Deseret News A year of COVID-19 interruptions bring a search for normalcy Share this story Kristin Murphy, Deseret News Bit by bit, Utah college and university campuses are reclaiming normalcy after COVID-19 forced instruction online and many cherished college experiences were either put on hold or altered to meet public health requirements last academic year. With growing numbers of people vaccinated and new cases of COVID-19 mostly on a downward trajectory, there is growing optimism that students will largely return to in-person learning and cherished traditions will resume with perhaps an even greater appreciation for the college experience. Early indications are more students are applying to college and there is a backlog of students who want to live on campus, said Dan Reed, the University of Utah’s senior vice president of academic affairs.