Anoushka Kapoor


Pilot Study: How Students at The University of Minnesota Perceive COVID-19 Policies

Ever since the COVID-19 pandemic, new guidelines and policies have been enacted and enforced in the United States. As these guidelines and policies expand, they ultimately reach universities around the nation and these universities propose their own policies and guidelines for their faculties and students to protect their community such as the University of Minnesota Rochester (UMR). However, the monitoring system to enforce these guidelines and policies are not feasible to allow for repercussions. In our pilot study, we conducted semi-structured interviews with a handful of students from in an upper division Public Health class (PUBH3531). The students ranged from first years to fourth years from the University of Minnesota – Rochester in Southeast Minnesota. The study provided evidence that suggests that students were aware of most of the new policies and or guidelines placed on campus. These guidelines of wearing a face covering, having good hygiene,etc are being followed by students to create a safer and healthier environment which helps in decreasing the spread of the virus throughout campus. This acceptance and compliance is leading to few that do not follow the policies and risk the health of others.