What is New Student Orientation?
New Student Orientation is comprised of two main components: Bison PReP and Bison Week. Bison PReP is our Online Summer Orientation where students and their families will have the opportunity to learn more about Howards’ academic and student support services and tools for academic success.
Bison Week begins the week prior to the start of your fall 2020 semester for all new students. You will actively participate in a wide array of activities virtually, in-person or hybird to ensure you have a seamless and successful transition into Howard and the greater Washington, DC area.
Do I have to take the Math Placement Exam (MPE)?
Yes, all incoming first-year students will take the Math Placement Exam either in the summer or in the fall based upon their School/College and major. All students in the following Schools/Colleges and majors will take their math placement exam in the summer: School of Business, College of Engineering and Architecture, College of Nursing and Allied Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Math, Health Education, Human Performance and Leisure Studies majors only). These Schools/Colleges and majors require the completion of a math course in your first semester at the University.
All other first-year students will take their math placement exam in the fall and complete a math course in their second or third semester at the University.
If you have any questions or concerns about the Math Placement Exam, please contact Tutoring and Learning Support Services at tlss@howard.edu.
How will New Student Orientation programs be impacted by the response to COVID-19?The University continues to closely monitor the spread of COVID-19, also known as the Coronavirus. In response to the COVID-19, the University transitioned to a distant learning environment for the duration of the spring 2020 semester and will continue throughout the summer. Bison PReP, our summer online orientation will be offered through our New Student Orientation website at ous.howard.edu.
What do I need to complete Bison PReP (online orientation)?
All incoming new students will need access to the internet and access to a computer, tablet or cell phone to complete Bison PReP and other orientation task by July 31, 2020.
When is Bison Week?
Bison Week will be held August 17th – August 22nd. Bison Week will consist of events and activities for all new students to actively participate (virtually, in-person, hybrid) and engage with fellow classmates to ensure a successful and seamless transition to Howard University. The Bison Week schedule will be published in early August 2020.
Who is my Academic Adviser? How do I schedule an appointment with my Academic Adviser?
All new (first-year and transfer) students are assigned to an Academic Adviser(s) in their School/College. Students should contact their School/College using their bison email account to meet and/or schedule an appointment with an academic adviser (see list below).
Schools/Colleges
School of Business School of Communication School of Education
Karen Hampton Bernadette Williams Brandy Jackson
Melissia Gould Mikeisha Best
Troy Spencer
College of Engineering & Architecture College of Nursing & Allied Sciences
Caryn Cabaniss Suzy Guerrier-Adams (Nursing)
caryn.cabaniss@howard.edu sguerrier-adams@howard.edu
Kourtney Britton Trevor Leiba (Allied Sciences)
kourtney.britton@howard.edu tleiba@howard.edu
College of Arts & Sciences
Avante Chestnut
avante.chestnut@howard.edu
(Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Math)
Faith Harrison
Faith.harrison@howard.edu
(Economics, Psychology and Political Science)
Joshua Rideaux
Joshua.rideaux@howard.edu
(African Studies, Afro-Studies, English, History, Philosophy, Sociology, Criminology, French, Spanish, Health Education, Human Performance, Leisure Studies and Interdisciplinary Studies)
Can I change my major?
No, incoming first-year students cannot change their major until Spring 2021 semester.
Will I register for fall 2020 classes?
No, incoming first-year students do not register for fall 2020 classes. An academic adviser in the Schools/Colleges will register incoming first-year students for the fall 2020 semester.
Please note: all incoming first-year students’ course registration are 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.
When will I receive my housing assignment and move-in date for fall 2020 semester?
The Office of Residence Life and University Housing is working diligently to accommodate incoming and continuing students for the upcoming 20-21 school year.
Move-In Dates and Times
New student move-in will occur August 14th – 15th, which is when most new students will move into their residence halls. Some academic and extracurricular programs may request that their students move-in earlier, and arrangements will be made with the points of contact of those programs. Please note: these dates are subject to change. An official notification will be sent to the Bison E-mail account.
Fall Housing Assignments
The Office of Residence Life and University Housing continues to make housing assignments on an ongoing basis via StarRez, the University’s housing application system. Students should log-in to StarRez to confirm their housing assignment before their scheduled check-in date.
If you have any other questions or concerns regarding University Housing, please contact the Office of Residence Life and University Housing at hureslife@howard.edu
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
Have additional questions relating to Orientation?
Email us at orientation@howard.edu
