Evaluation Research

Abstract

In the United States, the COVID – 19 pandemic has effected college students and their experiences since the pandemic was first contracted in the United States in January. The COVID – 19 pandemic caused colleges to require students to leave campuses and return home and continue the semester online, with quick notice. Students finished the spring 2019 semester in an online format at Longwood University, with students then returning to campus in August for in person classes to resume for the fall 2020 semester, with many policies enacted The purpose of the research discussed in this paper was to understand students’ attitudes towards the policies put in place by Longwood University and their experience this semester with the policies in place. The data collected in this research included a mix methods study with data provided by survey responses from Longwood University students. Quantitative data included responses to self – ranking chart about their overall experience level and also included students support levels of the mask policy. The qualitative data included open ended questions that students were able to include their own responses. Themes that emerged from the data collection included support of the mask policy, nonsupport of the guest policy, students’ unhappiness with the cancelation of traditional events and student breaks. The practical implications of the study included that college students are having less pleasant experiences during their semesters when policies are enacted. Additionally, students will have worse attitudes towards the policies enacted, when they are having a less satisfactory semester. 

Introduction

In this paper, it will include information and research relevant to the research question, “What are students’ attitudes towards the policies that are affecting their college experience?”. Studies prove that policies that were enacted by Universities around the United States affected students’ overall experiences during that semester. Araya, Aucejo, French, and Zafar in 2020 studied students’ graduation rates and job offers. The concluded that 13% of students had delayed graduation, 40% of students lost a job or job offer and 55% of lower income students are less likely to graduate” (Araya et al., 2020). Research also proves that students’ mental health was affected by the policies enacted specifically at Texas A&M. The research findings included that “71% of students reported an increase in stress and anxiety while  91% reported having negative impacts due to the pandemic and the indicators of this anxiety included worrying about family members, difficulty sleeping and concentrating and decreased social interactions” (Hegde, Sasangohar, Smith, Son, Wang 2020). 

These two studies addressed the problem that occurred in the United States, specifically towards college students and their overall experience during the COVID – 19 pandemic. The studies included deficiencies since COVID – 19 was a new pandemic to study, the sample sizes were smaller and small amounts of research was published or available. An additional deficiency that arose was that the findings of the few studies that were published were not generalizable to all college students, since all universities policies were different. The significance of the mentioned studies was to prove that policies can have an effect on students’ overall experience and also effected their attitudes towards the policies, which effected their mental health. The studies and their findings were important to share information with higher education officials and how the policies effected students’ experiences and their mental health. The purpose of my study was to study Longwood University’s students and their overall experience during the fall 2020 semester and their attitudes towards the policies that were enacted by Longwood University. 

Literature Review

College Students and Experiences:

            The COVID – 19 pandemic is affecting college students and their overall experiences. Cohen, Hoyt and Dull’s 2020 study the effects of COVID – 19 on college students and their college experience for the Spring 2020 semester. In this article, to review and critique the surveying of college students and their experiences, and while reviewing this article it can be compared to the findings with other studies done about major disruptions in college experiences. During the spring 2020 semester many colleges sent students off campus to prevent the spread of COVID – 19. Cohen, Hoyt and Dull’s 2020 study compared college student experiences by surveying 725 current United States students and inquired about their experiences and perspectives of COVID – 19. Cohen, Hoyt and Dull’s 2020 data describes that from February to April of 2020, 35% of the survey students reported having symptoms of COVID – 19, it was also reported that the perception of the majority of students surveyed were more worried about their family members and society rather than themselves. The reasoning for studying the effect the COVID – 19 pandemic has on college students is to offer insight to college students health and experiences during a major change that occurs. Cohen, Hoyt and Dull’s 2020 data can be used as a generalization since it surveyed students across the country and the data can be used as a way to influence higher education officials and decision makers. 

            A comparative study to Cohen, Hoyt and Dull’s 2020 study is a survey study done by Araya, Aucejo, French, and Zafar in 2020, which also studied the effect COVID – 19 had on college students and their college experiences. The study found that through surveying 1500 students, “13% of students had delayed graduation, 40% of students lost a job or job offer and 55% of lower income students are less likely to graduate” (Araya, et al., 2020). This research provides evidence that COVID – 19 has had a negative impact on students experiences even towards the end of their college careers. 

            When comparing the COVID – 19 pandemic to other major disruptions in college experiences, it can be useful to recall Hurricane Katrina and its effects on college students. Hurricane Katrina was one of the deadliest hurricanes in United States history which mainly affected the Mississippi and Louisiana coast (Gill, Ladd and Marszalek, 2007). Gill, Ladd and Marszalek’s 2007 study compared data of students from three different universities who were impacted by Hurricane Katrina and surveyed students about their experiences and perceptions of the storm. Gill, Ladd and Marszalek established that students who attended Mississippi State University experienced “more fear and threat from the storm, greater perceptions that the disaster was rooted in human or technological failure, and greater economic loss and higher psychological stress” (Gill, Ladd and Marszalek, 2007). This study can be used to understand that college students can be affected by major disruptions like a natural disaster and that these disruptions cause a change in the experience. 

            To compare both of the previously mentioned studies, they relate by studying the experiences of college students and their perceptions around major conflicts in their college careers. Hurricane Katrina affected college students and their experience when flooding and storm damage caused homes and college campuses to be destroyed and the cancelation of semester classes, while COVID – 19 is similar since students were sent home in the middle of the spring 2020 semester and lost their living space, which can cause a major disruption in the college experience. 

The COVID – 19 pandemic is new in society today, while Hurricane Katrina occurred 15 years ago. It can be controversial to study and generalize college students’ experiences about the COVID – 19 pandemic since many colleges have different policies in place regarding social distancing, mask, social life and the online vs in person class decisions. In Cohen, Hoyt and Dull’s 2020 study and also Araya’s et al., 2020 study, they were limited and small studies regarding students’ experiences, perceptions and impacts surrounding COVID – 19 could include further testing by now including students’ feelings, now that many colleges have returned to campuses and instruction has continued. Cohen, Hoyt and Dull’s 2020 study also only surveyed 725 college students, and additionally Araya’s et al. 2020 study only surveyed 1,500 students, which can be criticized since Longwood University has almost 4,000 students, so the study is very limited in its findings. 

There is an ongoing debate on how to effectively create an as normal as possible learning environment for college students as they return to campus, so it is important to use research data to learn about students’ feelings and how to create a normalized experience so students can be as successful as possible. As a researcher myself, using a survey to study Longwood University college students and their experiences with their current college experiences and the effects COVID – 19 has had on these experiences, can be important to present to our higher education leaders to make the experience as normal as possible. My study can contribute to the overall research that has proven that major disruptions in college semesters can affect a students’ overall experience.

COVID – 19 and Mental Health

When studying the how college students’ experiences are changing due to the pandemic and how that will create a negative effect on their experiences, it is crucial to understand that mental health plays a key role in a college students overall experience. While studying that there is an increase in college students’ mental health, it is important to recall students’ mental health before COVID – 19 to be able to confirm that the pandemic has caused an increase in stress and anxiety. Mental health concerns are increasing in college students overall, a study reports that from “2009 to 2015 anxiety rates increased from 9.3% to 14.9%” (Chestnut – Steich, Day, Halbritter, Lederer, Ortiz, and  Oswalt,  2018). They studied students through paper surveys distributed to 454,029 students. It is beneficial to compare these previous rates of anxiety to current rates of mental health during a pandemic and how this can negatively affect college students’ experiences. Athanasio, Marques de Mirande, Oliveria, Simones – Silva’s 2020 study mental health in children and adolescents during the ongoing COVID – 19 pandemic by researching through other databases and surveys, they concluded that children and “adolescents are the most vulnerable in having a pandemic negatively affect their mental health” (Athanasio, Marques de Mirande, Oliveria, Simones – Silva, 2020). In the study, it was found that anxiety and depression is prevalent in children and adolescents. This research proves that rates will increase now in young adults, like college students, since they are most vulnerable. 

To continue and compare with the developing research on college students’ mental health and how this affects their experience, it is beneficial to review a 2020 study by Hegde, Sasangohar, Smith, Son and Wang studying the negative psychological impacts the pandemic has had on students. Hegde, Sasangohar, Smith, Son and Wang’s 2020 study was concerned with the effects of students’ mental health and the variables that caused a negative impact. The methodology of the study included survey students from Texas A&M and asking questions about their mental state and coping with stress. Hegde et al. 2020 study discovered that 71% of students reported an increase in stress and anxiety while  91% reported having negative impacts due to the pandemic and the indicators of this anxiety included worrying about family members, difficulty sleeping and concentrating and decreased social interactions. 

            When continuing research on college students’ mental health, it can be beneficial to discuss Harrington, Lang and Perz’s 2020 research on college students’ level of fear towards the pandemic. It is important to understand that the pandemic can create a level of fear due to the unknown about what will come next and how this will affect all aspects of our lives, which is why this research is important. The key methods in Harrington, Lang and Perz’s 2020 research is that through survey research using a new 5 ranking scale, FCV – 19 which assesses anxiety regarding COVID – 19. The key findings of the study concluded that there were “higher scores on anxiety, worry, depression, and vulnerability to the disease” (Harrington, Lang and Perz, 2020). When comparing this 2020 study to additional work by Benson, Evans, Graupensperger and Kilmer’s 2020 study. Benson, Evans, Graupensperger and Kilmer researched how the COVID – 19 is impacting college athletes and their overall mental health. Benson, Evans, Graupensperger and Kilmer’s 2020 research surveyed 234 student athletes across the Northeastern United States about their well – being. Benson, Evans, Graupensperger and Kilmer’s 2020 study found that athletes still on average had a strong athletic identity and felt as if they had a strong social support system and connectedness which indicated their well – being was positive, which can contradict the previous results from Harrington, Lang and Perz’s 2020 study. 

When comparing all of the previously mentioned studies, they relate by mentioning young adults’ mental health. It is a new research question of studying college students’ mental health relating to the COVID – 19 pandemic. The research becomes limited when the samples sizes only include 138 students (Hegde, Sasangohar, Smith, Son and Wang, 2020),  compared to other sample sizes of  454,029 (Chestnut – Steich et al., 2018). The strength of Chestnut – Steich’s et al., 2018 study is important since it samples a large group of individuals. The overall weakness that can occur from all of the mentioned research is that it is all general survey research. It can become limited when thousands of surveys can be sent out, but only receive a small amount of responses. It also becomes restricted research due to the pandemic that researchers cannot conduct face to face interviews. Further testing can be useful and important as the semester continues and how students’ mental health is at the end of the semester vs. when the initial research was recorded and how they feel their mental health is affecting their overall college experience. 

There is an ongoing debate about how mental health affects college students over all experience. When adding a pandemic to navigate while being a college student, can create an increased level of stress and anxiety. Researchers do not know how students’ mental health will be affected as time continues since there is no end date of when the pandemic will be contained. To continue the research, my study will contribute further research on students’ mental health and how it affects college experiences. My survey research may be limited due conducting research at small university, which may limit my sample section, but it will include open and close ended questions about specifically mental health and stress levels. It is important to study this topic further to understand how major events affect college students’ mental health and then how their mental health affects their experiences whether it be positive or negatively. 

Data and Methods 

Sample Section 

Students at Longwood University made up the population for this study. A non- probability convivence sample was used for the study. A non – probability convivence sample was not representative of the entire Longwood University student body. A student posted the link to the survey on each of the four Facebook class pages. Researchers who are members of a Greek organization at Longwood University also sent the survey to their members. The survey was also sent through Longwood University athletic and club teams. The link to the survey was sent to each faculty member in the sociology, anthropology, and criminal justice departments at Longwood University and asked to be sent to their students. The questionnaire included four main sections. It asked about course modalities, how students felt about policies regarding COVID – 19, it asked about students’ health related to COVID – 19, and it asked demographic questions. The sample was provided by email that included a link through google forms. There were 437 responses to the survey. 

Quantitative Data 

Quantitative data was collected through close ended question. The dependent variable for the study was the respondents overall experience this semester. The survey question used to measure the dependent variable was “On a scale from 0 – 10, how satisfied are you with your overall college experience this semester? The attributes to this question were number 0 – 10. These variables were used because it measured the respondent’s feelings about their overall experience during the semester, which was impacted by COVID – 19 and the policies Longwood University put in place. The independent variable for the study was the effects of policies put in place on Longwood University’s campus during the COVID – 19 pandemic. The survey question used to measure the dependent variable was “Longwood requires all students, faculty and guest to wear a facemask on campus with few (stated) exceptions. Do you support to face mask policy at Longwood University?” The attributes to this question were response choices of yes, no, maybe, does not apply and other. These variables were used to understand if the students supported the policy regarding any Longwood University student, faculty member or guest to wear a face covering while on Longwood University’s campus. The variables were used to compare if the policy effected students overall experience during the semester. Quantitative was analyzed using descriptive statistics and figures, which included pie graphs and charts.

Qualitative Data 

The qualitative data was collected from open ended survey questions. The questions included “Have the changes to classes affected your motivation to learn course material? If yes, how so?”, the second question was “What seems to be working well this semester?” and the third question was “Is there anything you would like us to know related to Longwood and changes due to COVID – 19? Please use the space below to tell us”. 88 % of participants answered at least one open ended question. The respondents were recruited by email from faculty members or coaches and class Facebook pages links. The open -ended questions were analyzed using an open coded approach looking for themes in written responses. 

Findings

Quantitative Findings

In this section, I will discuss the quantitative findings from the survey data. I will discuss the independent variable, which can be identified as respondents support levels of the mask policy and include a figure to show percentages and counts. I will also discuss the dependent variable which can be identified as respondents’ level of satisfaction for their overall fall 2020 semester. I will include mean and standard deviation for the dependent variable discussing. I will also include a bivariate analysis of my independent and dependent variable and include a table comparing the two variables.

The dependent variable for my research was regarding semester experience. This variable represented how satisfied students were with their overall college experience for the fall 2020 semester. The survey asked students on a scale of 0 (very dissatisfied) to 10 (very satisfied) to rate their overall experience this semester. The mean score for self-rated overall satisfaction level this semester was 4.94. The standard deviation was 7.53. This means that about 68% of students answered between 2.59 and 12.47. 

The independent variable for my research included the variable regarding students support of the mask policy. This variable represented the respondents support of the mask policy put in place by Longwood University. The survey asked students if they supported the mask policy put in place at Longwood University with answer choices of “Yes, No, Maybe, and Other” (which allowed respondents to create their own response). 366 or 84.7% of the 432 responses to this specific question reported “Yes”. The yes responses proved that the respondents do support the mask policy enacted by Longwood University. 31 or 7.2% of responses reported “No” when asked about the mask policy. The no responses proved that those respondents are not in support of the mask policy enacted by Longwood University. 26 or 6% of responses reported “Maybe” when asked about the mask policy. Those responses to maybe prove that those respondents are not fully in support of the mask policy or fully not in support of the mask policy at Longwood University. 9 or 0.2% of respondents reported “other” when asked about support of the mask policy. The other responses allowed respondents to include their own response if they felt their support of the policy did not apply to yes, no, or maybe. Reponses to other included “I only agree for inside buildings” and “I do except wearing my mask outdoors”. All responses for write in options were grouped together in the other category for the survey responses. To represent the independent variable a nominal pie graph is included to show percentages and counts of respondents support of the mask policy at Longwood University below.

Figure 1

Percentages of Longwood University Students’ Support of Mask Policy 

Figure 1: Longwood University Mask Policy Support. The figure illustrates the survey respondents support for the mask policy.

Table 1 shows the comparison between student self-ranked overall experience and support of the mask policy. The highest mean was 5.42 (maybe support of mask policy). This mean proved that students who maybe support the mask policy overall had a self-rated satisfaction level of 5 for their overall experience. This indicated not dissatisfied but also not extremely satisfied with their overall experience, which could also be classified as neutral. The mean of 5.06 (yes: supportive of mask policy) was higher than 3 (no: not supportive of the mask policy). This data proved that with a mean of 5.06, respondents that are in support of the mask policy had an overall satisfaction level in the middle of the self – ranking options, which proved that they are not extremely dissatisfied or extremely satisfied with their experience for the fall 2020 semester, they are in between satisfied and dissatisfied, so neutral. The mean of 3.00, which was respondents who selected they are not in support of the mask policy reported having a lower level of satisfaction of their overall semester. 

Overall, students survey responses reported having a large amount of support towards the mask policy enacted by Longwood University. Student survey responses also reported having a mean score of 4.94 when asked about their level of satisfaction towards their overall experience for the fall 2020 semester. When comparing the data, student survey response means show that students who are in full support of the mask policy, reported having a 5.42 out on a  0 – 10 self-ranking  satisfaction scale. This would indicate that those respondents who are in full support of the mask policy are not fully dissatisfied or fully satisfied with their overall experience this semester. Respondents who responded no to their support of the mask policy had a mean score of 3.00 on the self-ranking satisfaction scale, which would indicate that those respondents are not satisfied with their overall experience this semester. This proves my hypothesis if students have negative attitudes towards the policies enacted by Longwood University, they will report not having a less pleasant semester. The hypothesis is proven since those students who reported not supporting the mask policy had a mean of 3.00 which indicates they are not experience a pleasant semester.

Qualitative Findings

There were four themes that arose from the research regarding if the policies enacted by Longwood University would affect students’ overall semester experience. The first theme that occurred was students support of the mask policy established by Longwood University. Longwood University requires all students, staff and guest to wear a face covering while on campus and in any classroom. Student survey responses prove that they are in support in the mask policy that was put in place by Longwood University. The second theme is student’s nonsupport of the guest policy that was enacted by Longwood University. The new guest policy prohibits students from allowing guest from other residence halls or any other student that does not currently reside in their residence halls, from entering their room. Previously students were permitted to allow any guest into their residence with proper check in. Student survey responses prove that they do not support the new guest policy and it has overall negatively impacted their experience this semester. The third theme that emerged from student survey responses was students’ unhappiness with the cancelation of Longwood University’s traditional events.

Longwood University annually host an Octoberfest weekend with bands, student booths, color wars, and a convocation with seniors that includes a capping ceremony during the fall semester. Longwood University made the decision to cancel the Fall 2020 semester events and/or put them as an online event. Students responses to the survey prove that students overall experience this semester was negatively impacted due to the cancelation of these events. Finally, the fourth theme that emerged from the survey data was students’ unhappiness with the cancelation of student breaks during the Fall 2020 semester. In the previous fall semesters, Longwood University has a fall break in October where students are given a weekend plus an additional two days without classes. Longwood University decided that during the Fall 2020 semester students would not be given a fall break. Student survey responses included their unhappiness with the cancelation of the fall break and prove that the cancelation of the fall break is a negative experience towards their experience during the fall 2020 semester. The four themes prove that the policies enacted by Longwood University are affecting students overall experience for the fall 2020 semester.

Support of Mask Policy 

Out of 416 responses to the open-ended questions 054 responded that the mask policy is a policy that was put in place that has not negatively affected the semester and is a policy that is working well this semester. Respondent 062 stated “people on campus seem to be adhering to the mask policy”. Respondent 147 reported “mask compliance” as a something that was working well this semester. Respondent 183 responded “People wearing their mask on campus”. Respondent 350 responded “The masks and the consistent cleaning”. Respondent 378 responded “I think that the mask policy is beneficial”. Respondent 409 responded that “the mask policy and spacing out in classes does actually seem to reduce the spread”. The respondents including the mask policy in their response to the question “What seems to be working well this semester?’ proves that respondents feel that the mask policy put in place by Longwood University has not negatively affected their semester. 

Non-Support of the Guest Policy

Out of 416 responses, 023 responses mentioned their non-support for the guest policy in place. This theme proves that the guest policy in place at Longwood University is negatively affecting the respondent’s overall semester. This theme proves that they are not supportive of the guest policy, and that if it were not in place, the semester experience would be more positive. For example: 

I would like for us to be able to have guest! It’s like a jail, many of my other friends in college are able to have guest. Like I have changed my room around so many times but my parents aren’t able to see that because of this policy. (Student 257)

            This respondent’s statement proves that the guest policy that was put in place by Longwood University is negatively affecting their experience during the semester because they are unable to have guest in their room. Respondent 408 stated that “Changes to the guest policy would make things much more enjoyable”. Respondent 272 reported that “I think visitors should be allowed as long as they go through the front desk & get temp. checks and safety protocols. Especially if the cased are going down”. Respondent 383 suggest that “I think that there should be a check in system regarding visitors, something like allowing only a limited amount of people a week or something along those lines”. The responses prove that students are not in support of the guest policy put in place at Longwood University and the policy is negatively affecting their overall semester by not being able to welcome guest into their residence sites.

Cancelation of Traditional Events 

Of the 416 responses, 010 students mentioned their unhappiness with the cancelation of the traditional events at Longwood. This theme proves that the policy in place regarding traditional events being canceled at Longwood University is negatively affecting the respondent’s overall semester. For example: 

I miss the traditions that I’ve come to look forward to over my 3 years at longwood. I am super sad that we didn’t get to have all of our fall celebrations/traditions. I also really love attending basketball games with my friends and that’s not going to happen this semester and for some of my friends this is their last semester and all of these fun things were taken away. (Respondent 234)

Respondent 123 responded that “This semester does not feel real. I’m missing everything that I loved about my first year at Longwood. I honestly feel like I should’ve just stayed home”. Respondent 252 reported “Don’t do an all-online spring weekend”

Cancelation of Breaks During the Semester

Of the 416 responses, 007 reported that their overall semester has been affected due to the cancelation of breaks. This theme proves that the respondents’ overall semester experience was negatively affected due to the cancelation of breaks during the semester. For example: 

I feel really overwhelmed this semester, I feel like longwood made a mistake taking away fall break as all of the workers, faculty & students have been non stop since august with no break & it’s really hard, i feel burnt out. (Respondent 253). 

While I understand it, Longwood’s decision to cancel fall break has the potential to damage the mental and physical health of its students. This semester more than any other, students are working harder than they ever have and are in desperate need of a break from academics. While some teachers are being more lenient, there are others who are pushing students further than they should during such a stressful time. Students are mentally and emotionally drained at the moment and Longwood should have found a way to give them a break in some form or another. To go without one is honestly unacceptable. (Respondent 352). 

Respondent 229 reported “not having a break has been affecting students’ mental health severely & teachers seems to be giving more work”. Respondent 303 reported “Not having a fall break/ any type of day off has caused major burn out”. The responses prove that the respondent feel that their overall experience has been negatively affected because of the cancelation of fall break policy that Longwood University put in place. 

Overall, Longwood University student survey responses prove that they are in support of the face mask policy that was enacted by Longwood University, proving that the policy is positively impacting their overall semester for fall 2020. Student survey responses also prove that students are not in support of the guest policy put in place by Longwood University for the fall 2020 semester, also respondents are not in support of the policy put in place by Longwood University that required the cancelation of traditional events and breaks. These responses prove that students’ overall experience for the fall 2020 semester is being negatively impacted by the policies put in place by Longwood University. 

Conclusion

The main point of this research included discovering students at Longwood University’s attitudes towards the policies that were put in place and how the policies affected their overall experience during the fall 2020 semester. The findings of the study concluded that students who reported not supporting the policies enacted by Longwood University, had a less pleasant fall 2020 semester. When students were asked to rank their overall experience on a self ranking scale, students who ranked their experience at a lower number, comparatively reported to be less likely to support the mask policy. To conclude, policies regarding the COVID – 19 pandemic are affecting college students and their overall experiences. This research is important since college students are the future of the world and their experience and academic careers matter. Higher education officials should be focused on student feedback regarding their policies and how the officials can create policies that create a positive experience for college students. College students today are tomorrows leaders and ensuring their success will create for a better world, especially the COVID – 19 world we are living in today. 

Reference

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