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Student perceptions of post-pandemic university learning: challenges and benefits

Sarah A. Callaghan (School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Canada)
Maureen T.B. Drysdale (Department of Psychology, St. Jerome’s University, and School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Canada)
Ronaldo K.S. Riley (Faculty of Science, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Canada)
Zana Berisha (Faculty Health, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Canada)
Avery J. Beavers (Faculty of Science, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Canada)

Mental Health and Social Inclusion

ISSN: 2042-8308

Article publication date: 13 August 2024

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Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to investigate university students’ perceptions and experiences of postpandemic campus environments. Posts from a subreddit dedicated to a large, research-intensive Canadian university were analyzed to understand how students were affected by the evolving circumstances, their coping strategies and the resources that could support their flourishing in both academic and campus life.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 42 Reddit posts from 427 unique users were selected for qualitative thematic analysis. Three researchers independently analyzed the posts and developed codes representing recurring themes, categories and subcategories. Discrepancies were resolved through discussion to establish the final themes.

Findings

Six major themes emerged from the analysis: modality of learning, perceived rights, attitudes and expectations, public health safety, political nature, mental health and well-being and communication patterns. Students expressed mixed preferences for learning modalities, concerns about accommodations and perceived freedoms, apprehension about contracting future viruses and the impact of changing university policies on their mental health and well-being.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the growing understanding of university students’ experiences post-COVID-19 pandemic, specifically focusing on their return to in-person learning and their evolving relationships with the campus community. The findings highlight the importance of addressing students’ concerns and providing appropriate resources to support their mental health and well-being during major transitional periods.

Keywords

Acknowledgements

The research was supported by the Well-Link Research Lab at St. Jerome’s University in the University of Waterloo. The authors are grateful for the research assistance of Marya Talha and Rifah Oishi.

Citation

Callaghan, S.A., Drysdale, M.T.B., Riley, R.K.S., Berisha, Z. and Beavers, A.J. (2024), "Student perceptions of post-pandemic university learning: challenges and benefits", Mental Health and Social Inclusion, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1108/MHSI-07-2024-0106

Publisher

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Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2024, Emerald Publishing Limited

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