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Utah Valley University President Astrid S. Tuminez visits with two female students as they gear up for in-person learning Monday, Aug. 23, 2021.

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Smiling students at UVU are ready to meet in person again.

Courtesy Utah Valley University

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President Astrid S. Tuminez hands out treats to two male students as UVU begins a new semester Monday, Aug. 23, 2021.

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First day traffic is seen Monday, Aug. 23, 2021, as students return to in-person study at UVU.

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It is expected that more than 41,000 students will attend UVU's main and satellite campuses this fall.

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UVU students find their way through the science building on campus Monday, Aug. 23, 2021.

Courtesy Utah Valley University

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President Astrid S. Tuminez stands in front of the welcome back sign at Utah Valley University on Monday, Aug. 23, 2021.

Courtesy Utah Valley University

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UVU students find their way through the great hall on campus. Fall Semester began Monday, Aug. 23, 2021.

Courtesy Utah Valley University

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There was an air of excitement in the halls of Utah Valley University and outside on campus as thousands of students came back to in-person learning Monday.

President Astrid S. Tuminez took the time to personally great students and hand out treats or greet them on the “green carpet” as they entered the university.

Hearing from a few students, the resounding message appears to be the Wolverines are back and ready to study, socialize and enjoy their college experience.

“It’s a day full of energy here at UVU. We have missed seeing our students on campus and were happy to roll out the ‘green carpet’ for them,” Tuminez said.

“Thank you to our students, faculty and staff for choosing UVU — a place where you can be yourself, engage in the things you love and receive an excellent education. This year is UVU’s 80th anniversary. We are all excited to be writing a chapter in this wonderful, unfolding story,” she added.

While complete enrollment numbers will not be available until October, last year’s enrollment amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic was 40,936. That is expected to be higher this year.

The total number of students includes those attending the Heber City, Payson and Lehi satellite campuses.

At the Orem campus, students finding their way through the halls shared in Tuminez’s excitement.

“I am excited to be back and that things feel a bit more open, and I’m excited to have a little more action in my classes now that we’re in person again,” said Sarenity Castaneda, a junior majoring in dance.

“It’s my first year here so it’s really exciting, and it’s nice that COVID is slowing down and things feel more normal, but I still have my mask,” said freshman Jill Morrison.

Although he is a sophomore, Jared Nelson, an aviation major, said it was his first time on campus and that if feels good to be back in school.

“This is my first time having an in-person class since 2018. It’s a little nerve-wracking because I feel like we have lost touch with other humans due to all the Zoom classes.”

UVU is recommending use of face masks around the university, according to the school’s website. The school also offers free COVID testing and vaccinations, providing a choice between the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

Students are asked to be self-aware of their health and to take precautions and be tested for the coronavirus when needed.

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