Mail Forwarding & Lost Packages

Mail Forwarding

USPS classifies Howard University as a business and there are different processing requirements for businesses that are not required of residents. All Howard University buildings, including Residence Halls are classified as Howard University businesses. As such, students cannot submit a change of address through a local USPS store or USPS online. Each student must update their address with each individual sender: i.e. bank accounts, credit cards, magazines and newspaper subscriptions, family, and so on.

Changing Your Address

The postal service has different time limits for mail forwarding depending on the mail being sent. The majority of your mail will be forwarded for 12 months, including First Class Mail. Forwarding your mail does not update businesses with your new address – such as your bank account, credit cards, and so on. Forwarding your mail simply ensures that your mail is forwarded to your new address. The 12-month forwarding period gives you a year to update your address with your friends, family, bank, and other businesses.

Do you subscribe to any magazines or newspapers? These have a much shorter time limit of just 60 days. After roughly two months, your USPS mail forwarding service for this mail type will expire, so be sure to update these addresses with each company first.

Updating Mailing Adress in Bison Hub

Be sure to remember to update your address if you return in the fall.

PLEASE NOTE:

• Students who remain on campus during the summer still must follow the above-mentioned instructions.
• Mail will not be forwarded to your home address during Winter break unless you do not plan to return to campus for the Spring semester.
• Mail will not be forwarded to your home address during Spring break.
• Mail Services will forward First Class mail for one year and Second Class mail for (60) days following your separation date from on-campus housing.

Lost Packages

If you have not received an accountable item after 72 business hours at the Residence Hall of its arrival to Mail Services, contact your residence hall mailroom to begin an investigation. Letter mail without a tracking number is not traceable.

Perishable Packages

Perishable packages will be processed and placed in the residence hall mailroom refrigerator. The student will receive an email notification once the package is in the mailroom.  Students will have 24 hours to pick-up the perishable package before it has to be discarded. What is considered a perishable item? Any package that states it must be “refrigerated or perishable,” including chocolate strawberries, Factor Food, FTD Florist, and Fresh Direct.