Texas State students, faculty and staff returned to campus Aug. 24 for the first official class day of the fall semester — with face masks, social distancing reminders and free hand sanitizer.
Following months of students not being on campus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the first day brought life to what was a ghost town in early summer.
Where seating was possible, there was an every-other-seat requirement; some instructors opted to teach classes outdoors; shuttles were only able to transport 20 passengers at a time. Hand sanitizer and informational posters were stationed around every corner. Walking around long enough, one might have even found a lone musician practicing her, his or their instrument solo.
Take a look. This is the new normal.
A mask with googly eyes brings humor to COVID-19 awareness, Monday, Aug. 24, 2020, on a window of the Roy F. Mitte Building.
One student studies alone while wearing a mask, Monday, Aug. 24, 2020, in Bruce and Gloria Ingram Hall.
Bubble believer Joseph Losoya blows bubbles through the air, Monday, Aug. 24, 2020, outside of Alkek Library. Losoya began spreading bubbles and positivity on Texas State’s campus in 2015.
Students take pictures of each other on the first day of classes, Monday, Aug. 24, 2020, on The Quad.
Students sit outside for class, Monday, Aug. 24, 2020, on The Quad.
Students gather for an outdoor class, Monday, Aug. 24, 2020, outside of Old Main.
University volunteers stand at booths to give out masks and information, Monday, Aug. 24, 2020, outside of Alkek Library.
Signs outlining COVID-19 protocols line the walls, Monday, Aug. 24, 2020, in the Joanne Cole Mitte art building.
A sign with best practices to stay healthy is posted, Monday, Aug. 24, 2020, inside the LBJ Student Center. Students waited six feet apart in line outside of ID Services.
Texas State communication design major Jared Munoz sits distanced from others, Monday, Aug. 24, 2020, in the LBJ Student Center. Couches and chairs were marked with green checks and red x’s to aid social distancing practices.
Texas State sound recording technology sophomore Talon White practices his tuba, Monday, Aug. 24, 2020, inside of the Pleasant Street Garage.
A sign with guidelines for riding Texas State shuttles is posted, Monday, Aug. 24, 2020, at the LBJ Student Center bus loop as students get on and off the shuttles. Only 20 passengers are allowed on one shuttle at a time and seats are marked off to maintain distancing between passengers.
A social distancing sign in a quiet study area, Monday, Aug. 24, 2020, on the third floor of Alkek Library.
A student studies at the computer next to a neighboring computer that is disabled for social distancing, Monday, Aug. 24, 2020, in Alkek Library.
Signs outlining social distancing and health precaution guidelines are posted, Monday, Aug. 24, 2020, at the entrance of Alkek Library.
A sign noting that only one person may enter ID Services is posted, Monday, Aug.24, 2020, inside the LBJ Student Center.
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Students make their way through the Alkek breezeway, Monday, Aug. 24, 2020, on Texas State’s campus.
Graduate teaching assistant Rebecca Palmer stands in front of her class, Monday, Aug. 24, 2020, in the Quad near Flowers Hall.
