AAU released a summary of over 2,100 course evaluation results from last semester, marking the first time individual professor ratings were made available to students. The way the information was shared, however, sparked debate among faculty over context and fairness.
Although instructors routinely receive student feedback and written comments, this term the numerical ratings were also made visible to the wider student body, assessing factors such as course difficulty, professionalism and classroom interactivity.
“I want to [stand] in solidarity with concerned colleagues that this was a potentially damaging practice to disclose this data to the whole community without any context,” Professor Joshua Hayden said.
Several lecturers expressed concern that numerical ratings were highlighted rather than response rates or qualitative context, which could misrepresent their teaching performance.
While some professors had over 20 responses, others had as little as one response which created varied averages that may not be representative of overall opinion.
Releasing the results to students was intended to show students that their feedback matters and to increase transparency, according to AAU stakeholders.
The rating system is a factor in professor promotion, bonus systems and monitoring grade inflation. However, AAU stakeholders noted that results may contain bias so they are not the only factor in decision making.
Alternatively, when ratings for professors or courses are low over multiple semesters, the results help to direct support rather than punishment.
Despite concerns surrounding methodology, several departments saw overwhelmingly positive results. The School of International Relations and Diplomacy led the scores and professors Jana Babincová and Joshua Hayden achieved near-perfect ratings.
“I’d be lying if I said that this wasn’t very encouraging to me as a teacher,” Hayden said. “I always want to be improving my course and make it the best it can possibly be. The feedback from students goes a long way to improving my courses each time.”
Top-rated professors, including Hayden, Babincová and David Vaughn, attributed their scores to interactive teaching styles and enthusiasm for their subjects.
Although many students only complete course evaluations when required, for others they are an integral part of selecting classes and professors.
“It is important for students to have transparency on what others think the professors are like,” student council member Connor McCartney said. She argues this allows students to better advise their course choices.
AAU is not the only university who has moved toward transparency with several faculties in Charles University providing full public access to their results.
It appears that AAU plans to modify the way results are shared for the Spring 2026 semester to benefit students and faculty.
