The south oval is the prime outdoor area on campus for registered student organizations to publicize events, register new members, set up displays, and more. Any registered student organization wishing to host an activity of any sort on the south oval must first reserve a space through the Student Life office. Space on the south oval is at a premium, especially during nice weather. Reserve space as early as possible and at least one week prior to the requested activity date.

Please use the list of questions below to determine whether your activity is suitable for the south oval and to ensure your group makes all of the necessary preparations for south oval use.

At the bottom of the page you will find links to the online and PDF versions of the Facility Use Request Form.

1. When would your group like to host an activity on the south oval?

The Facility Use Request Form needs to be completed and submitted to Student Life at least seven days before the requested date. You may submit this request online HERE but your adviser will need to confirm the plans in writing (OU e-mail is acceptable) before anything is finalized.

Availability of the south oval can be checked in advance by visiting OMU 361, e-mailing This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , or calling 325-4415. However, no space will be reserved until the Facility Use Request Form has been received.

2. Do your activity plans involve use of a public address system (microphone, speakers, etc.)?

If yes, your organization should find an alternate location for the event. Public address systems and loud events of any kind are not permitted on the south oval while classes are in session due to close proximity to classroom buildings and the library. More suitable facilities for speeches or concerts are indoor locations such as the Union or Catlett Music Center, or the Adams-Walker Mall area (reserved by the Housing Office in Walker Tower). Classrooms may be used by registered student organizations for presentations that do not involve loud music or dancing.

3. Will your organization be raising money at the activity?

Registered student organizations are permitted to solicit for charity, organizational activities, and other non-profit purposes with permission from Student Life and payment of a solicitation fee. The solicitation fee is $25 for the first day and $2 per consecutive day thereafter. The event organizer will need to include the solicitation information on the Facility Use Request Form and will be notified by Student Life of the amount due upon approval of the facility use. Solicitation fees may be paid by check written to the University of Oklahoma or by processing a University account transfer for the specified amount.

4. Will food or beverage be served at the activity?

If yes, all food and beverage service must first be approved by the Cleveland County Health Department. This requirement is waived if your organization is using OU Housing and Food Services as the food and beverage provider.

In order to receive approval from the Health Department, you must complete the form linked below and bring it to Student Life at least ten (10) days before the scheduled event. The Health Department will contact the person listed on the form (and the Student Life representative) with approval or requirements for compliance. Approval must be received before the facility use will be granted.

Health Department Food/Beverage Request for Approval Form

Food/beverage service on campus also requires:
1. All persons distributing food and beverage must have a valid Food Handlers’ License. For more information about how to receive the license, please click HERE.
2. Only Coca-Cola beverages may be served on campus due to the University’s exclusive contract.
3. All food and beverage service must be enclosed by an overhead structure. Your organization will need to secure a tent for use before any other plans are made regarding food and beverage.
4. All food and beverage service requires an on-site hand-washing station including a 5-gallon or larger container of water with spigot (such as a Coleman container), paper towels, and soap.

5. Will your organization need to rent tables, chairs, or any other special equipment (including access to electricity)?

If yes, you will need to contact the Physical Plant at 325-3060 AFTER your facility request has been approved to make arrangements. The student organization is responsible for any charges associated with equipment rental or other event services. The Physical Plant requires at least 72 hours notice for student organization requests (large events that require multiple services should be scheduled several weeks in advance at a minimum).

South Oval Guidelines (click HERE for the full list of Facility Use Policies):
1. No public address system or loud events are allowed while classes are in session (including weekend classes).
2. Any structures to be placed on the south oval must be pre-approved by Student Life, Student Affairs, and the Landscaping department to prevent damage to facilities.
3. Activities requiring use of the majority of the south oval (entire grassy area, Library Mall walkway, etc.) are limited to two (2) consecutive days in length and may require extra considerations such as security, liability waivers, and more at the discretion of the Vice President for Student Affairs.
4. All registered student organizations requesting campus facility use must place a security deposit on file with Student Life each semester. The refundable deposit is $100 and should be in the form of a check made payable to the University of Oklahoma and delivered upon the first facility approval of the semester.
5. Registered student organizations are required to display their facility approval forms while set up on the south oval. Any groups not possessing a valid approval notification may be asked to end their activity.

Register your south oval event or activity using one of the forms below:
Facility Use Request Online Form - requires confirmation by the adviser
Facility Use Request PDF - must be submitted to Student Life, OMU 361