Oracle Online

Online evaluations gain 
popularity among students

Online evaluations have given students another way to voice their opinion on campus. After participating in a class, each student is able to evaluate the class itself and the professor through Piperline. The evaluations then go through the faculty, the Faculty Personnel Committee, the chairs of departments and the dean of the CLA.

“It’s very important for the faculty members to receive reactions and feedback so that they can be taken into account. We can then look at what went well with the class, and what maybe didn’t go well,” Joseph Peschek, Professor of Political Science and part of the Faculty Personnel Committee, said.

“It’s not always fun to see some of the evaluations that are critical, but it can help faculty problem solve,” Peschek said.

Last semester, online evaluations increased 20 percent. This is a huge jump, as compliance has twice consecutively declined. No one can be sure of why there was such an increase, but one possibility is that professors are encouraging students in the use of online evaluations in class. Professors may offer extra points in the class if all evaluations are completed.

The evaluations are anonymous, which ensures the students’ privacy. All opinions and scores are taken equally. In addition, the more evaluations a class gets, the more likely it is that the class will be evaluated accurately.

Persistent panhandler 
invades Hamline’s campus

Three incidents were reported on Feb.. 9 of an aggressive panhandler approaching students and staff across campus. The suspect has been known to block the way of students heading to class. He has also been belligerent and demanded money from students and staff members.
He has been described as an African-American male, approximately 18-25 years old, 5’7” to 6’ feet tall, with an average to heavy build.

Safety and Security searched campus, but did not find the suspect. The St. Paul Police have also been informed. If anyone has information or is approached by the suspect call 911 immediately for the St. Paul Police, and then call Hamline’s Security office at x2100.