You have been admitted to Howard University…. Now what is next?

1.     Do I have to pay an ENROLLMENT FEE?

All new entrants to Howard University are required to pay a ONE-TIME ENROLLMENT FEE of $300.00. You are not an official student of Howard University until you pay this enrollment fee.  By paying this fee you will be accepting your admittance to Howard University Graduate School. This is an out of pocket student expense that should be paid as soon as you receive your acceptance letter. Student loans or any other financial award money can not be applied to pay this fee.  This fee is paid to the Graduate School’s Admission Office and will have to be paid before can receive your PERMIT TO REGISTER. This fee is required for all students, however if you have attended Howard University in the past, you have already paid this fee and will not have to pay it again.

2.     Is there any FINANCIAL SUPPORT available to help me finance my education?

Howard University’s financial aid is broken into two categories: need-based and merit-based financial support.

All NEED-BASED BASED FINANCIAL AID is handled by the university’s Office of Financial Aid. You will need to complete a FASFA and contact the Financial Aid office directly at:

The Office of Financial Aid, Scholarships
and Student Employment
2400 Sixth Street N.W.
Room 205
Washington, DC 20059
e-mail: finaid@howard.edu

Tel. 202-806-2820
Fax. 202-806-2818

For more detailed information, you may also visit their website at http://howard.edu/financialaid/.  

All MERIT-BASED FUNDING, including Graduate Assistantships and tuition waivers are primarily based upon the recommendation by the academic departments.  Recipients of these funds must be recommended by their departments. Students should first contact their individual departments.  For more information about merit-based opportunities see:

http://www.gs.howard.edu/Graduate_Programs.htm.

You may also go to the graduate school’s website for detailed information about the types of awards that are available and the eligibility requirements http://www.gs.howard.edu/financial/new.htm. Again, all recommendation for these awards must come from department.
 

3.     How do I make payments on my account? What if I am getting money from sources external to the University?

The Office of Student Financial Services handles questions about your account, payment plans and loans. You may contact this office at:

The Office of Student Financial Services
2400 Sixth Street, NW
Suite 115
Administration Building
Washington, DC 20059
Tel. 202-806-2600/2610
Fax. 202-806-5182

4.     When should I contact my department for ACADEMIC ADVISING?

Immediately!!! Once you have been admitted to the graduate school your department will be your main resource for information about your course of study (i.e., advising, registration, financial aid).  As a new graduate student, you will need to set up an appointment to meet with your director of graduate studies who will act as your advisor to assist you in selecting courses for first time registration.  The director of graduate of studies will also be the person who will provide you with recommendations for advisors within the department.  Please go to the following link to find the contact information for the director of graduate studies for your department http://www.gs.howard.edu/Graduate_Programs.htm.

5.     When is REGISTRATION for FALL 2008?

Registration for new graduate students is on Monday, August 18 thru Wednesday, August 20. Late registration begins on Thursday August 21 and continues through Friday August 29, 2008. All students who register after August 20, 2008 will be assessed a $150.00 late fee without exception which will automatically post to your student account.

Step 1
As a new student you are expected to meet with your advisor or the Director of Graduate Studies in your department to select your courses and alternative courses (in case your first choice is not available).  This helps you to adhere to the course scheme, plan your program of study, and it also assists you in getting to know your advisor during the process.

Step 2
After you and your Howard University advisor have selected your classes, you will RESERVE your courses using the Howard University BISONWeb Registration and Student Services at http://www.howard.edu/bannerinstructions.htm . Your student identification number (which will be provided in your permit to register), your pin number (Date of Birth-month, day, year), and your courses are needed. Always verify/confirm your classes at the end of the registration process or you will lose your courses.  Be patient.  It will only take a few minutes.  If you need further assistance, with registration, please call (202) 806-2705.

Step 3
Proceed to Student Accounts and make the necessary financial arrangements to retain your classes. REMEMBER, official enrollment occurs when:

• course selection has been completed,
• payment for tuition has been made,
• fees (includes mandatory student fee of $402.50) and other charges have been made and,
• you have been validated by Student Accounts.

      Only validated students are officially enrolled at Howard University.

Click for:

Fall Registration Courses

Step by step Registration Requirements

A crucial part of your registration packet is completing the Howard University Student Health Center *Forms.  Prior to registration, all students must meet the necessary IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS of Howard University’s Student Health Services Office. If your immunization requirements and all necessary forms are not with the Student Health Services Office by Monday 20 August, you will not be able to register.  All requirements received after Tuesday 22 August will be late.  You will then be able to register and you will be assessed a $150 LATE REGISTRATION FEE. 

Once all of your requirements are received by the Student Health Services Office, they will generate a letter to you telling you that the forms were received and complete.  If you are missing something they will also let you know.  As a reminder, You CANNOT register until all your Student Health Forms are received and completed.  It is best for you to get the forms completed and returned to the Student Health Center as soon as possible. 

The best way to get your forms to the Student Health Center is by fax at

(202) 806-7416. 

If you are near the Howard University campus, it is best that you bring them to the Student health Center in person.

All questions concerning the Student Health Services should be directed to

(202) 806-7540. 

*The four forms are listed below:
Risk Assessment for Tuberculosis Exposure or Infection SHC 7/04-01 (Revised 6/06)
Medical History Form SHC 7/05-05
Physical Examination Form SHC 7/05-06
Immunization History Record SHC 7/05-07 (Revised 10/06)

Optional Forms:
Dependent Enrollment Form

For further information on the Student Health Center and for all downloadable forms, go to the website address:
http://www.howard.edu/studenthealth/

6.     Is there any GRADUATE STUDENT HOUSING?

Howard University has many options for student living.  You can learn more about the opportunities by visiting the web site of Residence Life at http://www.howard.edu/residencelife/. 

A list of contacts from the Office of Residence Life can be found at http://www.howard.edu/residencelife/Contacts.htm. 

One of the more popular locations to reside is the Howard University Towers, located directly across from campus.

Howard University Towers

To obtain an application for the Howard University Towers East, go to www.howard.edu/residencelife and follow the links to download an application. You may also secure an application by contacting the Property Manager, Mr. Larry Frelow at 202-797-7148.  A $50 nonrefundable application fee is required. Submit the completed application and application fee to:

Howard University
Office of Residence Life
2401 Fourth St., NW
Washington , DC 20059

Howard Ellington Apartments

Howard University is also excited to offer additional graduate housing at the Howard Ellington Apartments, conveniently located on the corner of Florida and New Jersey Avenues, NW. Contact Juan Gaddis at (202) 269-3400 for more information.

For further answers to questions, contact the Office of Residence Life via email, residencelife@howard.edu or telephone, 202-806-6131.

Off-Campus Housing Referral Service

Howard University’s Office of Residence Life website contains monthly listings of available Off Campus Properties throughout the Washington D.C. Metro area. Howard University nor the Office of Residence Life is responsible for any problems or circumstances that may arise when renting properties located in the referral listing. We do not screen the property or landlord; therefore, it is your responsibility to inquire accordingly.  That web address is:

http://www.howard.edu/residencelife/OffCampus/Default.htm

Other resources for available information on apartment and house rental can be obtained from The Washington Post newspaper, www.washingtonpost.com and the City Paper, www.washingtoncitypaper.com. 

There are a host of websites you may peruse to find off-campus housing.  Some of them include:

http://www.apartments.com

http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/

http://rent.com

http://www.apartmentguide.com/

http://www.forrent.com/

Local rental units vary greatly in prices and amenities.  A general guide of housing cost is given below.  It is only a general guide, so do not hold this to be the standard.   

Washington , DC Rentals can range from roughly
Studio $ 650- $1125
1BDR $1180-$1425
2BDR $1000- $2250

Maryland, Rentals can range from roughly
Studio $700-  $950
1BDR $600-  $1200
2BDR $1050-$1600

Virginia, Rentals can range from roughly
Studio $740-  $1000
1BDR $750-  $1500
2BDR $1200-$2000

7.     When should I begin planning my MOVE TO WASHINGTON DC?

Student should begin planning their move to Washington DC as soon as possible, but at least 60 days prior to arrival.  It will take you about a month to find and secure appropriate housing.  That is the biggest hurdle which most students face when coming to DC.  You will also need time to arrange for all your utilities, bank accounts, insurance and other necessities.  This is best done PRIOR to beginning classes. 

The web address for the District of Columbia is  http://www.dc.gov/  This invaluable site provides a great deal of information concerning the District. 

To learn about the various neighborhoods in the District go to:   http://citizenatlas.dc.gov/atlasapps/reporthometab.aspx

8.   What is the weather like in DC?

DC's springs (April to May) and falls (September to October) are generally mild. Summer can be very hot and humid, especially in July and August. Winters can be severe with temperatures around freezing and snow storms occasionally shutting down the city, specially in January.