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 famliar 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. 

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

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.

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.

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

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

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