Dear Howard University Community,

In keeping with Howard University’s commitment to the wellness of students and employees, the institution will observe a mental health respite on Friday, February 4, 2022. All classes will be suspended for the day, but select, campus-based, auxiliary services will remain open and available on regular weekday scheduling. From a human resources perspective, the University is giving employees a day of administrative leave with pay.

This particular change in the University’s operations is unique, so we are asking employees and students to familiarize themselves with the change in the status of the University’s operations and how it impacts you. The University will not be officially closed, but it is modifying its services to accommodate the criteria for a mental health day for our campus.

ESSENTIAL OPERATIONS

• All essential personnel are expected to present to work at their usual times unless an arrangement is made with their supervisors.
• DPS will provide continuous safety/security coverage and building access to permitted employees during the modified operations schedule.
• Physical Facilities Management maintenance and services will continue their normal operations.
• Shuttle service to the campus will operate on a weekend schedule.
• Howard University Hospital will remain open.
• The Faculty Practice Plan will open at its regularly scheduled time at 9 a.m.
• The School of Dentistry will open on a modified schedule. Please contact your health care provider for more information.  
• WHUR-FM and WHUT-TV will continue their regular programming schedules.

COVID-19 TESTING CENTERS

• The COVID-19 testing center at the Louis Stokes Library will open at 9 a.m. and close at 4 p.m.
• The COVID-19 testing center at the Armor J. Blackburn center will be closed.  

CLASSES

• All classes will be suspended for Friday, February 4, 2022.

RESEARCH

• All faculty will have access to campus. Research will not be interrupted by the modified schedule.

CAMPUS SERVICES

• The iLab will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Mail services will maintain its usual schedule and open at 9 a.m.
• The University bookstore will maintain its usual schedule and open at 9:30 a.m.
• The Bethune Annex and Armor J. Blackburn cafeterias will open at their regularly scheduled times.
• The Founders Library and the Undergraduate Library will open at 9 a.m.
• Campus tours will continue as scheduled.
• If there is a major event that was planned in your department, school or college, please check with the event coordinator to determine whether or not the event will continue as planned.
• The Early Learning Program will be closed.

As a reminder, all students and employees who present to campus must complete their COVID-19 attestation in the Bison SAFE app and ensure that they have completed required COVID-19 testing on a weekly basis.
All hourly, non-student employees will be allowed eight hours of administrative leave with pay, but you must go into Workday to enter your hours so that you can get paid for the time.

The safety and wellbeing of our Howard community are always at the forefront of the University’s planning and decision-making. As mentioned in the communication issued by President Wayne A. I. Frederick on February 2, the University encourages all community members to consider utilizing the day to seek mental health support or to relax.

The University Counseling Center can be contacted by phone at 202-806-6870 or via email at HUCounseling@howard.edu to request an appointment. Howard University employees have access to mental health services through our insurance provider.

Have a safe and restful mental health day, regardless of how you choose to spend it.

Excellence in Truth and Service,

Tashni-Ann Dubroy, Ph.D.
Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer