Understanding University of Minnesota Student's Perceptions of the University's Handling of COVID-19
Previous research has focused on the prevalence of COVID-19 in adults, unemployment rates for adults, and the increased discrimination Asian American adults have faced as a result of COVID. However, research on the effects COVID-19 has had on students, especially students of color, is scarce. The purpose of this study was to examine the experiences of the University of Minnesota undergraduate students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Students responded to questions related to discrimination, COVID-19, and the university’s response, and support provided by the university. Data were collected from 147 undergraduate students at the University of Minnesota. We used thematic analysis to explore recurring themes among student responses to our qualitative questions. Themes that emerged included mixed feelings around the university’s communication of COVID-19-related issues, mixed feelings regarding the University’s fall plan, feelings of satisfaction and dissatisfaction with the monetary support the university awarded, White students reported benefitting from White privilege, feelings of frustration, worry and discomfort were shared, reports of support and lack of support from university personnel were reported, lastly, mixed feelings regarding modified courses were reported. Based on these results, we provide guidance related to university responses to the COVID-19 pandemic.
