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Information for

Office of Undergraduate Studies

New Students

Welcome Accepted Students and Family!

The Office of Undergraduate Studies is here to help assure you successfully complete and graduate from your degree program. Get acquainted with all of the services we provide! Move In

In the Office of Undergraduate Studies (OUS), “our students are our work.” From new student orientation through graduation, we are available to answer questions, help solve problems, identify exciting opportunities and help our students fully embrace the intellectually rich and rigorous academic experience that is Howard!

In a few short months, you will be embarking on one of the most exciting journeys of your life. We are very excited that Howard University is one of your top choices. Throughout your journey, you will be filled with a lot of excitement, you will get to meet many people whether it is staff, faculty, fellow prospects and current students. One of the first programs you will attend is New Student Orientation.

Orientation is housed under the Center for Academic Excellence which offers a range of academic support services and programs that will complement your hard work. Here at Howard, Orientation is comprised of two main components…. Bison Prep (summer) and Bison Week (Fall Orientation).

Once you have decided that Howard is your choice (which we hope you have already done so) and you have paid your enrollment fee, you will start to receive information from the Orientation Team (beginning May 1) regarding registration for Bison Prep and will have a better understanding of what it truly means to be a Bison. We look forward to seeing you soon! Please visit the links below to get a better understanding of our offices and programs.

Center for Academic Excellence

New Student Orientation and Transitions

Office of Honors and Scholars Development

Tutoring and Learning Support Services

Office of Career Services

1.) 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.

2.) Complete academic placement exams for Math and Language. Make sure you visit the orientation website to learn more about the Math and Language placement exam. These exams are for you to not only be prepared for college level academics but to match your skill level with our courses. Contact the Center for Tutoring & Learning Support Services at ous.howard.edu/tlss

3.) Attend Bison Prep (New Student Orientation). It is important to attend Bison Prep, as you will gain more knowledge and information about your upcoming semester. You will also be able to meet staff, faculty and peers at Orientation. 

4.)  Meet with you OUS 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.

5.) Learn more about student support services at Howard University. Your school or college, the Office of Undergraduate Studies, The Writing Center, Special Student Services, and the Counseling Center are a few of the many offices that offer services and programs that will facilitate your academic success. Visit those offices that offer services and programs that will facilitate your academic success. Visit those offices to find out what services meet your needs. Let someone know what you need. If you don't ask, you will not get the assistance you need.

6.) Check BisonWeb 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.

7.) Meet new friends and get excited about each of your Fall (and Spring) semesters! 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?