Assessing student satisfaction with university policies related to in-person classes in the era of COVID-19: a case study from Korea

Abstract

Abstract This study assessed key determinants of student satisfaction with university infection prevention policies during the expansion of in-person classes amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Conducted at a South Korean university, the research surveyed 386 undergraduate and graduate students, examining the impact of health literacy, protective behavior, risk perception, institutional support, and engagement with COVID-19 information on satisfaction. Findings indicate that among online-only students, vaccination status significantly influenced satisfaction levels, suggesting that perceived safety plays a key role in mitigating pandemic-related concerns. For students attending in-person classes, frequent engagement with COVID-19 notifications and willingness to use a university-provided COVID-19 information database were strongly associated with higher satisfaction. Additionally, the study reveals a passive approach to information acquisition, highlighting students’ preference for institution-driven communication rather than independent information-seeking. These results underscore the importance of clear, structured institutional communication and proactive support systems in enhancing student satisfaction and well-being. The findings provide actionable recommendations for universities to develop strategic communication policies, expand institutional support, and improve student engagement, particularly in collectivist cultures where institutional guidance is central to decision-making.