Divided on the Field, United against COVID-19: OU, OSU Encourage Testing before Thanksgiving Holiday Travel

The infamous Bedlam rivalry between the University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State University usually spawns intense divisions throughout the state. This year, however, the two schools are joining together off the field to help slow the spread of COVID-19.

Through the “Bigger than Bedlam” campaign, OU and OSU are encouraging students to get tested for COVID-19 before traveling home for the Thanksgiving holiday while continuing healthy behaviors like masking, social distancing and proper hand hygiene – measures that will help prevent community spread of the virus.

“Our teams may compete on the gridiron, but when it comes to protecting our loved ones and our communities against COVID-19, we all have the same goal,” said OU President Joseph Harroz Jr. “‘Bigger than Bedlam’ demonstrates our collective obligation as public universities to serve our state. As our students prepare for holiday travel, we encourage and emphasize the importance of getting a free COVID-19 test to help protect their families and hometown communities.”

OSU President Burns Hargis agreed. “As students leave campus for the long holiday break, it is critical they consider the well-being of vulnerable family and community members,” he said. “Now more than ever, getting tested, wearing masks and maintaining distance is vital to protecting others and managing the spread of this pandemic. Our students have done a great job following guidelines and staying healthy this semester, and I urge them to schedule a free test on campus before they leave for the holiday break.”

Both OU and OSU previously announced their decisions to move instruction online following Thanksgiving break through the end of the fall 2020 semester – a measure that will minimize travel and possible transmission of the virus.

COVID-19 Testing: The University of Oklahoma

OU students on the Norman campus can schedule a free COVID-19 test at three different locations:

• Cate Center 3 – Students living in OU housing can get tested at the Cate 3 testing site, which will remain open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. until Wednesday, Nov. 25, at 6 p.m. To schedule an appointment, visit ou.edu/covidtest.

• Goddard Health Services – Any OU student, faculty or staff member may schedule a COVID-19 test at Goddard Health Services. Testing is available Monday through Friday during regular business hours. To schedule an appointment, call (405) 325-4441.

• IMMY Labs – Drive-thru testing is available to any OU student, faculty or staff member at IMMY Labs, located 2701 Corporate Centre Drive in Norman. To schedule an appointment, visit portal.immylabs.com.

For the latest information on OU Norman campus operations, visit ou.edu/together.

COVID-19 Testing: Oklahoma State University

As the university has done throughout the fall semester, OSU offers students and employees access to free COVID-19 testing at University Health Services, located on the Stillwater campus. The drive-thru testing hours are by appointment only Monday through Friday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Appointments can be made by calling (405) 744-7665 or logging in to their Patient Portal.