Auburn University's SGA brought Auburn Answers Week to life on the Haley Center concourse Sept. 8-12, and introduced their new feedback system. The Auburn Answers iPad kiosks were introduced to provide a more efficient method for students to share their thoughts and suggestions on various topics.
The idea for a new feedback system began in April.
"We first talked about going the traditional pen and paper route," said SGA chief of staff Taylor Akers, senior in communication. "This method was ultimately ruled out because it would be slower and less organized."
SGA eventually decided to implement iPads to maximize efficiency for both students and the SGA responders.
"We quickly realized that the most efficient way for us and the students was to just keep it on a device, like an iPad," Akers said. "It would be easier for us because we could compile the information a lot quicker since it's just going to one place on a database, and it's better for the students because we can get a response back to them a lot quicker."
This new system marks the first time students can hear back about their comments and suggestions.
Giving feedback is a simple four-step process. Students are first prompted to enter their name and e-mail address. Students then give their comments, suggestions or both, which the system is then able to sort into one of nine categories, including an other category.
Once feedback is submitted, it goes through SGA's directors of student feedback, who then respond to the student directly to let them know their comments have been received.
The feedback may then go to another member of SGA who is better equipped to deal with the specific category.
The data are then compiled and sent to administrators, who are able to directly address an issue and make changes on their end. If students' suggestions need to be further addressed, SGA will update them as needed.
"They're placed in different locations around campus, particularly in areas with high traffic," said SGA director of student feedback Trey Fields, sophomore in political science.
So far, there are three kiosks available for use on campus: Village Dining, near the Chick-fil-A line in the student center and next to Caribou Coffee in the main entrance of the Ralph Brown Draughon (RBD) Library.
"We've gotten an overwhelming response so far, so we're very appreciative," said SGA director of student feedback Lucy Anne Link, sophomore in finance. Link and Fields said some of the most popular topics for feedback include dining, parking, transportation and game day experience, particularly the new guidelines for block seating.
"We have the resources, we have the people, we have the administrators with the answers, so the best thing we can improve on now is just getting [the responses] out even quicker," Akers said.
SGA said they continue to strive to make students' voices heard and hopes the new Auburn Answers iPad kiosks will draw in higher numbers of feedback.
SGA said they want everyone to be aware of their easy to use qualities, as well as the close interaction between students and SGA they foster.
The iPad kiosks are always available and students are encouraged to continue providing feedback through the kiosks and auburnanswers.org.
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