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Campus Master Plan

Trees and OU lamp post on University of Oklahoma campus.

 

 

OU's Campus Master Plan

 

 

 

Aligning OU’s long-term physical campus plans with our Strategic Plan priorities.

Beginning in Spring 2026, the University of Oklahoma will launch a comprehensive campus master planning project in partnership with Ayers Saint Gross, a nationally recognized leader in higher education architecture, planning, and design. 

This collaborative planning effort will establish a long-term framework to inform the physical evolution of OU's Norman campus. Guided by the priorities laid out in the “Lead On, University” Strategic Plan, the Campus Master Plan will establish a cohesive vision that positions the university for responsible, sustainable growth while stewarding the history and character that define the OU experience.

Throughout the process, our planning team will engage a wide range of constituent groups, including students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community partners through surveys, workshops, open forums, and in-depth conversations. These voices will play a critical role in shaping a shared vision for OU’s future.

The master plan will consider the full footprint of OU’s Norman campus – including the University Research Campus, North Campus and Max Westheimer Airport – while strengthening connections to Campus Corner and Downtown Norman. Future phases may extend to include the OU Health Campus in Oklahoma City and OU-Tulsa.

This site will be updated regularly as information becomes available.  Please check out our section at the bottom of this page for answers to common questions regarding campus master planning.

 

Read Letter from the President

 

   

Let Your Voice Be Heard: Take the Survey

 

We invite all students, faculty, and staff to take a short survey and help guide how OU’s Norman campus evolves in the years ahead. 

Why Your Input Matters

Your feedback will help inform decisions about OU’s future physical environment – aligning with the “Lead On, University” Strategic Plan and positioning OU for thoughtful, sustainable growth while preserving what makes this place special.

Win a Gift Card

All participants who complete the survey will have the option to enter a drawing for one of three $100 Amazon gift cards.*

 

Click Here for Survey

 

*No survey completion is necessary to enter or win. To enter without completing the survey, you may submit your name and email using this online form: Optional Entry Form

Completing the survey does not increase your chances of winning. Winners will be selected at random.

This gift card has an approximate retail value of $100 and may be considered taxable income under U.S. federal and state tax laws. The recipient is solely responsible for any tax obligations associated with acceptance or use of this prize. Please consult your tax advisor if you have any questions. Additionally, non‑U.S. citizens may be subject to visa restrictions when receiving income in the United States and should consult an immigration advisor if applicable.

 

   

Project Timeline

 

The Campus Master Plan will be developed through a three-phase process designed to ensure thoughtful analysis, broad engagement, and meaningful input from the OU community.

    Phase 1: Assessment & Input

This phase focuses on listening and learning. The planning team will assess existing campus conditions, space utilization, infrastructure systems, and mobility patterns while engaging students, faculty, staff, and community stakeholders. Surveys, workshops, open forums, and data analysis will help identify strengths, challenges, and opportunities that will shape the foundation of the plan.

    Phase 2: Concept Development & Integration

During this phase, the planning team will translate findings from Phase 1 into preliminary concepts and strategic scenarios. These concepts will explore options for campus growth, development priorities, mobility improvements, place-making enhancements, and infrastructure needs. Feedback from campus stakeholders will continue to inform refinement and alignment with university priorities and the Strategic Plan.

    Phase 3: Recommendations & Feedback

In the final phase, a comprehensive draft Campus Master Plan will be presented. The plan will outline long-term strategies, priorities, and guiding principles for campus development. After incorporating feedback, the final plan will be prepared for presentation to university leadership and the Board of Regents.

 

Project Timeline Phase 1: Assessment and Input Phase 2: Concept development and Integration Phase 3: Recommendations and Feedback
Project Timeline Phase 1: Assessment and Input Phase 2: Concept development and Integration Phase 3: Recommendations and Feedback

   

 

 

 

 

Space Utilization

Space Utilization, Facility Conditions and Growth Strategy to evaluate how existing and future space can best support academic, research, and student needs under multiple growth scenarios.

 

 

Campus Experience

Campus Experience and Placemaking to enhance the physical and emotional experience of campus, strengthening connection and community for all.

 

 

Mobility Planning

Transportation, Mobility, Energy and Utilities Planning to address how the OU community moves to, from and through campus while
ensuring long-term infrastructure readiness and sustainability.

 

 

Brand Guidelines

Branded Environments and Design Guidelines to promote a cohesive campus identity and consistent branding and design principles.

 

 

Plan Alignment

Integration of Existing Plans and Studies to ensure alignment and continuity with prior planning efforts, honoring OU’s heritage and aspirations.

 

 

   

Leadership and Stakeholders

 

The Campus Master Plan is guided by university leadership and informed by broad campus and community engagement. Executive leaders and the Board of Regents provide strategic direction and oversight, while students, faculty, staff, and community members contribute valuable input throughout the process. Together, these groups help ensure the plan aligns with OU’s mission, values, and long-term priorities.

Engaged at key decision points, the Executive Committee ensures that OU’s campus master plan aligns with the Lead On, University Strategic Plan mission, values, and strategic priorities. This committee provides high-level direction and accountability throughout the planning process. The Executive Committee will present Campus Master Plan recommendations to President Joe Harroz, Jr. for feedback and approvals. 

 

Representing a broad range of stakeholders and key campus perspectives and expertise, the Advisory Committee provides strategic guidance and helps shape a comprehensive vision rooted in institutional priorities and OU’s broader mission, purpose, values, and priorities. 

Team Leads:     Jim Morrison

                            Brian Holderread

A wide range of voices and perspectives from across the broader University community will contribute to the planning process through focus groups, survey input, interviews, and other engagement events.

 

 

 

   

Lead On: The Next Phase

The Campus Master Plan is a key component of the University of Oklahoma’s overarching strategic plan. Guided by the university’s mission and core values, the strategic plan is organized around five strategic pillars and shaped through extensive engagement with students, faculty, staff, and other members of the OU community.

 

Explore Lead On: The Next Phase

Master Plan FAQ

The Campus Master Plan is a long-term strategic framework that will guide how OU's physical environment developments over the next decade and beyond. It will outline a vision for future growth, focusing on enhancing academic excellence, sustainability, student life, and community connections while preserving OU's historic character and traditions.

The plan will help ensure that OU’s campus evolves in ways that support the university’s mission and long-term priorities. It will provide a framework for making informed decisions about land use, facilities, infrastructure, and sustainability while coordinating future investments and enhancing the overall campus experience for students, faculty, staff, and visitors.

The planning process will be highly collaborative, involving input from students, faculty, staff, and our broader community of friends and partners. We also will work with architects, planners, and sustainability experts to develop the plan.

The Campus Master Plan project is scheduled to start March 2026 and will last 17 months. The final report will be presented to the University in Summer 2027 and look to support campus planning for the next 15-20 years with long term capital projects with short term priority projects. .  

The master plan includes a parking and transportation component with long-term recommendations and management strategies.

Share Your Ideas

 

Take our Campus Master Plan Survey 

Survey Link

 

Thoughts? Questions? We want to hear from you!

Contact leadon@ou.edu