NORMAN and STILLWATER, OKLA. – The infamous Bedlam rivalry between the University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State University usually spawns intense divisions throughout the state. This year, however, the two schools are joining together off the field to help slow the spread of COVID-19.
Through the “Bigger than Bedlam” campaign, OU and OSU are encouraging students to get tested for COVID-19 before traveling home for the Thanksgiving holiday while continuing healthy behaviors like masking, social distancing and proper hand hygiene – measures that will help prevent community spread of the virus.
“Our teams may compete on the gridiron, but when it comes to protecting our loved ones and our communities against COVID-19, we all have the same goal,” said OU President Joseph Harroz Jr. “‘Bigger than Bedlam’ demonstrates our collective obligation as public universities to serve our state. As our students prepare for holiday travel, we encourage and emphasize the importance of getting a free COVID-19 test to help protect their families and hometown communities.”
OSU President Burns Hargis agreed. “As students leave campus for the long holiday break, it is critical they consider the well-being of vulnerable family and community members,” he said. “Now more than ever, getting tested, wearing masks and maintaining distance is vital to protecting others and managing the spread of this pandemic. Our students have done a great job following guidelines and staying healthy this semester, and I urge them to schedule a free test on campus before they leave for the holiday break.”
Both OU and OSU previously announced their decisions to move instruction online following Thanksgiving break through the end of the fall 2020 semester – a measure that will minimize travel and possible transmission of the virus.
COVID-19 Testing: The University of Oklahoma
OU students on the Norman campus can schedule a free COVID-19 test here:
- Goddard Health Services – Any OU student, faculty or staff member may schedule a COVID-19 test at Goddard Health Services (620 Elm Ave., Norman). Testing is available Monday through Friday during regular business hours through the end of the fall semester. To schedule an appointment, call (405) 325-4441.
For the latest information on OU Norman campus operations, visit ou.edu/together.
COVID-19 Testing: Oklahoma State University
As the university has done throughout the fall semester, OSU offers students and employees access to free COVID-19 testing at University Health Services, located on the Stillwater campus. The drive-thru testing hours are by appointment only Monday through Friday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Appointments can be made by calling (405) 744-7665 or logging in to their Patient Portal.
For the latest information on OSU COVID-related operations, visit go.okstate.edu/coronavirus.
About the University of Oklahoma
Founded in 1890, the University of Oklahoma is a public research university located in Norman, Oklahoma. OU serves the educational, cultural, economic and health care needs of the state, region and nation. For more information visit www.ou.edu.
About Oklahoma State University
Oklahoma State University is a modern land-grant university that prepares students for success. OSU has more than 34,000 students across its five-campus system and more than 24,000 on its combined Stillwater and Tulsa campuses, with students from all 50 states and around 100 nations. Established in 1890, OSU has graduated more than 275,000 students to serve the state of Oklahoma, the nation and the world.
