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A New Start, A New Norm

SUNY Oneonta students return to campus for a very different fall semester

By SUNY Oneonta

August 25^th, 2020

Welcome home

After months of anticipation and planning, more than 2,000 SUNY Oneonta students packed up their belongings and moved onto campus last week to begin the fall semester!

In order to safeguard against COVID-19 and reduce density in the residence halls, students moved in gradually, over the course of a week. Wearing masks, practicing social distancing and following all safety protocols, each student had a two-hour window to move in, and they were allowed one guest at a time while moving items into their room.

HERE TO HELP

Masks may have covered their faces, but you could still tell that student helpers positioned around campus were smiling and ready to help. :) They happily answered questions and offered directions to incoming students and families.

Mitchell Collins and Narcissa DeJesus help families with questions and answers in the Milne Library quad.

In order to provide important services in a safe, socially distanced manner, staff members from the offices of Student Accounts, Financial Aid, Registrar, Academic Advisement and Student Employment teamed up to offer "1-STOP Student Support Services" in the Alumni Field House. Students could get help with their bill, financial aid, fall course schedule and more.

Narcissa DeJesus give directions to dining halls and offers other information to families arriving on campus.

Mitchell Collins shares information about clubs and activities on campus including information about college camp and the outdoor adventure club.

Trisha Glogan greets students at the "1-Stop" event in the Alumni Field House.

Gabriella Marcel greets students at the "1-Stop" event at the Alumni Field House.

FIRST DAY OF CLASSES

Because the majority of classes are online rather than in-person this semester, opening day (Aug. 24) looked different than in other years. Whether living on campus or completing their studies from home, students logged onto Blackboard to meet their professors, collect their syllabuses and begin learning.

GETTING SOCIAL

Students got out and about on campus, taking advantage of the beautiful weather and wide open spaces. They brought their laptops outside, gathered by the Hunt Union pond, checked out Red Dragon Outfitters and Damascene for Oneonta gear and textbooks, grabbed takeout meals from the dining halls, and sent in their first day photos via Instagram.