Spring 2021: A Welcome Return

by Lauren Davidson; photos by Joe O'Neill, Caroline O'Connor and Claudia Bonaccorsi '22

After a fully remote fall semester, the college welcomed many students back to campus for a split spring semester. First-year and sophomore students moved in across two weekends in January and February and moved out prior to spring break in March, after which juniors and seniors arrived on campus to finish out the semester.

Of course, things looked very different on campus. Students were required to wear masks and social distance and were assigned to pods in their residence halls. Dining Services offered grab-and-go during the initial stay-at-home period, and some classes were still held virtually. Students, faculty and on-campus staff were tested regularly, and the COVID-19 dashboard kept everyone apprised of active cases, isolation and quarantine status and other important data.

In early March, the Centennial Conference announced a return to spring athletics competition, which was welcome news to the many student-athletes who had their 2020 seasons cut short. In April, admissions hoisted tents to be able to welcome newly admitted students to campus. And as the weather warmed, more outdoor classes, activities and socializing were enjoyed by all.