Student Perceptions and Engagement: Basis for Responsive Student Services during the Pandemic

This study described the perception of tertiary students on student services provided to them during the COVID-19 pandemic. Involving 313 first year to third year students enrolled in a provincial state university during the second term of school year 2020-2021, the study utilized researcher-adapted questionnaire with documentary analyses. Quantitative data were analyzed using frequencies, percentages, means and one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). Qualitative data obtained through the open responses given by the respondents were coded to draw out themes. Results show that the respondents perceived student services were available and provided by the Office of Student Services (OSS) along with other units. There was no significant difference in the perceptions of students by year levels and genders. As to engagement, tertiary students participated in varied activities. Recommendations by students were categorized into academic/faculty-related, co-curricular/extracurricular-related and personnel-related themes. Inputs served as the basis for the enhancement of student services during the pandemic.