Fall semester is now in full swing, and the campus is full of life due to the return of Redbird students.

This is the first post in a two-part photo series showcasing what fall semester has looked like on campus. Most students spent the last academic year virtually because of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Their return in August was part of Illinois State’s plan to allow students to come back to a more traditional college experience while following the guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), the Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE), and other governmental and public health agencies.  

Nothing compares to seeing them back on campus this semester connecting with friends on the Quad, hearing their laughter down the hallways, and feeling the overall joy that their presence brings to the campus community. Here’s the first post of a two-part photo series documenting life on campus this semester.

Campus sidewalks are bustling with students walking to classes between classes.
Campus sidewalks are bustling with students walking to classes between classes.
Miki McCarthy skateboards in front of Fell Hall on her way to class.
Music education and composition double major Miki McCarthy skateboards in front of Fell Hall on their way to class.
Public relations major Kyah Joseph and Music Professor Tom Faux sit outside of Schroeder Hall for a one-on-one lesson in Faux’s Experiencing Music course.
Public relations major Kyah Joseph and Music Professor Tom Faux sit outside of Schroeder Hall for a one-on-one lesson in Faux’s Experiencing Music course.
Nursing major Rachel Subrin enjoys some downtime swimming in the Student Fitness Center.
Nursing major Rachel Subrin enjoys some downtime swimming in the Student Fitness Center.
Studio art major Laney Turner saws wood for their “Floor to Ceiling” project in Professor Gary Justis’ Sculpture I class.
Studio art major Laney Turner saws wood for their “Floor to Ceiling” project in Professor Gary Justis’ Sculpture I class.
Digital media major Tessa Renken enjoys a good book outside of Stevenson Hall.
Digital media major Tessa Renken enjoys a good book outside of Stevenson Hall.
MBA student Pasinee Veerutamasen jogs on a treadmill in the Student Fitness Center.
MBA student Pasinee Veerutamasen jogs on a treadmill in the Student Fitness Center.
Third-year graduate student Elyse McCormick takes a field trip to Parklands’ Lexington Preserve to study insects in Distinguished Professor Dr. Steven Juliano’s Entomology course.
Third-year graduate student Elyse McCormick takes a field trip to Parklands’ Lexington Preserve to study insects in Distinguished Professor Dr. Steven Juliano’s Entomology course.
Nursing majors Dominic DeMauro, Amanda Hong, and Jimena Diaz use a study room on the second floor of the Bone Student Center to study together.
Nursing majors Dominic DeMauro (left), Amanda Hong (right), and Jimena Diaz (center) use a study room on the second floor of the Bone Student Center to study together.
Rachel Hooker, who is a first-year graduate student studying music therapy, serenades the Quad with her musical talents by singing “What Ever Happened?” by The Strokes.
Rachel Hooker, who is a first-year graduate student studying music therapy, serenades the Quad with her musical talents by singing “What Ever Happened?” by The Strokes.
Film and digital media major Cambria Wuethrich uses the Creative Technologies lab in the Center for the Visual Arts to work on her projects.
Film and digital media major Cambria Wuethrich uses the Creative Technologies lab in the Center for the Visual Arts to work on her projects.
Special Education major Xena Tisdale spends some free time shooting hoops outside of Hewett-Manchester.
Special Education major Xena Tisdale spends some free time shooting hoops outside of Hewett-Manchester.
Event Management, Dining, and Hospitality Director Bill Legett assists MBA graduate student Meichen Fu during her first day working at Qdoba in the Bone Student Center.
Event Management, Dining, and Hospitality Director Bill Legett assists MBA graduate student Meichen Fu during her first day working at Qdoba in the Bone Student Center.