News Summary
The University of Oklahoma has canceled in-person classes and rescheduled final exams on December 19 to accommodate the College Football Playoff game against Alabama. This strategic adjustment aims to enhance student participation and school spirit while balancing academic commitments. Normal campus operations will also pause for employees, with essential staff required to report. Additionally, parking adjustments and transportation options will be implemented for game day, ensuring a smooth experience for all attendees.
Oklahoma city, OK — The University of Oklahoma (OU) is making significant adjustments to its academic schedule and campus operations in anticipation of the College Football Playoff game against the University of Alabama on Friday, December 19, 2025. Scheduled to kick off at 7 p.m. at Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, this game represents a significant moment for both the university and its community, drawing attention to the intersection of sports and higher education.
To accommodate the increased activity surrounding the game and facilitate student participation in the playoff festivities, all in-person classes on the Norman campus will be canceled. Furthermore, final exams that were originally scheduled for that day will be rescheduled to earlier dates. These changes reflect a strategic approach taken by the university to balance academic rigor with the excitement of athletic achievements, ultimately fostering school spirit and community engagement.
Class Cancellations and Final Exam Rescheduling
All in-person classes will not take place on December 19. To ensure that academic schedules align with the demands of this important event, the university has made the following adjustments to the final exam schedule:
- MWF 1 p.m. courses: The exam originally set for December 19 from 8 to 10 a.m. is rescheduled to December 18 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
- TR 11:30 a.m. courses: The exam originally scheduled for December 19 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. will now occur on December 15 from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.
- TR 2:30 p.m. courses: The exam originally planned for December 19 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. is rescheduled to December 16 from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.
- MWF 2 p.m. courses: The exam set for December 19 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. is now on December 17 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Students enrolled in the College of Law and those on the OU Health Campus are advised to consult their respective colleges for specific information regarding final exam rescheduling.
Campus Operations and Employee Schedules
Normal academic and campus operations will also be suspended for all students and employees on December 19. Essential employees are expected to report in person according to their designated schedules, while all other employees will receive administrative leave. Specific instructions regarding work schedules can be obtained from supervisors.
Parking and Transportation
For those planning to park on campus during game day, several important details must be noted:
- Parking: Certain campus parking lots must be vacated by 6 p.m. on December 18 to accommodate game day operations, with housing-designated lots remaining accessible for students with permits. Commuter permits are valid in any paid lot on game days.
- CART Shuttles: On game day, the Cleveland Area Rapid Transit (CART) system will operate its game day shuttle route, while regular routes will not be available.
- Road Closures: To ensure efficient traffic flow and pedestrian safety, certain roads near the campus will be closed or restricted.
Building Access and Campus Facilities
Most buildings on the Norman campus that are not directly related to game day operations will close after normal academic hours on December 18 and reopen on December 22. Notable exceptions include:
- Bizzell Memorial Library: Will operate on its regular hours.
- Oklahoma Memorial Union: Will maintain its normal schedule.
- Campus Dining: Will continue operating normally.
All campuses of the University of Oklahoma will resume regular operations on December 22.
Additional Information and Commencement Plans
For updates about game day operations and related events, the university encourages visits to official channels. Students and employees are urged to stay informed to ensure a smooth experience during the playoff game. Notably, despite the adjustments for the playoff game, the University of Oklahoma will hold Fall 2025 Commencement as planned on Saturday, December 20, offering an opportunity for celebration even amidst athletic excitement.
About the University of Oklahoma
The University of Oklahoma, established in 1890, serves as the flagship public research university for the state. The institution focuses on addressing the educational, cultural, economic, and health care needs of its communities, and stands as a pillar of academic excellence in Oklahoma.
| Key Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Class Cancellations | All in-person classes on the Norman campus are canceled for December 19, 2025, to accommodate the College Football Playoff game. |
| Final Exam Rescheduling | Final exams originally scheduled for December 19 have been moved to earlier dates. |
| Campus Operations | Normal academic and campus operations suspended for students and employees on December 19. |
| Parking and Transportation | Certain campus parking lots must be vacated by December 18. CART will operate game day shuttles on December 19. |
| Fall Commencement | Fall 2025 Commencement will occur as planned on December 20, 2025. |
Frequently Asked Questions
- What changes has the University of Oklahoma made to its academic schedule for the College Football Playoff game?
- The University of Oklahoma has canceled all in-person classes on the Norman campus for Friday, December 19, 2025, and rescheduled final exams originally set for that day to earlier dates. Specific adjustments to the final exam schedule are provided in the university’s official announcement.
- How will campus operations be affected on December 19, 2025?
- Normal academic and campus operations will be suspended for students and employees on Friday, December 19. Essential employees should report in person and follow their designated game day schedules, while all other employees will be granted administrative leave. Specific instructions are available through supervisors.
- What parking and transportation changes should students and employees be aware of for game day?
- Certain campus parking lots must be vacated by 6 p.m. on December 18. On December 19, the Cleveland Area Rapid Transit (CART) system will operate its game day shuttle route, and certain roads near campus will be closed or restricted to promote efficient traffic flow and pedestrian safety.
- Will the University of Oklahoma hold Fall Commencement as scheduled?
- Yes, the University of Oklahoma will hold Fall 2025 Commencement as planned on Saturday, December 20, 2025. Full schedules and additional information are available at ou.edu/commencement.
