University Mail Services

Processing time from the receipt of mail into the processing facility is 48 hours or two business days. Following this 48-hour period, processed mail is delivered to residence halls for further processing. The mail services center processing time may increase during peak periods.

The mail processing facility receives hundreds of pieces of mail and packages daily. For the protection of the University community, the University requires that all mail and packages that come through the mail facility be x-rayed. Processing time from the receipt of mail into the processing facility is 48 hours or two business days during non-peak periods. Following this 48-hour period, processed mail is delivered to resident halls for further processing.

All mail and packages designated for a residence hall are processed the same way as all packages received. This includes, but is not limited to, USPS, FedEx, UPS, Amazon, and all other shipping-type services. Upon receipt at the processing center, Amazon and other overnight/two-day shipments will require the same processing process.

If you have not received an accountable item within 72 business hours at your residence hall, contact your residence hall mailroom to begin an investigation. Letter mail without a tracking number is not traceable. Residence hall students should contact residentlife@howard.edu for inquiries, comments, or concerns regarding mail services.

If you have not received an accountable item within 72 business hours at the residence hall, contact your residence hall mailroom to begin an investigation. Letter mail without a tracking number is not traceable. All mail and packages must be addressed to you by your official registered name at Howard University. Packages and mail with nicknames, parent’s names, and family names known only to you will cause your packages and mail to be “returned to sender.” For any concerns regarding mail services, please contact residentlife@howard.edu or auxiliary@howard.edu.

The residence hall administrator will manage this change. Mail Services will deliver to the address on the envelope or package. To avoid any mail delays, we suggest you notify senders of your room change as soon as possible. 

Shippers are encouraged to send special items such as medicines, passports and things of value using the package tracking system. However, do not include money or checks in the mail as the University cannot be responsible for lost or stolen financial instruments. The mail services team will not be able to easily identify items mailed as general mail.

Mail Services’ method for delivery is based on address, not specific individual. Therefore, you may receive some pieces of mail that do not belong to you or your roommate. These are misdirected pieces of mail and most likely belong to the previous resident of your room. You will want to return any misdirected mail to the mailroom administrator.

Mail Service Center staff cannot accept outgoing mail and packages from campus residents. For all outgoing mail/packages via USPS, UPS, or FedEx, please visit the Student Mail Service Center retail window inside the Barnes & Noble bookstore on the 2nd floor.