Below are some of the most commonly asked questions about OU’s COVID-19 planning and protocols.
Keeping the OU community healthy this fall will rely on all of us doing our part. Here are three things you can do to slow the spread of COVID-19:
While many universities around the country require COVID-19 vaccinations for returning students in the fall semester, Oklahoma law prohibits this. In accordance with Oklahoma Senate Bill 658, effective July 1, 2021, the University of Oklahoma may not:
At this time, in accordance with Oklahoma law, OU is not requiring COVID-19 vaccines for faculty, staff, or students, with the exception of those in patient-facing settings or those who electively participate in study abroad programs.
As we have since the start of the pandemic, OU is continuing to follow guidance issued by the Centers for Disease Control. The university strongly encourages the entire OU community to get vaccinated and is offering vaccines free of charge to all community members through OU Health Services.
Vaccination requirements are limited to two groups of OU community members:
Under Oklahoma Executive Order 2021-16, Oklahoma state agencies, which includes OU, are barred from requiring a mask or COVID-19 vaccination as a condition of being allowed to enter a state building or office.
Executive Order 2021-16 states:
Additionally, in accordance with Oklahoma Senate Bill 658, effective July 1, 2021, OU may not (in part):
Masking IS still required at OU in the following settings, regardless of vaccination status:
Unvaccinated individuals are strongly encouraged to continue wearing masks inside OU facilities. Any vaccinated person who wishes to mask indoors or outdoors may freely do so. The university will continue to proactively monitor the COVID-19 infection rate for unvaccinated individuals and will make any needed shifts in policy.
In accordance with CDC guidance, OU has eliminated its social distancing protocols in all areas except patient care and clinical research participant settings, making way for a resumption of in-person classes at regular capacity. Third parties may resume hosting events in university facilities following pre-COVID protocols. In accordance with CDC guidance, the university recommends COVID-19 vaccination for anyone participating in events on OU property.
The university strongly emphasizes the importance of getting vaccinated. Unvaccinated individuals are strongly encouraged to continue wearing masks inside OU facilities. The university will continue to proactively monitor the COVID-19 infection rate for unvaccinated individuals and will make any needed shifts in policy. Although we remain hopeful, we acknowledge that the pandemic has taught us to be nimble in our response. To help us keep making strides forward, we urge all OU community members to get vaccinated; to continue practicing healthy behaviors, including frequent hand washing and staying home when ill; and to keep supporting one another.
As we have since the start of the pandemic, OU is continuing to follow guidance issued by the Centers for Disease Control. New guidance from the CDC on June 15, 2021, highlighted that “in most situations, the risk of infection from touching a surface is low. The most reliable way to prevent infection from surfaces is to regularly wash hands or use hand sanitizer.”
The university will resume pre-pandemic cleaning protocols, taking into consideration applicable government and industry cleaning and safety standards, as well as the understanding that COVID-19 is primarily spread by inhaling respiratory droplets or aerosols.
Last year, the university upgraded many facilities to support the healthiest possible environment, including converting air filters to hospital-grade standards; increasing outside air where possible; installing touchless, motion-sensor fixtures in public restrooms; and adding more hand sanitizer stations across campus.
If you begin to experience symptoms that could be consistent with COVID-19, please remain home and fill out the COVID-19 Screening and Reporting Tool. You will then be instructed on the next steps to take. You may also wish to contact your health care provider for advice.
If you are unvaccinated and experienced a known exposure, please fill out the COVID-19 Screening and Reporting Tool. For guidance on community-related exposure, visit the CDC website.
Individuals who have been exposed to COVID-19, including those who have been fully vaccinated, should quarantine.
Quarantine for students living in OU congregate housing (dorms, residence halls):
Based on CDC guidelines, OU Health Services requires students in congregate housing who have no symptoms to quarantine for 10 days after the date of last direct contact with a COVID-19 positive person.
Quarantine for those not living in congregate housing:
OU Health Services recommends a 10-day quarantine for everyone who has had close contact with a COVID-19 positive person. However, the period of quarantine can be shortened according to CDC guidelines to seven days IF you do not live in congregate housing, you have no symptoms, AND you have a negative PCR COVID test done on days 5 or 6 after the date of last exposure to the COVID-positive individual.
All OU faculty, staff, and students must complete the online COVID-19 Screening and Reporting Tool at covidreporting.ou.edu before resuming on-campus activity or responsibility each time they answer YES to any of the questions listed here.
Yes. On the Norman campus, schedule a testing appointment at Goddard Health Center by calling (405) 325-4441.
As of Monday, May 24, 2021, OU Health Services will no longer be able to offer free COVID-19 tests. All testing will require a provider visit before receiving a COVID test. To schedule a COVID-19 test, call (405) 325-4441.
If an employee or student tests positive for COVID‐19, the University will cooperate with the appropriate health department in its contact tracing efforts. Employees and students who test positive must fill out the COVID-19 Screening and Reporting Tool and may not report to work or campus until cleared by Goddard Health Center/Student and Employee Health.
If you tested at Goddard or another OU health clinic, you will be instructed by OU medical staff on what steps to take (such as guidance on self-isolation). If you tested at an outside facility, please fill out the COVID-19 Screening and Reporting Tool.
All close contacts of positive cases will be notified by the Health Department or Goddard Health Center. The CDC defines “close contact” as being within 6 feet of an infected person for at least 15 minutes starting from two days before illness onset (or, for asymptomatic patients, two days prior to specimen collection) until the time the patient is isolated.
You will be notified by the Health Department or Goddard Health Center if you are a close contact of a positive case of COVID-19. The CDC defines “close contact” as being within 6 feet of an infected person for at least 15 minutes starting from two days before illness onset (or, for asymptomatic patients, two days prior to specimen collection) until the time the patient is isolated.
No, you are not obligated to report their private health information. Instead, ask the individual who tested positive to fill out the COVID-19 Screening and Reporting Tool at covidreporting.ou.edu.
If the individual discloses this information to you in person, ask them to return to their place of residence and instruct them to fill out the COVID-19 Screening and Reporting Tool (covidreporting.ou.edu).
Unvaccinated faculty, staff, and students who have been in close contact with a laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 positive individual must fill out the COVID-19 Screening and Reporting Tool and may not report to work or campus until cleared by Goddard Health Center/Student and Employee Health.
No. The Health Department or Goddard Health Center will determine who in the class or department are considered close contacts. The CDC defines “close contact” as being within 6 feet of an infected person for at least 15 minutes starting from two days before illness onset (or, for asymptomatic patients, two days prior to specimen collection) until the time the patient is isolated.
If an unvaccinated student or employee discloses that they are a close contact to a positive case, have them complete the COVID-19 Screening and Reporting Tool at covidreporting.ou.edu.
You will be provided any necessary instruction about self-isolation after filling out the COVID-19 Screening and Reporting Tool. Generally, people need to self-isolate or quarantine if they have symptoms, test positive, or are considered a “close contact.” If you are considered a “close contact,” you will be notified by the Health Department or Goddard Health Center and instructed as to what actions to take. Otherwise, there is no action to take.
No, but it is helpful so that any individuals who had “close contact” with you know to complete the COVID-19 Screening and Reporting Tool. The CDC defines “close contact” as being within 6 feet of an infected person for at least 15 minutes starting from two days before illness onset (or, for asymptomatic patients, two days prior to specimen collection) until the time the patient is isolated.
Students: If you have filled out the COVID-19 Screening and Reporting Tool to report your positive test to OU, your instructor will receive an email from OU Student Affairs alerting them of your absence. This email will not disclose the details of your circumstances. Missing a class session or other class activity due to illness or isolation will not result in a penalty for the absence, and you will not be asked to provide formal documentation from a health care provider to excuse the absence. Contact your instructors prior to your absence or inability to participate, if possible. The Provost’s Office has directed instructors to work with self-isolated/quarantined students to ensure they can complete their courses as planned.
Student Affairs will coordinate notification with the appropriate departments.
Frequently used campus spaces are cleaned daily. Supervisors, RAs, faculty, staff, and others who are made aware that an individual in their area has tested positive should contact Facilities Management at (405) 325-3060 to confirm when cleaning of the space last occurred. This procedure should be followed in off-campus leased spaces as well, by contacting the leasing agent or building maintenance team.
As part of Phase IV of the Return Plan, the university will resume pre-pandemic cleaning protocols, which take into consideration applicable government and industry cleaning and safety standards.
University Responsibility: University Operations has increased outside air where possible and converted HVAC systems with hospital-grade filters (MERV-13).
Department/Area Responsibility: As was the case prior to COVID-19, each department/area manager remains responsible for obtaining appropriate cleaning supplies and providing for the cleaning of shared office equipment, furniture, surfaces, and environment. While supplies last, department/area managers may still obtain cleaning supplies that have been EPA/CDC-approved from Facilities Management. These cleaning supplies can be requested here.
Individual Responsibility: As was the case prior to COVID-19, individuals are responsible for cleaning their personal and shared spaces and the office equipment.
OU has lifted its mask requirement for all three campuses with limited exceptions. Anyone who wishes to mask indoors or outdoors may freely do so.
OU Masking Protocols
General Facilities: The university strongly recommends masking for all unvaccinated individuals when inside OU's academic, athletic, housing, and administrative facilities.
Health Care Facilities: OU continues to require masking for all individuals in patient-facing settings, including clinical research participant areas and facilities and areas where patient care is the primary function.
Transportation: Riders on transit buses and shuttles must wear masks, in compliance with Department of Transportation mandates.
OU Health Sciences Center Programs will coordinate masking requirements with hospital and clinic partners, as appropriate.
Being fully vaccinated is defined as being two weeks past the final dose of a two-dose WHO-approved vaccine (Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca, Covishield, Sinovac, or Sinopharm) or one dose of a single-dose WHO-approved vaccine (Janssen [Johnson & Johnson]).
The university strongly encourages the entire OU community to get vaccinated, particularly those residing in congregate housing.
Plans will continue to be adjusted, based on the status of the pandemic, and in accordance with CDC recommendations and state and local guidelines.
OU has lifted its mask requirement for all three campuses with limited exceptions. Anyone who wishes to mask indoors or outdoors may freely do so.
OU Masking Protocols
General Facilities: The university strongly recommends masking for all unvaccinated individuals when inside OU's academic, athletic, housing, and administrative facilities.
Health Care Facilities: OU continues to require masking for all individuals in patient-facing settings, including clinical research participant areas and facilities and areas where patient care is the primary function.
Transportation: Riders on transit buses and shuttles must wear masks, in compliance with Department of Transportation mandates.
OU Health Sciences Center programs will coordinate masking requirements with hospital and clinic partners, as appropriate.
Being fully vaccinated is defined as being two weeks past the final dose of a two-dose WHO-approved vaccine (Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca, Covishield, Sinovac, or Sinopharm) or one dose of a single-dose WHO-approved vaccine (Janssen [Johnson & Johnson]).
The university strongly encourages the entire OU community to get vaccinated, particularly those residing in congregate housing.
To schedule a vaccine appointment at Goddard Health Center, visit the OU Health Services webpage. For more information about vaccine distribution at OU, visit the COVID-19 Vaccine Update page. COVID-19 vaccines are available to all students, faculty, and staff on all three OU campuses at no cost to the individual.
OU Health Services provides health care for the university community, which includes OU students, faculty, staff, dependents, and retirees. Please refer to the COVID-19 Vaccine Update page for the latest information.
Beginning June 1, 2021, vaccination requirements will be limited to two groups of OU community members:
The university strongly encourages the entire OU community to get vaccinated, particularly those residing in congregate housing. Requirements will remain in effect leading to the fall semester, and any modifications to the policy will be announced.
Yes. There is no cost to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. If you have insurance, OU Health Services will bill your insurance only for the cost of vaccine administration. There is no co-pay required.
Yes. At this time, you must continue to comply with this and all other requirements of the Norman Campus Return Plan.
No. All members of the OU community should continue to abide by safety precautions, including those who have been vaccinated. OU community members should continue monitoring health symptoms and frequently washing hands to help stop the spread of COVID-19. Anyone who wishes to mask indoors or outdoors may freely do so.
If you received the first dose of a two-dose COVID-19 vaccine, you must have the second dose to achieve maximum effectiveness. The Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) vaccine only requires one dose for full vaccination.
Those who received the first dose of a two-dose vaccine will receive an email to schedule the second dose. The Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) vaccine only requires one dose for full vaccination.
The university is planning for a resumption of in-person classes at regular capacity university-wide for the fall 2021 semester with necessary safety precautions in place.
For students who have filled out the COVID-19 Screening and Reporting Tool to report their positive test to OU, their instructor will receive an email from OU Student Affairs alerting them of the student’s absence. This email will not disclose the details of the student’s circumstances. Missing a class session or other class activity due to illness or isolation will not result in a penalty for the absence, and students will not be asked to provide formal documentation from a healthcare provider to excuse the absence. Students should contact their instructors prior to their absence or inability to participate, if possible. For students who have been told to quarantine, the Provost’s Office has directed instructors to work with quarantined students to ensure they can complete their courses as planned.
For the latest updates, visit ou.edu/together.
OU is open and operational. The summer 2021 semester will include in-person, hybrid and online courses, and students should have a majority of their classes in person. The university is planning for a resumption of in-person classes at regular capacity university-wide for the fall 2021 semester with necessary safety precautions in place.
Many faculty and staff on the Norman campus have returned to work on campus, though some employees may still be working remotely. As part of Phase IV of the Return Plan, all Norman campus employees are expected to return to working their full schedule on-campus by August 2, 2021. More information on the return to campus plan of action for all three campuses is available at hr.ou.edu/News/Return-to-Campus-Remote-Work-Policy
In accordance with the CDC guidance, OU eliminated its social distancing protocols in all areas except patient care and clinical research participant settings, making way for a resumption of in-person classes at regular capacity. The university will use the summer to phase back to normal classroom capacities. Workspaces may immediately eliminate social distancing.
Third parties may resume hosting events in university facilities following pre-COVID protocols. In accordance with CDC guidance, the university recommends COVID-19 vaccination for anyone participating in events on OU property. Read more about getting vaccinated at OU here.
OU has lifted its mask requirement for all three campuses, with limited exceptions. Anyone who wishes to mask indoors or outdoors may freely do so.
Third parties may resume hosting events in university facilities following pre-COVID protocols. In accordance with CDC guidance, the university recommends COVID-19 vaccination for anyone participating in events on OU property. Read more about getting vaccinated at OU here.
Please refer to each campus' Response Plan for specific information about a particular campus.
OU-Tulsa: ou.edu/tulsa/coronavirus
OU Health Sciences Center: ouhsc.edu/coronavirus
Updated June 2021 – Third parties and/or OU colleges and departments that wish to host summer camps on the OU Norman campus during the 2021 summer period must adhere to the following guidelines:
Over the past year, the OU Travel and Screening Committee, comprised of medical and public health professionals and university administrators, has met regularly to monitor the state of COVID-19 around the world and make recommendations for OU study abroad program locations. In a March 12 message (pdf), Provost Irvine announced that this screening process led to conditionally approving Summer study abroad options to 15 countries. On May 13, Provost Irvine announced that Fall study abroad is also conditionally approved to 14 countries and territories: China, France, Hong Kong, Israel, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Mexico, Morocco, Netherlands, Norway, South Korea, Spain, United Kingdom.
This approval means the university can move forward with study abroad planning to these destinations with three important caveats:
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the OU Education Abroad Office at ea@ou.edu.
OU is working to provide in-person courses to the maximum extent practical. OU has also added new, smaller, in-person sections to many classes – a large-scale effort that will benefit students. The online coursework proposed through the Safe and Resilient Instructional Plan is a temporary but necessary structure to protect the health of students, faculty, and staff. Although online instruction is different, its quality is based on a similar set of factors to in-person instruction – with instructor preparation and student engagement playing a key role in either scenario.
The payment of tuition for courses, no matter the delivery method, ultimately leads to the attainment of an OU degree – an achievement that will forever lead students to new opportunities. By completing a course online or in-person, students will meet degree requirements and will progress in their degree program.
Yes, tuition rates will remain unchanged, but no additional fees will be charged for courses that have been moved online due to COVID-19.
Should courses be moved entirely online, there will be no reduction of tuition or fees. If instruction were to move entirely online, the university will still remain open providing accessible services that are supported by student fees. Although online instruction is different, its quality is based on a similar set of factors to in-person instruction – with instructor preparation and student engagement playing a key role in either scenario.
The payment of tuition for courses, no matter the delivery method, ultimately leads to the attainment of an OU degree – an achievement that will forever lead students to new opportunities.
The university understands that many students and their families are presented with financial concerns resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. In an effort to help ease financial burdens, OU has announced that for the third year in a row, there will be no increase to tuition or mandatory fees for the 2020-2021 academic year for Norman campus programs. Although transitioning courses in spring 2020 from in-person to online increased the cost of education for the university, those additional costs were not passed along to students.
