CHENEY –, Eastern Washington University received an injection of life last Thursday and Friday as incoming students were welcomed back to campus dorms for the 2021-22 academic school years.
Roughly 960 students are returning for in-person learning for the first time since COVID-19 mandates pushed classes online.
The move-in days grew into the weekend as students began returning to off-campus apartments as well.
New students are required to show proof of vaccination and go through a mandatory COVID-19 test behind Roos Field before being admitted, under the university's related policy.
Any dorm-based students who test positive for the coronavirus will go into isolation in their dorm or will be asked to return home until a 10-day period has passed, officials said.
Upperclassmen will also be asked to supply vaccination proof, or verified wavers, to avoid a $250 fine.
Freshman Jozlyn Hinsen reported that everything was progressing smoothly, so far.
"We were able to test before, as well," she said. "So, I just tested before, and I showed them my negative test and they let us go ahead."
The dorm move-in staff was also excited to be back on campus.
"Last year, because of COVID, it wasn't really fun, it was just boring," volunteer Axel Rivera said. "Wintertime, there was no one around, it was just felt dead.
"We were hoping this year is really different."
Classes begin Wednesday, Sept. 22.
University officials are hoping to keep infection rates low and vaccination rates high.
"We hope to have numbers late next week regarding the amount of students who have complied or sought waivers, but we expect a big push between now and next week's start of school," Eastern spokesman Dave Meany said.
Scott Davis can be reached at news@cheneyfreepress.com
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