Survey shows approval for USD COVID-19 response

A USD survey of students who tested positive for COVID-19 or spent time in isolation or quarantine showed students have had a positive experience with the university’s response to the pandemic this semester.

The survey, conducted between Sept. 14 and Sept. 28 by the USD COVID-19 Task Force, showed almost unanimous approval of the university’s support in communication, housing, education and emotional well-being.

The task force was helped by Doug Peterson, chair of the USD Department of Psychology, in creating the survey, in order to evaluate the university’s response and to improve on its support for students.

“The results suggest that the overall well-being and positive attitude held by students were the results of multiple factors, including faculty, residential life and administration,” Peterson said in a press release on Tuesday.

Kevin O’Kelley of the COVID-19 Task Force said in a press release that the survey provided the university with ideas for improvement, and the task force has adjusted messaging and outreach to address areas of concern.

“We explained the opportunities for CDC-compliant social activities, clarified the resources available for health and emotional well-being, and communicated to our faculty their importance in the success of our students dealing with isolation or quarantine,” O’Kelley said in the press release.