January 24, 2026 

Dear Howard University Community,

As the Washington metropolitan region readies for a major snow event forecasted to begin tonight and last through Monday, Jan. 26, we ask that you continue to be informed, prepared, and safe. Single-digit temperatures and subzero wind chills, snow accumulation, and icy conditions are expected. Outside activity and travel are also expected to be extremely difficult. Please note the following adjustments to normal campus operations. 

Updates to campus operations for tomorrow, Sunday, Jan. 25: 

• Chapel services have been canceled, and no other major events will occur on campus.
• Student dining will be available in the Blackburn Center from 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. 

Howard University continues to monitor conditions in coordination with federal and local authorities, in addition to nearby colleges and universities. Please look for additional updates via email, howard.edu, and the Bison Safe app as operational decisions are finalized for Monday, which may include delayed opening, hybrid work, remote instruction, or closing. In all cases, critical services will continue to be available for students, including dining, public safety, and emergency services. For safety concerns, please continue to call the Department of Public Safety at (202) 806-1100.

Please visit howard.edu  and check Howard’s main social media pages for updates. 

Preparation Reminders: 

• Stay informed about changing weather conditions.
• If you do have to go outside, limit prolonged exposure and dress in layers.
• Remember that space heaters and wax candles cannot be used in residence halls or any campus buildings. Battery-operated candles can be used.
• The District of Columbia government has declared a snow emergency, which requires cars to be removed from snow emergency routes, including Georgia Avenue, 16th Street, Harvard Street, Columbia Road, Park Road, Kenyon Street, and Irving Street near Howard. More information about snow emergencies is available through the city’s website.
• Gather items you may need for possible remote instruction and to be comfortable in case travel away from your residence proves hazardous or impossible. 
• Researchers should complete or save any experiments.
• Save all digital documents in case of power outages.
• Power down or unplug sensitive equipment to protect against power surges.
• Ensure that you have clothing, tools, or other items you may need to safely resume normal activities if there is snow accumulation.
• Pets get cold too! Remember to protect your pets and ensure that they will have food and water. 

Additional Contact Information: 

• To report residence hall concerns, please contact your residential hall staff. You may also call the Office of Residence Life at (202) 806-9045 and Student Housing Facilities at (202) 250-7689.
• To report concerns about academic and administrative buildings, please call (202) 806-1000.  

As noted yesterday, we are pretreating roadways, sidewalks, stairs, and entryways. In addition, we are continuing to check heating and HVAC systems, generators, and wireless connections across campus.  

Thank you for your continued vigilance, patience, and cooperation as we keep each other safe. Please remember to check on neighbors, share information, and let someone know if you need help. Stay warm.

In Truth and Service, 
 
Rashad M. Young 
Senior Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer 
 
Cynthia Evers, Ed.D.  
Senior Vice President for Student Affairs 
 
Marcus E. Lyles 
Associate Vice President, Public Safety & Emergency Management