2.7

Kimberly Ellis-Hale

Social Science - Wilfrid Laurier University - Waterloo

2.7
Quality
3.8
Difficulty
17%
Would Retake
150
Reviews
2.7
Quality
3.8
Difficulty
2.8
Helpful
2.7
Clarity

17%

Would Retake

150

Reviews

Rating Distribution
Official

5

39

4

20

3

15

2

26

1

50

What Students Say

She was an awful professor, and she was so rude

SY101 - 2.0 rating

She also assigns online quizzes which are due at horrible times and test material that is not covered

SY101 - 1.0 rating
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

61%

Textbook Required

33%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

B

95% confidence
Based on 48 grades
Most common grades:
B (13)
C+ (9)
A (8)
Grade Distribution
A(10)B(16)C(11)D(1)F(0)A-/B+(10)
Based on 53 reported grades
B: 13
C+: 9
A: 8
A-: 7
Common Tags
Get ready to read (36)
Test heavy (26)
Skip class? You won't pass. (16)
Tough grader (13)
Graded by few things (11)
Tough Grader (6)
Caring (6)
TEST HEAVY (5)
Rating Trend

Declining

-1.61 avg change
Dec
Apr
May
Nov
Apr
Aug
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

MU286

5.0

(1)

SY280281

5.0

(1)

SY282

5.0

(1)

SOC111

5.0

(1)

SY101D

5.0

(1)
+22 more courses
Difficulty by Course

SY101D

5.0

PO326

5.0

SY215

4.6

SY382

4.1

MU286

4.0

Reviews (150)
4.0
3.0
CS235
Mar 14, 2002

great prof but boring class, she isnt too clear about what she wants

1.0
3.0
CS280
Mar 19, 2002

No Comments

4.0
4.0
CS235
Mar 19, 2002

awesome and always there for help

5.0
2.0
CS235
Mar 21, 2002

Work and study hard and you'll get the benefits!

3.0
5.0
CS235
Mar 29, 2002

Cares about SOME of her students, and not others

4.0
2.0
CS
Apr 2, 2002

hmmm. provocative AND quick on the draw

5.0
3.0
CS235
Apr 4, 2002

No Comments

5.0
4.0
CS
Nov 25, 2002

No Comments

3.0
4.0
CS235
Nov 28, 2002

Marks hard. Fun class but it can be deceiving. Organized chaos.

5.0
4.0
CS235
Jan 7, 2003

No Comments

5.0
4.0
CS235
Jan 7, 2003

No Comments

5.0
4.0
SY280
Jan 7, 2003

No Comments

5.0
4.0
CS235
Jan 7, 2003

No Comments

5.0
1.0
SY100
Jan 7, 2003

No Comments

5.0
4.0
MU286
Jan 10, 2003

two words...... perfect pitch

4.0
3.0
SY100
Jan 10, 2003

really nice prof...what's with the same black and grey outfit every class though

5.0
3.0
SY280
Apr 4, 2003

Good Prof, will agree disorganized, very intune to other student issues

5.0
3.0
SY100
Jul 19, 2003

She is so interesting and involves the class every session. Even during an 8:30 lecture you don't get the urge to sleep like you would with other profs. Very kind hearted too.

5.0
4.0
SY280
Oct 22, 2003

So passionate for her work and truly cares for her students.

2.0
4.0
SY216
Feb 9, 2004

This isn't the only class we have!

3.0
3.0
SY
Mar 5, 2004

No Comments

5.0
5.0
SY
Mar 16, 2004

I don't care wha they say I think you look great!!!!! An amazing prof and truely an asset at Laurier, It would be a shame to loose such an intellegent and interactive prof. (I actually get feed back, all the other profs should really take tips from her)

4.0
5.0
SY280
Mar 21, 2004

I found her very helpful and approachable. She is hard and gives TONS of work, but she is willing to work even harder to help you out. The work that you will do in her class, you will end up very proud of. Don't be intimidated by her intelligence!

5.0
3.0
SY
Apr 4, 2004

She may be unorganized and forgetful, but she's by far one of the most caring profs at Laurier. She really does care about her students and really really approachable...not at all snobby! We love u at WLU!!

5.0
4.0
SY382
Mar 30, 2004

Workload is higher than other classes, but subject demands it. Halarious prof, relates very well to students useing real life examples. Very approachable, friendly and helpful. The only prof that can tell you you're wrong without making you feel dumb

4.0
3.0
SY
May 6, 2004

Although she made the class engaging and interesting, I think that the workload was more demanding than a second year class should have been. Overall, Ellis-Hale is a good prof who clearly enjoys the subject she is teaching - she just needs to be more org

5.0
3.0
SY280
Nov 25, 2004

I think she truly cares about her students and makes the point of meeting them wherever and whenever possible, even if it has to be at her own house! Although she's not easy, she's not out to get you and makes the class challenging but also interesting! A!!

2.0
4.0
SY216
Dec 9, 2004

even if you study, your bound to fail! her tests are too unfair. lectures are interesting, but unfortunately, students do horrible in her class!

5.0
3.0
SY280
Jan 11, 2005

I love this prof. She is extremely nice and personable. Makes the course work relevant to the real world, how many other profs do that? There is a larger than average course load, but it is do-able. It is worth taking her class just to be in her presence. So knowledgable, passionate and caring.

5.0
3.0
SY281
Mar 13, 2005

it won't be a walk in the park but she's worth all the effort. strives to truly help her students. provides wonderful examples off the top of her head that really help clarify the concepts. VERY approachable tho you may have trouble getting her to stop talking once you get her started. just fabulous

5.0
5.0
SOCIOLOGY101
Mar 23, 2005

I have learned so much from this woman, though I wish that would show through the tests. Though very difficult I have a clearer view on the world. Very interesting class, but please, don't be so hard on the mid terms.

2.0
4.0
SY101
Apr 12, 2005

terrible, rude, and disrespectful of her students. I would reccomend taking sy 101 with a differnt professor

5.0
2.0
SY280281
Apr 20, 2005

Those who have her 1st year think she's bad because they acutally have to do work, wow, that's what university is for! Amazing, approachable, makes you work for your mark, you learn so much. You need to give her a chance before you judge, if you do bad in her class it's not her fault, its YOURS!

5.0
4.0
SY216
Apr 22, 2005

Very cool and very understanding

4.0
4.0
SY281
Apr 22, 2005

She is a great prof and an amazing person. Her lectures are interesting and she actually relates them to everyday life. Somehow she manages to make a dry subject like qualitative research methods intriguing. Takes a long time to mark, but understandable considering how much work she does @ Laurier.

4.0
2.0
SY101
May 3, 2005

interesting lectures, takes a long time returning marks. Overall a good professor.

5.0
4.0
SY101
May 16, 2005

didn't want to take this course, but it fit my schedule - so glad i did now

3.0
3.0
SY101
Jul 5, 2005

sparked a lot of interest in sociology for me, BUT, her non-teaching skills could use some work. Our class was left in the dark about many things, e.g. our assignment marks, etc. Also, as a soc prof, she is of course going to be careful to try to break stereotypes, but I found in doing so, she reinforced other stereotypes (specifically anti-male)

5.0
4.0
SY281
Sep 13, 2005

One of the best professors I've had in university so far. She challanges you, yes, but if you're not looking for a challange why did you go to university in the first place. I wish she could teach me all my classes....she's awesome.

3.0
2.0
SY101
Oct 15, 2005

Awesome class, she really made you think a lot about things we see in society. Her class was always fun and interesting. My only beef is that it took her two months to mark a scan tron test, while all the time she wouldn't tell us what the problem was...

5.0
4.0
SY282
Dec 10, 2005

Great Prof! Loves interaction with students. Always probing you to think deeper, discover more. Super helpful when having troubles with the class. A joy to listen to and be taught by.

5.0
1.0
SOC111
Jan 25, 2006

Very easy & straight forward if you're interested in the course material

1.0
3.0
PO218
Apr 2, 2006

Has absolutley no idea what she is doing. Should stick to sociology.

1.0
5.0
PO218
Apr 16, 2006

Doesn't answer emails. Doesn't get marking done. Doesn't know the material - thinks that: ( | fe - fo | - 0.5 )/fe is half (fe - f0)/fe, and is somehow allowed to teach stats... Bad grammar ("Alls you need to know") Gave no guidelines for the project. Taught ridiculously slowly at first, then ridiculously quickly at the end. Worst. Prof. Ever.

2.0
4.0
SY280
Apr 19, 2006

Terrible. Smart woman but as a prof she is lacking, she does not reply to e mails ever, she keeps you in the dark about marks, gives little direction on her assignments. Hard to do well in the class because she is never in her office for office hours and lack of direction on assignments.

1.0
4.0
PO218
Oct 12, 2006

This women should not be teaching stats. She barely understood it well enough herself, the project lacked any directions, and she did not like to answer questions. She was often hostile to students, which is pretty bad for a professor. Memorable comment "I will stay after class for those of you who need remedial help." Very insulting women.

2.0
4.0
PO218
Jun 9, 2006

Painful. Painful. Painful. I had to check my pulse every two minutes to see if I was still alive.

5.0
3.0
SYA
Oct 17, 2007

I Enjoy the Class

5.0
2.0
SY280
Mar 6, 2008

She is a very dedicated professor. Not only is she a very good instructor, but she also demonstrates a sincere interest in the lesson she teaches. I find her very helpful and respectful. Laurier can be very proud to have a profs like her.

2.0
5.0
SY101
Dec 13, 2007

Kimberly Ellis-Hale is a complete feminist. She has nothing better to do than complain about how horrible we have it as females. Boo hoo way to exagerate how horrible we have it! I pretty much disagree with every opionion she had this semester.The essay assignment was a complete waste. There was no structure or guidlines.

1.0
5.0
SY382
Apr 22, 2008

Very nice woman, but has no idea how to teach a statistics course.

2.0
3.0
SY201
Jun 7, 2008

Initially, I had a good impression of her but that changed as the semester progressed. She helps the students she likes and not the others. She thinks her lectures are the most important things in the world. She's forgetful and not professional at all.

5.0
5.0
SY101D
Jan 28, 2009

Amazing. Not a feminist at all - just states the facts. Knows her facts and knocks people to the ground when they challenge her; this woman has an explanation for everything. She engages classes in group discussions, lets people speak and discuss things ...just an amazing, amazing prof. Changed the way I look at the world.

4.0
3.0
SY101
May 10, 2009

Dr. Ellis-Hale is a really great prof. At times she does seem to be a bit too much and she does go through her slides pretty fast, but if u read your textbook you should do well. Also, get involved when she asks questions, it def helps.

2.0
3.0
SY102
Jun 28, 2010

rude, and non helpful... stay clear

5.0
3.0
SY101
Oct 25, 2010

Professor Ellis-Hale is an amazing prof. Makes sure you understand everything. Show her that you wish to learn, and she'll explain it to you in a very clear way.

5.0
4.0
SY101
Nov 19, 2010

If you're sitting at the back, texting, facebook-ing or even sleeping, then of course you won't understand anything she says. But if you wish to learn and ask her questions again and again if you don't understand something, of course she will help you! Professor Ellis-Hale is amazing! and she's very nice!

2.0
4.0
SY102
Jan 26, 2011

If you can avoid her, DO IT. I have never had a worse class than the one I took with her. She is very vague in explaining what she wants in assignments, and is rude when you ask her about them. She is not open to anyone's opinions in class, and also has some sort of an issue with electronics in the classroom. We weren't allowed to bring laptops.

4.0
4.0
SYA
Jun 3, 2012

I found her to be extremely difficult. Her lectures were ok, she did engage the class fairly well. But I found she had a serious lack of respect towards her students at times. And her expectations were unrealistically high, you practically needed to be on a part time schedule if you planned to live up to her idea of what doing "good" was

4.0
5.0
SYA
Jun 3, 2012

I did not like Kimberly AT ALL. I found her very abrupt and her expectations were beyond unrealistic. She would literally need double the time for her office hours and I saw students in tears there over her expectations. I don't deny she is capable of being compassionate, but she needs to develop a more realistic level of expectation right away!

2.0
3.0
SY382
May 10, 2013

She has very high expectations for the class which can sometimes be unrealistic. Her exams are tough for the sole reason that she asks you to do an insane amount of questions with very little time to do them. Asking her to clarify something is like pulling teeth and this happens often because she tends to be vague in her assignment descriptions

4.0
2.0
SY101
Aug 10, 2013

In my opinion she was one of my favourite prof's. She was passionate and explained everything clearly. Her quizzes weren't that hard ( must read the text book and take notes) and she was also willing to give extra marks- as long as you showed up to 10 classes and wrote a comment.

3.0
3.0
SY101
Sep 26, 2013

Good teacher who knew how to teach an introductory class in sociology. Used solid examples that were at times funny, and explained well. Although, I did not like the set up of the quizzes (which were lengthy, online and timed, and at times difficult). Also, the exam was rather hard (confusing). But overall I learned a lot from the course.

1.0
5.0
SY101
Nov 6, 2013

Makes you attend all of her classes and does not teach you a single thing you could not read in the textbook. She also assigns online quizzes which are due at horrible times and test material that is not covered. Her opinion is also that this world would be better off without men... just an interesting one.

4.0
3.0
SY382
Dec 13, 2013

SY382 class is very interesting and I did very well leading up to the exam, was getting above a 90. but the exam is the hardest thing i have ever written, half the class failed. know your equations and read chapter 13 inside and out!!!

4.0
3.0
SOC101
Nov 7, 2013

Alright professor. She's a nice lady and has good PPTs. The class is interesting and she's willing to "slow down" or get behind her schedule to make sure her students understand the materials.

3.0
4.0
SY382
Dec 23, 2013

She can be a bit rude at times, but she's nice for the most part. Did pretty well in the course up until the exam. Way too many questions with too little time.

1.0
3.0
SY101
Jan 16, 2014

Her lecture's are brutal to sit through. She doesn't seem to follow any pattern or stick to course content and instead goes off on tangents that are uninteresting and unrelated. Dropped her class because I couldn't stand the lectures and course content was mostly uninteresting to me anyway.

4.0
3.0
SY280
Apr 1, 2014

Kimberly is the most helpful professor. Though she is not easy, her teaching style really makes you learn and apply the learnings in real life. She will help you network and will push you to exceed your maximum potential level. Make sure you read the textbook and ask for help. She is amazing.

3.0
4.0
SY280
Grade: B
Apr 17, 2014

Kimberley is a great prof, she is tough and her class is a lot of work but I know understand concepts of writing a research proposal. Not only does she teach you in class material but she teaches you real life skills in order to succeed.

2.0
4.0
SY101
Apr 25, 2014

She was an awful professor, and she was so rude. She put way too much pressure on her students and her view is the only important view. Definitely not taking a class with her ever again.

2.0
5.0
SY382
Jul 22, 2014

Stats with this woman was a nightmare! The math support she set up from other departments was inadequate, her assignments are super unclear and she's very high-school in her expectations. The exam had a bunch of stuff that she had told us not to study because it was bonus..that "bonus" material made up 10% of the final exam. Get a tutor or drop it.

2.0
4.0
SY382
Nov 25, 2014

Good luck if you're in her stats course.. Not clear or helpful. Learned from the textbook.

5.0
3.0
SY101
Nov 29, 2014

One of my favorite profs! She genuinely cares about every student and wants them to succeed. I highly recommend going to her office hours where she will help you go over past quizzes to do better on the next one. She was able to make 3 hour lectures interesting, fun, and engaging.

2.0
4.0
SY101
Feb 8, 2015

I've been a graduate of Laurier for 2 years, had 4 classes total with her. One only a few profs who ever taught me anything worth knowing. Don't be intimidated, she cares, and does not take nonesense from people who don't try that's all. Trust me I use the skills I gained from her in my (dream) job.

4.0
4.0
SOC280
Grade: A+
Apr 6, 2015

Kimberly truly cares about her students. Her marking is tough but fair. If you have trouble with concepts she will go over them with you carefully to ensure you understand. Would definitely recommend.

3.0
3.0
2038
Sep 14, 2015

Her lectures do not cover much of the textbook and she talks a lot about the news. Prepare to read and make a lot of notes to study for the quizzes and the exam.

2.0
5.0
SY382
Mar 29, 2016

The class starts off seeming like it's going to be easy... However, after the 1st quiz is when everything falls apart. She doesn't explain things & gives unclear help. The tests are ridiculous with way too many questions in a short period of time, covering material that's irrelevant to what she taught. Take this class with another professor. AVOID.

3.0
4.0
SY280
Nov 4, 2017
Wouldn't take again

very good professor at lecturing but the tests and projects are insanely hard

Tough Grader
Skip class? You won't pass.
Amazing lectures
4.0
4.0
SY101
Mar 16, 2017
Wouldn't take again

Great prof who engages students and has interesting lectures. Notes must be hand written and she doesn't post the slides online. Quizzes were hard as they cover nearly everything in the textbook which made it difficult to succeed at times. also 60 questions in 60 minutes doesn't help that cause.

1.0
5.0
SY280
Nov 23, 2017
Wouldn't take again

Genuinely the worst professor I have ever had. She does not give any information regarding her expectations for assignments- you are expected to read her mind. She makes you feel stupid when you ask questions. Her lectures are useless. Her expectations are unachievable- she puts so much pressure on students. Do NOT take her classes.

Tough Grader
Skip class? You won't pass.
GROUP PROJECTS
1.0
5.0
SY280
Nov 23, 2017
Wouldn't take again

Learned everything from the textbook. This professor is terrible.

Tough Grader
Get ready to read
Skip class? You won't pass.
1.0
5.0
SY101
Dec 13, 2017
Wouldn't take again

4 quizzes and final exam all worth 20% each, half the content on the tests were not even covered in class or book. Furthermore she had to skip a few chapters in class in order to finish the last one by the time semester was over. Horrible

1.0
5.0
SY101
Grade: C+
Dec 13, 2017
Wouldn't take again

Hated this course. Insanely hard quizzes that cover mostly irrelevant material

Get ready to read
TEST HEAVY
Tests are tough
1.0
4.0
SY101
Dec 14, 2017
Wouldn't take again

This prof gave no other options for extra credit. Only had 4 quizzes throughout the term each worth 20%, nothing else other than the exam. Did not let us use our laptops and writing notes was hard as she sped through the slides. Wouldn't reccomend taking the class unless you enjoy doing a lot of reading to understand what is being taught.

Get ready to read
Skip class? You won't pass.
Tests are tough
5.0
2.0
SY101
Grade: B+
Dec 18, 2017
Would take again

Loved this class! We discussed current events at the beginning of every lecture and most of the time these issues were applied to the lecture topic for that day. She played multiple TedxTalks in the class which really inspired me. This course changed my life.

Skip class? You won't pass.
Hilarious
Amazing lectures
2.0
4.0
SY101
Grade: B
Jan 2, 2018
Wouldn't take again

Spends over half of each class talking about current events that have absolutely nothing to do with the course content. She doesn't post her slides or allow laptops in class but speeds through slides before you can write it all down. Her slides are often straight from the textbook and she provides way too many statistics

Get ready to read
TEST HEAVY
Tests are tough
1.0
2.0
SY101
Grade: A
Mar 14, 2018
Wouldn't take again

The worst prof I have had at Laurier. She is condescending and treats all students like children. We had several lectures about learning strategies and multiple choice strategies for 1st years despite many upper years taking the class, and 20% of the midterms were questions based on that. She doesn't actually teach anything relevant to sociology.

Skip class? You won't pass.
TEST HEAVY
GRADED BY FEW THINGS
1.0
4.0
SY321
Aug 21, 2018
Wouldn't take again

DO NOT RECOMMEND TAKING A CLASS WITH HER! I never ever wrote a rating for a prof but i think this time i really have too. Took SY321 this summer term and haven't received any marks since June. She graded the first midterm but before the final exam we haven't received a mark for midterm 2, essay or participation.

Tough Grader
TEST HEAVY
5.0
3.0
SY280
Grade: A
Nov 22, 2018
Would take again

ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS PROF! She truly cares about her students and wants to set us up for success. This is my second course with her and hope to take more. She is always around to give advice on school (on any course) and always willing to lend a listening ear when needed. I can't express how much she has done for me. Changed my uni experience!!!

Gives good feedback
Participation matters
Caring
5.0
3.0
SY216
Grade: B+
Nov 7, 2018
Would take again

I don't know where everyone else is getting their information from but Kimberly is the best professor at Laurier. She brings in lovely speakers and doesn't have long lengthy slides. She doesn't post her slides but does get most of her information from the textbook so miss a class? just check the textbook. And lastly, her marking is not hard.

Skip class? You won't pass.
ACCESSIBLE OUTSIDE CLASS
Caring
1.0
5.0
SY101
Dec 16, 2018
Wouldn't take again

Asks questions about SPECIFIC sentences from the textbook so be ready to memorize all 250 pages.

Tough Grader
Get ready to read
1.0
5.0
SY101
Feb 7, 2019
Wouldn't take again

This is the only review I've written here but I just had to. NEVER take a class with Ellis-Hale! We have 3 online quizes and one final exam and the questions she asks are NOT from the textbook NOR her slides! There is literally no way to know the answers to what she asks and almost NO ONE in the class got a 12. NEVER TAKE Ellis-Hale

Tough Grader
Get ready to read
TEST HEAVY
1.0
1.0
SY321
Grade: C+
Mar 14, 2019
Wouldn't take again

Unclear grading and expectations for all projects. She didnt teach any tested content and had guest speakers almost every class. Tests are very hard and on content never learned in class

Get ready to read
Skip class? You won't pass.
Test heavy
1.0
2.0
SY101
Grade: A-
Feb 9, 2019
Wouldn't take again

Garbage lecturer, really annoying and treats the class like high school kids. Does certain things like the class comments at the end of the lecture to guarantee attendance. As well as incorporating questions into the online quizzes that are about specific discussions held in class. She posts nothing at all on MLS,. she doesn't even use it, period.

Participation matters
1.0
5.0
SY100
Mar 27, 2019
Wouldn't take again

She makes us write our notes, we aren't allowed our computers. It's 2019 and I cant hand write for my life. Doesn't even posts slides online.

Get ready to read
Skip class? You won't pass.
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
SY321
Apr 10, 2019
Wouldn't take again

I rarely write these reviews but i had to for dr. elis-hale. She lectured on absolutely nothing we were tested on. This course is entirely self-taught with unclear grading criteria, intense textbook memorization (she'll ask you for specifics), and too many guest speakers. I wished i listened to these negative reviews before taking a class with her.

Get ready to read
Test heavy
2.0
4.0
SY101
Apr 13, 2019
Wouldn't take again

The lectures were very interesting as the professor taught with enthusiasm. However, one can only do very well if they have photographic memory. The 3 tests were based on pure memory and exact detail from the textbook. Go to class as that class discussion will help you in the end. Beware of the final exam- had nothing to do with textbook or lecture

Participation matters
Skip class? You won't pass.
Test heavy
4.0
5.0
SY101
Grade: B-
Apr 15, 2019
Wouldn't take again

Does not allow technology in class nor does she post the lecture slides, therefore it quite difficult to grasp the content while scrambling to write notes. She heavily relies on the textbook for her students to understand her and to do well on the quizzes. DO NOT take this class if you are anything other than a visual and self-taught learner.

Skip class? You won't pass.
Test heavy
Amazing lectures
2.0
5.0
SY101
Grade: B-
May 4, 2019
Wouldn't take again

She's caring professor and very approachable however she bans laptops which I didn't find it to be a problem till I saw the quizzes would ask about tiny details she said in class and only once. She makes the quizzes unnecessary difficult and I'm saying this as a student who got an A in SY103 but a B- in her class, SY101

Accessible outside class
Get ready to read
Skip class? You won't pass.
4.0
2.0
SY101
Grade: Not sure yet
Apr 16, 2019
Would take again

I enjoyed her class. Although I hated we could not use laptops, I did enjoy writing because it helped me remember info more and write only the important things.

Get ready to read
Participation matters
Skip class? You won't pass.
3.0
4.0
SY101
Grade: B+
Nov 28, 2019
Wouldn't take again

Professor Ellis-Hale tends to include minor details and examples from the texts in the quizzes... so just knowing the main concepts will not cut it!

Get ready to read
1.0
4.0
SY101
Grade: B-
Dec 8, 2019
Wouldn't take again

the midterm content, as well as the content on the final, is pointless and to specific. You cant take notes on your computer, only on paper but she moves through slides so fast that it is pointless. just read the textbook but honestly, you still won't do well at all. The course itself is ok but DO NOT take this course if it is with this prof!!!!

Get ready to read
2.0
5.0
SY280
Dec 17, 2019
Wouldn't take again

She is a nice woman but her choice of assignments feels like she is setting you up to fail. Her quizzes (60mc/Qs, 60min) have very txb. specific questions, I did not learn from them. Instructions on the main group project were vague, with no posted grading rubric or instructions + the group project is a ridiculous time commitment to expect from us.

Lots of homework
Get ready to read
Group projects
1.0
4.0
SY321
Dec 18, 2019
Wouldn't take again

I would really recommended NOT taking a class with her. She waits till the end of term to mark all papers. For the final exam I have 30% of my grade from 2 quizzes. These quizzes were designed for you to fail and trip you up on technicalities. Her instructions aren't clear for assignments. Shes slow to respond to questions. worst prof I've had.

2.0
4.0
SY101
Grade: B
Apr 16, 2020
Wouldn't take again

She does really care about her students, I'll give her that. If I could just listen to her lectures and not have to take notes I would have enjoyed her classes a lot. Lectures are copied and pasted from the textbook. Only does quizzes no written assignment, all multiple choice, all miserably specific. The test style is not conducive to learning.

Get ready to read
Test heavy
Lecture heavy
1.0
5.0
SY215
Grade: Not sure yet
Aug 4, 2020
Wouldn't take again

DO NOT take a class with her if you dont need to! She makes everything unreasonably hard and is hard to get ahold of if you need help. Try to choose another professor if you can.

Lots of homework
So many papers
Tough grader
5.0
2.0
SY101
Grade: A
Sep 14, 2020
Would take again

One of my favourite profs from first year. Easy course content, super easy assessments, makes lectures interesting and engaging.

Gives good feedback
Clear grading criteria
Hilarious
5.0
2.0
SY101
Sep 14, 2020
Would take again

An absolute gem. Shes really good, entertaining and smart, just come to Lecture (as you should) and youll be Gucci. Please please please do the readings tho dude.

Inspirational
Hilarious
Caring
1.0
5.0
PO326
Grade: C+
Nov 9, 2020
Wouldn't take again

The worst professor! very hard marker, makes assignments ridiculously hard. Makes you read 2 chapters of the textbook every week to answer 6 episodes all for 1% and you have 10 of these "mini" assignments. Had a quiz where it was 20 questions in 20 minutes and take in the fact it wasn't all multiple choice. save yourself and don't take this course.

Test heavy
Beware of pop quizzes
Tough grader
5.0
4.0
SY280
Nov 16, 2020
Would take again

Dr. Ellis-Hale is one of my favourite professors. She cares so much about the success of her students, and all the people writing bad reviews about her are probably the people who don't go to class and/or don't pay attention. This is my second class with her, and even online because of COVID, she's doing a great job of helping her students succeed.

Get ready to read
Skip class? You won't pass.
Caring
1.0
4.0
SY101
Dec 15, 2020
Wouldn't take again

She is one of the most confusing profs ever! Her tests are stupid hard because she uses so many small details that's it impossible, you also never know what's going to be on it she leaves you cold turkey. Rambles a bit. Tbh wouldn't take this class if you don't need it but if you do then try and pick another prof.

Tough grader
1.0
5.0
SY101
Dec 18, 2020
Wouldn't take again

I did enjoy her lectures, however the tests were hard. You basically have to memorize the entire textbook since she uses very specific questions from it, as well as you have to attend the lectures since she also uses examples from her lectures. Overall if you can switch out of her class DO IT, I wish I did.

Get ready to read
Skip class? You won't pass.
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
SY216
Grade: A-
Dec 29, 2020
Wouldn't take again

Changes the syllabus constantly. Super confusing assignment guidelines. Midterms are open book which seems easy however the questions are insanely specific. Dont waste your time studying actual content or lectures. If you take this course BUY THE ONLINE TEXTBOOK!

Test heavy
Tough grader
4.0
1.0
SY101
May 7, 2021
Would take again

Had her back in 2017. Good prof, grading is fair. The only reason id day attendance is mandatory is because she would notice people leaving class early sometimes and make sure to put something from that lecture on the exam to reward those who stayed- seems fair to me though.

Clear grading criteria
2.0
2.0
SY101
Grade: A
May 20, 2021
Wouldn't take again

An interesting class but the prof posted a student's private email in a class presentation for all to see and I can't say I've learned anything even finishing with a high grade. All the quiz questions were from online test banks. On the bright side, you can skim the textbook, never attend class and still get an A.

Get ready to read
Graded by few things
1.0
5.0
SY101
Grade: A-
Oct 25, 2021
Wouldn't take again

DO NOT TAKE A COURSE WITH THIS PROF. She seems like a fairly nice person but wastes way too much time talking about non-course related things. Because she brings so many guest speakers, she won't have time to cover all of the material in lectures. Prepare to read chapters on your own without lecture explanation.

Get ready to read
Skip class? You won't pass.
Tough grader
1.0
4.0
SY101
Grade: A-
Nov 17, 2021
Wouldn't take again

One of the most useless profs I have ever had. All of the quizzes were hyper-specific, verbatim lines from the textbook. This is not a course on sociology but rather a course studying the textbook. She doesn't check her email or give any useful feedback at all. Don't bother going to class, she won't cover half of what she tests you on, teach yrself

Lots of homework
Get ready to read
Test heavy
3.0
2.0
SOCIOLOGY101
Grade: A-
Dec 7, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Not a bad prof, she is very friendly with students. Had her with remote-learning, she used a few lecture days for guest speakers (time management persons for example). While this was helpful, it would have been preferred to be offered as a recorded and to watch on our own, since this made us fall behind in class. Tests are very textbook dependent

1.0
4.0
SY101
Grade: A
Dec 7, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Tests are insanely textbook specific. Her class averages for the tests for a first year course are super low. The class improved by like 4 % from test 1 to test 2 (which was worth 5% more and had 15 extra q's) and she thought this was good . Lectures are useless and she goes off topic. Class is super test heavy, no bonuses despite low average.

Get ready to read
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
SY101
Grade: D
Dec 15, 2021
Wouldn't take again

I don't even know where to start. Kimberly sets her students up for failure every time. Your attendance is mandatory. The tests are the hardest thing I have ever done in my life. If you have the chance, do not choose Kimberly as your prof.

Graded by few things
Test heavy
Tough grader
1.0
5.0
SY101
Grade: C+
Mar 6, 2022

Her class set up students for failure. No electronics allowed in lectures, no feedback given after tests, tests were unreasonably specific from the textbook. Also, she does not post lecture slides and does not go back if students need more time for notes. Also very defensive and talks down to students. Save yourself and don't take her class.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
1.0
5.0
SY215
Grade: A-
Jun 22, 2022

Her quizzes will make you feel absolutely brainless. She never responds to emails, is incredibly unaccommodating, and will make you hate your program. Unless you have no choice, avoid her like the plague.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Test heavy
1.0
3.0
SY281
Grade: A
Jul 20, 2022

Toughest quizzes you will ever take, unnecessarily so. And will never reply to your emails. Weekly quizzes will be a breeze, then the cumulative quizzes will be dialled up by a thousand. Avoid her if you can.

Tough grader
Lots of homework
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
SY281
Grade: A-
Aug 22, 2022

I do not recommend this professor. Attendance was mandatory, which was fine; however, she made us have our cameras on for the whole online class. She would stop the class if someone had it off and made it difficult to get an accommodation for it. Issues with group projects. I get a sense that she doesn't like grading as everything was multiple choi

Tough grader
Participation matters
Group projects
5.0
3.0
SY101
Grade: A
Oct 13, 2022

The class was not that bad, no research paper just tests and a final exam. Test questions are directly from the textbook so if you miss class just read the textbook. No electronics in lectures, she does not post lecture slides and you need to go for office hours to get feedback on tests.

Get ready to read
Clear grading criteria
Test heavy
1.0
4.0
SY280
Grade: A
Dec 4, 2022

She seems nice at first but her actions don't align with her words. As a prof, she just reads text off slides. I've taken another class with her and she was the exact same. Lots of reading, hard exams. She does not like technology, tech is banned in her classes and she is not accommodating. Would not recommend.

Group projects
Test heavy
1.0
4.0
SY101
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 9, 2022

3 tests and an exam. Tests were very textbook specific, but were fairly reasonable if you did the readings. Lectures were not great, the professor often pushed her own political views in lectures making it a little painful for those who did not agree with her. Overall try to avoid.

Test heavy
Graded by few things
2.0
4.0
Sy232
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 14, 2022

Has extremely unrealistic expectations of students. Expected us to read 6h+ daily for that one class. Final exam was almost impossible to do within the allotted time and weighted extremely heavy to the final grade. Expected 5 lengthy essays in 2hours and didn't release the questions until the exam started. Minimal assignments contributing to grade.

Get ready to read
Graded by few things
2.0
3.0
SY101
Grade: C+
Jan 10, 2023

She would never finish a lecture because she would get into debates with students about topics, after she would just tell you read a bunch of chapter to catch up. It is very textbook heavy so if you don't like reading don't take this course. She is a very honest teacher though and is very blunt.

Get ready to read
3.0
5.0
SY101
Apr 3, 2023
Would take again

You won't pass the class if you don't attend lectures and do the readings. There's also no electronica allowed in the class. She doesn't post the slides; the quizzes and exams are textbook-heavy. If you don't like reading, don't take this class.

Get ready to read
Test heavy
Graded by few things
2.0
1.0
SY101
Grade: B
Apr 4, 2023

Her quizzes are all application and very specific (practically quoted) questions from the textbook. Is very opinionated and struggles to not just consider but even listen to any other perspective than her own. Loves the sound of her own voice.

Get ready to read
Test heavy
2.0
4.0
SY101
Grade: C-
Apr 24, 2023

She does not release lecture notes and you also aren't able to see which questions you got wrong on your tests after receiving your grade, the material is very textbook-heavy. She makes her tests 60 questions long and provides 1 hour to complete them (1 minute per question) Cutthrought teacher for an introductory course in my opinion.

Get ready to read
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
SY101
Grade: C+
Apr 25, 2023

If you are deciding on taking SY-101 as an elective... DONT. This class she wouldn't allow electronics and wouldn't post any of her slide show material, meaning if you couldn't keep up with her in class, you better start praying. She also made the exam 120 multiple choice in 2 hours (question a minute)... Goodluck if you don't take this warning.

1.0
3.0
SY101
Grade: A+
Apr 28, 2023

There are only 3 quizzes and a final, all multiple choice, and the questions were fair if you attend lectures and read the textbook. However, I hated her lectures because she the whole time she just whines about political issues. She is extremely left wing and intolerant of any opinions that do not fit her agenda.

3.0
5.0
SY101
Grade: B
May 2, 2023
Would take again

If you show up to class, do your readings, and take notes in lectures, there's no reason you shouldn't do well. Most people that don't do well don't read the textbook, which is what much of her tests are on. She is a very kind and compassionate prof, and cares about her students a lot. Her lectures were informative, and I really enjoyed her class.

Caring
Graded by few things
1.0
5.0
SY101
Grade: C-
Aug 8, 2023

Lectures are mandatory, she does not post anything online. You have to go in and take notes by hand. Can not use ipads or laptops. Lectures are so boring and she talks about bs. Quizzes are made out of very small and stupid details she talks in class. She changed the date of a quiz worth 25% of our mark and did not update on sylabbus.Shedidnthelpme

Lecture heavy
1.0
5.0
SY100
Grade: B
Dec 8, 2023

Terrible prof do not take this class unless you have to. must handwrite all notes and prof goes on rants about her life and lets her political views impact class discussions.

Get ready to read
Test heavy
Graded by few things
1.0
5.0
SY101
Grade: C+
Dec 19, 2023

WARNING!!! if this is your major try and switch sections, if this is not a mandatory course drop it asap. learned nothing, tested on pinpoint facts through the textbook and lectures so if you dont have every detail MEMORIZED be ready to do badly. not considerate to her students at all. more of a gender studies class the way she teaches.

Get ready to read
Test heavy
Graded by few things
1.0
4.0
SY101
Grade: B
Dec 19, 2023

You are only graded on 3 tests and an exam which are mostly application. She does not stop complaining about her life and family and wastes class time ranting about politics. She does not post slides and makes you take handwritten notes. You will not do well if you do not read the textbook and take very detailed notes. Very time consuming class.

Get ready to read
Graded by few things
5.0
3.0
SY101
Grade: B
Dec 19, 2023
Would take again

When I looked up this prof at the start of the year I was very scared going into this class, so I'm here to offer some piece of mind to those reading the reviews, Dr. Hale is a fantastic prof, it's very clear that she cares deeply about her students and is passionate about the content. Most tests are online and open book.

Amazing lectures
Caring
Accessible outside class
1.0
5.0
SY101
Grade: B
Apr 16, 2024

awful! never allows tech during class, all handwritten. She always goes on Constant useless tangents, with all the info needed in the textbook. Only the 4 tests, including final, determine your grade, and they are unreliable and repetitive. Don't do it!

Get ready to read
Graded by few things
1.0
5.0
SY101
Grade: C+
Apr 19, 2024

RUN. RUN. RUN. this class is horrible. tests dont reflect the content, exam is 120 multiple choice questions in 120 minutes. the class should be called the profs opinions 101. if she cared about her students she wouldnt be doing this to their mental health. dont take this class if you care about your GPA and your mental health. SAVE YOURSELF

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Lecture heavy
2.0
4.0
SY101
Grade: C+
Apr 30, 2024

Decent professor, but the majority of her lecture material can be better understood from the textbook. In addition, she completely overemphasizes the final exam (40%) (to which she gave no review guide to over 12 chapters of information), to the point where your whole course average can be ruined based on the outcome of a multiple-choice exam.

Get ready to read
Test heavy
Graded by few things
1.0
3.0
SY101
Grade: B
May 3, 2024

the final exam was filled with typos, and some questions were on specific statistics. In class, notes were all hand written and slides were not posted. Quizzes were unpredictable and unnecessarily wordy and difficult. Lectures were unhelpful and mostly based on redundant discussion. Learned way to much about the profs personal life. not worth it.

Get ready to read
Lecture heavy
Test heavy
3.0
4.0
SY101
Grade: B
Nov 10, 2024
Would take again

Kimberly's class is challenging, but engaging if you put in the effort. Textbook and detailed notes are a must. Quizzes and exams are tough, but unstuckstudy helped me prepare effectively. Overall, a rewarding experience for dedicated students.

1.0
4.0
SY215
Grade: B
Nov 29, 2024

Very unnessaryly strict professor, and super mean and unfair to her students.

1.0
5.0
SY215
Nov 30, 2024

Extremely strict, and expects every student to be perfect. If you aren't perfect don't take this class with her!

Tough grader
Lots of homework
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
SY101
Grade: B
Apr 18, 2025

Questions in the final referred to "remember when I talked about this" instead of featuring actual textbook content. There's an obvious attempt to boost engagement by not posting lecture slides and holding live classes for an online course. Unfortunately this just makes the class a pain. Don't recommend taking unless all other courses are full

1.0
4.0
SY215
Grade: Not sure yet
Aug 22, 2025

do not take her classes if you dont need to, isnt clear on instructions and will give you a bad mark even if you follow to a tea of what she asks for. do really well on the quizzes and mini assignments cause she will mark you terribly on the final assignment.

Tough grader
Test heavy
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

61%

Textbook Required

33%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

B

95% confidence
Based on 48 grades
Most common grades:
B (13)
C+ (9)
A (8)
Grade Distribution
A(10)B(16)C(11)D(1)F(0)A-/B+(10)
Based on 53 reported grades
B: 13
C+: 9
A: 8
A-: 7
Common Tags
Get ready to read (36)
Test heavy (26)
Skip class? You won't pass. (16)
Tough grader (13)
Graded by few things (11)
Tough Grader (6)
Caring (6)
TEST HEAVY (5)
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