Bison Week 2026

New Student Orientation at Howard University

Others are just going to college. You are coming to the Mecca.

Each year at Howard, orientation represents a Renaissance, much like the Harlem Renaissance of the 1920s led by Howard graduate Zora Neal Hurston and Howard faculty icon Alain Locke. For the new student, it is a grand renewal of aspiration and a metamorphosis of potential into actualization, of student into scholar, and hope into reality. For the Howard legacy, it is its literal lifeblood, as those who will continue the university’s transformative global leadership take their place in the sacred lineage.

As you take their first collegiate steps and take residence in the exact places where history’s most impactful luminaries began their journey of excellence, you ensure the perpetuation of Howard’s singular mission to permeate the world with truth and service.

All New Bison are encouraged to use each day of Bison Week as an opportunity to embrace important elements of becoming part of the Howard lineage.

Howard students smiling and walking down stairs

Sunday, August 9

A Legacy Begins 

The Freshman Pinning Ceremony is a formal rite of passage that marks the official induction of new students into the Howard University family. During the ceremony, students receive their Howard University pin, a symbol of their commitment to academic excellence, leadership, service, and the University's values. The event serves as a meaningful moment of reflection and celebration, connecting students to the rich traditions, history, and legacy of Howard University as they begin their collegiate experience.
Students walking together on campus

Monday, August 10

Lead Like a Bison

The Bison Week Bison Panel is designed to allow students to meet various student leaders on Campus through a moderated panel and audience questions in rotating hour-long sessions (4 sessions). During intermissions, students will be asked various Howard trivia questions and entered into raffles to win Baby Bison Baskets, as well as dance battles, and finish the lyric to increase crowd engagement.

Each panel will have a mix of student leaders from the HU Royal Court, Senate, School Councils, Howard University Student Association, Judiciary, and Elections Commission.
Seated student smiling and holding the Howard GO BISON sign

Tuesday, August 11

50 States. One Mecca.

Bison Week Soundcheck State Fair is an opportunity to introduce students to the regionally diverse makeup of Howard University’s campus. Students will get to meet various state clubs, learn about the culture of different regions such as the South, West Coast, East Coast, and Midwest, while enjoying an exciting environment similar to a local state fair.

The fair will feature tabling from various state clubs as well as individual club presentations on the steps of Douglass Hall to teach local dance styles and culture.
Person giving a speech on a festive stage decorated with balloons in Howard colors.

Wednesday, August 12

Built by Bison

Bison Week BisonVille Vendor Pop Up gives students a chance to experience local and student vendors and connect with small businesses. Students will also get the opportunity to receive personalized airbrushed shirts as a keepsake of their Bison Week experience.
Student giving a presentation on a school project at an academic fair

Thursday, August 13

Dressed in Tradition

This Bison Week event serves as an opportunity for students to meet their fellow freshmen and engage in the Bison Week tradition all-white party, capturing moments with a photo booth, and enjoying light refreshments.
Student in a garden holding peppers, and wearing a Day of Service tshirt

Friday, August 14

Savor the Mecca

Taste of Howard is the finale event to Bison Week. Students will get a chance to see and hear from various student organizations on campus and gain interest in potential on-campus involvement. Performers will be catered to the freshmen experience including Freshman organizations, Stroll/Dance teams, and the National Pan-Hellenic Council (Divine 9).
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