Notre Dame has first day of classes with new face mask policy

ST. JOSEPH COUNTY, Ind. -- Notre Dame students and staff had their first day of fall semester classes on Monday with the choice to attend without a mask.

The university required all students and staff to get fully vaccinated against COVID-19 in the spring before returning for the fall semester.

The university's new face mask policy does not require the use of face masks outdoors.

For fully vaccinated faculty, staff and students, masking is optional indoors on campus, with some exceptions. Masks will be required for all in some campus spaces during times when those spaces are open to the public. 

Faculty and staff who are not fully vaccinated must wear masks inside campus buildings except when eating or drinking or alone in a private office.

Students who are not fully vaccinated must wear masks inside campus buildings except when eating or drinking or alone in their personal residence hall room.

All visitors, regardless of vaccination status, are expected to wear masks inside campus buildings except when eating or drinking.

“It’s really good to be in-person and to know everyone’s safe. Everyone’s taking part in being safe so we can all have a good time on campus together,” one student said.

Notre Dame students are also looking forward to normalcy retuning to the football games as well.

“I’m hoping to see the stadium filled once again, all the spirits and all the excitement,” another student said.