Photo Gallery: CSU welcomes back students and faculty

Students walking to class and sitting in the courtyard at Cleveland State University in Cleveland, Ohio, August 23, 2021.

Students walking on Euclid Avenue in Cleveland, Ohio, August 23, 2021.

A sign reminding students and faculty to wear their masks at Cleveland State University in Cleveland, Ohio, August 23, 2021.

Students sitting in the student center at Cleveland State University in Cleveland, Ohio, August 23, 2021.

Students waiting in line for a meal at the dining hall at Cleveland State University in Cleveland, Ohio, August 23, 2021.

Students waiting in line at Viking Grounds Cafe at Cleveland State University in Cleveland, Ohio, August 23, 2021.

Students playing bingo in the student center at Cleveland State University in Cleveland, Ohio, August 23, 2021.

Students playing basketball at the recreation center at Cleveland State University in Cleveland, Ohio, August 23, 2021.

Masks that were distributed free of charge by student services at Cleveland State University in Cleveland, Ohio, August 23, 2021.

By SHEILA KISS

Cleveland State University welcomed back students to campus on August 23 for the first time since the university moved primarily online in March 2020.

For the past year and a half the campus has been almost empty due to circumstances brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Earlier this year in April, CSU announced that students would be returning to campus for the fall 2021 semester.

Students are required to follow safety protocols on campus, including wearing a mask inside all buildings. Also, students living on campus are required to have the COVID-19 vaccine. The university has protocols in place for students, staff or faculty who report they are COVID-positive of may have been exposed to the coronavirus.

The once empty hallways and classrooms are now filled with students, staff and faculty who are hoping for the "near normal" semester the administration was aiming for when it began planning for the return to campus.