Bison Preview
Discover the Prestige. Feel the Culture. Preview Howard.
What is Bison Preview?
Howard University’s Bison Preview is your all-access pass to The Mecca—a historic, prestigious, and inclusive community where research-driven excellence meets Truth and Service. Prospective students and their families can gain direct insight on admissions, campus and student life, and resources at Howard University. Join our mailing list to learn more about Bison Preview 2026!
Bison Preview: Know-Before-You-Go
Staying Safe on Campus
Your well-being matters to us! Howard University has safety measures in place and a dedicated team to make sure your visit is both fun and worry-free. You can read more about our commitment to safety in our Campus Safety Statement.
Weather and What to Wear
October in Washington, D.C. brings crisp mornings and mild afternoons. We recommend dressing in layers so you’ll be comfortable throughout the day. Bring along a light jacket or sweater, and don’t forget to wear comfortable walking shoes—you’ll be exploring every corner of The Yard!
Photography and Videography
Please note that photos and videos will be captured throughout Bison Preview. By attending, you grant Howard University permission to use your likeness in future promotional and marketing materials that celebrate the Howard experience.
Getting Around
View the Howard University campus Map: https://mapformation.com/maps/howard-university-campus-map/
View our recent 2025 Bison Preview schedule of events, click here.
| Time | Bison Preview will Include: |
|---|---|
| 9:45am - 10:45am | Event Check-In (*Located in Burr Gymnasium). |
| 9:45am - 10:00am | Early Bird Campus Walking Tours (*Departing from Burr Gymnasium). Rise and roam The Mecca before the rush — join a student-led early tour and see why Howard sets the pace. Coffee on us to kickstart your morning. (Additional tours will be available throughout the day). |
| 10:00am - 10:15am | Showtime Marching Band Howard administrators, the Showtime Marching Band, and our spirit squads ignite The Mecca with a thunderous welcome — setting a high-voltage tone for your Bison day. |
| 10:20am | Bison Preview Welcome |
| 11:00am - 3:00pm | Food Truck Lunch |
| 11:00am - 3:00pm | HU Open Houses Explore Majors at Howard Connect with faculty and staff from our seven undergraduate schools and colleges during the School and College Open Houses to learn about academic programs, research opportunities, and distinctive Howard pathways. |
| 11:00am - 3:00pm | Residence Hall Showcase Families are welcome to tour the following residence halls independently: Harriet Tubman Quadrangle, College Hall North, and College Hall South. |
| 11:00am, 12:00pm, 1:00pm, and 2:00pm | Admissions Presentation | Preparing Your Application (*Wayne A. I. Frederick Undergraduate Library Multipurpose Room G007/G008). Get a clear, step-by-step overview of Howard’s admissions process — what we look for, key deadlines, and how to put your best application forward. Leave with practical tips and answers to your top questions. |
| 11:00am - 12:00pm, and 1:00pm- 2:00pm | Once a Bison, Always a Bison: Alumni Reception (*Founders Library, Browsing Room 101). Hear directly from proud Howard alumni as they share their experiences, career paths, and the lasting impact of their time at The Mecca. |
| 11:00am - 4:00pm | Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts: Front Porch Concert |
| 11:30am - 12:15pm | Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts: Admission Information Session (*Ira Aldrige Theatre). |
| 11:30am - 12:30pm | Bison Men of the Mecca Panel A dynamic conversation with Bison Men of the Mecca on brotherhood, scholarship, service, and thriving at Howard and beyond.
|
| 11:45am - 12:30pm | Transfer to The Mecca (*Howard University Welcome Center , Johnson Building). Thinking about continuing your journey at Howard? This session is designed just for transfer students. Learn about the application process, credit transfer, and the resources that will support you every step of the way |
| 12:30pm - 1:30pm | Financial Aid Presentation (*Ira Aldrige Theatre). Get clear on the process: FAFSA, verification, and how aid is packaged at Howard. |
| 12:45pm - 1:45pm | Honors at Howard: Voices from the Program (*Blackburn University Center, Digital Auditorium Room 151). Hear directly from Howard’s Honors students as they share their experiences, insights, and stories from the program. |
| 2:00pm - 3:00pm | Financial Aid Presentation (*Blackburn University Center, Digital Auditorium Room 151). Get clear on the process: FAFSA, verification, and how aid is packaged at Howard. |
