2  Courses of action
Universities serve an essential role in supporting college students and accommodating their health, education, and safety needs. During the pandemic, the courses of action implemented by universities significantly affect students’ mental health and wellbeing. It is commendable that many universities have responded promptly to the unprecedented situation. They flipped the switch and focused on remote education instead of in-person classes. Although this transition can lead to acute stress among some students due to the lack of time for adjustment, remote learning allows college students to sustain their academic routine which is found to benefit mental health and psychological resilience in the long run (Drake and Whitley, 2014). In addition, college students may experience less anxiety because remote learning helps them continue to manage their academic routine on a regular basis (Wang et al., 2020).
Many universities decided to evacuate students in responding to the pandemic. Given the population density in university residence halls, some universities have delayed plans to allow students to visit campuses and retrieve their belongings, which helps ease students’ anxiety associated with the fears and concerns of contracting COVID-19. This decision can also relieve students’ financial hardship by reducing the cost of travel. Further, some universities are considering refunding money from room and board (i.e., residence hall contracts, dining hall meal plans) on a prorated basis, which may support students financially and mitigate distress.