A Year at Notre Dame under COVID | Special Features | Notre Dame Magazine

March 2020

Thomas Burish and Laura Carlson — Provost Thomas Burish ’72 and Laura Carlson, vice president, associate provost and dean of the Graduate School, confer before a March 17 meeting with academic leaders about the University’s coronavirus response. (photo by Matt Cashore)

University Sacristan John Zack places a notice on the east door of the Basilica of the Sacred Heart on March 17 notifying the community that in-person celebration of Mass was suspended because of COVID-19. (photo by Matt Cashore)

Transition Workshops — Workshops were offered to help faculty members transition to teaching online. (photo by Matt Cashore)

(Note: Photos reflect the health and safety guidelines in place at the time photos were made.) Provost Thomas Burish ’72 and Laura Carlson, vice president, associate provost and dean of the Graduate School, confer before a March 17 meeting with academic leaders about the University’s coronavirus response. University Sacristan John Zack places a notice on the east door of the Basilica of the Sacred Heart on March 17 notifying the community that in-person celebration of Mass was suspended because of COVID-19. Workshops were offered to help faculty members transition to teaching online. (photos by Matt Cashore)

“I was ready to leave, but I wasn’t ready to leave this soon.” — Michael Chamberlain ’20 as he prepared to leave campus after the COVID shutdown midway through the spring semester.

A Building Services employee sprays disinfectant March 24 in a classroom in DeBartolo Hall. (photo by Matt Cashore)

Elia Romero disinfects a stairwell in the Hesburgh Library on March 23. (photo by Barbara Johnston)

Notice placed on a door to Jordan Auditorium — A March 25 notice placed on a door to Jordan Auditorium in the Mendoza College of Business. (photo by Matt Cashore)

A Building Services employee sprays disinfectant March 24 in a classroom in DeBartolo Hall. (photo by Matt Cashore) Elia Romero disinfects a stairwell in the Hesburgh Library on March 23. (photo by Barbara Johnston) A March 25 notice placed on a door to Jordan Auditorium in the Mendoza College of Business. (photo by Matt Cashore)

Many classes were recorded for the convenience of students in different time zones. On March 26, in a large and otherwise vacant lecture room in DeBartolo Hall, psychology Professor Daniel Lapsley records a video lecture for his students. (photo by Barbara Johnston)

Laura Hollis talks virtually with undergraduate students — Teaching professor Laura Hollis '83, '86J.D. talks virtually with undergraduate students on March 25. (photo by Matt Cashore)

Walter Clements leads a graduate business class. — Walter Clements, a teaching professor and associate dean of Executive Education in the Mendoza College of Business, leads a graduate business class on March 31. (photo by Barbara Johnston)

Classes with live instruction became a grid of faces via Zoom. Teaching professor Laura Hollis '83, '86J.D. talks virtually with undergraduate students on March 25. (photo by Matt Cashore) Walter Clements, a teaching professor and associate dean of Executive Education in the Mendoza College of Business leads a graduate business class on March 31. (photo by Barbara Johnston)

Notre Dame staff members pack books — Notre Dame staff members on March 19 pack books and other items for shipping to students who had returned home to continue their classes online. Students were on spring break when remote learning was announced and most did not have books, laptops and other academic materials with them. (photo by Matt Cashore)

Cory Thompson helps collect and forward mail — Cory Thompson, manager of transportation services, and other employees help collect and forward mail and packages to the students, who were sent home to take classes remotely. (photo by Barbara Johnston)

Fr. Jenkins Delivers Video Address — University President Rev. John I. Jenkins, CSC, ’76, ’78M.A., in a campus studio, delivers a video address to the Notre Dame community about the response to the pandemic. (photo by Matt Cashore)

April 2020

A white board outside Café de Grasta in Grace Hall bears a message of hope April 4. (photo by Matt Cashore)

A white board outside Cafe de Grasta in Grace Hall bears a message of hope April 4. An unplugged refrigerator airs out in a Breen-Phillips residence hall room. With students told to go straight home from spring break, staff members took on the work of removing perishable items from dorm rooms, cleaning out refrigerators and gathering personal items for shipment. (photos by Matt Cashore)

Rev. Dennis Strach celebrates Mass — Rev. Dennis Strach, C.S.C., '15M.Div., priest-in-residence at Knott Hall, celebrates the regular Sunday night Mass in the dorm chapel with hall residents and friends joining live via Zoom on April 19. (photo by Matt Cashore)

Assembling memory boxes — A University Enterprises and Events employee works April 27 to assemble memory boxes. The collection of mementos included the 2020 yearbook and was sent to all graduating seniors. (photo by Barbara Johnston)

Campus Contributes

Face Mask — With national shortages of personal protective equipment in the early months of the pandemic, several Notre Dame laboratories coordinated to make 3D-printed face shields that were donated to local medical facilities. (photos by Barbara Johnston)

Professor Matt Leevy checks a 3D printer in the Innovation Lab at the IDEA Center. With national shortages of personal protective equipment in the early months of the pandemic, several Notre Dame laboratories coordinated to make 3D-printed face shields that were donated to local medical facilities. (photos by Barbara Johnston)

Nina Ansimova and Wieslawa Ruchniak sew face masks 2 — Nina Ansimova and Wieslawa Ruchniak sew face masks at St. Michael's Laundry. (photo by Matt Cashore)

Nina Ansimova and Wieslawa Ruchniak sew face masks at St. Michael's Laundry. (photos by Matt Cashore)

Worker unloads boxes of donated protective gear — A worker from the St. Joseph County Department of Health unloads boxes of donated protective gear from Notre Dame at the County-City Building in South Bend. The supplies were to be distributed to health care facilities in the community. (photo by Barbara Johnston)

May 2020

Signs On The Main Building — A message of support and blessing to the graduating class appears in front windows of the Main Building. (photo by Barbara Johnston)

Online Commencement Ceremony — Notre Dame President Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C., flanked by Provost Thomas Burish '72 and Board of Trustees Chairman Jack Brennan, confers degrees during the May 17 online commencement ceremony. (photo by Matt Cashore)

Grad Senior On Main Building Steps — Some graduates returned to campus for socially distanced celebratory moments. Irla Atanda tosses her cap on the steps of the Main Building May 16. (photo by Barbara Johnston)

Grad photographed by Main Building — MBA graduate Nicholas Tawse is photographed by his father in front of the Main Building on May 12. (photo by Matt Cashore)

Notre Dame President Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C., flanked by Provost Thomas Burish '72 and Board of Trustees Chairman Jack Brennan, confers degrees during the May 17 online commencement ceremony. (photo by Matt Cashore) Some graduates returned to campus for socially distanced celebratory moments. Irla Atanda tosses her cap on the steps of the Main Building May 16. (photo by Barbara Johnston) MBA graduate Nicholas Tawse is photographed by his father in front of the Main Building on May 12. (photo by Matt Cashore)

Deserted South Quad — A May 1 aerial photo of a deserted South Quad, which in regular times would be covered with students. (photo by Matt Cashore)

Wildlife

Campus has always been a place to see waterfowl and unusually plump squirrels. The scarcity of humans during the pandemic made deer and fox sightings more common in unexpected locations.

Swans On St Marys Lake — Swans and cygnets on St. Mary's Lake. (photo by Barbara Johnston)

Squirrel on Main Quad — A squirrel on Main Quad. (photo by Matt Cashore)

Swans and cygnets on St. Mary's Lake. (photo by Barbara Johnston) A squirrel on Main Quad. A fox crosses Dorr Road. Deer outside McCourtney Hall. (photos by Matt Cashore)

June 2020

Events in the outside world, including the deaths of Breonna Taylor and George Floyd, touched campus. Notre Dame held multiple events focused on recognition of racial injustice, including a unity march organized by the football team and held on June 19, or Juneteenth, a day that marks the emancipation of enslaved people in the United States. (photo by Matt Cashore)

Fr. Jenkins NBC Interview — On June 17, Notre Dame President Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C. participates in an interview with NBC Nightly News correspondent Rehema Ellis about the decision to have students return to campus in August for the fall semester.

HERE Stickers — "HERE" campaign stickers and signs are installed June 19. (photos by Matt Cashore)

Ron Grisoli, assistant director of Duncan Student Center, measures to make sure tables and chairs are at least six feet apart to provide for social distancing when students return to campus. (photo by Barbara Johnston)

On June 17, Notre Dame President Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C. participates in an interview with NBC Nightly News correspondent Rehema Ellis about the decision to have students return to campus in August for the fall semester. "HERE" campaign stickers and signs are installed June 19. (photos by Matt Cashore) Ron Grisoli, assistant director of Duncan Student Center, measures to make sure tables and chairs are at least six feet apart to provide for social distancing when students return to campus. (photo by Barbara Johnston)

July 2020

Here Flags — "HERE" flags fly July 29 on the southeast side of Notre Dame Stadium. The "HERE" campaign signs were on buildings, light poles, flag poles and in common spaces as Notre Dame prepared for the return of in-person classes. (photo by Barbara Johnston)

Provost Miranda Virtual Meeting — Provost Marie Lynn Miranda participates in a July 8 virtual meeting with academic department chairs during her first full week on the job. (photo by Matt Cashore)

Student Temperature Check — Business graduate students were the first to return to campus in the summer for a pilot reopening program. A student has her temperature checked July 24 as part of a pilot daily health check. Later, Notre Dame introduced a daily health check app for all students and employees. (photo by Barbara Johnston)

August 2020

Move In Row Cars — In early August, move-in day becomes move-in week. Hugs and handshakes are replaced with masks and elbow-waves. Staggered arrival times over several days helps with physical distancing. (photo by Barbara Johnston)

Checking move in arrivals — Ryan Retartha '07 on August 3 checks in arrivals at the Rugby Parking Lot during residence hall move-in days. (photo by Barbara Johnston)

Class of 2024 Shirt — A first year like no other in living memory for the Class of 2024. (photo by Matt Cashore)

Alumni Hall Move In — Move-in to Alumni Hall in August. (photo by Matt Cashore)

Stadium Welcome Week Mass — The annual Welcome Week Mass, usually held in the Purcell Pavilion, became multiple Welcome Week Masses. This Mass was held on the evening of August 9 in Notre Dame Stadium to accommodate physical distancing requirements. (photo by Barbara Johnston)

Masks

"HERE we wear a mask." Don't have a mask? Notre Dame will provide one. Forget your mask? HERE ambassadors will remind you. (Sign photo by Matt Cashore, all others by Barbara Johnston)

Classes

Students on August 7 in a Moreau First Year Experience class. (photo by Barbara Johnston)

Professor Ed Hums teaches behind a Plexiglas barrier — Upper right: Business professor Ed Hums '75 stands behind a Plexiglas barrier as he teaches on August 10, the first day of fall classes. (photo by Matt Cashore)

Stepan Center Class HERE — HERE stickers designated spots where students were allowed to sit in Stepan Center, which was reconfigured to serve as a classroom. (photo by Barbara Johnston)

Tim O'Malley teaches in Leighton Concert Hall — Theology professor Tim O'Malley '04, '06M.T.S. teaches a class in Leighton Concert Hall in the DeBartolo Performing Arts Center. "Yo Yo Ma was supposed to be here this fall, and now you have me," O'Malley jokes. (photo by Matt Cashore)

A small group of students on August 7 in a Moreau First Year Experience class. (photo by Barbara Johnston) Business professor Ed Hums '75 stands behind a Plexiglas barrier as he teaches on August 10, the first day of fall classes. (photo by Matt Cashore) "HERE" stickers designated spots where students were allowed to sit in Stepan Center, which was reconfigured to serve as a classroom. (photo by Barbara Johnston) Theology professor Tim O'Malley '04, '06M.T.S. teaches a class in Leighton Concert Hall in the DeBartolo Performing Arts Center. "Yo Yo Ma was supposed to be here this fall, and now you have me," O'Malley jokes. (photo by Matt Cashore)

Student Life

Dining Hall Take Out — The dining halls, normally a place to hang out and socialize, became only a place to stop by for take out. (photo by Barbara Johnston)

HERE Floor stickers — "HERE" signage across campus reminded students and employees of protocols intended to prevent the spread of COVID-19. (photo by Barbara Johnston)

Some aspects of student life changed considerably. The dining halls, normally a place to hang out and socialize, became only a place to stop by for take out. "HERE" signage across campus reminded students and employees of protocols intended to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Other aspects of student life look familiar, only a little further apart and masked. (photos by Barbara Johnston)

Empty Duncan Student Center — A student has Midfield Commons in Duncan Student Center to himself at midday on August 19. (photo by Barbara Johnston)

September 2020

Mc 9 — Grassy areas in front of Hesburgh Library and South Dining Hall were converted to outdoor socializing spaces. Students enjoy warm weather on September 23 with Adirondack-style chairs, fire pits and hanging lights. Wi-Fi service in the area was boosted and the space was designed to promote physical distancing. (photo by Matt Cashore)

Screen Shot 2021 02 16 At 6 — The Notre Dame online dashboard, updated daily at noon, displays the rise and fall of COVID-19 cases on campus. A spike immediately after students returned to campus prompted a two-week shift to online-only classes. After cases dropped, in-person classes resumed. (screenshot from Notre Dame COVID Dashboard)

Mc 9 — Students testing positive for COVID-19 are quarantined in nearby hotels. Campus dining halls and the Morris Inn kitchen prepare meals for students in quarantine. COVID-19 food coordinator Bev Harbor, a 30-year banquet captain at the Morris Inn, delivers breakfast to students in quarantine on September 2. The main meal and a bag with water and fruit are left outside the room, with a knock on the door. (photo by Matt Cashore)

The Library Lawn on September 2. (photo by Barbara Johnston) The Notre Dame football team played its first game of the season September 12 against Duke. Attendance throughout the season was limited to students and some employees, with masks required and seating spread out within the stadium. (photos by Matt Cashore)

October 2020

Students relax in hammocks on the shore of St. Mary’s Lake on October 9. (photo by Barbara Johnston)

“When you go into hardship with a group of people, you come out with a sense of satisfaction.”

—physics professor Zoltán Toroczkai

Left: Vials of saliva samples are tested October 14 in Notre Dame's PCR testing laboratory in McCourtney Hall. Right: A sign on a Pasquerilla West dorm room. (photos by Matt Cashore)

November 2020

Mc 11 — As the end of the fall semester drew closer, many "HERE" campaign signs changed to remind and urge students to continue health checks, surveillance testing, social distancing and other small sacrifices necessary to keep campus safe. Students on November 4 pass an "Almost THERE" sign at the front door of LaFortune Student Center. (photo by Matt Cashore)

Mcashore Nd Clemson 37 — Photo by Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports

December 2020

Students left campus well before the Christmas season, but the holiday spirit was present. The tree on Main Quad glows December 11. (photo by Barbara Johnston) NCAA basketball games proceeded mostly on schedule, but with very limited attendance. The annual "Teddy Bear Toss" women's varsity basketball game on December 13 had the stuffed toys as spectators rather than being tossed by fans. For the first time in 33 years, the Irish women's basketball team had a new head coach, as former player and assistant coach Niele Ivey '00 was named to lead the team following the retirement of Muffet McGraw. (photos by Matt Cashore)

January 2021

Mc 1 — After a winter break that lasted more than two months, Anabel Konesco unpacks outside McGlinn Hall on January 28 as students return for spring semester. (photo by Matt Cashore)

The return to campus for the spring semester was spread out over several days, just as it had been in August for the fall semester. Before students' ID cards were activated to allow entry into residence halls, they had to stop by the surveillance testing facility in the Joyce Center, shown here January 28. Between the fall and spring semesters, Notre Dame's saliva testing achieved certification to allow diagnostic results. A student submits her saliva sample at the campus surveillance testing center in late January, a few days before the start of the spring semester. (photos by Matt Cashore)

February 2021

Bj 2 — For spring semester 2021 Notre Dame built temporary structures called "Quad Lodges" on the North and South Quads. The South Quad Lodge is shown February 2. The lodges provide a comfortable place for students to safely gather during the cold winter months. The heated and ventilated tents had a variety of cozy seating options, TVs, fireplaces, games and other amenities designed to accommodate casual student gatherings. (photo by Barbara Johnston)

Mc 2 — Students play darts in the North Quad Lodge on February 27. (photo by Matt Cashore)

Mc 2 — Students wait in line for free pizzas from a food truck February 27. Student Activities sponsored and funded weekend food trucks throughout the fall and spring semesters. (photo by Matt Cashore)

Mc 2 — After an overnight snowfall, someone decided to help the "HERE" campaign February 16. (photo by Matt Cashore)

March 2021

Bj 3 — Campus Ministry holds a March 3 memorial observance on South Quad to honor the more than 2.5 million lives lost worldwide to COVID-19 so far. (photo by Barbara Johnston)

Vaccination Drive Thru Sign — On Mar. 26-27, in partnership with the Indiana Department of Health, Notre Dame's Compton Family Ice Arena parking lot became a drive thru vaccination site for eligible Indiana residents. The Indiana National Guard provided personnel for both logistics and the vaccinations. (photo by Matt Cashore)

Vaccination Drive Thru Gloves — On Mar. 26-27, in partnership with the Indiana Department of Health, Notre Dame's Compton Family Ice Arena parking lot became a drive thru vaccination site for eligible Indiana residents. The Indiana National Guard provided personnel for both logistics and the vaccinations. (photo by Matt Cashore)

Vaccination Drive Thru — On Mar. 26-27, in partnership with the Indiana Department of Health, Notre Dame's Compton Family Ice Arena parking lot became a drive thru vaccination site for eligible Indiana residents. The Indiana National Guard provided personnel for both logistics and the vaccinations. (photo by Matt Cashore)

On Mar. 26-27, in partnership with the Indiana Department of Health, Notre Dame's Compton Family Ice Arena parking lot became a drive through vaccination site for eligible Indiana residents. The Indiana National Guard provided personnel for both logistics and the vaccinations. (photos by Matt Cashore)