Abstract
Objective: We examined students’ perceptions and opinions regarding others’ COVID-19 mitigation behaviors and how these behaviors impacted feelings of safety and desire for on-campus engagement. Participants: Undergraduate and graduate students enrolled at a midsize regional state university during the Spring 2021 semester (n = 893). Methods: A cross-sectional survey design was utilized with an online and anonymous questionnaire. Scale means were calculated followed by ANOVAs to determine significance. Results: Two independent variables impacted students’ feelings of safety for on-ground courses and activities: living situation (on campus, with roommates) and school year (freshman/sophomores). Underclassmen were more likely to desire in-person campus engagement. Conclusions: Students showed a willingness to return to campus, but also concern over peer behaviors and remaining safe. Returning to a pre-pandemic social environment is critical for students’ mental health, and making students feel safe on campus is an important first step to return campuses to vibrant educational and social communities.
Acknowledgments
The authors wish to thank the Student Affairs staff who helped with questionnaire development and provided incentives for student responses. Dr. Ray Mugno, Department of Mathematics, assisted with the revision analysis.
Conflict of interest disclosure
The authors have no conflicts of interest to report. The authors confirm that the research presented in this article met the ethical guidelines, including adherence to the legal requirements, of United States of America and received approval from the Southern Connecticut State University IRB.
Funding
No funding was used to support this research and/or the preparation of the manuscript.