Top Things to Know about Spring 2021 at OU
Before the spring semester begins, make sure you’re up to speed on the latest updates and information.
When do spring semester classes start?
Norman Campus Programs: On the Norman campus, including Norman campus programs at OU-Tulsa, classes begin Monday, Jan. 25, 2021. OU Norman campus programs will not offer a traditional Spring Break in 2021; however, Friday, March 5 and Tuesday, April 6 have been designated as instructional holidays for the upcoming spring semester. With these changes, Norman campus programs will stay on track to end the spring semester as originally planned on Friday, May 14, 2021.
Health Sciences Center Campus Programs: For Health Sciences Center programs in Oklahoma City and Tulsa, most classes begin no later than Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2021. However, clinical rotations begin at various times in January, depending on the program. HSC programs will observe spring break March 13-21, 2021. HSC programs are not observing instructional holidays on March 5 and April 6. Norman campus students who are enrolled in HSC courses must adhere to the HSC schedule on March 5 and April 6. The unique characteristics of HSC programs – the generally non-residential environments, small class sizes and health care instruction components – do not necessitate schedule modifications at this time. The final day of the spring term will be Friday, May 14, 2021.
Where can I get tested for COVID-19 on campus?
The university will continue offering free COVID-19 testing to students, faculty, and staff throughout the spring 2021 semester. Those who plan to be on campus in the coming weeks are encouraged to be tested for COVID-19 before the start of classes. For COVID-19 testing options for students and employees on all three OU campuses, visit ou.edu/together/testing.
Can I get the COVID-19 vaccine at OU?
In partnership with local and state officials, OU Health Services on all three OU campuses will be administering the COVID-19 vaccine to students, faculty and staff in alignment with the Oklahoma State Department of Health phased plan for distribution. There is no cost to receive the vaccine.
Some members of the OU community who meet the criteria for earlier phases may have already received targeted email communications when they became eligible for the vaccine. As more vaccine becomes available, OU Health Services will expand its list to offer the vaccine to other OU populations in subsequent phases. For specific information regarding the vaccination plan for your campus, please refer to the communications sent to your OU email address.
To facilitate registrations for vaccinations, the Oklahoma State Department of Health launched an online COVID-19 Vaccine Scheduler Portal to notify Oklahomans when they are eligible to receive the vaccine and provide more information on how to schedule an appointment when it becomes available. The online portal serves as a point of registration for Oklahoma residents who choose to receive the vaccine to determine their eligibility within each priority group and provide contact information, which must include a valid email address, for updates and notifications.
To be notified by OSDH when you are eligible to schedule an appointment to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, visit vaccinate.oklahoma.gov and complete the questionnaire. Please note that your eligibility does not guarantee an appointment will be available to you, as appointment availability is solely dependent on vaccine supply in each county.
The university encourages everyone to get vaccinated when they are eligible. When enough people get vaccinated, it makes the spread of COVID-19 from person to person unlikely and the whole community enjoys greater protection.
Is masking still a requirement at OU? What if I’ve received the COVID-19 vaccine – do I still need to wear a mask on campus?
Yes, all individuals inside university facilities and vehicles must wear fabric or disposable face masks that cover their nose and mouth. Masks must also be worn outdoors on campus if social distancing of at least six feet is not possible.
Even if you have received the COVID-19 vaccine, or if you have recovered from the virus, you must adhere to OU’s masking requirements. While we gradually ramp up our vaccination supply and distribution, all members of the OU community, including those who have been vaccinated, need to continue wearing a mask, physical distancing and frequently washing hands to help stop the spread of COVID-19.
For more information, see the OU masking policy.
When is it necessary to complete the Online COVID-19 Screening and Reporting Tool?
Students and employees are to complete the Online COVID-19 Screening and Reporting Tool in the event of a positive test, suspected exposure, experiencing symptoms, etc. For a list of all circumstances in which completing the tool is appropriate, click here.
- Campus-Specific Online COVID-19 Screening and Reporting Tools:
What are the best ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19?
Here are four easy things all of us can do to help stop the spread.
1. Wear a Mask
2. Frequently Wash Hands
3. Social Distance
4. Stay Home When Sick
Additional tips to help protect yourself and others are available from the CDC.
Article Published: Wednesday, January 13, 2021