The first phase for University of Tulsa football players to return to campus started June 21.

The majority of the football team returned June 21-25, followed by all remaining football student-athletes along with men’s and women’s basketball from June 28-July 2. Men’s and women’s soccer returns on July 5, volleyball on July 12 and the cross-country team in mid-August. Tulsa’s remaining sports teams will report to campus for the beginning of classes on Aug. 24.

Tulsa’s reopening plan was based on recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, NCAA SSI Core Principles of Resocialization of Collegiate Sport and the NATA ICSM COVID-19 Return-To-Campus Plan.

“Health and safety continue to be our top priorities and has been at the core of all of our discussions and decisions,” said Dr. Derrick Gragg, TU’s vice president and director of athletics. “As we take these first steps in returning to campus, we are committed to keeping our student-athletes, coaches, staff and the broader campus community as safe as possible.”

Upon return to campus, athletes will have a five-day isolation period before being tested for COVID-19. Test results will be returned within 48 hours. Once testing has returned negative for COVID-19, the student-athlete will report to the athletic training room and receive the standard preparticipation physical exam and COVID-19 educational material before starting workouts. 

Athletes have been encouraged to self-quarantine prior to returning to campus. Those student-athletes who arrive In Tulsa from abroad will be required to self-quarantine for 14 days.

Student-athletes, coaches and staff will be screened daily with a temperature check and health questionnaire. Safety protocols will be put in place to help protect and monitor all student-athletes, coaches and staff. Face coverings will be worn when not participating in physical activities. Cleaning schedules will follow recommended CDC guidelines and best practices to include disinfecting weight rooms, locker rooms, meeting rooms and other facilities between all training sessions and meetings.

Repeat COVID-19 tests will follow as determined by medical professionals as well as any directives given by the American Athletic Conference and/or NCAA officials.

If a student-athlete, coach or support staff member tests positive for COVID-19, they will enter the quarantine protocol and will receive the monitoring and treatment from the team physician, athletic training staff and the university health center. A student-athlete testing positive will be moved to separate housing designated by TU for quarantine purposes.