Surveys at the University of Minnesota are governed by the University Survey Advisory Team (U-SAT). Comprised of representatives from University Survey and Assessment Services (USAS), the Office for Institutional Research, the Office of Undergraduate Education, and the College of Liberal Arts, U-SAT aims to create a collaborative environment that allows the University to be more intentional with its resources devoted to survey activity.

Student survey fatigue is one issue of particular concern across the University. U-SAT is working to address survey fatigue and other survey-related issues, including protecting students from repeated survey requests while respecting the need to conduct research within the student population.

What U-SAT Does 

Address Survey Related Issues

  • Provide consult to the UMN Qualtrics Business owner. University Survey and Assessment Services
  • Track and reduce survey related expenses
  • Ensure appropriate use of third-party survey software

Review Policies and Implement Procedures

  • Leverage policies and best practices to reduce survey fatigue on campus
  • Provide assistance for surveys/projects and Qualtrics users through the Approval and Assistance Request Form
  • Determine eligibility requirements for surveying at the UMN
  • Identify critical surveys around campus and facilitate data sharing

Provide Survey Resources

  • Educate students, faculty, and staff on the best practices for conducting surveys
  • Provide contact lists to those conducting survey projects that meet a business or educational need within the University
  • Work with the University Survey Advisory Team (U-SAT) to identify the best time during the year to administer your survey and avoid conflicts with other large-scale survey efforts. Additionally, when setting your launch date take into consideration the academic calendar, holidays, and other important dates and events, which may decrease engagement with your survey.   

Additional resources

These additional resources will aid your survey research from U-SAT:

Approval and Assistance Request Form