We know you have lots to keep track of as a Hopkins student, and The Word from the Bird is here to help! Each edition compiles important deadlines, announcements, and other need-to-know information, along with helpful reminders and updates about resources, services, programs, and more.

Let us know how we can make this communication more helpful at studentaffairs@jhu.edu. If you missed a previous edition of the newsletter, you can find an archive of past issues online.

October is Blue Jay Safety Month
Whether you're living on campus for the first time, getting to know your off-campus neighborhood, or just want to brush up on situational awareness tips, Secure Your Nest: Blue Jay Safety Month offers resources and programming to help keep yourself and others safe.

Events and programming will be happening all month; see the full schedule, and register to attend in-person or virtually.

Search JHU’s policy library
Did you know that JHU has a searchable one-stop resource for all JHU university-level policies, statements, and guidelines? Visit the Policy & Document Library to browse by category or keyword, and review guidance on everything from electric scooters and drones to student conduct.

Apply for the Student Blue Jay Dialogue Innovation Fund
The Student Blue Jay Dialogue Innovation Fund awards up to $10,000 for Johns Hopkins students or teams to create dialogue-based programs. The fund supports student-led initiatives that teach respectful, effective engagement across differences. Apply by Oct. 15 for the chance to bring your dialogue project to life.

New food vendors are now open in the Bloomberg Student Center! In Ralph’s Marketplace on the first floor, you can now visit:

Any Day Now, which will serve coffee and light bites, will also be opening soon.

Additionally, Mo’s Place on the fourth floor will serve a full à la carte menu of shareables plates, sandwiches, and hearty entrées.

See Ralph's Marketplace in action on Instagram

All guests must use the Transact Mobile App to place orders at all Bloomberg Student Center dining locations. If you’re new to using Transact, you can review the instructions for downloading the app and placing an order.

Important academic dates

Have questions about managing your courses? Contact SEAM. 

Explore entrepreneurship with the Pava Center
The Pava Marie LaPere Center for Entrepreneurship empowers and equips Hopkins students, alumni, and community changemakers to build impactful, sustainable ventures. The center, which is located at 320 W. 29th Street, offers industry-agnostic accelerators, funding opportunities, and mentorship, as well as resources like co-working and event space, pro bono services, and a vast network of startup connections. Learn more and visit soon!

Extended hours at the LaB
The LaB at 3003 N. Charles St. is now open for extended hours as a place to study, meet for group work, socialize, and relax! Operating hours are now:

Sunday–Thursday: 12 p.m.–12 a.m.
Friday: 12–5 p.m.
Saturday: 12–9 p.m.

Be on the lookout for announcements of special programming and events taking place in The LaB later this semester, including from PILOT and The Learning Den.

Celebrate our new fleet of electric buses
Join Transportation Services at Mason Hall Circle on Oct. 15 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. to celebrate the launch of JHU's new electric buses, an important step toward advancing our universitywide sustainability goals. The celebration will include refreshments, giveaways, music, and bus walkthroughs and rides. No RSVP required, and all are welcome!

Music Mondays in the Bloomberg Student Center
The Office of Arts and Innovation is seeking talented musicians to perform in the BSC! Every other Monday, students and/or registered student organizations can sign up to perform environmental/background music for 30 minutes. Performers will receive up to $50 per person in J-cash, or up to $300 total paid to a registered student organization. Learn more and apply for an upcoming time slot!

Serve on the JHU Campus Store student advisory council
Do you want to play a part in shaping the JHU Campus Store? Apply to serve on their student advisory council! Student advisors will help to ensure that the store meets the needs of the Hopkins student community. Fill out the interest form today, and if you have questions, please send an email. 

Wyman Park Dell planting and cleanup
Join Friends of the Wyman Park Dell and the Off-Campus Housing team on Oct. 12 to help plant spring flowers, tidy up this community space, and keep it beautiful for all! Check in is at 9:30 a.m. in the lower dell by the maintenance shed; clean-up and planting will take place from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. All supplies will be provided! RSVP in Hopkins Groups.

Get your flu shot by Nov. 21
Flu season is here, and all JHU students are required to receive the annual flu vaccine no later than Nov. 21. Learn more about the flu vaccine policy, where and how to get vaccinated on campus, and documentation requirements when receiving the vaccine from other providers.

Explore the great outdoors with Experiential Education
Take a break from your classes and spend time with fellow students in nature! Experiential Education offers students the opportunity for adventure on water, rock, trail, and in snow. No experience is necessary for most trips, which are led by Hopkins students with extensive training and experience in outdoor leadership and education. Space is limited; check out the upcoming list of events, which includes canoeing, hiking, biking, and more!

Celebrate National Voter Education Week with Hopkins Votes
Hopkins Votes is here to help you get vote-ready with everything you need to know. Stop by their table in the BSC from 6–8 p.m. on Oct. 9 to ask your voting questions, learn about your absentee ballots, and much more.

Hop Talks: Storytelling Through Social Movements
Join the Center for Social Concern in the Great Hall at 6 p.m. on Oct. 21 for a Hop Talk exploring how stories have the power to inspire change, build community, and drive social action. RSVP in Hopkins Groups.

As the fall semester gets underway, we'd like to share some resources available to support you: