In photos: U of T kicks off a fall semester unlike any other

Students at the University of Toronto were back to school this week – both online and on campus – as the university embarks on a fall semester unlike any other in its 193-year history. 

Face masks, physical distancing and sanitizing stations were the norm on U of T’s largely empty St. George, Mississauga and Scarborough campuses as the university community does its part to slow the spread of COVID-19. Meanwhile, many students embarked on a semester of virtual instruction. 

There were, nevertheless, some familiar sights – including an appearance by U of T Mississauga's resident deer – and social media was full of activity as students and their professors forged connections on platforms like Zoom. 

U of T News photographers Johnny Guatto and Nick Iwanyshyn visited U of T’s three campuses to capture a glimpse of the first day of what will no doubt be a history-making school year. 

(photo by Nick Iwanyshyn)

University of Toronto Mississauga students pick up their U-Pass during the first week of school. 

(photo by Nick Iwanyshyn)

Non-medical face masks are to be worn in indoor common uses spaces, including classrooms. U of T is distributing 250,000 masks – a pair for each student, librarian, staff and faculty member.

“There's no better time to be studying pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences,” said Lisa Dolovich, dean of the Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, in a welcome video for incoming and returning students. 

Jon Lindsay, an assistant professor of political science in the Faculty of Arts & Science and at the Munk School for Global Affairs & Public Policy, invokes a James Bond theme for a virtual lecture.

(photo by Nick Iwanyshyn)

There's no shortage of quiet study space on the U of T Scarborough campus this year. 

(photo by Nick Iwanyshyn)

Students at U of T Mississauga keep a safe distance at tables rearranged to facilitate physical distancing.

“There is just an incredible caution and incredible planning on our part to make sure students and staff are safe,” Chad Nuttall, the director of student housing and residence life at U of T Mississauga, told U of T News earlier this summer.

(photo by Johnny Guatto)

Hart House has been open for registered visits as of Sept. 8, and it will be having a virtual open house Sept. 15 and 16 to introduce its chess club, jazz choir, social justice committee and other groups and amenities.
 

The first day of class, from the comfort of home. 

Adriana Diaz Lozano Patiño says incoming engineering students can always count on her and other upper-year students for support. “I can't wait to meet you and I hope that you know that you've got this,” she says. 

(photo by Nick Iwanyshyn)

The deer at U of T Mississauga have always been experts at physical distancing.