Frequently Asked Questions
and Resources about OU and Norman
Have a few questions about attending the University of Oklahoma?
Below are a few FAQs and resources about the OU Norman campus and local community. The FAQs contain direct links to where you can find more detailed information. Just click on the highlighted words within the text.
Below, you will find more information about:
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General References
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Norman OU Campus and Local Community
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Applications and Admissions
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Financial Assistance and Support
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Academics
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Housing
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Student Life
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Athletics
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Parent Life
General References
You should find many of your questions about the University of Oklahoma answered within these general resources.
Prospective Student Services is the primary OU Web site resource for prospective students and parents/guardians. On the site, you will find a special Parent FAQ link that answers many top-of-mind questions parents have about OU.
For those interested in graduate school, discover the many degree programs offered at the University of Oklahoma, as well as the admission procedures, funding opportunities and how to apply.
For information about visiting the OU Norman campus, please see Visit OU.
Norman OU Campus and Local Community
When was OU founded?
The University of Oklahoma was created by the Oklahoma Territorial Legislature on December 19, 1890. It began as a college preparatory school, with the first college freshman enrolling in 1893. OU became the state's university in 1907.
What is the average fall enrollment?
Total undergraduate enrollment on the Norman campus is typically just less than 19,000. The freshman class averages approximately 4,000 students.
How many professors are there at OU?
There are 2,200 full-time faculty members.
Do OU classes follow a semester, trimester or quarter system?
Classes are on a semester schedule, held 16 weeks each in the spring and fall regular semesters. The summer semester is 8 weeks. The December intercession (between the fall and spring semester) is 4 weeks.
When do classes start and end and when are the breaks?
View the University of Oklahoma academic calendar, including the schedule for winter, spring, and summer breaks.
What is the size of the Norman local community?
Norman's population is approximately 100,000, during the school year. OU contributes approximately one quarter of the community population as undergraduate and graduate students, faculty and staff. Norman is on the southern edge of the Greater Oklahoma City area, with total population of approximately 1.2 million.
What special attractions are a reasonable distance from OU?
Oklahoma City, approximately 25 miles north of the Norman campus, hosts Brick Town and its River Walk. Frontier City, Whitewater, and the Ford Arena, for concerts and sporting events, are also located in Oklahoma City. Turner Falls, south of Norman on I-35, is a recreation area for camping and river rafting. Lake Thunderbird State Park is located east of Norman, for camping, fishing, and boating. Of course, the Norman campus is a great attraction itself, with sports, concerts, beautiful architecture, gardens, and scenery. The campus also hosts the Sam Noble Museum of Natural History and the Fred Jones, Jr. Museum of Art.
What programs are available at OU for minority and international students?
Representatives of OU's Diversity Enrichment Program work with prospective African American, Latino, Asian American and Native American students and their families as they navigate through the high school to college transition. Minority Acholarships and multi-cultural student organizations are also available at OU.
What is the ratio of enrolled males-to-females?
This ratio remains very near 50:50. In the 2007-2008 school year, the ratio is 50.8 percent males to 49.2 percent females.
Is there a campus police force?
Yes. The OU Police Department (OUPD) is responsible for coordinating and providing emergency and public safety services to the Norman campus. The department provides a variety of services, including law enforcement, security for university facilities and assets, civil defense and emergency medical assistance. The City of Norman Police department also provides law enforcement assistance for the Norman campus. For more information on the OUPD, please visit the OUPD Web site or call the department non-emergency number at 1-405-325-2864.
Applications and Admissions
Is there a visitation day for prospective students?
Campus visits are normally welcome Monday through Saturday. Guided campus tours are scheduled Monday through Friday at 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., and on Saturday at 9:30 a.m. Please contact Prospective Student Services in advance, at 1-800-234-6868, to confirm your expected tour date and time.
How do I obtain an application form?
You can complete the application easily and securely online at the OU Prospective Students Web site. For assistance, contact Prospective Student Services by phone toll free at 1-800-234-6868, or by email at ou-pss@ou.edu.
(PLEASE NOTE: in order to use the online application for admission, you must first register by creating a new account to include a login username and password. To submit the application online, you must be able to pay the admission application fee by credit card by completing the online payment process at the end of the application form. If you apply for housing through this online application, you must also be able to pay the housing application fee by credit card.)
What are the requirements for application?
A completed application form, necessary high school and/or college transcripts, official ACT and/or SAT test scores and an essay. Interviews or references are not required.
How will OU evaluate or use two or more sets of SAT/ACT scores?
The highest score on a "test day" is used for comparison against the admission criteria.
Must a prescribed curriculum be completed in high school?
There are core requirements for first time freshmen entering the university, in English, math, science, and history/citizenship. For detailed information regarding curriculum requirements for admission, please visit freshman admissions on the OU Web Site.
Will OU accept home schooling, a General Education Diploma (GED), or a diploma from an unaccredited high school?
Yes. In these cases, admission is based on ACT or SAT scores, class ranking, and completion of the high school core curriculum requirements.
What is the deadline for submitting an application?
Applications to the university are due by April 1 for entry to the university the following summer and fall semesters; November 1 for the spring semester. The deadline for scholarship applications is February 1.
Is an application fee required?
Yes. The application fee is $40, plus a housing application fee of $30.
How long does it take to process an application and when will the acceptance letter be mailed?
Once the complete application, transcripts, and test scores have been received by admissions and admission requirements met, the acceptance letter should be received in approximately 3-4 weeks.
Does OU offer an Early Admissions Program (EAP) or Joint Enrollment Program?
Yes. OU’s Early Entry program is designed to allow high school juniors and seniors with exceptional abilities to enroll in college courses on a limited basis. For more information, please review the Early Entry Program on the OU Web site.
Will OU honor AP or CLEP and, if so, what are minimum scores to receive credit?
Yes. The University of Oklahoma has programs that allow students to take examinations for credit and is also a CLEP testing center and awards credit for certain CLEP subject examinations. For more information regarding the AP and CLEP programs as well as course equivalency advice and minimum test scores, please visit Credit by Advanced Standing on the OU Web site.
Are Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) programs available?
Yes. The University of Oklahoma offers Reserve Officer Training Corps programs for the Army, Navy, Marines, and Air Force. For more information on OU’s ROTC programs, visit the ROTC programs page on the OU Web site.
Must a physical examination be submitted prior to admission?
The University of Oklahoma requires new students to provide immunization documentation (we do not require a physical examination). For more information, please contact the OU Health Services (Goddard Health Center) Immunization Office by phone at 1-405-325-6039 or email at immunization@ou.edu, or visit the Immunization page on the OU Health Services Web site.
Financial Assistance and Support
Does out-of-state tuition apply to Texas residents?
Yes. If a student from another state (including Texas) moves to Oklahoma for the primary purpose of attending a post-secondary institution, that student is classified as a non-resident, and will remain a non-resident throughout his or her presence as a student, unless he or she takes certain actions to meet the basic definition of resident status. For more information regarding out-of-state tuition and residency determinations, please visit the Resident Tuition Regulations page on the OU Web site.
What are current typical expenses for room, board, and fees?
The current average annual estimates for non-Oklahoma residents are $19,277.50 for tuition and fees; $8,060 room and board; and $1,043 for books. This totals $28,380.50. These estimates are based on the cost of attendance for non-resident students for the 2011-2012 school year, assuming 30 credit hours per semester.
What scholarships may be available for my situation?
OU offers a wide variety of scholarship opportunities for freshmen and upperclassmen based on criteria such as academics, leadership potential, community involvement, intended major, extracurricular interests, etc. Additionally, the OU Club of Houston offers two scholarships for Houston-area high school students wanting to attend OU.
For upperclassmen awards, please visit the Scholarship Sources page on the OU Web site. If you would like more information about the OU Club of Houston scholarship program, please visit the scholarship page on the OU Club of Houston Web site.
Will OU bill me for tuition and fees, and when are the fees due?
Tuition, expenses and fees will be applied to your bursar account. And OU gives you different payment methods, as well as paying in full or by a monthly payment plan. For more information regarding payments and due dates, please visit the OU Bursar page on the OU Web site.
Will the bursar accept a credit card or out of state check for payments?
Yes. You may pay conveniently and securely online by credit card or checking bank account. Payments can also be made by check in person or mailing to the Bursar’s office.
What is the refund policy?
Depending on the circumstances, refunds can be made. For more information regarding refunds, please review the Bursar FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) page on the OU Web site.
More information about financial aid and scholarships
For more detailed information about financial aid and scholarships, please visit the main Financial Aid and Recruitment Services pages on the OU Web site.
Academics
What majors or degrees are offered?
OU has 20 colleges offering 154 majors at the baccalaureate level, 160 majors at the master’s level, 85 majors at the doctoral level, 39 majors at the first professional level and 18 graduate certificates. A full listing can be found in the application, or at the Recruitment Services page on the OU Web site, under Academics & Majors.
Additionally, more specific information about academic departments can be found by visiting the Academic Departments page on the OU Web site.
When must an academic major be declared?
This is typically necessary near the end of second semester of the sophomore year; at about the time 48 credit hours have been completed. Some degree plans require course planning earlier to assure attaining all necessary undergraduate requirements within the typical four years of study.
How many courses are considered a full load?
A schedule of at least 12 credit hours is considered full time in the fall and spring semesters.
What is the student to faculty ratio?
The student to faculty radio at OU is approximately 18:1 (18 students to 1 faculty member), with the average class size approximately 32 students.
Housing
Does OU offer options for dormitories and apartment living?
Freshmen are generally required to live in the residence halls. Upperclassmen have options of dorms, university operated apartments, or off-campus options.
Is a deposit required to reserve a dorm room?
Yes. OU has an Enrollment Commitment of $250 that students must submit by May 1. This includes the Housing deposit and the Enrollment Program fee.
Do co-ed residence halls exist?
All dormitories are co-ed, with separated sections for each gender.
Are the residence halls staffed with a resident director?
Yes. The dorms are staffed with a resident advisor and director.
Are students allowed to keep alcoholic beverages, firearms, or pets in their rooms?
No. Without exception.
Do fraternities and sororities have separate housing?
Housing is typically available at the fraternity and sorority houses.
May students have private rooms?
Yes, private rooms are available. Typically, two students share a dorm room.
Are the dorms air conditioned?
Yes.
Do the dorms have laundry facilities?
Yes.
Do the rooms have private or hall baths?
Depending on the selection of residence hall, both suite style baths and hall baths are available.
Are dorm residents subject to curfew and how are dorms secured in the evening?
There is no curfew for dorm residents, but guests of the opposite sex must leave by 12:00 midnight Sunday through Thursday, and 2:00 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. Exterior doors typically remain locked and are only opened by residents with a key or key code.
Are students required to purchase a meal plan?
Freshman students are required to have a meal plan.
More information on student housing and food services
For more information regarding student housing and food services, please visit the Housing and Food Services page on the OU Web site.
Student Life
Does OU offer a freshman orientation program?
Yes. Camp Crimson is the premier a three-day, two night orientation program where incoming students learn everything about the university. For more information about Camp Crimson, please the Camp Crimson page on the OU Web site, or contact the Recruitment Services office toll free at 1-800-234-6868.
How has the campus been adapted for the handicapped?
OU is committed to providing access and accommodation for those with special needs on campus. Students are encouraged to register with the Disability Resource Center to take full advantage of all resources available to students with disabilities. For more information, please visit the OU Disability Resource Center page on the OU Web site.
Are internships, cooperative study opportunities, or study abroad available?
Yes. Please consult your academic counselor or contact Prospective Student Services toll free at 1-800-234-6868 for details.
Are classes in physical education required?
No.
What computer access is available to students?
Wired Internet access is available in the dorms, university operated apartments, classroom buildings, library, and Student Union. Computer labs are available in several locations around campus and wireless access is available in the Student Union, Library, and many other locations on campus.
Is there a dress code?
No.
May freshmen have cars on campus?
Yes. Parking is by permit only in lots near the dorms, university operated apartments, and classroom buildings. Students living in the dorms normally walk to class.
Where can students cash out-of-town checks?
Students are encouraged to open an Oklahoma Federal Credit Union account. Or, there are also banks available on Campus Corner, adjacent to the north campus. Students and parents/guardians may find cash management much easier using the Sooner OneCard, which serves as a debit account for the student. More information for the OneCard is available by visiting the Housing and Food Services page on the OU Web site.
Are chapters of national fraternities and sororities established at OU?
Yes. The fraternity and sorority community at OU currently offers over 45 national chapters. For more information about the fraternity and sorority student life, please visit the Student Life page on the OU Web site.
Does the university sponsor a drama or theater club?
Yes. For more information, please visit the OU School of Drama on the OU Web site, or call 1-405-325-4021.
What music groups exist (marching band, choir, ensemble)?
University of Oklahoma is the only institution in Oklahoma that offers a comprehensive music school. The OU School of Music offers degrees at the bachelors, masters and doctoral levels in all areas of music performance, composition, education, history and theory. The school presents over 250 performances each year. For more information about the different areas of ensembles available, please visit the OU School of Music page on the OU Web site.
Information about OU Bands is available on the OU Bands web page, and other music organizations on the Student Life page on the OU Web site.
Is there an infirmary or health facility on campus?
Yes. The Goddard Health Center is located on the main Norman campus. For more information, please visit the OU Health Services page on the OU Web site.
Is there a job placement service or career day?
Yes. OU Career Services offers comprehensive help and services for all students and alumni looking for a job as a student or after graduation. For information about programs available for post-graduation, please visit the Career Services page on the OU Web site. For information about on-campus jobs, contact the OU Office of Human Resources by visiting their web page, or by phone at 1-405-325-4310.
More Information about Student Life
For more information about Student Life, including information for more than 300 campus organizations and clubs, please visit the Student Life page on the OU Web site.
Athletics
In what athletic associations, divisions and conferences does OU participate?
OU belongs to NCAA Division I and the Big 12 Conference.
In which intercollegiate sports does OU participate (men and women)?
OU athletes participate in 17 team sports. For more information on each of these sports, please visit the Athletics page on the OU Web site.
Does OU offer an intramural program and, if so, which sports are the most popular?
Yes. OU offers a wide variety of intramural sports programs and clubs. Most popular are flag football, basketball, volleyball, table tennis, and softball. For more information, please visit the Recreational Services page on the OU Web site, or call the Huston Huffman Center at 1-405-325-2053.
Does OU offer cheerleading opportunities?
OU offers several “spirit” organizations including pom, cheer, mascots and RUF/NEKS. For more information about OU Spirit organizations, please visit the Sooner Spirit page on the OU Web site.
What general athletic facilities exist for overall student use?
The Huston Huffman Center features three state-of-the-art training areas, climbing walls, cardio room, a 1/6-mile indoor track, eight basketball courts, volleyball, badminton, racquetball and squash. In addition, there are indoor and outdoor Olympic-sized pools, 4 outdoor tennis courts, 2 baseball fields, 1 outdoor basketball court, and 2 soccer fields. For more information, please visit the Recreational Services page on the OU Web site.
More Information about OU Athletics
For more information about all athletic programs at the University of Oklahoma, please visit the Athletics page on the OU Web site.
Parent Life
Where should we stay when visiting Norman?
Hotels book early on football weekends, during August move-in, and around graduation/move out. There are several hotels in Norman, including Sooner Legends Inn & Suites, LaQuinta, Hampton, Fairfield, Residence Inn, Embassy Suites and Holiday Inn. If rooms are not available in Norman, additional hotels are available in Moore and Oklahoma City. Early, advance reservations are highly recommended.
What is the best way to travel to Norman?
Driving time from Houston is typically 7 – 7.5 hours. Driving routes are generally through Dallas using I-45, I-35E and I-35; or through Fort Worth using US 290 to Hempstead, SH 6 to Waco, and I-35 and I-35W. Flights are available direct from Houston or connecting through Dallas to Will Rogers World Airport in Oklahoma City, approximately 25 miles from the Norman campus.
Where do visitors park on campus?
There are visitor parking spaces available around the north oval (free) and in the Student Union parking garage (small fee). When visiting the campus, you are welcome to stop at the Visitor Center in Jacobson Hall to obtain a parking pass (you will need your license plate number to obtain the pass). This will allow you to park, without risk of a ticket, in residence hall and student parking lots around the campus (except on home football game days).
What is New Sooner Convocation?
This an opportunity for freshmen, transfer students, parents and others to learn about the history and culture of OU, directly from University President David Boren, at the Lloyd Noble Center. It is an inspirational break from the task of moving in, and is highly recommended.
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