Vending on Campus

Howard University offers a variety of vending opportunities to serve our campus community.

Vending on campus includes:

  • Vending Machines – Located across campus for convenient access to snacks and beverages.
  • Short-Term/External Vending – Opportunities for vendors (including external organizations, student groups, and departments) to sell, distribute, or promote products and services during on-campus events.
  • Student Organization Vending & Fundraising – Approved student-led initiatives that support campus life and community engagement.

Short-Term/External Vending Permits

If you are interested in vending at Howard University events, the Office of Auxiliary Enterprises can assist you with obtaining a Howard University vending permit.

Student Organization Vending/Fundraising

Recognized student organizations must obtain a vending permit to conduct fundraising activities or to distribute products or consumables on the campus of Howard University. All fundraising events must be approved on Engage and by Student Life and Activities prior to receiving approval from the Office of Auxiliary Enterprises. 

Approval Requirements

All vending and fundraising activities must be approved by the Office of Auxiliary Enterprises. University departments, student organizations, and external organizations are required to submit requests 2–4 weeks in advance of the proposed event.

Application Process

For all on-campus events where vendors will sell, promote, or distribute products/services:

  1. Request a Vending Application by emailing vending@howard.edu.
  2. Complete and return the application provided by Auxiliary Enterprises.
  3. All applications must be submitted at least 3 weeks prior to your event to ensure adequate time for processing and approval.

 

Contact Information

Office of Auxiliary Enterprises
Howard University Service Center
2244 10th Street NW
Suite 219
Washington, DC 20059

vending@howard.edu

Short-Term Vending Fees

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Short-term vending?

Short-Term Vending is on-campus opportunities, generally, one to three days, for individuals or Howard University recognized student organizations who are interested in selling, distributing, or promoting products and/or services on the University’s campus. 

How can I become a vendor?

The first step to becoming a vendor is to complete the vendor application. This pre-screening process will help us determine if your business is a fit for the various opportunities. Once your submission has been reviewed, you will receive an email from the Office of Auxiliary Enterprises.  If selected to participate as a vendor, you will receive an invitation to complete the vendor application process. 

What is required to vend?

University departments, student organizations, and external organizations are required to have vending and fundraising events approved in advance by the Office of Auxiliary Enterprises. Howard University vending permits may be issued when all necessary requirements are met.

What are the required short-term vending requirements?

The following list of items are required for short-term vending at Howard University:

  • Short-term vending approval from The Office of Auxiliary Enterprises
  • Completed & Signed Short-Term Vending Application
  • Signed Acknowledgement of Terms & Conditions & Indemnification
  • Copy of Current Business License
  • Government Photo ID
  • Current Certificate of Insurance naming University as Additional Insured (if applicable)
  • Credit Card Authorization Form Completed and Funds Approved

Is there a cost for short-term vending?

Yes, there is a fee for reserving a single table or space for all short-term vending activities including fundraising, or distribution of information, products or consumables. The fee depends on the following vendor classification:

  • Howard University Recognized Student Organizations ($60)
  • Non-Official Student Organization or Full-time Howard University Student ($75)
  • Non-Profit ($150)
  • Mobile or Food Truck ($350)
  • General Business ($400)

Note: All fees are subject to change.

What locations are available for vending?

The general location for vending & fundraising during the semester is the lower level of Blackburn University Center. A table can be reserved from 11:00a.m. – 4:00p.m. Student organizations may vend/fundraise on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and First Fridays only. Short-term vending is also available outside of Blackburn, but the location must be approved by the Office of Auxiliary Enterprises.   

Are there any vending restrictions for students?

Yes. Only commercially produced, pre-packaged, individually wrapped, single serving size food and/or drinks may be sold or distributed by student organizations. Students may not vend home-baked goods. Student organizations may only vend/fundraise in the Blackburn University Center. Authorized student organizations in good standing may vend/fundraise up to a total of 10 days per semester.