Classes start today for Western Connecticut State University students.  While there are more hybrid classes being offered, this will be a return to more normal operations as COVID-19 cases hit a plateau.  University spokesman Paul Steinmetz says most classes, especially for first year students, are all in-person.  There are no mask mandates and no mandates on six feet of separation.  He notes that they are following CDC COVID-19 spread levels and if there is a significant uptick, the university will follow federal guidelines and recommendations.  Steinmetz says there is a different concern this semester.  Students are being cautioned to the presence of Monkeypox in the state.  Both infectious diseases are reportable to WCSU.  There are places on campus where students can isolate if necessary.  Monkeypox is spread by close contact, not necessarily intimate contact so students are cautioned not to share towels with their roommates.