August 2020 Student Town Hall

The president hosted a virtual town hall meeting via Zoom on August 6, 2020. Topics included plans for returning to campus, masking policies and the university’s response to COVID‑19. If you were unable to attend, you are encouraged to view the recording.

Town hall survey responses

The following survey questions were asked during the town hall meeting.

To help us understand the demographics of who is participating in this meeting, please indicate your student status at Missouri State.

Response	Number of Responses	Percent
First year student	88	30.03%
Graduate student	30	10.24%
All other students	93	31.74%
Family member	76	25.94%
Other	6	2.05%

For students: Please indicate your residency status.

Response	Number of Responses	Percent
In state	234	79.86%
Out of state	13	4.44%
International	46	15.70%

For students: Where do you think masks should be required?

Response	Number of Responses	Percent
In academic buildings only.	18	6.32%
In all buildings except residence halls, dining halls and Foster Recreation.	57	20.00%
In all buildings except when in our own rooms or when eating and drinking.	205	71.93%
I refuse to wear a mask.	5	1.75%

For students: Should masks be required in all outdoor spaces on campus?

Response	Number of Responses	Percent
Yes	123	43.16%
No	162	56.84%

For students: If you tested positive for COVID-19 at some point during the semester, what action would you take with regard to the required 14-day quarantine?

Response	Number of Responses	Percent
I live in a residence hall and I would remain on-campus and quarantine in the designated residence hall as identified by the university.	106	37.46%
I live in a residence hall and I would return home to quarantine.	39	13.78%
I live in off-campus housing and I would quarantine in my house, apartment, fraternity or sorority.	103	36.40%
I live in off-campus housing and I would quarantine in a location reserved by the university – understanding I would have to pay for this housing support.	7	2.47%
I live in off-campus housing and I would return home to quarantine.	28	9.89%

For students: If at some point during the semester the university is forced to pivot to alternative teaching methods either for a shorter defined period or through the end of the semester, what action would you take with regard to your living situation?

Response	Number of Responses	Percent
I live in a residence hall and I would remain on-campus and continue courses from my room.	85	29.51%
I live in a residence hall and I would return home for the designated period and continue courses from there.	62	21.78%
I live in off-campus housing and I would continue courses from my house, apartment, fraternity or sorority.	108	37.50%
I live in off-campus housing and I would return home for the designated period and continue courses from there.	33	11.46%

For students: How do you feel about coming to campus for the fall semester given the current circumstances?

Response	Number of Responses	Percent
I do not have any concerns.	40	13.33%
I have some concerns.	90	30.00%
I have significant concerns, but I want the on-campus experience even though it will be different.	102	34.00%
I do not want to come to campus, but don’t have a choice since I need to complete courses that are only offered in a seated format.	59	19.67%
I am strongly considering taking a semester off.	9	3.0%

For first year students: If the current residency restrictions were suspended and first year students were allowed to take all courses online, would you take advantage of this option?

Response	Number of Responses	Percent
Yes	63	40.38%
No	93	59.62%

Questions and comments

Please submit any questions or comments to the president's office.