The University of Oklahoma and the University of Central Oklahoma announced Wednesday they will suspend in-person instruction for the rest of the spring semester.
Oklahoma State University made a similar announcement earlier the same day. More than a dozen colleges and universities in Oklahoma had already moved classes online for two weeks following spring break to prevent further spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.
All classes and programs based from OU's Norman campus will continue online. The various colleges within the OU Health Science Center are providing directions to their students to modify clinical and community-based instruction.
All OU graduation ceremonies are postponed this semester. A statement from Interim President Joseph Harroz said graduation events could be rescheduled later in the summer.
"We are actively exploring ways we can honor our graduates and their achievements at an appropriate time," Harroz stated. "This will likely look very different, perhaps even virtual, with an opportunity to participate in an in-person ceremony when it is safe to do so."
The university is implementing reduced occupancy for Norman residential housing, with the exception of Kraettli and Traditions apartments. Harroz said OU would assist students, including international students, if they have no choice but to stay in on-campus housing.
All in-person gatherings of 10 or more people are suspended at all OU campuses until May 11. This includes athletics competitions, non-university sponsored events and social gatherings.
OU employees and student employees have been encouraged to use telecommuting to continue work.
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