Dear Howard University Community, 

Despite the unusual and challenging circumstances that we have endured during the Fall semester, I remain incredibly proud of our accomplishments during the pandemic and how they align with our shared vision of moving Howard Forward. Our outstanding faculty have provided an online experience to our students framed by our expectations of truth and service. We have positioned Howard to receive our reaccreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. We fully funded our defined benefit retirement plan, which provides pension benefits for employees who began working at Howard prior to June 30, 2010. We have increased fundraising and provided financial resources to students in need. To date, we have not conducted furloughs or layoffs. And the vast majority of our students, faculty and staff have remained healthy and safe from a virus that has disproportionately impacted communities of color.

With the well-being of the entire Howard community serving as our guiding principle and top priority, we have made the difficult, but necessary, decision to maintain the current online format for the vast majority of our undergraduate courses for Spring 2021.

Many of our graduate and professional programs and courses will continue online, either primarily or fully. While the majority of our health professional didactic courses will be online, the clinical training components will be conducted face-to-face as required by accreditation and licensure requirements. The residence halls will remain closed, with the exception of The Axis, which is apartment living. Limited exceptions for on-campus housing will only be provided to students with extraordinary circumstances.

This decision was made based on recommendations from the Reopening Taskforce and in consultation with students and members of the faculty as well as local government officials and public health experts. The course of action is based on the following factors: 

• Current COVID-19 cases around the country are at alarming, record highs.
• Local coronavirus cases are currently at levels seen during Phase 1 lockdowns in Spring 2020. 
• Hospitalizations from COVID-19 are increasing in Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C. 
• A vaccine is not likely to be available for widespread distribution for at least another 3-6 months. 

As the Greater Washington region has begun to implement and consider further restrictions due to the escalating number of coronavirus cases locally and nationally, we could not, in good conscience, plan to increase the number of people living and working on campus during Spring 2021. We felt this decision was in the best interest of the entire Howard community’s health and safety.

Prioritizing Our Campus Community’s Mental Health 

I recognize that virtual education and remote working has not been easy for anyone. Whether you are struggling to find a conducive learning or work environment or are suffering from a lack of socialization, I empathize with what you are going through. No matter how long we have to endure these circumstances, we will never get accustomed to them entirely.  

Howard is committed to connecting our students, faculty and staff with the resources you need to stay well. During these difficult times, we must prioritize our mental health as well as our physical well-being. The Division of Student Affairs is poised to offer support and assistance as needed. The staff in the University Counseling Center, 202-806-6870, is available to provide necessary services. Please contact the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs, 202-806-2100, for additional support and assistance. Faculty and staff should contact the Office of Human Resources, 202-806-1280, for help.

In the Spring academic calendar, we will add 2-3 mental health days and extend winter break by an additional week to resume classes on Jan. 25, 2021. We will expand availability of our counseling services. I hope you will take advantage of our recent partnership with Peloton® offering a free two-year membership with full access to their exercise offerings. As always, we welcome your feedback about how we could be of further support.

Planning for Commencement 

A decision has not been made regarding in-person commencement activities. We will continue to monitor the course of the pandemic and inform the campus community of the manner in which we will celebrate our graduates by March 15, 2021.

Preparing for Increasing Our Campus Density

Our goal is to bring students and faculty back to campus in a phased approach as soon as it is safe and responsible to do so. The Howard University community has been instrumental in strengthening our COVID-19 response. From improving our IT capabilities to ramping up our testing capacity on campus, we have simultaneously improved our online services while bolstering campus readiness to handle current and future in-person academic offerings.  

By Summer 2021, we expect to have both face-to-face instruction as well as online and hybrid courses. We also anticipate that residential housing for students will be available. These expectations, of course, are subject to change; they will be finalized based upon the course of the pandemic and the success of efforts to mediate the impact over the next several months.

A Note of Gratitude 

As an alum who has benefitted from a Howard University education, and as a steward of our legacy, I want to thank each of you for your patience and grace this year in the face of extremely challenging circumstances. Howard has continued to be a special place during the pandemic and provide a unique service to our country because of your hard work and commitment to excellence. 

Character is revealed when we are challenged. During the pandemic, Howard’s true essence has been revealed for the world to see. I can say with certainty that I have never been prouder of who we are as an institution than I am right now. 

Excellence in Truth and Service, 

Wayne A. I. Frederick, M.D., MBA 
Charles R. Drew Professor of Surgery 
President