Surveys

At Southwestern Adventist University, we use Watermark Course Evaluations & Surveys to create and distribute surveys for gathering feedback and insights. This platform allows for customized survey creation, automated distribution, and data analysis to support decision-making.

If you need access to Watermark to create a survey, please contact research@swau.edu to request an account. Our team will guide you through the setup process and ensure you have the necessary permissions to design and launch your survey.

If you need a tutorial guide click on the link below.

At Southwestern Adventist University (SWAU), we prioritize the anonymity and confidentiality of all survey participants. Our goal is to create a safe and secure environment where students, faculty, and staff can provide honest and meaningful feedback without concern.

• Anonymity: Some surveys are designed to be completely anonymous, meaning no identifying information is collected. Responses are aggregated to ensure individual answers cannot be traced back to a specific respondent.
• Confidentiality: In cases where survey responses are linked to identifiers for follow-up analysis, strict data security measures are in place to protect individual privacy. Only authorized personnel have access to raw data, and results are reported in a manner that prevents identification.

Our commitment to ethical survey practices ensures that data collected is used solely for institutional improvement, accreditation requirements, and decision-making while maintaining the highest level of privacy and integrity.

The Institutional Research and Effectiveness (IRE) Office follows standardized procedures to ensure the reliability and validity of survey data. Our approach to survey administration includes:

• Development & Approval: All surveys intended for university-wide distribution must be reviewed and approved to ensure alignment with SWAU’s mission and compliance with ethical research standards.
• Distribution & Collection: Surveys are typically distributed via email, online platforms, or in-person administration. We use secure methods to collect and store responses.
• Analysis & Reporting: Data is analyzed using best practices in institutional research. Results are shared in aggregate form with stakeholders to support decision-making and continuous improvement.

Survey Exclusions

Not all survey requests may be approved for distribution. Exclusions include:

• Surveys that lack institutional relevance or do not contribute to university planning and assessment.
• Surveys that do not comply with ethical research standards or compromise anonymity and confidentiality.
• Redundant surveys that duplicate existing data collection efforts, ensuring that survey fatigue among students and employees is minimized.

For more information on survey requests and approvals, please contact the IRE Office at research@swau.edu