For the first time in what feels like a very long time, Arizona State University's campuses are abuzz with activity as students, staff and faculty return for in-person learning for fall 2021.
COVID-19 protocols remain in place, but that's not stopping first-year and returning Sun Devils from kicking up their heels and getting excited about a new semester.
MORE: Move-in kick-starts fall 2021 semester for many ASU students
Check out some of our favorite photos from events around ASU as the new term dawns, and check out more Welcome Week events.
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Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community Vice President Ricardo Leonard (left) with ASU alumnus Gabriel Garcia, of the Tohono O'Odham nation, leads the Alliance of Indigenous Peoples Semester Blessing for fall 2021, on Aug. 18 outside Discovery Hall on the Tempe campus. Tribal leaders spoke about the rich heritage of the Native peoples on the Tempe campus and around the Valley.
Photo by Charlie Leight/ASU News
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Students join members of the Alliance of Indigenous Peoples and American Indian Student Support Services to pose for a group picture following the Alliance of Indigenous Peoples Semester Blessing on Aug. 18.
Photo by Charlie Leight/ASU News
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Jacob Moore, ASU's associate vice president of tribal relations, speaks during the Alliance of Indigenous Peoples Semester Blessing on Aug. 18, 2021.
Photo Courtesy
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Students enjoy the Ballistics ride during the Polypalooza carnival on the Polytechnic campus in Mesa on Aug. 15, 2021.
Photo by Deanna Dent/ASU News
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Aeronautical management technology sophomore Tanner Burton jumps in the Toxic Meltdown game during the Polypalooza carnival.
Photo by Deanna Dent/ASU News
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Mechanical engineering systems first year Biihbitoodnii Hatathlie (left) shoots hoops against business sophomore Chelsea Yazzie during the Polypalooza carnival.
Photo by Deanna Dent/ASU News
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Psychology sophomore Hyunsu You (right) laughs out loud while riding on the Mine Winder during the Polypalooza carnival.
Photo by Deanna Dent/ASU News
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Electrical engineering student Logan Thralls (right) and professional flight student Christian Creech (left) compete in a mini skeeball game during the Polypalooza carnival.
Photo by Deanna Dent/ASU News
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Counselor and communications senior Cassidy Tran (left) and forensic psychology graduate student Sebastian Solis Felix lead new first-year students in cheers and chants during SOLERA at West campus on Aug. 15, 2021.
Photo by Deanna Dent/ASU News
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Nursing first-year student Maiya Ordonez (second from right) and other first-year students learn ASU cheers during SOLERA at West campus.
Photo by Deanna Dent/ASU News
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Forensic science first-year student Max Drought (right) catches a water balloon during the water balloon toss at SOLERA on the West campus. Students lined up on Fletcher Lawn to compete to see who could stay dry longest.
Photo by Deanna Dent/ASU News
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Biology first-year student Othnelia Amegashie (second from right) makes a good catch during the water balloon toss at SOLERA.
Photo by Deanna Dent/ASU News
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Criminology first-year student MJ Medina cheers after making a successful catch at the water balloon toss at SOLERA.
Photo by Deanna Dent/ASU News
Top photo: Medical studies first-year student Francesca Maglalang (right) catches a water balloon — though it burst — during the SOLERA water balloon toss. Photo by Deanna Dent/ASU News
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