Orientation

Get Ready to Meet Your Destiny

Congratulations on your ascension into the ranks of Howard Bison! We welcome your arrival onto the campus where leaders are prepared to reshape the world. We have developed a Holistic, Empowering, Research-driven, and Developmental (HERD) approach to support your success at Howard University.  

The HERD Student Success Model is designed to support your success across three critical periods throughout your matriculation:  

  1. Preparing to Launch (Admission through First Year),  
  2. Coming into Focus (Sophomore through Junior Year), and  
  3. Launching Forward (Senior through Early Post-graduate Years).

Your Preparing to Launch phase begins with a three summer orientation components:

  • Bison Learn (April - May) Self-paced modules via Canvas - Complete by May 15 if possible
  • Bison Prep (Virtual - June 9, 10, 11; In-person June 17, 18, or 20) Choose one all-day session (virtual or in-person, not both)
  • Bison Week (August 10) - Week before classes begin

Get started by watching the Welcome Video and following the step-by-step New Student Guide below. Bison Prep registration details are provided in the step-by-step New Student Guide below.

Howard students talking and smiling as they move in to a dorm on campus

New Student Guide

To begin your journey as a Howard Bison, you must complete important steps to ensure your success as a new student.
Seated student smiling and holding the Howard GO BISON sign

Summer Prep for Enrollment

Review the summary of key activities to complete over the summer in preparation for fall enrollment.
Student seated outside near flowers with a book bag, holding a text book and smiling

Admitted Transfer Students

Learn how to bridge your prior college activity with the Howard experience.
Get to Know Us

Take a look at these offices and resources that you should get acquainted with in order to start your journey at Howard.

Academic Advising

Learn academic policies and procedures, and also develop and execute an appropriate plan for fulfilling degree requirements. 

Contact Your Academic Advisor

Student Financial Services

Resources regarding financial aid, billing and payment, as well as the cost of tuition and associated fees.

More About Tuition Payment

Financial Aid Overview

Download information about FAFSA, the cost of attendance, types of aid, maintaining eligibility, and Financial Aid @ Howard.

Download the Overview

Housing

Move-in and residence hall information, tips on finding off-campus housing and housing for graduate and professional students, and faculty.

Learn How to Find Housing

Wellness

Get to know the services that are available to help you live your healthiest life at Howard University. 

How to Stay Healthy at Howard

Admitted Students

Congrats, you're a Bison! Check out the admitted students page, with links to review your award package, pay your deposit, next steps, and event information. 

Get Information

Tips for Academic Success

Student checking their phone

Regularly check your HU email account

Official University notices regarding pertinent information (registration, financial aid, advising, etc.) are regularly sent to your HU email address. You are responsible for checking your email, and when necessary, taking the necessary action.

Presenter and students talking in a classroom

Regularly meet with your ACE Advisor & discuss your academic plans

Your academic advisor is your matriculation partner. Be sure to schedule a meeting to discuss your academic plans, explore opportunities, and report issues (missing grades, course substitution, transfer credit questions, dropping a course, etc.). Your advisor will help you to make informed decisions about your academic journey. 

student sitting at an event listening

Learn more about student support services at Howard University

Your school or college, the Office of Undergraduate Studies, The Writing Center, Office of Student Services, and the Counseling Center are a few of the many offices that offer services and programs that will facilitate your academic success. These offices have programs that will facilitate your academic success. Visit and let someone know what you need so you can find out what services they offer.

Two students wearing graduation garb at an event

Check BisonHub regularly to determine if action is necessary

If you need assistance, contact your academic or faculty advisor. A hold on your record blocks registration to access and negates your registration priority. The hold will not magically disappear if you don't take action. Do not ignore holds! An unresolved hold will jeopardize your academic future.

Friends smiling and taking a photo outside

Meet new friends and get excited about your academic journey!

At Howard University, we are a family. We have students from every state and over 26 countries. It is imperative that you make a friend that will support your academic and personal success on campus. Everyone is here to succeed and leave a legacy. What will your legacy be? Who will you work with to ensure you leave a better Howard for those coming after you?

Office of Student Services

As a unit within the Division of Student Affairs, the Office of Student Services works collaboratively with students, families, faculty and staff to meet the needs of Howard University's diverse student population.

Our office partners and shares responsibilities with other key university departments to provide guidance and student support for six critical areas:

  • Student Accessibility
  • Military and Veterans Services
  • Student Advocacy and Support
  • Nourish HU - Student Pantry
  • Bison Intervention Team (BIT)
  • Interpersonal Violence Prevention Program (IVPP)
Learn About the Office of Student Services

Student Life

Get involved on campus!

When you get involved on campus, you take your college experience to the next level. Meet new friends, explore new interests, and have fun!

Want to join a club or find out what Howard students are up to? Engage is the online place for the clubs and organizations on campus and the events they're hosting.

Get Involved on Campus

Contact Us

Do you have a pressing question about the next steps you should take? Please contact the Office of Undergraduate Studies at orientation@howard.edu.