FAQ
1. How does the Center for Quality Analysis (ZQA) of the TU Dresden guarantee data protection?
Surveys and interviews by the ZQA are subject to the strictest data protection restrictions, which are defined by the Saxony Data Protection Act of the Saxony Higher Education Act and by the internal Evaluation Regulations of the TU Dresden. These acts and regulations were determined on March 30th , 2011. In addition, arrangements were made with the authorized data protection commission of the TU Dresden, whose directions and regulations were heeded and will be adhered to. All of our employees have been informed in this regard.
2. Why do I need to sign in with an access code for the online survey? Can the ZQA infer information about me with this code?
The personal access code prevents other people from completing the questionnaire, as well as preventing the same person from completing the questionnaire twice. It is not possible to infer information about specific individuals from this number. The code will not be saved with your answers.
3. What happens with my answers?
Each answered question is valuable for our work and is necessary for assessing the study programs and offerings of the TU Dresden. It is only possible to obtain scientifically sound findings about the study conditions and quality of the study programs at the TU Dresden when enough students participate in the survey. All questionnaires completed online are empirically evaluated using a statistics program (SPSS). The evaluation reports are given to the rectorate and the dean’s office and then are used within the faculty or department for further development of the quality of the study program. The results of the survey are sent to the instructors and the study commission (when a consent form has been submitted). The instructors are expected to present the results in the respective course at the end of the lecture period. (Further information about this process can be found here)
4. What happens if I don’t fill out the questionnaire at all or don’t completely fill out the questionnaire?
The survey is voluntary and is subject to the strictest data protection regulations. There are no consequences for you if you choose to not fill out the questionnaire. Please note, however, that each complete questionnaire supports our goal of receiving a comprehensive picture of the situation in your study program and also helps to continually improve the quality of the study programs at the TU Dresden.
With very few exceptions, you may decide from question to question if you want to respond or not. Only where an answer is absolutely necessary for the survey (for example about your study program, or further questions regarding a specific topic – so-called filter questions) you must provide an answer in order to continue in the survey. These types of questions are kept at a minimum. Otherwise you can proceed to the next question. Please keep in mind that each honestly completed question increases the representative status and therefore also the validity of the evaluation. Concrete requirements for future design of the study programs can only be formulated based on such answers.
5. What happens if I can’t immediately complete the survey or if I would like to discontinue the survey for the time being?
It is not always possible to complete a questionnaire within the given timeframe. To receive as many responses as possible, we will send two to three reminders in order to motivate students to participate in the survey. If you have already completed the survey, please ignore these reminders. You may also discontinue the questionnaire at any point and complete it at a later time by entering your code, so long as it is completed within the survey period. Your password only becomes blocked from further access when you have completed the questionnaire by clicking “finish”.
6. Can students who are blind or otherwise visually impaired take part in the survey?
We have created an accessible questionnaire. Functionality for blind and visually impaired students was tested with Screenreader Jaws 11 and 13. If problems nevertheless occur, please feel free to contact us. Contact information can be found on the right side of the webpage.
7. Why is the questionnaire so long?
The complexity of the study conditions and quality of the study program is inadequately understood when fewer questions are asked. The questionnaire could therefore not be made shorter. If the wording or phrasing of a particular question is confusing or not agreeable, please do not linger too long by these types of questions and choose the answer closest to your personal experience. The evaluation tools are continually revised and developed further. Feedback and suggestions are always welcome (email: ).
8. Is it possible to receive the evaluation results?
Please contact the dean’s office of your study program or your program coordinator (list). They have the evaluation report and the anonymized survey data. The ZQA is not authorized to give the data to third parties.