In a surprising turn of events, students at Howard University have taken to social media platforms to seek financial assistance after discovering significant unpaid balances owed to the institution. This situation arose following the university’s transition to a new financial management system, which has left many students in a state of confusion and financial distress.
Approximately 1,000 students received alarming notifications indicating that their accounts had been placed on hold due to outstanding debts. On June 4, some students were informed that failure to settle these balances by the end of the month would result in their accounts being sent to collections. Those categorized as being in ‘pre-collection’ have until the end of August to resolve their debts, as the holds on their accounts prevent them from registering for classes or securing housing.
According to a recent statement from the university, half of the outstanding cases have been addressed. The administration emphasized its commitment to supporting students facing financial challenges, stating, “We are actively working to assist students with financial aid and account balance issues. Our goal is to ensure that all students are financially prepared to start the academic year successfully.”
To further assist affected students, the university has pledged to provide both virtual and in-person office hours, financial counseling, flexible payment options, and emergency support when feasible.
Many students expressed their shock and frustration on social media, revealing that they were unaware of the debts they owed. Sophomore Makiah Goodman shared her experience, stating, “Many of us were not informed about these balances, which is why we are struggling to pay them. I even found out that a scholarship I earned could not be applied to my debt.” In her videos, she mentioned that transferring out of Howard is a possibility if she cannot resolve her financial situation.
Another student, Alissa Jones, revealed that she was just a few classes away from graduation when she discovered she owed over $57,000, despite having paid $15,000 annually for the past four years due to scholarships. “It feels like I owe the entire tuition amount, which is far more than what I should have to pay for one semester,” she lamented.
The communication breakdown appears to have occurred during Howard’s transition from its previous financial platform, BisonWeb, to the new BisonHub system. Delays in updating student accounts from January to June have contributed to the confusion, as noted in the university’s statement. Students were informed last fall about the data transfer and its potential implications.
Student Activism and Fundraising Initiatives
In response to the financial crisis, a group of students has initiated a protest through an Instagram account dedicated to raising awareness about their plight. They have outlined a series of demands, including an immediate meeting with the Board of Trustees, increased investment in financial aid, and the resignation of certain university administrators. Additionally, they are advocating for student representation on hiring committees for administrative roles, particularly those that directly impact students.
The group has provided templates for emails that students, parents, and other stakeholders can use to voice their concerns. They stated, “For too long, students have raised issues regarding communication failures and a lack of transparency on critical matters. This movement transcends overdue balances; it highlights systemic issues that affect lower-income students of color.”
In their recent communication, university officials acknowledged the students’ frustrations and the challenges posed by the timing of the data transition. They noted that many students are expressing their concerns about rising financial pressures and the impact on their education, particularly as the university serves a significant number of low-income students.
Students have also utilized the Instagram account to share a central hub for crowdfunding campaigns aimed at alleviating their financial burdens. Currently, around 70 campaigns are listed, although they have not been personally verified. The initiative, led by a broadcast journalism student, also includes a submission form for new campaigns and a directory of potential scholarships and financial resources.
Some fundraising efforts have already yielded positive results. For instance, Goodman’s campaign has raised over $4,000 towards her $6,000 goal, while another student, Brandon Hawkins, has raised $13,000, nearing his $16,000 target. In a recent update, Hawkins expressed his determination to be the first in his family to graduate from college, despite facing significant financial obstacles that threaten his education.