ROCHESTER, Mich. – Oakland University will fully reopen at 5 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 5, following repairs to its high-temperature hot water (HTHW) pipe system that left more than 20 buildings without heat since Thanksgiving break.
The university says it will will continue monitoring the HTHW system through Tuesday, Dec. 30, to catch any issues caused by temperature and pressure changes.
Previous coverage — Oakland University campus heating outage affects 21 buildings ahead of final exams
If minor problems arise, the university says it can keep buildings warm by using the HTHW system along with temporary heaters in affected spots.
To prevent similar heat loss in future pipe system failures, the school plans to buy and install permanent heating units and boilers in the buildings that need them most.
The buildings set to get these permanent heaters are organized by priority:
Priority 1: Includes housing spots like Hamlin Hall, Vandenberg Hall, Hill House, Van Wagoner House, and Pawley Hall.
Priority 2: Science complex buildings such as Dodge Hall, Hannah Hall, and the Math and Science Center.
Priority 3: Covers other buildings previously affected by heat loss.
Over the first few months of 2026, Oakland will install permanent backup heating equipment in these buildings.
Once completed, the temporary heaters currently outside entrances and walkways will be removed.
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