University of Cumbria Achieves 100%
Closing the Feedback Loop with evasys

Achieving 100% on closing the student feedback loop is no mean feat. Using evasys, University of Cumbria managed just that, meeting the institution’s strategic objective of harnessing data to derive actionable insights into the learning experience, allowing for early targeted interventions and the scaling of emerging good practices.

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The Challenge: From inconsistency to a streamlined approach to module evaluation

University of Cumbria achieves 100% closing the feedback loop

Before partnering with evasys, the University of Cumbria faced significant inconsistency in its module evaluation process. Previous approaches included a variety of in-house solutions using existing systems, such as the virtual learning environment (VLE), often resulting in limited staff engagement, variable data quality and a lack of structured feedback going back to students.

Recognising the need for a streamlined, consistent approach to module evaluation, the university sought a robust, external solution that could support strategic goals for enhancing student engagement and institutional responsiveness to feedback. That solution was evasys.

Cumbria 100 percent closing the loop evasys case study web 1

Streamlining module evaluations at the University of Cumbria.

The Solution: Using evasys to facilitate a structured approach to student voice

With the arrival of a new Pro Vice Chancellor (Learning and Teaching), Dr Jonathan Eaton, the university prioritised a more structured and impactful approach to gathering student feedback.

A new Learning, Teaching and Assessment (LTA) Plan was launched, underpinned by a university-wide Learning and Teaching Leadership Group that provided high-level, top-down support of the new approach to responding to student feedback.

Following a competitive tendering process, the university identified evasys as the best fit to deliver module evaluations at scale – in terms of both software solutions and the level of expertise and engagement of the evasys team. By summer 2024, a turnkey implementation began—an ambitious move given tight timelines and concurrent digital transformations, including the university’s transition to Blackboard Ultra.

To ensure success, the university undertook a comprehensive staff engagement and data readiness campaign:

  • Mandatory module leader training and briefings – including sharing strategies to encourage survey completion by students
  • Pre-survey data cleansing and validation by module leaders and institute heads
  • Dedicated SharePoint resources and communications tools
  • Custom Blackboard banners and embedded links for both students and instructors
  • Twice-weekly drop-ins, guidance sessions and support documentation
University of Cumbria achieves 100 percent closing the feedback loop report evasys Barrow campus

The Results: 100% closing the loop reports achieved

In the very first semester using evasys, the University of Cumbria:

  • Delivered 548 surveys across modules
  • Achieved an impressive 34.2% student response rate (exceeding previous internal efforts and sector averages)
  • Delivered 100% closing the loop reports to students—ensuring all feedback, including from modules with zero responses, was acknowledged

This success was underpinned by a whole-institution approach. As Andy White, Learning Technology Manager, explained:

“We had very few support queries from either staff or students. That’s a testament to the planning and communication, but also the simplicity of the evasys platform and the ongoing support from the evasys team. The turnkey approach really paid off.”

University of Cumbria achieves 100% closing the feedback loopAndy White, University of Cumbria

To maintain student trust and encourage future participation, every student received feedback—even in modules where no one responded. In small cohorts, bespoke communications were issued to protect anonymity while still recognising the student voice.

Next Steps: Working from a baseline to inform wider strategies

The university is now refining its data selection processes to better align with varied module start dates. Insights gathered will inform wider learning and teaching enhancements and consistent scheduling of surveys will enable semester-by-semester comparison.

The University of Cumbria’s success with evasys demonstrates how strategic leadership, effective communications and the right technology can transform student voice into meaningful action.

“We’ve now got a baseline to work from and a wealth of data to feed into our wider student engagement strategies,”

University of Cumbria achieves 100% closing the feedback loopAndy White, University of Cumbria

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