Howard University experiencing boiler issues, ruptured pipes; campus closed on Thursday, Friday

WASHINGTON - Some student-athletes at Howard University are dealing with no heat or hot water in their dorms and the issue is prompting the school to ask other students returning from winter break to wait until this weekend so they can fix the problem.

Classes at Howard do not start until Monday, but university officials said they are experiencing boiler issues and ruptured steam pipes on campus, which is causing many of the buildings, including the on-campus residence halls, to be cold in light of the freezing weather the D.C. area has been experiencing.

Howard University Vice President of Student Affairs Kenneth Holmes sent an email to students saying the campus will be closed on Thursday and Friday due to the cold weather and winter storm.

"In order to ensure that student residents return to comfortable, heated residence halls, we are asking all students to delay their arrival to campus until noon or later, Sun. Jan. 7," Holmes said in the email. "Please be advised that temperatures in the residence halls will be cold through the weekend until the necessary repairs have been completed.

"We understand that many of you may already be en route to campus or are unable to make alternative arrangements for arrival times to campus. The residence halls will be open and the Residence Life staff will be on site to accommodate students who return prior to Sunday at noon."

Officials said students with any questions can contact their resident hall manager or the Residence Life main office at 202-806-6131.