UCO Physical Campus Closed, Virtual Campus Open in Response to COVID-19

March 25, 2020

Media Contact: Sarah Ward, Communications and Marketing Coordinator, UCO University Communications, 405-974-2106, sward24@uco.edu

UCO Physical Campus Closed, Virtual Campus Open in Response to COVID-19 

Due to the COVID-19 virus pandemic and to be consistent with governmental action designed to slow the spread of the virus, the University of Central Oklahoma will close its physical campus to all but essential employees at 5 p.m., Thursday, March 26 through at least April 15. This includes, but is not limited to, the main campus, the Academy of Contemporary Music (ACM@UCO), the UCO Jazz Lab, CHK|Central Boathouse, UCO at the Carnegie Center and UCO at Santa Fe Plaza.

Even though the physical campus will be closed, classroom instruction and many university services will still be provided through Central’s virtual campus. Through the virtual campus, students will be able to access services such as the Career Development Center, Testing Services and Academic Advisement. Additionally, Max Chambers Library resources and staff assistance will be available online.

Students will also have the option to stay in university housing, as it will remain open in a limited capacity. Housing staff is coordinating checkout times and prorated refunds for those who choose to move out. 

To assist both students, staff and faculty during the transition to a virtual campus, the Office of Information Technology has ordered a limited number of laptops, hotspots, webcams and headsets to support continued learning and telework during the alternative instructional delivery period. These can be requested via an online form: https://uco.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_2fXhpVEQe6YfSFn.  

Additionally, as severe weather season approaches, community members are reminded that university facilities are not designated as public storm shelters. With the closing of the physical campus, the university will only open shelters for our remaining housing residents and essential employees. That means many buildings that serve as shelters under normal conditions will not be opened. Community members should not attempt to come to campus to seek shelter in the event of severe weather.

The health and safety of the Central community is among our highest priorities. Central will be rolling out new ways to stay connected to each other virtually during this transitional and rapidly evolving situation. More information will be released via the university’s social media accounts.

For more information regarding specific services and how to access them virtually, visit uco.edu/coronavirus/virtual-services.

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