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. 

CSS Saturdays are back!
Need an extra boost as finals approach? Join the Center for Student Success for CSS Saturdays: Study with a Tutor. This program offers all students the chance to study with both community and academic support. Whether you're tackling chemistry, physics, calculus, or need general study help, Learning Den tutors and study consultants are there for you. Come by the CSS on April 19, 26, and May 3 between 12–4 p.m. and enjoy some snacks and pizza while you work. 

Enroll in a 2025-26 meal plan
Birds of a feather, dine together! Enroll in a meal plan for the upcoming academic year by June 30 for a chance to win an additional $150 in Dining Dollars and the opportunity to roll over any remaining Spring 2025 Dining Dollars. Visit Hopkins Dining’s website for more details on meal plan options and the enrollment process. 

Provide feedback on the Learning Environment Guidelines
Homewood students are invited to provide feedback to refine the draft Learning Environment Guidelines. The guidelines establish a shared vision for academic spaces on the Homewood campus, serving as a roadmap for the design of new and renovated classrooms. Your feedback ensures the guidelines reflect the priorities and experiences of those who use these spaces every day. Please complete the Student Survey to share your feedback by Friday, April 25.

CSAC application deadline extended
JHU’s Cross-Institutional Student Advisory Committee is a universitywide forum that provides students with the opportunity to discuss important academic and co-curricular matters and offer advice to university administration. Interested in helping to shape universitywide policies and initiatives? Complete the application form by the extended deadline of April 13 to be considered for a spot on the committee.

Heads up, graduating seniors: Commencement is quickly approaching! Keep these important dates in mind to stay on top of key deadlines and requirements: 

You can review the full undergraduate checklist on the Commencement website

With the opening of the Hopkins Student Center just around the corner, coming editions of The Word from the Bird will highlight updates and features of this exciting and transformative new space.

Student Engagement Hub                                                                                    The Student Engagement Hub will be a dynamic space in the HSC, designed to support and enhance student organization activities and involvement. The hub will feature built-in storage cabinets and a pantry to provide student organizations with a dedicated space to store supplies. The space will also include a lounge area, large worktables for collaboration, and smaller meeting tables for focused discussions. An AV panel in the lounge will enable student orgs to display content on a screen. The hub will also house staff offices for the Center for Diversity and Inclusion, LEED, and Arts and Innovation, so you know exactly where to find the teams that help support your activities. 

Upcoming academic deadlines

Spring academic deadlines are fast approaching! Make sure to submit all requests for the following actions via a SEAM Case by Thursday, April 11 at 4:30 p.m.:

The last day to drop a course online for Term 2 is Sunday, April 14, at 4:30 p.m. 

Questions about your courses? Contact SEAM.

Upcoming neighborhood clean-ups

Mark your calendars for Picnic for the Planet
Celebrate Earth Day with Hopkins Dining’s annual Picnic for the Planet on Tuesday, April 22 from 5–7 p.m. on the Freshman Quad. This outdoor picnic will feature a sustainable dinner, music, activities, and giveaways. Registration is open until Tuesday, April 15 via the Transact mobile app. 

Tech Yard Sale returns
Looking to upgrade your tech or find a great deal? The annual Tech Yard Sale is back on Thursday, May 1 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Krieger Hall 170. This year’s sale will feature a variety of equipment, including laptops, iMacs, iPads, printers, and more.  

Connect with occupational therapy
Join Student Outreach and Support on Friday, April 11 from 2–3 p.m. for an opportunity to meet occupational therapists from JHU’s Mental Health Services. Learn how occupational therapy can help with a variety of challenges, such as organization, time management, focus, memory, sleep routines, and more. Register in Hopkins Groups to attend! 

Spring check-in: Reflections on well-being
Spring is a natural time to reflect on our well-being; the changing seasons, paired with academic pressures, can stir a mix of emotions. Read more about the importance of self-care during this period, and learn about free support resources, on the Well-Being Blog. 

TODAY: APIDA Heritage Month Celebration
Join Multicultural Affairs today for the annual Asian, Pacific Islander, Desi American (APIDA) Heritage Celebration from 6–8 p.m. at the Glass Pavilion. This year’s theme, Connecting Community, explores how generations build and sustain community through leadership, involvement, and care. Engage in meaningful conversations and coalition building with fellow JHU affiliates. All are welcome!

Get engaged with the Center for Social Concern
Join the Center for Social Concern for two events this April. On Tuesday, April 15 at 6 p.m., Hopkins Votes will host a Dial into Democracy: Phone Banking Workshop where you’ll have the opportunity to learn about phone banking, finding your representatives, and learning how to craft persuasive scripts.

Then, on Thursday, April 17 at 6:30 p.m. the CSC will be hosting a book discussion with Dr. Nicole Fabricant, the author of Fighting to Breathe. The book tells the story of high school students who become activists in response to industrial pollution and health disparities in their Curtis Bay community. 

Spring Fair schedule announced
The 54th annual Spring Fair is just around the corner, and the full schedule is now available online. Hosted by LEED in collaboration with The HOP and other campus partners, Spring Fair is a time-honored tradition that brings us together for a weekend of fun, food, and festivities.  

Here's a sneak peek of what's in store:

Catch a fan bus for upcoming lax games against UMD                                      Get ready to cheer on Men’s Lacrosse as they take on the Maryland Terrapins! Hopkins students can hop on the fan bus to College Park for the rivalry game on Friday, April 18. The bus will depart from the Newton White Athletic Center at 6:15 p.m. Registration is free, but spots are limited so secure your seat now. 

Can’t make it on Friday? Another fan bus will be heading to the Women’s Lacrosse game on Saturday, April 19, also in College Park. The bus will depart from the same location at 12:!5 p.m. Register in Hopkins Groups.  

Celebrate the end of the academic year with FLI Network
FLI students and their supporters are invited to join the FLI Network for their 2025 End of the Year Celebration & Halfway There Ceremony on April 29 at 6 p.m. in the Glass Pavilion! This special event is all about honoring the dedication, achievements, and contributions of our incredible FLI students, colleagues, and partners. Learn more and RSVP in Hopkins Groups.   

As the spring semester continues, we'd like to share some resources available to support you: