University Culture and Parental Involvement: Enhancing Resilience and Access to Education during COVID-19

The study investigated how university culture and parental involvement promoted resilience and access to education among second and third-year students during the COVID-19 lockdown. Using a phenomenological design within a qualitative approach, data was collected from 15 (5 male and 10 female) second-year students and 15 (7 male and 8 female) third-year students from a university in Johannesburg, South Africa. Students from low socioeconomic backgrounds were purposively sampled. Data was analysed thematically, and the findings revealed that the positive university culture improved the students’ resilience and access to education. Furthermore, parental involvement fostered resilience and access to education amongst students. Based on the findings, we conclude that supportive university culture and positive parental involvement were critical in promoting student resilience and access to education. Furthermore, we recommend that higher education institutions collaborate with families and communities to support the education of university students. Keywords: COVID-19 lockdown, higher education, university culture, online teaching and learning, parental involvement, student resilience