Date of Graduation

5-2025

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts in Sociology

Degree Level

Undergraduate

Department

Sociology and Criminology

Advisor/Mentor

Angton, Alexia

Committee Member

Scaptura, Maria

Second Committee Member

Fields, LaShawnda

Third Committee Member

Phillips, Jared

Abstract

This study analyzes the impact of COVID-19 on the mental health, academic performance, and socialization of college students, as well as college professors’ perceptions of their own mental health, workload, and observed changes in students. University of Arkansas undergraduate students were surveyed online about their pandemic experiences, and faculty members were interviewed on similar topics. Students reported a noticeable decline in mental health, primarily due to isolation, being confined to their homes, and reduced contact with friends. Faculty faced stress from the rapid shift to virtual learning, decreased student engagement, and the challenge of balancing work and family while maintaining academic standards. Students indicated that online learning negatively affected their education, while faculty observed a decline in student engagement, increased introverted tendencies, and expressed concern for students entering professional spaces. Students also reported that the pandemic negatively affected social skills. However, faculty noted some positives, such as increased technology use/understanding and increased family time. Overall, the pandemic negatively affected students' mental health, education, and socialization, while also imposing challenges on faculty. This study contributes to pandemic-related research by highlighting how COVID-19 continues to affect the post-pandemic classroom.

Keywords

COVID-19; Lasting Effects; Undergraduate; Mental Health; Classroom Behavior; Socialization

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