feedback is part of the learning process—not just an end-of-term requirement—they engage more thoughtfully in the Course Experience Survey. Establishing this mindset helps students see evaluations as meaningful, not transactional.

A brief explanation early in the semester makes a difference. Let students know that the survey focuses on their learning experience and that their input directly informs how courses evolve. When students understand why the survey exists, they are more likely to take it seriously.

Be transparent. Share that past feedback has informed adjustments in your teaching or course design, and remind them that the CES is one of the ways LSU ensures courses support student learning. Students engage more when they see their voice has influence.

Students respond best when they hear directly from the instructor that their perspectives matter. A simple, authentic statement—reinforcing anonymity, impact, and the importance of their insights—can significantly improve both participation and quality.

Look for themes, patterns, and recurring strengths or concerns. The CES is designed to highlight the student learning experience, giving you a clearer view of how course design, clarity, and structure are landing with students.