UM COVID-19 Experience Surveys

About the Surveys

The University of Mississippi administered surveys to students and faculty to understand better their experiences during the Spring 2020 semester disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Faculty, staff, student affairs professionals, academic, and administrative leaders will use the survey results to plan student-focused programs and services, facilitate faculty workshops to meet the needs of a remote learning environment, and develop practices and procedures that promote learning and development during the COVID-19 pandemic.

UM COVID-19 Survey Administrations

University of Mississippi faculty, staff, student affairs professionals, academic, and administrative leaders expressed interest in understanding better the student and faculty experiences during the Spring 2020 semester disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Survey Steering Group coordinated these efforts to develop and administer two surveys, one for UM students and one for UM faculty to capture the necessary data and minimize survey fatigue and stress.

Beginning on April 8, 2020, the Survey Steering Group members examined surveys developed by vendors and professional organizations and considered options for administering the surveys. The group decided locally developed, online surveys administered to all UM students and faculty via single, anonymous link would be most appropriate for the purpose. Steering group members sought input on survey items from campus partners including the Keep Teaching Group, Division of Diversity and Community Engagement, Division of Student Affairs, and the Graduate School. The members developed and refined the survey items, but did not pilot test the instrument. The Survey Steering Group submitted this study to the University of Mississippi Institutional Review Board (IRB) which reviewed the study, allowing it to proceed.

Students and faculty were invited to complete their respective surveys on April 23, 2020, through word of mouth, a UM Today announcement, and an announcement in the daily UM COVID-19 digest message. The student survey closed on May 7, 2020, and the faculty survey closed on May 12, 2020.