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: Study with a Tutor December 7 and 14 
CSS Saturdays provide an opportunity to study with community and academic support as finals approach. Tutors will be on hand to provide support for Chemistry, Physics and Math, and Gateway Computing (both JAVA and Python); study consultants will also be available for general academic support. Upcoming sessions are scheduled for Saturday, December 7 and Saturday, December 14 from 12–4 p.m. at the Center for Student Success (3003 N Charles. Street, Homewood Apartments Suite 193). Pizza and snacks will be provided! RSVP in Hopkins Groups.

🚧 Construction update: Overhead protection installation 
As part of the ongoing MSE Library renovation project, overhead protection will be installed to provide safe access to the Brody Learning Commons, Krieger Hall, and Keyser Quad during crane operations. The installation will take place Monday, November 25, through Friday, November 29; the overhead protection will remain in place for the duration of the renovation. All pathways will remain open, and a temporary ADA-compliant ramp will be installed at the steps near Krieger Hall for ease of access.

Did you know that JHU Facilities maintains a running list of campus construction updates on their website? You can also see the latest updates about facilities work that may affect your residence hall on the Housing Operations website.

🎆 Lighting of the Quads is December 5!
Gather on Wyman Quad starting at 6 p.m. on Thursday, December 5 to commemorate the end of another fall semester and the beginning of the holiday season with the annual Lighting of the Quads! Enjoy musical performances, hot cocoa, illuminated artwork, and exclusive giveaways, leading up to the moment when President Daniels flips the ceremonial switch to light up Homewood campus with holiday lights and a spectacular fireworks display. Be sure to RSVP in Hopkins Groups!

Traveling next week? You can still celebrate Thanksgiving with your Blue Jay community by visiting Hopkins Café this evening from 5–8 p.m. The dining hall will be transformed with cozy fall décor, and special Thanksgiving menu items will be available.

Staying on campus over the holiday? Tomorrow is the last day to order a packaged Thanksgiving meal from Hopkins Dining. Meal pick-up will take place on Thanksgiving Day (November 28) from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. for Homewood students at Nolan's on 33rd. Please be sure to complete the correct order form based on your location. 

You can find menus and full instructions for ordering, as well as modified operating hours for campus dining locations during Fall Recess, on the Hopkins Dining website.

Upcoming academic deadlines for Fall Term 2
Friday, November 29 is the last day to withdraw with a "W" on your transcript in Fall Term 2. It's also the last day to change your grading system to Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory.

Additionally, continuous registration for Spring 2025 courses is now open to all undergraduate students through January 31, 2025 at 12 p.m. As you select your courses, use Stellic to help plan your schedule, connect with your advisor, and keep track of your progress towards completing your major requirements. Questions? Contact your advisor or SEAM.

Intersession courses now available in SIS
Each January, undergraduate students can register for a diverse set of one- or two-week Intersession courses that are not typically offered during the academic year. You can take one or two Intersession courses, totaling up to three credits, which are graded Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory.

Available courses for Intersession 2025 are now visible in SIS. Registration opens on December 3; contact your advisors or SEAM with any questions about registering.

Upcoming RA information sessions
Interested in becoming a Resident Advisor for the 2025–26 academic year? The Office of Residential Life is now holding information sessions where you can learn more about the role and the application process. The next sessions are scheduled for today, Wednesday, November 20 at 3 p.m. in the McCoy Social Lounge, and tomorrow, Thursday, November 21 at 1 p.m. in the AMR 1 TV Room. You can view the full schedule of information sessions, as well as the position description and other need-to-know details on the Residential Life website.

Online catalog now available for the Gender Affirming Closet
Interested in browsing the inventory at Gender and Sexuality Resources' Gender Affirming Closet? The new GAC Online Catalog shows all the clothing items in stock, with photos and sizing information for most items. You can find full instructions for how to use the online catalog and how to shop in-person on the GSR website.

Off-Campus Housing winter clothing drive
Help our community stay warm this winter! The Office of Off-Campus Housing is accepting donations of new socks and/or gently used outwear, hats and gloves, pants, sweaters, and long-sleeve shirts. You can drop off donations at the Off-Campus Housing office (located on the Terrace Level of McCoy Hall) between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. from November 25 to December 20.

From the Well-Being blog: How to sleep well if you have to stay up late
Most sleep advice is (understandably) predicated on the idea that people are awake during the day and asleep at night, honoring the body's circadian rhythms. Sometimes, though, our schedules are not our own. Maybe the lab or the rehearsal room you need is only available in the late evening, or you're an RA with overnight on-call duties. It's tough and it's not ideal, but it is the reality for a lot of students. Here is some advice on how to navigate getting the rest you need when you are working a late shift.

New Wellness To Go Vending Machine in the Rec
The Wellness To Go vending machine at the Homewood Primary Care clinic has expanded its footprint with a second Homewood location at the O’Connor Recreation Center! The vending machines provide easy access to over-the-counter medications and other well-being products at cost. Purchases can be made using an active J-Card account. Individuals can hold their J-Card up to the contactless reader on the vending machine or use mobile credentials to initiate a purchase.   

Pack the nest for Football
Football locked up a first-round bye in the NCAA Tournament and will host Grove City in the second round of the 2024 NCAA Division III Football Playoffs. Head over to Homewood Field on Saturday, November 30 at 12 noon to cheer on our Blue Jays!

Run the Homewood Holiday 5k
Registration is open for the Seventh Annual Homewood Holiday 5k, scheduled for Sunday, December 8. Enjoy a scenic route through Homewood campus and gather for a post-race reception on Homewood Field featuring food and drinks, music, a costume contest, and a special appearance from Santa. Each registrant will receive a commemorative glass mug and a t-shirt. Learn more and sign up to race in person or virtually.

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