Winter Break Operational Updates

What to Do Before You Leave for the Winter Closure 

  • Ensure that all building windows are shut. If you see one open, please close it. 
  • Exit doors should not be propped open. Please ensure they are shut. 
  • Please ensure trash bins are emptied before you leave for the break, as Physical Facilities Management staff will be significantly reduced starting Monday, December 18, 2024, and your office/building may be inaccessible over the closure. 
  • Please turn off all office, classroom, and conference room lights and equipment that are not in use. Back up all current projects and work. 
  • Please unplug computers, printers, and other personal devices, as power surges may cause damage. Further, this is a cybersecurity safety measure. 
    • Please remove food items from refrigerators and offices as they may attract insects, rodents, or other pests. 
  • Personal heaters are not allowed per the University policy, so no personal heaters should be plugged in. 
  • Please take the necessary precautions related to lab safety. 

What to Expect During the Campus Closure 

  • Unless designated as an essential employee, employees are not expected to travel to Howard University to work. 
  • PFM will be working on campus during the Winter Break to complete facilities projects that might otherwise interfere with classes or faculty or staff work. This includes some routine work in many of the buildings on campus and other projects. 

All buildings will be secured and locked, except for those that were designated as accessible over the break. That announcement will be made after requests to access buildings over the break are received and approved. 

Essential Operations

  • The Department of Public Safety will provide continuous safety/security coverage and building access to permitted employees during the closure. Enterprise Technology Services will conduct scheduled maintenance over the break, which will result in planned disruptions to IT-related services. 
  • iLab will be open from 9:30 AM - 3 PM, December 16-22; there will be no help desk support during the same period. 
  • Physical Facilities Management maintenance and services will continue to respond to urgent situations and emergencies as work orders are submitted. 
  • Shuttle service will be suspended during the closure. Regular shuttle service will resume when formal classes for the Spring semester begin on Tuesday, January 2, 2024.

HU Graphics & Printing and HU Mail Services

  • Graphics & Printing
    • Graphics & Printing will be closed December 18, 2023 and reopen on Tuesday, January 2, 2024
  • Mail Services
    • Mail Service will be closed on Monday, December 25, and Monday, January 1, 2024.
    • Mail Services
      • Mail Service will be closed on Monday, December 25, and Monday, January 1. 
      • Mail can be dropped-off days for HU community that will remain on campus between 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
        • December 18-22
        • December 26-29
    • Contact Mail Services (202) 806-1211 if flexibility outside of the days above is needed for pickup during mail/packages during the holiday break.

Howard University Barnes & Noble Bookstore

  • The Howard University Barnes & Noble Bookstore (Main Campus) will operate on a modified schedule from Monday, December 12, 2023, through Monday, January 2, 2023:
    • Mondays-Fridays: 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. 
    • Saturdays: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. 
    • Sundays: Closed
    • The bookstore will be closed on Monday, December 25, 2023, and Monday, January 1, 2024. 
  • All dining will remain closed.
  • Howard University Hospital will remain open. 

Founders Library and Frederick Undergraduate Library Hours of Operation: 

  • Saturday, December 16th – Monday, January 1st - CLOSED
  • Tuesday, January 2nd - Friday, January 5th -  8 am - 5 pm
  • Saturday, January 6th -Sunday, January 7th - CLOSED
  • Monday, January 8th (Formal Classes Begin) - 8 am (Regular Hours of Operation Resume)

WHUR-FM and WHUT-TV

WHUR-FM and WHUT-TV will continue its regular programming schedules.  

Emergency Resources