Communication Updates
Over the past several weeks, Oakland University has navigated a series of unprecedented campus infrastructure challenges related to the high temperature hot water (HTHW) system. This page serves as a centralized recap of official communications, updates, and operational changes shared with the campus community throughout the repair process. Our priority throughout this situation has been the safety, continuity, and well-being of our students, faculty, and staff, and we remain committed to transparent communication as restoration efforts continue.
To improve building security and prevent further heat loss during the HTHW system repairs, all affected buildings will now have all doors locked at all times. Pioneer Drive will remain closed in both directions between Ravine Drive and the P-16 parking lot until further notice. Kresge Library will be closed through Thursday, December 11. Campus community members with questions about the heat loss situation are encouraged to call (248) 370-2100 for assistance.
Campus community members are advised to avoid entering buildings affected by the HTHW heat shortage unless absolutely necessary, as further heat loss could risk freezing fire suppression systems. Those who must enter should use designated unlocked entrances and ensure doors fully close behind them. Supervisors are strongly encouraged to allow remote work where possible. The 2025 President’s Colloquium scheduled for this week has been postponed, the Recreation Center will be closed on Monday, December 1, while the Lowry Center and ABA Clinic will remain open as scheduled. Varner Hall has been directly impacted, and performance updates will be posted on the School of Music, Theatre and Dance website.
After the HTHW system was pressurized over the holiday break, a new leak developed due to temperature and pressure fluctuations, leaving several campus buildings with only partial heat. While the emergency campus closure will still end as planned on Monday, December 1, the university will operate under modified operations through Friday, December 5. Staff are expected to report to work unless specifically approved for remote work, and supervisors in low-heat buildings may limit on-site staffing. Students should check with instructors about class modality and location, campus residents should watch for separate Housing communications, and faculty in buildings without heat should notify students if courses move online or to alternate locations.
Repairs to the high-temperature hot water (HTHW) system are complete and have passed inspection, with work now underway to refill and pressurize the system. Normal university operations are expected to resume at 5 a.m. on Monday, December 1, and University Housing will reopen as scheduled on Sunday afternoon. The university thanks employees for their work on the repairs and appreciates the campus community’s patience and understanding.
Beginning Thursday, trucks will arrive on campus to deliver temporary heating equipment to protect fire suppression systems in unheated buildings during the Thanksgiving week closure. This equipment will only maintain temperatures just above freezing and will not make buildings usable for work or study. All in-person classes remain canceled, though some courses may continue in alternative formats if arranged by faculty. Faculty and staff should not report to campus unless designated as essential personnel. Normal university operations are expected to resume at 5 a.m. on Monday, December 1.
Plans for the Thanksgiving week campus closure remain in place due to stable operation of the high-temperature hot water (HTHW) system, supported by favorable weather and ongoing monitoring by Facilities Management. While there is still some risk of an emergency repair being needed sooner, contingency plans are being finalized and would be communicated quickly if required. To support students who may lose computer access during the closure, a temporary walk-in computer lab will be available at Oakland West Center with extended hours from November 24–26. Faculty with questions about academic spaces should contact Amy Banes-Berceli, and questions about courses should be directed to Nivedita Mukherji. Normal university operations are expected to resume at 5 a.m. on Monday, December 1.
All in-person classes scheduled between Saturday, November 22, and Wednesday, November 26, on Main Campus, in Macomb County, and at West Center are canceled due to the Thanksgiving week campus closure, but faculty may reschedule them online if students are notified by November 17. Off-campus clinical classes and PACE online courses will continue as scheduled. The university has temporarily adjusted its exam policy to allow in-person exams originally scheduled during the closure to be held December 1–3. Kresge Library will close at 5 p.m. on Friday, November 21, and reopen at 7:30 a.m. on Monday, December 1. The closure timeline may change based on weather or system conditions.
The university will close from 5 p.m. Friday, November 21, through 5 p.m. Sunday, November 30, due to urgent repairs to the high-temperature hot water system. All scheduled on-campus classes will be canceled during this time, though off-campus clinical classes and PACE online courses will continue. Some faculty may hold classes virtually, with students notified by November 17. Most campus offices will be closed, and only essential personnel will work. Faculty and staff should record the closure period as “Emergency Closings.” Students in University Housing will receive separate communications as impacts may vary. The closure schedule may change based on weather or system conditions.
