The Word from the Bird: News and Resources for Undergraduates

News and resources for undergraduates, compiled by Student Affairs in collaboration with university partners

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 contains important deadlines, announcements, and other need-to-know information, along with helpful reminders and updates about resources, services, programs, and more. Look for new editions in your inbox every other week during the academic year.

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.

NEWS YOU NEED TO KNOW

Last chance for $5 student Homecoming tickets
Time to pack the nest, Blue Jays! Hopkins will be taking on Maryland Men’s Lacrosse as part of Homecoming Weekend on April 18 at 2 p.m., and there a limited number of discounted student tickets available for what is sure to be a sellout game! Purchase your $5 student ticket by April 10 to ensure you have a seat at this historic matchup!

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 at 3003 N. Charles St., Suite 193, on April 18, 25, and May 2 between 12–4 p.m. and enjoy some snacks and pizza while you work.

Submit your proposal to the Sesquicentennial Awards Program
Proposals are now being accepted for the Spring 2026 cycle of the Sesquicentennial Awards Program. Students are invited to submit proposals for the Artistic Lens Awards, which invite ideas that engage the Hopkins community with artistic and creative offerings exploring the university’s past, present, and future. Awards of up to $15,000 are available. Proposals must be submitted by April 24, with decisions announced May 22. For more information and to submit, visit the university’s sesquicentennial celebration website.

Countdown to Commencement

Happy Birthday Hopkins!

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

  • April 9–11: Get your cap, gown, and all your graduation essentials at Grad Fair from 11 a.m. to 5p.m. at the JHU Campus Store
  • April 17: Last day to register in Tassel to participate in the Commencement ceremony
  • April 17: Last day to submit photos and videos to be featured during Commencement

You can review the full undergraduate checklist on the Commencement website.

NEWS THAT'S NICE TO KNOW

LEARNING RESOURCES & SUPPORT

Upcoming academic deadlines
For Spring Full Term, April 10 at 4:30 pm is the deadline to:

  • Withdraw from Customized Academic Learning (CAL) courses (all students, all CAL courses)
  • Change enrollment grading system: (to or from Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory)
  • Withdraw (with a "W" on your transcript)
  • Withdraw from a SOUL course

For Spring Term 2, April 13 at 4:30 p.m. is the deadline to drop a course.

If you have registration questions, contact SEAM.

Remember to reapply for financial aid
It’s not too late if you missed the January 15 priority deadline! Domestic students must reapply for financial aid each school year by completing the FAFSA, CSS Profile, and any required tax documents. Award information will be sent in the summer.

Summer scholarship opportunities from Life Design Lab
The Life Design Lab is kicking off the application period for summer scholarships! These scholarships aim to help undergraduates explore high-impact summer opportunities, including unpaid internships. Be sure to visit the LDL website for more details; applications are due April 10 at 12 p.m.

 

ON & AROUND CAMPUS

Enroll in a meal plan for next year
Now is the time to enroll in a Hopkins Dining meal plan for the 2026-27 academic year! You can choose from options that fit your schedule and dining preferences, and if you enroll by June 30, you’ll be entered for a chance to win $100 in Dining Dollars. Visit the Dining website for eligibility details and the full dining guide.

Senior survey launches soon
Attention, graduating juniors and seniors: The Senior Survey will be launching soon, and it’s an important opportunity to provide feedback on your Hopkins undergraduate experience. Please keep an eye out for an email inviting you to participate. ALL respondents will receive a $5 e-gift card!

 

HEALTH & WELL-BEING

Participate in the Out of the Darkness Walk April 11
JHU's biggest event for suicide prevention and mental health awareness begins on April 11 at the O'Connor Center for Recreation and Well-Being. Doors open at 9:30 a.m. and the ceremony starts at 10 a.m. The energy is supportive and hopeful; you can fundraise, but there's no requirement to do so. Visit Hopkins Groups for more information.

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month
Join Student Health and Well-Being in raising awareness and advocating for survivors with a month of special events. On the schedule: a trivia and tie-dyeing night on April 17, a Gender-Affirming Closet pop-up on April 20, and a Denim Day gathering on April 27. Visit the Well-Being Blog to see the full calendar of April events.

 

STUDENT ENGAGEMENT & COMMUNITY

FLI Field Day is April 10
Presented in partnership with Recreation, Residential Life, and Student Health & Well-Being, the FLI Network is hosting a Field Day this Friday, April 10 from 5–7 p.m. on the Beach. No athletic prowess is required – stop by for lighthearted competition, laughter, and community. RSVP in Hopkins Groups.

JHU Barnstormers present Footloose the Musical
The Barnstormers, JHU’s student theater group, will be performing Footloose the Musical April 10-19 in the Bloomberg Student Center Theater. A stage adaptation of the iconic 1984 film, Footloose the Musical tells the story of a repressed small-town community where dancing has been banned, and what happens when a brave newcomer challenges their rigid ideology. Get your tickets for an upcoming performance in Hopkins Groups.

Celebrate with the CSC
Mark the end of another amazing academic year with the Center for Social Concern as they host an end-of-year party on April 28 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.! Whether you volunteered, led, partnered, or attended our events, come hang out in our backyard for a day of fun, activations, raffles¸ games, photo booths, delicious food, and more. RSVP in Hopkins Groups. 

SUPPORT RESOURCES

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

  • The Office of Academic Support offers programs to improve study skills, provide subject-specific tutoring, and encourage peer-to-peer collaborative learning.
  • Student Outreach and Support is available for appointments by scheduling online or visiting Drop-In Hours. To learn more about services, visit the SOS website, email studentoutreach@jhu.edu, or call 410-516-7857. You can also find out more about the Hopkins Food Pantry and other needs resources.
  • Looking for mental health support? Visit Mental Health Services to find out how to schedule a therapy appointment or access virtual tools like TimelyCare, SilverCloud, and the Calm app.  
  • Religious and Spiritual Life supports the JHU community’s spiritual needs and promotes religious tolerance and social awareness. Contact them by phone at 410-516-1880 or by email at chaplain@jhu.edu for more information.
  • The Office of Student Enrollment and Account Management (SEAM) can help you with student accounts, registration, and financial aid—all in one place. No matter how you prefer to get in touch, their student support specialists can provide answers based on your circumstances and needs.
 

NOTABLE DATES

  • Last day to withdraw with a "W" on your transcript (April 10)
  • Homecoming Lacrosse Game (April 18)
  • Spring Fair (April 23–25)
  • Last Day of Classes (April 27)
  • Reading Days (April 28–May 1)
  • Exam Days (May 4–12)
  • Universitywide Commencement (May 21)

LOOKING FOR EVENTS?

  • Hopkins Groups event calendar
  • Hub event calendar
  • Hopkins Sports calendar
  • Peabody concerts and events
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