Increasing SPLS Response Rates

Do you remember the good ol’ days when end-of-course student surveys included bubble sheets and number two pencils? Some students were treated to donuts and early dismissal on survey day. Others felt like they were held captive until a bubble was shaded for every question. One benefit of the paper and pencil survey was that response rates tended to be relatively high.

Most units across MSU saw a dip in response rates when they shifted from bubble sheets to online surveys, which was consistent with the national trend. Some instructors, departments, and colleges saw another dip in the recent transition from the Student Instructional Rating System (SIRS) to the Student Perceptions of Learning Survey (SPLS). But that wasn’t true for everyone. For example, in the first full semester the SPLS was implemented, some colleges saw response rates in the range of 10% to 20% while others saw 65% to 76%. What did those colleges on the upper end do to support higher response rates? Check out this list of strategies and resources: What can instructors do to increase SPLS response rates?

In Case You Missed It...

Throughout the last few months, our office has provided several learning opportunities to help you navigate the different roles you hold. While some events were better served as in-person workshops, many others were recorded or have resources that were shared to provide information relevant to different aspects of academic work. For those who attended sessions, we hope you are documenting the time you spent investing in professional development in annual reviews and in conversations with your respective supervisors. MSU affirms the importance of developing and supporting leaders; these opportunities contribute to meeting those goals.   

In case you missed a particular opportunity, we encourage you to take some time to review relevant sessions: 

For Academic Administrators 

Leadership Institutes focus on topics relevant to the many responsibilities academic administrators navigate. Fall sessions covered: MSU Budget Basics, Navigating the Reappointment, Promotion, and Tenure Landscape at MSU, Hiring, Retention and Partner Hires, and Faculty and Academic Staff Performance Reviews. Recordings and materials are posted online.  

Creating and Sustaining a Respectful Work Environment sessions bring leaders together to improve the current climate and culture in their units and across the greater campus community. The fall workshops were both held in person but materials, including the valuable Climate Assessment Toolkit are available online.  

Conversations with the President and Interim Provost provided insight into the priorities and goals of our leaders. Recordings are posted online. 

For Faculty and Academic Staff 

Academic Lunch and Learns provide informal opportunities to connect with other academics and learn about different resources, offices and initiatives across the University. There are still a few sessions left for the fall semester and resources are shared in a dedicated Teams site.  

Thrive Sessions assist academics with navigating the different promotion pathways. Recordings and materials from the fall sessions focused on Thriving in the Tenure System and Thriving as an Academic Specialist. Spring sessions are now accepting registrations for Thriving as a Fixed-Term Faculty Member and Thriving in the Tenure System II: Transitioning from Associate to Full Professor. 

Exploring Academic Leadership Sessions are for those interested in learning more about the unique aspects of leading in an academic environment. Fall sessions were recorded and are posted online.  

NCFDD- If you have not taken advantage of MSU’s Institutional Membership with NCFDD, this independent organization devoted to supporting successful academic careers provides you with webinars, articles, and writing challenges. Learn more here. 



Spring opportunities will be available soon! We hope you are able to take some time to invest in your development and look forward to connecting with you in the new year. 

Fall 2024 Academic Lunch and Learn Sessions

All sessions will be from 12:00-1:00 p.m.(Bring your own lunch)

Join us for these opportunities to learn, connect with others, and make meaningful contributions–to share excitement about one’s field with other learners, to advance the knowledge base, and to use one’s expertise to address pressing issues at MSU and in the broader society.  

Faculty and academic staff in all appointment types are invited to attend. These academic lunches are intended to be no-pressure, enjoyable opportunities to meet others at all career stages, learn about resources, and connect more fully with the university community. The lunches will be facilitated by Marilyn Amey, Assistant Provost for Faculty and Academic Staff Development. Please bring your lunch and join us!  

• November 19, 2024 – Being Internationally and Globally Inclusive  
• November 26, 2024 – Curating Your Story  

Click here to register to attend one or more sessions. 

Click here to view the Spring 2025 sessions.

Thriving In Your Academic Career Series



The OFASD Academic Career Paths programming and resources provide guidance about faculty and academic staff careers – from when one enters the university, works toward promotion milestones, and transitions into late-career or retirement activities. We recognize the diversity of experiences, interests, expectations, needs, and career stages of faculty and academic staff. Our goal is to provide support for colleagues striving to create meaningful and productive professional and personal lives in alignment with – and contributing toward – the missions of Michigan State University.  

One important way we do this is through the Thrive Series offered each year. These sessions present university frameworks for understanding the review process of each faculty and academic staff group, provide examples from those who have experience conceptualizing their work for review and who share ways they constructed careers here, and opportunity to answer questions. While there are differences tied to college and unit processes, these sessions are designed to help you think about your work and how you can effectively communicate the impact and importance of it to others for annual review and promotion.  

To register to attend one of these sessions click the relevant link below: 

• February 5th - Thriving as a Fixed-Term Faculty Member 

• February 19th - Thriving in the Tenure System II: Transitioning from Associate to Full Professor 

Additional Professional Development



The Office of Faculty and Academic Staff Development works with all faculty, academic staff, and academic administrators at Michigan State University as they join the university, establish professional trajectories, and move through various stages of review, promotion, and growth. We offer and/or collaborate on a variety of structured workshops and small group opportunities throughout the year.  

Selected Resources that may be helpful as you pursue your academic career at MSU can be found on our OFASD website.