What is AEFIS?
AEFIS LLC (Assessment, Evaluation, Feedback & Intervention System) is a web-based assessment management solution that facilitates the collection and application of real-time assessment data. AEFIS is used for all courses at UW-Madison for digital course evaluation surveys. UW-Madison has entered into a multi-year partnership with AEFIS to provide a campus-wide digital course evaluation survey tool, which is part of a suite of digital learning assessment tools. For more information about upcoming training sessions and other resources, visit Digital Course Evaluation Surveys .
Training and Support
Training sessions are held each semester. If you would like to be notified of training opportunities and become part of the AEFIS Users Group, just email join-aefis-users@lists.wisc.edu. For technical questions, email learnuwsupport@doit.wisc.edu . For adoption questions in the Wisconsin School of Business, please contact WSB Academic Affairs help desk ( acadmicaffairshelp_wsb@wisc.edu ).
Overview of the course evaluation process
The basic process for course evaluations remains the same as in the past and instructors are expected to reserve time in class for students to complete them. The system is mobile friendly, so they can use a phone, laptop, or other device of their choice. Nearly 100% of WSB students have their own laptop, notebook, or phone to use for their evaluations. Instructors shall not award bonus points or use any other incentive for students to complete the evaluation.
AEFIS (Assessment, Evaluation, Feedback & Intervention System) is an online tool for creating, distributing, and managing digital course evaluation surveys. At UW-Madison, it is primarily for conducting end of semester and midterm course and instructor evaluations. The end of semester evaluations are required of all instructors and will be used as part of an instructor’s performance review. You are also encouraged to consider soliciting feedback during the semester to address any changes that can be implemented for your current students. If you would like assistance with mid-course evaluations, please contact Chris Dakes (chris.dakes@ wisc.edu) who can assist you.
The following is a brief review of how AEFIS integrates with courses:
- Instructors will receive an email notification three days before evaluations are sent to students. This applies to end-of-semester evaluations as well as midterm evaluations. Departments may elect to do midterms for some or all of their courses. These surveys are usually sent out to students between weeks five to seven of the semester.
Students will also receive an individualized email with a link to the evaluation, although they can also access it via their Student Center.
- When the instructor's message is received, instructors should communicate to students that the course evaluation process will occur in class at a planned future date and that a device (smartphone, tablet, laptop) is required on that date.
- It is important that the evaluation be conducted during class time, typically devoting 10 minutes to the process. This is a best practice to capture the highest yield rates.
- The evaluation is live for one or two weeks, depending on the length of the course. If a student is absent for the class period when evaluations were completed, the student will receive a reminder email every 3-4 days either until they complete it or the course evaluation period is over.
- Instructors will get an email from the AEFIS service with instructions for accessing evaluation results approximately two weeks after grades have posted.
- Online classes will be evaluated as they always have been.
Please remind/encourage your students about the importance of filling out the evaluations.
Additional Resources
- How to AEFIS - Viewing Survey Results
- All AEFIS articles