A first look at self-reported growth in undergraduate students during COVID-19

Objective: The purpose of this study was to explore self-reported growth areas during Fall 2020 in a sample of undergraduate juniors and seniors. Participants and methods: Undergraduate students (N = 124, 65% female, 78% white) completed an online survey responding to the following question, "Reflecting back on Fall 2020, how have you grown during this semester?" Results: A majority of students (94.4%) gave at least one positive area of growth during Fall 2020. 62.1% of students reported personal growth during the pandemic with leading areas of increased adaptability, increased self-awareness, increased ability to overcome adversity, and greater appreciation of life. 32.3% of students reported improvements as students with top areas of improved time management, improved motivation, improved responsibility, and improved organization. Conclusions: With concerns about how to best help students transition from the COVID-19 pandemic, universities should consider providing simple, low-cost opportunities for students to engage in self-reflection in supportive campus environments.