Surveys are excellent tools for gathering information, but they can also be misused, including wasting the time and goodwill of individuals who take surveys that are poorly designed or of limited value. It is important to weigh the value of the information desired against the imposition on those who are being surveyed. Coordination of survey timing, use of sampling techniques, and good design can increase the cooperation of those asked to complete the survey.
The Office of Institutional Research is an important resource for information that may already exist for constituent groups affiliated with the College.