Objective

This poll was designed to collect faculty and student feedback on their preferences for scheduling courses—whether they like courses (to teach or take) on two days a week or prefer classes spread across the week.

Items

Student poll items

• When it comes to scheduling your classes, which do you prefer?
  • I prefer a schedule of mostly Monday/Wednesday/Friday classes
  • I prefer a schedule of mostly Tuesday/Thursday classes
  • I prefer a mix of MWF and T/TH (classes across the week)
  • Other (Briefly explain): __________
• When it comes to scheduling your classes, what are the TOP factors you consider? (Select up to 3 responses)
  • Duration of class meetings (e.g. 50- vs. 80- minutes)
  • Number of class meetings per week
  • Modality of class (e.g. in-person, online, hybrid)
  • The assigned professor (who is teaching it)
  • Time of day (e.g. morning, afternoon, evening)
  • Personal schedule considerations (e.g. work, practice schedule, clubs/activities, transportation/commuting)
  • Cost of textbooks/materials
  • Recommendations from others (i.e. advisors, friends, etc…)
  • Meeting location
  • Fulfilling requirements for a timely degree completion
  • Scheduling classes to have at least one day off
  • Other (Briefly explain): __________

Faculty poll items

• When it comes to your teaching schedule preferences, which do you prefer?
  • I prefer a schedule of mostly Monday/Wednesday/Friday classes
  • I prefer a schedule of mostly Tuesday/Thursday classes
  • I prefer a mix of MWF and T/TH classes (classes across the week)
  • I prefer evening classes.
  • Other (Briefly explain): _________
• When it comes to your preferences for teaching, what are the TOP factors you consider? (Select up to 3 responses)
  • Days I feel I am the most effective teacher
  • Specific time of day (e.g. morning, afternoon, evening)
  • What is best for student learning
  • Family/personal schedule considerations
  • Time to conduct scholarly or creative activities
  • Time for service commitments
  • Transportation/commuting considerations
  • Schedule of my other full or part-time work
  • Other (Briefly explain): _________

How it was used

In 2025, the Provost convened a task force to review the University’s course matrix. Quick Poll feedback from instructors and students have guided discussions for the task force as they consider a revised matrix where more 75-minute courses on Monday and Wednesday would be offered.

Objective

Gather data on sustainability values, campus priorities, and engagement with environmental justice to inform programming, strategic planning, and the Temple’s 2025 Climate and Sustainability Action Plan.

Items

Sample of items

• Students
  • Which of the following describes your values in relation to the environment?
  • Over the next 5 years, Temple University should prioritize the following as it relates to sustainable campus operations and infrastructure. (select up to three choices).
  • My concern about environmental issues has grown because of coursework I have participated in during my time at Temple. (Likert scale)
• Employees
  • Over the next 5 years, Temple University should prioritize the following as it relates to sustainable campus operations (select up to three choices)
  • Environmental justice is defined as the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income, with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies.
  • Temple University has a responsibility to be a leader in sustainability and environmental justice. (Likert scale)
  • Over the next 5 years, Temple University should prioritize the following as it relates to the Office of Sustainability resource delivery and engagement opportunities. (select up to three choices)

How it was used

Feedback gathered from students, faculty, and staff about their values, habits, and participation in sustainability programs helps Temple University understand the community’s commitment to climate action. The input guided communication strategies, resource allocation, and shaped the Temple University 2025 Climate and Sustainability Action Plan. It also provided insights into academic experiences related to sustainability education and workplace perceptions of strategic goals, highlighting how prepared students and employees feel to address social and environmental challenges. These efforts support Temple’s sustainability rankings and demonstrate an ongoing dedication to strengthening a culture of sustainability.

All Previous Quick Polls

Spring/Summer 2024

• Course Materials
  • Before IRA’s involvement, the library conducted a Quick Poll in partnership with ITS on Course Materials. Steven Bell, former Associate University Librarian, wrote a blog post about the experience.

Fall 2024

• MLK Day of Service - All faculty, students, and staff
• Total Wellness – Faculty
• Mental Health and Well-Being – Students
• Student Experience with Charles Library Study Room
  • Nancy Turner, Director of Strategy, Planning and Assessment, wrote a blog post about their experience using Quick Polls and turning the results into actionable items.
• Winter Break Activities - Students

Spring 2025

• Student Participation in Student Feedback Forms - Students
• Course Materials (follow-up to the Spring/Summer 2024 Quick Poll)
• Course Scheduling - Students
• Course Scheduling - Faculty
• Sustainability - Students
• Sustainability - Faculty
• TU Move -Students

SUMMER 2025

• Campus Recreation - Staff