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 winter, 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 21, 2025 - January 16, 2026). This may include, but is not limited to, the following populations:
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:
Information subject to change. Check with the department or student group website for most up-to-date information.
SPECIAL NOTE:
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:
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.
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 9th, 12th, and 17th.
OU Men's Basketball @ The Lloyd Noble Center - free for students with valid OU ID
OU Women's Basketball @ The Lloyd Noble Center - free for students with valid OU ID
OU Men's Gymnastics @ McCasland Field House - free for students with valid OU ID
OU Men's Wrestling @ McCasland Field House - free for students with valid OU ID
OU Track and Field @ John Jacobs Track & Field Complex and Mosier Indoor Track Facility - free for students with valid OU ID
Recurring Events - admission varies
2025 marks the 39th 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.
Sam Noble Museum of Natural History
Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art
A Coca-Cola Classic Christmas at Remington Park
Guests will explore have the opportunity to explore Oklahoma City’s most magical Christmas immersive event, completely reimagined with a brand-new light trail, photo opportunties, and live entertainment. This event takes place at Remington Park (One Remington Place, Oklahoma City, OK 73111). Entry to the event, snow tubing and transportation will be provided by OU thanks to sponsorship from Coca-Cola.
Sign-Up Coming 12/10
Main Event Evening with Student Life
Come build community, enjoy dinner & play games at the NEW Main Event in Norman (1929 Mt. Williams Way, Norman, OK 73069). Entry to the Main Event, dinner and transportation will be provided by OU thanks to sponsorship from Coca-Cola.
Sign-Up Coming 12/18
Oklahoma City Thunder NBA Basketball
Chickasha
Edmond
Midwest City
Norman
OKC
Yukon
ESPORTS & CO-CURRICULAR INNOVATION
FREE PLAY with regular operating hours during dead and finals week.
CLOSED starting Monday, December 22nd and will reopen on January 20th.
Discord Server is available to join regarding updates and potential winter break events. (https://discord.gg/ougaming)
FACILITIES
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:
The location of the student post office is 114 4th Street, Cross B, Room 108, Norman, OK 73069.
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 Thursday, December 25 and Thursday, January 1.
For more information, visit: https://www.ou.edu/foodpantry
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.
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
* A complete list of services can be found at https://www.ou.edu/healthservices/services
Appointments can be made by calling 405-325-4441
