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Azure Riley ’24 is looking forward to the opportunities she will have as one of the newest students at the University of New 51����. She and her family arrived on campus this week, and they helped her move into Bethel Hall.

“I am excited to be on campus,” she said. “I am excited about everything about being a student, and I am most looking forward to being on the Chargers basketball team.”

Riley is one of approximately 1,500 new students – including residential, commuter, and transfer students joining the University for the new academic year. First-year and transfer residential students moved in on Wednesday and Thursday, while returning students moved in on Tuesday and Friday. In addition, new and returning students from , as determined by the state of Connecticut, have been arriving throughout the month for a state-mandated 14-day quarantine period either in quarantine space on campus or in area hotels.

'This was handled well'

The focus throughout the fall semester will be mitigating the risk of COVID-19 on campus and keeping the University community safe and healthy during the Fall 2020 semester. All students and their families were required to wear face coverings and practice physical distancing and encouraged to practice good personal hygiene habits throughout the Move-In Day experience.

Deana Wrenn traveled from Long Island, New York to move her daughter into her residence hall.

“Everything was very organized,” she said. “I like how everyone wore masks and kept their distance. This was handled well.”

'I feel very comfortable on campus'

In an effort to keep everyone safe, students were only allowed one guest with them at a time in the residence halls to ensure physical distancing. Students and their family members also had their temperatures taken when they arrived on campus. Enhanced cleaning protocols were in place throughout the week and will continue throughout the semester.

“Everything went very well,” said AJ Desjardin ’21, a resident assistant in Bethel Hall who welcomed new students. “This is an awesome experience and our first contact with new residents. Everyone looks forward to it. It’s when our college journey begins.”

Throughout the rest of the weekend, the University’s newest students are participating in Charge In – a mix of in-person and virtual events – to help acclimate them to campus life, leading up to their first day of classes on Monday.

“I feel very comfortable on campus,” said Alyssa Rylick ’24, a forensic science major who moved into her residence hall on Thursday. “I’m happy about all the precautions that have been taken. I’m looking forward to starting my classes and learning from professors who are the best in their fields.”