New Student Orientation

What is New Student Orientation?

New Student Orientation is comprised of three main components: Bison Prep, Virtual Howard, and Bison Week.  

• Bison Prep (June 28 – July 2 for FTIC students and August 3 for Transfer students) is our Online 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.
  • All new (first-year and transfer) students are assigned to an Academic Adviser in their School/College. During Bison Prep you will have the opportunity to hear from School/College Adviser to learn more about University requirements, degree requirements, and your first-year course schedule. FTIC Bison Prep was hosted virtually June 28 – July 2, 2021. Transfer Student Bison Prep is coming up on August 3, 2021. Registration for transfer Student Bison Prep will open on July 20, 2021. 
• Virtual Howard (Available online starting July 3) is an online introduction to life at Howard, presented as a series of self-directed modules, which must be completed prior to the start of Bison Week.
• Bison Week (August 16 – 20) – your official welcome to the Bison family, typically begins the week prior to the start of the fall and spring semesters for all new and transfer students. You will actively participate in a wide array of activities virtually, in-person or hybrid to ensure you have a seamless and successful transition into Howard and the greater Washington, DC community.

What do I need to complete Virtual Howard (online orientation)?

All incoming new students will need access to the internet and access to a computer, tablet or cell phone to complete Virtual Howard and other orientation tasks. Check out the Save-the-Date flyer above for tentative Summer and Fall New Student Orientation dates. 

Do I have to take the Math Placement Exam (MPE)?

Yes, all incoming first-year students will take the Math Placement Exam to be registered for a math course in their first semester. If you have not taken the MPE, or have questions/concerns about the MPE, please email Tutoring and Learning Support Services at tlss@howard.edu.

Can I change my major in my first semester?

No, incoming first-semester students cannot change their major until after one semester in residence.

Will I register for fall 2021 classes?

No, incoming first-year students do not register for fall 2021 classes.  An academic advisor in the Schools/Colleges will register incoming first-year students for the fall 2021 semester.

Please note:  all incoming first-year students’ course registration is pre-determined based upon their intended major. A typical first-year first semester course schedule will consist of the following:  Freshmen Seminar course, English course, Introductory Major course, Afro-Cluster course, and Elective courses (2).

How many classes will I take in my first semester?

All new students will take a minimum of 15 credit hours (5 or 6 courses) during their first semester at Howard University.

Who is my Academic Advisor?  How do I schedule an appointment with my Academic Advisor?

All new (first-year and transfer) students are assigned to an Academic Advisor in their School/College. During Bison Prep you will have the opportunity to hear from School/College Advisors to learn more about University requirements, degree requirements, and your first-year course schedule. Click here to access the 2021 Undergraduate Academic Advising List. 

Who do I contact if I am having technical difficulties with bison email account?

Email ETS at helpdesk@howard.edu

Who do I contact if I have questions about my financial aid package, including grants, scholarships and student loans?

Email the Office of Financial Aid at finaid@howard.edu

Who do I contact if I have questions about my bill and/or payment plan options?

Email the Office of Bursar at bursarhelp@howard.edu

Who do I contact if I am having technical difficulties with Virtual Howard?

Email us at orientation@howard.edu

What does my orientation fee cover?

NSO Fee - All new undergraduate students are assessed a one-time, mandatory New Student Fee of $200 for their first semester of enrollment. It is nonrefundable and charged to your tuition bill as part of the $300 enrollment fee. Once you've paid your enrollment fee, your NSO fee is covered and there is no additional charge.

This fee includes student attendance to Bison Prep, programming for new students, Bison Week activities, resources, placement exams, university publications, and a Howard University branded back pack. 

Have additional questions relating to Orientation?

Email us at orientation@howard.edu

Registration FAQS

1. How do I register for classes? FTIC students will be registered for at least 15 credits by an academic adviser.
2. Has registration begun? Yes. FTIC student registration is ongoing.
3. When will I receive my schedule? Special populations, such as Army ROTC, and other groups who have predetermined activities will be registered first. Thereafter, students who have completed orientation, accepted their financial aid packages, and completed the mathematics placement exam will be registered, followed by remaining students.
4. What are the registration requirements to maintain my scholarship? University-based scholarship requirements vary by award. Scholarships generally require a minimum GPA and a minimum number of earned credits per semester. Please carefully review your scholarship contract.

Advising FAQs

1. When can I meet with an adviser about course discrepancies and other issues? Formal advising will begin during Bison Week (8/16/2021). Our first step is to create a basic schedule, then address discrepancies and questions during Bison Week. Given the size of the incoming class, we can only accommodate discrepancies, not preferences.
2. Who is my adviser? The directory and additional resources can be found here. As noted above, formal advising will begin on 8/16/2021, during Bison Week.
3. How do I submit Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE), dual enrollment, and other advanced standing credits? Instructions on how to officially submit credits for review are posted here. Please check your transcripts via BisonWeb to see if your credits have been processed.
4. Who should I contact if I have completed the advanced standing process, but have additional questions? A. Questions about AP, IB, CAPE credits earned in high school should be submitted to admission@howard.edu. B. Questions about transfer credits, such as dual enrollment, should be submitted to transfer@howard.edu.
5. Will courses be mostly online? No. Courses will primarily be delivered in a face-to-face format. Changes to course delivery methods will continue in the coming weeks. 
6. Is there a special orientation for transfer students? Yes. Transfer Student Orientation will be held on August 3rd (Registration Information Here).

Download a copy of the registration FAQS

All new (first-year and transfer) students are assigned to an Academic Adviser in their School/College. Don't know who to contact for academic advising? Click here to access and download the 2021 Undergraduate Academic Advising List.

To be eligible for 2021-2022 housing, you must complete the following requirements by the deadlines provided:  

1. Pay the $50 Non-refundable Housing Application Fee: The $50 Non-refundable Housing Application Fee is now available for payment. Students must make a payment between Monday, May 24, 2021 - Friday, June 18, 2021, no later than 12:00 p.m. EDT.  

How to Pay the Housing Deposit: 

1. Login to Howard Epay  

2. Click Deposits 

3. Click Fall 2021, NOT Fall 2021 NT 

4. Select the Housing Application Fee- New Entrants

5. Enter Payment Information 

6. Save Confirmation Email 

2. Complete the 2021-2022 StarRez Housing Application: The 2021-2022 StarRez Housing Application will become available on Monday, May 31, 2021, at 12:00 p.m. EDT. The housing application will remain open until Friday, June 25, 2021, at 11:59 p.m. EDT. All first-time in college students interested in 2021-2022 housing are required to complete the 2021-2022 housing application no later than June 25, 2021, to be eligible for on-campus housing. 

How to Complete the StarRez Housing Application: 

1. Login to StarRez 

2. Click Application below Howard University 

3. Select Academic Year 2021-2022 

4. Complete ALL required sections 

5. You have completed your application once you receive a confirmation email with date and time stamps as shown in the example below:  

• Application Started: 5/31/2021 10:00:00 PM 

• Contract Signed: 5/31/2021 10:01:00 PM 

• Application Complete: 5/31/2021 10:02:00 PM 

StarRez Login Assistance 

If your log in credentials have expired, or you need to register, or reset your login please note the self-help instructions below: 

1.    REGISTER for password reset by clicking HERE. 

2.    RESET your password by clicking HERE. 

If you are unable to register and/or reset your credentials, please contact HU Help Desk at (202) 806-2020 or email them from your Bison email at HelpDesk@Howard.edu 

All enrolled students are required to submit medical/immunization records by July 1, 2021. Once you have paid the enrollment fee and have been assigned an HU email account (available up to a week after you have paid the enrollment fee) and student ID number, please log onto Med+Proctor and set  up your account at www.medproctor.com. There is a one-time $10 fee to utilize the service. 

Instructions: 

1.  Register-Visit www.medproctor.com  and click "register" to start a new account. Search and select Howard University to get started and follow the directions to register a new account. 
2. Download- Fill out any required personal, medical or insurance information. Download the required forms and follow directions provided.
3. Upload- Log back into your Med+Proctor account and upload a copy of your forms. Make sure your forms are complete and legible. You will receive an email confirmation once the forms have been reviewed.

You must download the Med+Proctor medical forms and take them to your medical provider. Be sure all forms are filled out completely, including dates and signatures. You can then upload your forms to the Med+Proctor site. Do not bring, fax or email any medical forms to the Student Health Center. All of your documents must be uploaded to Med+Proctor. With this format, you can even upload clear pictures directly from your smart phone.

Office of Residence Life - HU Housing & Residence Life will provide safe, inclusive, and secure residential communities where a diverse and innovative team of professionals encourages students to pursue academic excellence, personal growth, civic leadership, and responsibility.

Enterprise Technology Services (ETS) - ETS provides IT resources to support exceptional educational experiences for Howard students, faculty and staff.

Financial Aid - We offer a wide variety of methods of payment and financial assistance programs to students who, without such assistance, would not be able to attend a university.

Office of Student Life & Activities - We strive to create a student-centered environment that supports the achievement of academic, professional and personal goals while promoting civility, respect, integrity and equity.

Office of Student Services - We create an academic and socially accessible environment in three critical areas: Disability Services, Veteran Affairs and Judicial Affairs.

Department of Public Safety - The primary duties of the officers of HU-DPS are to ensure compliance with Howard University regulations and policies adopted by the Howard University Board of Trustees, as well as the enforcement of applicable District of Columbia Codes and Municipal Regulations within its jurisdiction.

University Counseling Service The University Counseling Service (UCS) provides a full range of psychological and training services that appropriately addresses the varying levels of need for our student community.

Office of Off-Campus Housing & Community Engagement - The OCHCE provides rewarding, experiential learning and growth experiences reflective of the University's core values of Truth, Excellence, Leadership and Service.