The planned three-day strike was called off early Wednesday after the faculty union and the Washington, D.C., university's administration reached a tentative agreement.
Students at the prominent historically Black university in Washington, D.C., had been protesting poor housing conditions since Oct. 12. The details of the agreement were not immediately available.
Students began protesting outside the university center nearly two weeks ago, citing moldy dorm rooms and other problems. They say they won't leave until their demands are met.
The news is a blow to UNC, which had its reputation damaged by its trustees' initial reluctance to grant tenure to Hannah-Jones. Howard also announced writer Ta-Nehisi Coates will join its faculty.
The comedian defended Rashad's freedom of speech after the actress came under criticism for defending Cosby after his sexual assault conviction was overturned.