A Springlike Day Marks the Start of the Spring Semester

Students greet each other on Abele Quad.
Smiles took center stage as students returned for the spring semester under sunny, blue skies.

A beautiful January day marked the start of Duke’s 2026 spring semester, when students from across campus – Trinity College of Arts & Sciences, Pratt School of Engineering, and graduate and professional schools – started a new chapter in their university journey.

The following photos capture some moments of transition and connection on the first day of classes – from classmates reuniting to starting new courses.

Students sit and chat with each other in the sun
An unseasonably warm day allows students to soak in the sun as they catch up.
A teacher is talking to her students.
Nicole Rockey, assistant professor of civil and environmental engineering, introduces students to this semester’s Engineering the Planet course. 
A student listens intently in an introduction to neurobiology course, taught by Pelin Volkan, associate professor of biology.
Associate Professor of Biology (left) Nina Sherwood teaches Animal Models of Neurodegenerative Disease. 
A group of students hatting together on west campus.
Students socialize on Duke’s west campus.

Students are hugging.
In between classes is a time for hugs.

Climate Change for Future Leaders is taught by Alex Glass, senior lecturer of earth and climate sciences.