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Winter Resources and Programs

An OU banner and a campus building dusted in snow.

Winter
Programs


Here at The University of Oklahoma's Norman campus, we recognize that the Winter Session is a busy time for many students and campus is far from empty. Recognizing the importance of engagement even during the summer, the Office of Student Life and our partners around campus continue to create opportunities for students, faculty, staff, and friends of OU to stay engaged on campus. 

The University of Oklahoma's Norman campus is looking into ways to support students who may be staying on campus during the winter break (December 14, 2024 - January 12, 2025). This may include, but is not limited to, the following populations:

  • International Students
  • Out-of-state students
  • Students staying on campus for Winter Intercession classes
  • Students unable to go home due to travel restrictions
  • Students unable to go home due to financial needs
  • Students with family members who are immunocompromised
  • Students in the foster care system
  • Students whose home life may pose a risk to their health and safety
  • Student athletes

The following information below has been developed based on a survey sent to students who would be staying in Norman during the break and appears in alphabetical order.

The categories are as follows:

  • Academic Resources
  • Counseling
  • Engagement Opportunities (Things To Do)
  • Esports + Co-Curricular Innovation
  • Facilities
  • Fitness
  • Food Services | Food Insecurity
  • Health Services
  • International Student Resources
  • Student Support Services
  • Transportation

Information subject to change. Check with the department or student group website for most up-to-date information. 

SPECIAL NOTE:

  • If you are an HSC program student, please visit here.
  • If you attend classes on the OU-Tulsa campus, please visit here.
  • Please note that unless noted otherwise, university offices will be closed for winter break (Dec. 23, 2024 - Jan. 1, 2025).

Please continue to check the winter programming website for more information and updated events.

ACADEMIC RESOURCES

The Bizzel Memorial Library will be open during the break. Visitors should check the Libraries website before visiting as hours of operation may vary.

More info about hours, branch libraries, special collections and satellite locations: https://libraries.ou.edu

COUNSELING

The University Counseling Center is a department within the division of Student Affairs. The UCC helps students at OU by providing comprehensive mental health services. 

A brief overview of services proved by the UCC:

  • Individual and group counseling for students with psychological concerns
  • Online mental health services
  • Crisis intervention for students experiencing a psychological crisis or emergency
  • Outreach and prevention programs for students
  • Training for graduate students in clinical counseling and social work.

Professional staff includes licensed clinicians from a variety of mental health disciplines including licensed professional counselors, psychiatrists, psychologists, and social workers. Staff also includes post-graduate clinicians in the process of completing their licensure requirements, as well as graduate students in the process of obtaining advanced degrees in psychology or social work. Interns and practicum students work under the license of licensed clinical staff and are qualified to provide mental health services.

  • December 16 – December 20: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • December 23 – January 1:  Closed
  • January 2 – January 3: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • January 6 – January 10: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Through the UCC's partnership with the TELUS Health Student Support app, you can access free, confidential mental health counseling and support 24/7 in several languages via the app, telephone, and the web.
  • This service does not replace or duplicate services provided by the UCC. TELUS is designed for brief, solution-focused counseling, allowing counselors at the UCC the capacity to provide services to those who may require further support.
  • To learn more visit: https://www.ou.edu/ucc/services/telus-health-student-support

Access the Student Support app in 5 easy steps

  1. Search “TELUS Health Student Support app” on your device’s app store and download the FREE app.
  2. Open the app and complete the initial prompts.
  3. Get started by completing your profile, including searching and selecting University of Oklahoma - Online Student. Review the Terms and Conditions, consent, and if you agree, check the circle to proceed.
  4. Accept push notifications to receive wellness tips from the Student Support app.
  5. That’s it! You can now access various resources to support your emotional health and well-being, including assessments, podcasts, articles, webinars, and more. If you need someone to talk to, click the phone or chat icons in the Student Support app to get emotional support 24/7/365.
  • If you or someone you know is in a life threatening situation, call 911.
  • UCC Crisis Services
    • The UCC provides crisis services to current, students, faculty, and staff. If you are in crisis, you can call during office hours (M - F 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM) and speak with the crisis counselor by phone or Zoom. Please tell the receptionist that you are in crisis and need to speak with someone as soon as possible.
    • Examples of a crisis
      • You are in danger of hurting yourself
      • You are in danger of hurting someone else
      • Recent traumatic experience such as being assaulted
  • Other Crisis Services
    • National Hopeline Network - Suicide prevention, awareness, and education. 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433) or 1-800-442-HOPE (1-800-442-4673). Available 24 hours a day 7 days a week
    • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline - 988 (phone or text) or 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255).
    • OU Advocates - A group of staff advocates is on-call 24-hours a day, 7 days a week to respond if any of our OU community members experience sexual assault, dating/domestic violence, stalking and/or sexual harassment.
      • OU Advocates can be accessed through the Gender + Equality Center or by calling/texting/WhatsApp 405-615-0013.
      • OU Advocates is available during holidays and campus closings.
      • OU Advocates is available to ALL OU students, staff, and faculty.
    • Women's Resource Center - Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking crisis services. Safety Planning, VPO Assistance, forensic exams, counseling, advocacy, and education
      • 24 hour domestic violence crisis line - (405) 701-5540
      • 24 hour sexual assault crisis line - (405) 701-5660.
      • Please visit http://wrcnormanok.org for more information.
    • Please visit the OUPD website for additional on and off campus emergency numbers.
  • Emergency Services or Hospitalization
    • Red Rock Behavioral Health Crisis Unit (Norman) -  405-573-6466
    • Norman Regional Behavioral Health -  405-307-5555
  • For more information about services during a crisis, visit:  https://www.ou.edu/ucc/crisis-support

Our assessment waitlist is currently closed as it has reached capacity. We apologize for any inconvenience caused. If you require psychological testing during this time, we recommend reviewing community providers who may also be able to provide services during this time. Wait times for community providers can vary.

For more information, please visit https://www.ou.edu/ucc/services/psychological-assessment

ENGAGEMENT OPPORTUNITIES (THINGS TO DO)

Below is a list of opportunities for students to engage in over the break. Follow the links for more information about each event and for contact information.  More events may be added throughout the break. 

Event Publicity: For department or registered student organizations that would like to add their events to the list, please email Quy Nguyen, Director of Student Life and Assistant Dean of Students, at Qnguyen@ou.edu.  

Get all of your home goods and back to school shopping done on January 6th, 9th, and 11th.

  • Campus Shuttle Departure Locations and Times
    • Traditions West at 3 p.m.
    • Kraetlli South at 3:02 p.m.
    • Kraetlli North at 3:03 p.m.
    • Cross Village/Stop #91 at 3:04 p.m.
    • Walker Tower at 3:05 p.m.
    • If you take this bus, you will arrive at Walmart at 3:15 p.m. and you can head home from Walmart at 5:15 p.m.
  • Campus Shuttle Departure Locations and Times
    • Traditions West at 5 p.m.
    • Kraetlli South at 5:02 p.m.
    • Kraetlli North at 5:03 p.m.
    • Cross Village/Stop #91 at 5:04 p.m.
    • Walker Tower at 5:05 p.m.
    • If you take this bus, you will arrive at Walmart at 5:15 p.m. and you can head home from Walmart at 7 p.m.
  • Additional Details
    • This service is free and no registration required.
    • Open to all OU community members and their guests.
    • For accommodations, please contact ridecart@ou.edu.
    • For all other questions, email Luis Salvatierra at luis@ou.edu.

Feria Latina (4909 NW 23rd St, Oklahoma City, OK) & Super Cao Nguyen (2668 N Military Ave, Oklahoma City, OK)

  • Saturday, December 14
  • 11:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
  • Campus Shuttle Departure Locations and Times
    • Traditions West at 11:00 a.m.
    • Kraetlli South at 11:02 a.m.
    • Kraetlli North at 11:03 a.m.
    • Walker Tower at 11:05 a.m.
  • Grocery Store Drop-Off
    • Feria Latina - 12:00 p.m.
    • Super Cao Nguyen - 1:00 p.m.
  • Grocery Store Departure
    • Feria Latina - 12:50 p.m.
    • Super Cao Nguyen - 2:00 p.m.
  • Return to Norman - 2:30 p.m.

 

  • Additional Details:
    • This service is free.
    • Open to all OU community members and their guests.
    • For accommodations, please contact ridecart@ou.edu
    • For all other questions, email Youssef Kamel at kamel@ou.edu.

OU President Joseph Harroz, Jr. and Mrs. Ashley Harroz invite you to a winter celebration luncheon on Friday, January 3, 2024, from time 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Boyd House (407 W Boyd St., Norman OK).


RSVP Required. Click here to RSVP.

For additional information or accommodations, please contact universityevents@ou.edu or (405) 325-1701. 

Note: * denotes event hosted by OU

OU Men's Basketball @ The Lloyd Noble Center - free for students with valid OU ID

  • December 22 | 12:00 p.m.
  • December 29 | 1:00 p.m.
  • January 8 | 8:00 p.m.

OU Men's Basketball @ Paycom Center 

  • December 14 | 7:00 p.m.

OU Women's Basketball @ The Lloyd Noble Centerfree for students with valid OU ID

  • December 15 | 1:30 p.m.
  • December 22 | 3:00 PM
  • December 29 | 4:00 p.m.
  • January 2 | 8:00 p.m.
  • January 12 | 4:00 p.m.

OU Women's Gymnastics @ Paycom Center

  • January 11 | 2:45 p.m.

OU Men's Gymnastics @ McCasland Field Housefree for students with valid OU ID

  • December 7 | 1:00 PM
  • January 12 | 2:00 PM

 

Recurring Events - admission varies

  • 2nd Friday Art Walk
    • January 10, 2024
    • 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
    • Main Street, Norman, OK
  • Othello’s Events
    • Blues Jam Session on the Patio
      • Enjoy the live music or bring an instrument and jump on stage with Wess McMichael and the Ravens
      • Every Monday (weather permitting): 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
    • Jazz and Blues
      • Joel Forlenza performing blend of jazz and blues live. 
      • Every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday: 5:30 p.m — 8:30p.m. 
    • Open Mic Comedy Night
      • Begins every Tueday at 10p.m., signups at 9p.m. 
      • No cover charge
    • Trivia Night
      • Hosted by Challenge Entertainment
      • Every Wednesday at 7:30pm. 
      • No cost to play with weekly prizes!
  • A Christmas Story The Musical at Sooner Theatre
    • Dates: 
      • December 13 - 15,  20 - 22
    • Address: 
      • 101 E. Main St Norman, OK 73069
  • Crest On Ice
    • Public ice skating rink
    • Hours
      • Thanksgiving Break (11/24 - 11/29): 12-10 pm daily
      • Winter Break (12/21 - 01/06): 12-10 pm daily
      • Christmas Eve: 12-5 pm
      • Christmas Day: 12-10 pm
      • New Year's Eve: 12-10 pm
    • Cost: $13
  • Norman Farmers Market
    • Dates
      • December 14 | 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
      • December 21 | 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
      • December 28 |8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
      • January 4 | 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
      • January 11 | 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
    • The Norman Farm Market is a mission-based market that believes in building the local food system from the ground up. As Oklahoma’s longest-running farmers market, we work towards our mission by working hand in hand with our local farmers to provide them with training and opportunities that help their businesses to be successful and by educating consumers on the local food system.
    • Address: 210 James Garner Ave, Norman, OK

 

2024 marks the 38th anniversary of the Norman Christmas Day Community Dinner. The free dinner is open to everyone. It serves our community with a loving holiday meal and brings together families of all ages, many of whom are renewed in spirit by their relationship with others, through acceptance and togetherness.

The Dinner is held at the Norman High School Commons Cafeteria (911 West Main Street, Norman, OK 73069) on Christmas Day from 11:00A to 2:00P. Santa is there to help distribute toys and gifts to the kids and adults.

Meals will be delivered to local residents who are shut-ins. Please contact Bob Magarian (405-364-3273) by December 21st to make arrangements for delivery.

  • December 25
  • 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
  • Norman High School (911 W Main St., Norman, OK 73069)

Volunteer or Make a Donation

Sam Noble Museum of Natural History

  • Tuesday – Saturday:  9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
  • Sunday:  1:00 – 5:00 p.m.
  • Free to OU students with OU ID
  • Holidays will affect the above hours. Please check with museum for latest information:  https://samnoblemuseum.ou.edu/planyourvisit/
    • Open on:
      • Thanksgiving Week – Monday, November 25, 2024
      • Winter Break – Monday, December 23, 2024
      • Christmas Eve – Tuesday, December 24, 2024
      • New Year’s Eve – Tuesday, December 31, 2024
      • New Year’s Day – Wednesday, January 1, 2025

Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art

  • Monday:  Closed
  • Tuesday – Saturday:  10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
  • Sunday:  1:00 – 5:00 p.m.
  • Admission to the museum is always free for OU students!
    • University Holiday Closing Dates
      • Christmas Eve:  December 24
      • Christmas Day:  December 25
      • New Year’s Eve:  December 31
      • New Year’s Day:  January 1
    • For more information, visit: https://www.ou.edu/fjjma

Ice Skating & Dinner - Downtown OKC

  • Tuesday, December 17
  • 2:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Guests will explore have the opportunity to ice skate at the Devon Ice Rink in the Myriad Botanical Gardens & Crystal Bridge Conservatory (301 W. Reno Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73102) and enjoy a meal in downtown Oklahoma City. Ice skating, dinner and transportation will be provided by OU thanks to sponsorship from Coca-Cola.

  • Space is limited. Sign up early to guarantee your spot.
  • Transportation and activites stated above will be provided free of charge to students.
  • For questions or accommodations, please conatct Quy Nguyen at Qnguyen@ou.edu.

Sign-Up to Attend

Oklahoma City Thunder NBA Basketball

  • Paycom Center (100 W Reno Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73102)
  • Dates
    • Dec. 23 | 7:00 p.m.
    • Dec. 29 | 6:00 p.m.
    • Dec. 31 | 7:00 p.m.
    • Jan. 2 | 7:00 p.m.
    • Jan. 3 | 7:00 p.m.
    • Jan. 5 | 2:30 p.m.
  • Purchase Tickets

Oklahoma City Blue

  • Paycom Center (100 W Reno Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73102)
  • Dates
    • Dec. 15 | 2:00 p.m.
    • Jan. 2 | 12:00 p.m.
    • Jan. 4 | 7:00 p.m.
  • Purchase Tickets

Devon Ice Rink

  • Myriad Botanical Gardens & Crystal Bridge Conservatory (301 W. Reno Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73102)
  • Open Friday, November 15, 2023  - Sunday, February 2, 2024
    • Monday - Thursday: 3:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
    • Friday - 3:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
    • Saturday - 11:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.
    • Sunday - 11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
  • Cost: $14 (includes skate rental)
  • For more information visit: https://downtownindecember.com/devon-ice-rink/    

 

Downtown in December

  • Experience the magic of the season during Downtown in December! Downtown Oklahoma City will be bustling with festive events, outdoor attractions, performing arts, holiday shopping, family activities, toasty treats and refreshments, stunning light displays, and much more. From the beginning of November through the end of January, there is something for everyone to enjoy, and many of the events are free and open to all. Be sure to take in all of the wonderful winter happenings downtown!
  • Events: https://downtownindecember.com/events-attractions/

 

First Fridays on the Paseo

  • Paseo Arts & Creativity Center (3022 Paseo, Oklahoma City, OK 73103)
  • January 3 | 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
  • The historic Paseo Arts District is Oklahoma City's art community. Over 80 artists and more than 25 businesses and galleries participate, all within walking distance. Opening receptions showcase the new work of the gallery/studio owners or the work of guest artists. Once you visit for a First Friday Gallery Walk, you will want to linger for the Paseo’s unique atmosphere.

Chickasha

Edmond

Midwest City

Norman

OKC

Yukon

ESPORTS & CO-CURRICULAR INNOVATION

The OU Esports Club is open 24/7/365 through https://discord.com/invite/ougaming. Whether you need a place to lurk or are looking for others who are gamers or like to play games, casual and competitive alike, our community is for you.

FACILITIES

  • December 18 – December 21:  Open all day 
  • December 23 - 24:  8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
  • December 25:  Closed
  • December 26 – 31:  8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
  • January 1:  Closed
  • January 2:  8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
  • January 3 – Remainder of winter break & spring semester: Open all day 
  • Open M-F: 8:15 AM - 4:45 PM
  • Closed: Dec. 23 - Jan. 1
  • Operation hours resume January 2

For more information, visit https://ou.edu/printing/mailing

During Holiday break (December 23 – January 2), the Student Post Office is open for package pick up only. The retail counter does not open during break. If a student has a package that already has postage on it, they are welcome to leave it in the designated area in the post office and the United States Postal Services (USPS) will pick it up when they deliver mail. All hours below are subject to change.  Please visit https://ou.edu/printing/mailing/student-services for more information about the student post office, OU locker system and student mail services. 

For the remainder of the times during the break, the hours of operation are as follows:

  • Monday – Friday:  8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (USPS Services end at 4 p.m.)
  • Saturday:  8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. (package pick up only) 

The location of the student post office is 114 4th Street, Cross B, Room 108, Norman, OK 73069.

  • Open M-F: 8:15 AM - 4:45 PM
  • Closed: Dec. 23 - Jan. 1
  • Operation hours resume January 2

For more information, visit https://ou.edu/printing/mailing

Many campus buildings will be operational throughout the extended break.  Please check with departments in those buildings for operating hours and building accessibility.

FITNESS

OU Fit+Rec is committed to providing an inspiring and clean environment for you to attain your fitness goals.  For hours of operation, along with fitness and recreation events, please visit https://www.ou.edu/far/hours. For Murray Case Sells Swim Complex hours, please visit https://www.ou.edu/far/aquatics.

Additional options while the university is closed are available from the Health Club and the Cleveland County YMCA. Both facilities are offering OU faculty, staff, and students temporary memberships while the campus is closed. For details, visit https://ou.edu/far/fitness/winter-break-options.

For more information about Sarkeys Fitness Center, visit https://ou.edu/far.

FOOD SERVICES | FOOD INSECURITY

Campus dining will be operational during winter break with limited hours at some operations. Below are hours for select dinings locations on campus. Hours of operation for all campus dining options can be found at OU Food Services Special Dining Hours. All locations are closed Wednesday, December 25 and Wednesday, January 1.

  • Hours of Operation
    • Tuesday, December 10: 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
    • Wednesday, December 11:  10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
    • Thursday December 12: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
    • December 16 – January 3:  Closed
  • Spring Semester (beginning Tuesday, January 14)
    • Tuesdays:  8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
    • Wednesdays: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
    • Thursdays: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

For more information, visit: https://www.ou.edu/foodpantry

OU Food Services will be providing free take-away holiday meals. 

TBD

 

HEALTH SERVICES

OU Health Services will remain open during the following times, during the remaining fall semester, and through the extended winter break providing full services during those times.

  • December 16 – December 20
    • Monday – Friday
    • 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. 
  • December 21 – January 1:  Closed
  • January 2 – January 17
    • Monday – Friday
    • 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  • Goddard is closed on weekends. 

If there is an immediate medical emergency, call 911. 

For additional support during the break, please visit local Urgent Care Centers and Norman Regional Hospital.

For more information, visit https://www.ou.edu/healthservices/after-hours-care

  • General appointments (both in-person and telehealth)
  • Prescription fills and refills
  • Over-the-counter pharmacy items
  • Yearly exams and physicals
  • University Counseling Center
  • Gynecological exams
  • Physical Therapy
  • Flu, RSV, mono, COVID-19 testing
  • Immunizations, including flu shots
  • Other labs + X-Ray

* A complete list of services can be found at https://www.ou.edu/healthservices/services

Appointments can be made by calling 405-325-4441