The University of Oklahoma Norman campus and Oklahoma State University both announced changes Tuesday to their academic calendars in an effort to avoid another possible surge in COVID-19 cases due to student travel.
The start date for the spring 2021 semester has been pushed back a week for both schools. Classes will now start on Jan. 25 for the OU Norman campus, including Norman campus programs in Tulsa. For OSU, classes will now begin Jan. 19.
Both schools have also cancelled spring break for 2021.
In addition, the OU Norman campus is moving classes entirely online after Thanksgiving break through the end of the fall 2020 semester. Norman campus programs offered at OU-Tulsa are also included in this schedule change. All university facilities, including housing and library services, as well as research operations, will stay open.
“By moving instruction online and providing the option for students to return home and stay there after Thanksgiving, we will reduce the infection risks associated with travel and subsequently, bringing it back to campus,” OU President Joseph Harroz said in a news release.
This change also aims to protect the greater Norman area from issues that could be exacerbated by the flu season.
OSU and the OU Norman campus expect to still finish the spring 2021 semester on schedule.
As of now, the fall 2020 and spring 2021 semesters are continuing as planned for OU Health Sciences Center programs in Oklahoma City and Tulsa.
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