New Student Checklist

• Check your personal email account for a welcome message from Enterprise Technology Services (ETS). Please check your junk/spam folder if you do not see the message in your inbox.
• If you do not see the welcome email or the temporary password you were issued has expired, please call the ETS helpdesk at (202) 806-2020 during their normal business hours (Monday–Friday 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m.) so they can reset your password.
• You’ll need to set up a “multifactor authentication,” which provides security as you access your Howard accounts.

Use your Bison email address and complete the multifactor authentication step to access BisonHub, where you can check your Howard email inbox, notifications, and access other important apps and accounts.
 

In BisonHub, you will find your student identification number as part of your student profile. You will need this number to complete several tasks associated with your enrollment. 

 

• Your BisonHub inbox will show you several tasks you need to complete to be “onboarded” into the New Bison experience.
• Watch the video to learn more.
  
   

• Once your financial aid package is available, you can access it through BisonHub.
• You may also need to complete additional documentation including: Federal Student Loan Entrance Counseling; and Federal Student Loan Master Promissory Note (MPN). 

One of the most exciting parts of the Howard experience is living on campus in a residence hall. We suggest early submission of your housing application as soon as the application opens.

 

• Bison Prep is our summer orientation where students and their families will have the opportunity to learn more about Howard’s academic and student support services and tools for academic success.
• Students who were unable to attend one of the Bison Prep virtual or in-person sessions should watch the recording of the virtual session.

• Use Canvas, our learning app, to complete the Bison Learn module, which will walk you through how to select and register for classes.
• Afterwards, submit the Course Completion Form on your HU Admissions Portal.

• You have to be medically cleared in order to move into your residence hall.
• Both you and your doctor must complete and upload important required forms.
  
   

• ALEKS is a web-based, artificially intelligent assessment and learning system that quickly and accurately assesses your level of mathematic proficiency.
• You’ll use your credentials to log into AccessHU to take the exam.

• You’ll use an online tool called Proctor U to take your math placement exam.
• Start by setting up your account. This is different from your other Howard accounts.

• Check your bison email for instructions on how to access the exam. Please check your junk/spam folder if you do not see the message in your inbox.
• Check your bison email for instructions from Accuplacer on how to access the exam. Please check your junk/spam folder if you do not see the message in your inbox.

• If you are planning to take world language courses as an incoming freshman, you’ll need to complete the World Language Placement exam.
• You’ll use your Howard email address to schedule your test through Avant.
  
   

• You must register for courses before you can move-in.
• Access Bison Learn in CANVAS for step-by-step instructions on how to register.
• You’ll need to access BisonHub to begin the process.
• You can also Access your Academic Advisor.

After receiving your housing assignment in early July, submit the $500 housing deposit to secure your housing. You will use the StarRez system to pay this deposit.

 

See the events section in your HU Admissions Portal to register.

• Many residence halls on campus require that you purchase a meal plan to ensure that you have access to dining facilities, convenience stores, and more.
• Meal plans should be selected through the Starrez portal after receiving a housing assignment.

Before you move in, you’ll need to familiarize yourself with the important dates and the general process. 

• Move-In schedule (dates and times)
• Registration and key pick-up
• Unloading and parking

• Coordinate with your high school counselor to submit your official final high school transcript before your graduation date.
• If you’ve completed college courses, submit a request for your official college transcript(s) from the attended college.
• Official electronic submissions are strongly preferred. Emailed transcripts are not accepted.

Finish setting up your electronic identification for your BisonOne card by uploading a recent photo and providing additional required information.

Paying for college is serious business, so be sure that your studies continue uninterrupted because of financial obligations. Log into the Financial Aid Portal to check your status. 

 

• Non-U.S. citizens and permanent residents must submit a Statement of Financial Resources (SOFR) to be issued an I-20/DS-2019 for visa eligibility.
• Students should visit the Office of International Services website for the steps to complete the SOFR, be issued an I-20/DS-2019, and receive their visa.
  
   

• Bison Week is August 11–August 17.
• The first day of class is August 18.