Students are back on campus, moving into dorms, houses and apartments as they start their first week of the semester. Many are looking forward to a safe start back and resuming pre-COVID activities. 

UNI's campus was active once again as students resumed more normal activities. Students grabbed meals at the Maucker Union, lounged in the Adirondack chairs outdoors and participated in a host of Welcome Week activities.

While studying in the Maucker Union on the second day of the semester, Isabelle Zeimetz said she was excited to partake in more student organizations on campus this year compared to last year. Speaking about last year, she said, “I am on the improv team, and it’s really hard to perform when you have to be six feet apart and wear masks.” 

Zeimetz, a fourth-year computer science major from Pella, Iowa in her last semester at UNI, said the UNI Gamer Brigade meetings were also cancelled last year due to COVID-19, but she is hopeful to start the SAR improv performances and the Gamer Brigade in a safe manner this year. Zeimetz is a fourth-year computer science major from Pella, Iowa in her last semester at UNI.

As he was studying and grabbing food at the Maucker Union food court, Luke Palandech said he was looking forward to devoting this year to working on his studies. 

“I hope to teach fourth, fifth, and sixth grade,” said Palandech, an elementary education major from Cedar Rapids, Iowa in his third year at UNI. “I’m excited this year for the opportunity to grow as an educator and get more experiences and skills to take into the classroom.” 

Amber Lechtenberg is looking forward to her third year at the UNI. “I’m excited to be having more on-campus events.” Lechtenberg is a family services major from Montezuma, Iowa who is planning on becoming a youth pastor. She is excited about the upcoming events with her student ministry. 

Welcome Week activities for August 22-28 included the Continental Breakfast, the Gender and Sexuality Services Rainbow Reception, the College Hill Farmers Market, the UNI Varsity Glee Club Welcome Home Concert, “Late Nite 80’s Bingo,” among other events.