UM COVID-19 Experience Surveys
The Survey Steering Group would like to thank the faculty and students who participated in the UM COVID-19 Experiences Surveys. In total, 733 students and 273 faculty members submitted a complete or partially completed survey. We appreciate your participation!
Your feedback is very helpful and is informing the work of faculty, staff, and administrators as we prepare for the Fall 2020 semester. More information about the survey development and administration is available and below are a few of the ways we have used the information you gave us.
Community Presentations and Analyses
Survey Steering Group Members presented an overview of the survey results in an open community session on May 20, 2020 (view the presentation slide deck as PDF). Faculty were the primary audience for this session, but staff and administrators also participated. Selected results were also prepared and presented to the Graduate School and University Marketing and Communications. (Click to expand charts. Table data for each chart is available near each.)
Key Findings
Expand Chart 1 Data for table view.
The transition to a remote learning environment was difficult for students and faculty. Overall, 81% of students felt the remote learning environment hindered their motivation to engage with their classes while time demands and managing assessment of learning were the most significant challenges faculty faced.
Chart 1 Data Table
| Strongly disagree | Somewhat disagree | Neither agree nor disagree | Somewhat agree | Strongly agree | |
| I feel able to succeed in the remote learning format of classes. | 27.22% | 22.22% | 12.92% | 24.31% | 13.33% |
| The remote learning format hindered my motivation to engage with my classes. | 6.65% | 6.51% | 6.09% | 24.10% | 56.65% |
| I experienced difficulty engaging with other students in my remote learning classes. | 5.55% | 8.60% | 16.23% | 31.62% | 38.00% |
| My remote learning classes contributed to a feeling of isolation. | 8.19% | 8.19% | 12.08% | 29.86% | 41.67% |
| My internet access interfered with my ability to learn. | 40.0% | 31.4% | 18.1% | 10.5% | 100% |
| My study environment interfered with my ability to learn. | 10.86% | 8.50% | 8.36% | 28.13% | 44.15% |
Expand Chart 2 Data for table view.
Communication was an important factor in managing the transition. UM student and faculty did a very good job communicating with one another.
Chart 2 Data Table
| The volume of communication I have received with regards to campus events and activities is overwhelming. | The content of the communication I have received with regards to campus events and activities has been meaningful. | Communication from UM with regards to campus events and activities has made it easier for me to stay connected and engaged. | I spend time reading communication from the university in order to stay informed of campus events and activities. | I frequently review UMTODAY emails to stay informed of campus events and activities. | |
| Strongly disagree | 11.2% | 11.3% | 12.8% | 11.0% | 14.3% |
| Somewhat disagree | 22.5% | 15.6% | 15.0% | 12.7% | 14.8% |
| Neither agree nor disagree | 30.5% | 34.8% | 41.0% | 23.2% | 14.3% |
| Somewhat agree | 23.4% | 30.0% | 23.4% | 37.5% | 36.9% |
| Strongly agree | 12.4% | 8.4% | 7.8% | 15.6% | 19.6% |
Expand Chart 3 Data to see table view.
Chart 3 Data Table
| Never | Infrequently | Occasionally | Often | |
| I received direct communication from my instructors. (Students) | 1.9% | 13.0% | 36.9% | 48.2% |
| I initiated direct communication with my students. (Faculty) | 3.0% | 2.6% | 20.9% | 73.5% |
| I initiated direct communication with my instructors. (Students) | 6.7% | 20.4% | 42.9% | 30.0% |
| I received direct communication from my students. (Faculty) | 2.6% | 13.5% | 45.3% | 38.6% |
Expand Chart 4 Data for table view.
Students and faculty faced challenges with technology and the remote learning environments. Study environment and internet access interfered with the ability to learn for 72% and 47% of students, respectively.
Chart 4 Data Table
| Never | Infrequently | Occasionally | Often | |
| I have had difficulty obtaining an internet connection. | 40.8% | 26.4% | 22.2% | 10.6% |
| I have had difficulty maintaining an internet connection. | 32.9% | 29.0% | 24.0% | 14.1% |
Expand Chart 5 Data to see table view.
University of Mississippi maintained a level of connection while working, learning, teaching, and discovering apart. A majority of students felt supported by UM and valued by faculty in the classroom. Students received support from friends, family, classmates, and UM faculty members and advisors and added their appreciation, “I’m grateful for the faculty’s determination and perseverance in learning how to use new technology, and for their availability to students needing help.”
Chart 5 Data Table
| Strongly disagree | Somewhat disagree | Neither agree nor disagree | Somewhat agree | Strongly agree | |
| I currently feel like an active member of the UM community. | 23.7% | 27.2% | 17.0% | 22.1% | 10.0% |
| Being on campus is a vital part of my collegiate experience. | 3.5% | 2.5% | 7.0% | 13.6% | 73.4% |
| I am staying engaged with virtual campus events and resources. | 36.9% | 27.8% | 19.2% | 12.1% | 4.0% |
| I actively search for activities advertised by UM to keep myself connected. | 33.0% | 25.2% | 26.4% | 11.8% | 3.7% |
| I intend to participate more in virtual events and activities in the near future. | 23.4% | 19.6% | 30.7% | 19.1% | 7.2% |
Responses to the Findings
As a result of your feedback, the following actions are taking place:
- Faculty are customizing or developing course content.
- Faculty are changing the nature of synchronous course sessions.
- Faculty are considering different course assessment methods.
For More Information
Item analyses and custom reports are available upon request from the Survey Steering Group via the Data Inquiry Form on the IREP Website.