The TRACE survey includes several questions that students answer with free-form comments. These comments are accessible to students as an aid to choosing courses and instructors. Student comments must conform to Northeastern’s Policy on Appropriate Use of Computer and Network Resources.
Faculty can review their own evaluation reports after grades are due, including student comments, before they are published to the university community. After reviewing student feedback from TRACE, faculty may request redaction of any comments that meet the criteria below. The Provost’s Office reviews these requests.
Criteria for redaction:
- Appear to evaluate the instructor on criteria not related to her/his teaching performance and/or on a discriminatory basis. The university’s Equal Opportunity Policy affirms that “Northeastern University does not condone discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, religious creed, genetics, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, national origin, ancestry, veteran or disability status.” (Equal Opportunity)
- Raise allegations of professional impropriety (including harassment or discrimination) on the part of the instructor. Such allegations may be redacted and referred to appropriate university authorities for investigation.