Howard University says its finalizing student reenrollments, but not all will go through

WASHINGTON (7News) — Following the emotional outcries of several students and families, after over 500 incoming students were unenrolled and some reinstated, Howard University officials said they’re finalizing individual enrollment reviews.

“Howard University continues to conduct individualized reviews of accounts of students who were unenrolled. A considerable number of students have now met the payment and documentation requirements and have been re-enrolled. We are now finalizing individualized enrollment reviews and updates to students and their families,” the University announced in a statement. “We are now finalizing individualized enrollment reviews and updates to students and their families,” the statement added.

Many of the students 7News spoke to following the unenrollment have since been notified they’ve been reinstated.

Some students, such as Isabella Williams, who took to social media the day she found out she was unenrolled, have since been reinstated and moved into her dorm to begin her college career.

During the enrollment news, the University announced they sent several emails regarding students missing their tuition payment deadline. But parents argued they tried to get in contact with the University’s administration office and were not given clear communication or put on hold for several hours at a time.

SEE MORE | Dozens of Howard freshmen reinstated after being unenrolled ahead of fall semester

At least 46 students were notified as of Friday regarding their reinstatements. 7News has reached out to the University for a total count of reinstatements but has not heard back yet.

Howard University interim president Wayne Frederick told CNN that not all 502 students would be reinstated.

SEE ALSO | Howard University answers questions on unenrollment issue, admits to lack of resources

In an interview with 7News’ Jade Lawson, the VP of Enrollment Keyana Scales admitted they needed to double down on resources. Adding that the high email and call volume from students and families was slowing up the administrative process. Scales added they would launch a “one-stop shop” in January to make the process for incoming students more seamless.

In the statement, Howard also said: “For students whose enrollment is not reinstated, Howard remains committed to supporting their educational journey by exploring opportunities for deferred enrollment in a future term.” Adding: As this work concludes, the University is conducting a comprehensive review of enrollment processes to strengthen communication, customer service, coordination, and quality assurance to better serve students and families.

7News will continue to follow this story as it develops.