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.

Spring leave of absence deadline is April 10
Leave of absence requests for Spring 2026 will not be considered after April 10. If you need to take a leave of absence for Spring, please submit your request prior to this date. Requests submitted after April 10 will be considered for Fall 2026. Visit the Office of Leave of Absence Administration website to learn more.

Commencement regalia available for purchase
All graduates attending Commencement must wear official regalia purchased through the JHU Campus Store. The deadline to order regalia online is April 4. For bachelor’s candidates, regalia will also be available for purchase in-store during the Grad Fair, which will be held April 9 through 11 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Campus Store. For additional information, visit the Commencement website.

Summer 2026 financial aid applications due April 10
To be eligible for summer financial aid, you must be currently receiving Hopkins need-based grant funding and enroll in at least three credits in Homewood’s undergraduate summer classes. Eligible students can view more information in SIS Self-Service > Financial Aid > View Financial Aid; change the Current Award Year (in the top right-hand corner) to 2025/2026. The application is available under Menu > Applications.

Get creative and join the fun at this year’s Edible Book Festival! Hosted by the Sheridan Libraries, this Hopkins tradition invites students to create and display an edible creation inspired by their favorite books. Contest registration closes today, March 25, at 5 p.m. If you prefer to simply attend the event, swing by the Glass Pavilion on March 30 between 12:30 and 2:30 p.m. to see all the tasty creations and enjoy free raffles, popcorn, and a photo booth!

Upcoming academic deadlines
March 27 at 4:30 p.m. is the deadline to add courses online for Term 2 and SOUL. Contact Student Enrollment and Account Management if you have questions about your course registration. 

Taking classes at another JHU division
Fall registration opens next month! If you are planning to take a class at another JHU division, now is a great time to familiarize yourself with the interdivisional registration request process and policies.

Get networking help from SGA
Confused about how to actually network? Join the SGA First-Year Meet & Greet with Alumni on April 1 at 6 p.m. in the Bloomberg Student Center. Practice introductions, build confidence, and connect with 20-plus young alumni in a relaxed, low-pressure environment designed to help you start building meaningful professional relationships early. Register in Handshake to attend.

Life Design Lab’s Consulting Week continues
Are you interested in professional opportunities at Bain, McKinsey, or Deloitte? Join the Life Design Lab for a series of events to get connected with alumni and resources to help you excel in the application process and land a role. With many internship opportunities closing March 29, now is the time to prepare! Register in Handshake.

Mark your calendars for the Earth Month Bash
Join Hopkins Dining and the Office of Climate and Sustainability in celebrating their Earth Month Bash featuring the annual Picnic for the Planet and Earth Fest events on Friday, April 3 from 4 to 7 p.m. on Keyser Quad. This event includes an outdoor picnic, live music, outdoor games, and activities. Registration for the meal is open through Wednesday, April 1 in the Transact mobile app. 

Share your feedback on the Homewood Wi-Fi network
The Student Government Association and IT@JH would like to hear your thoughts about the wireless networks on the Homewood campus. Your feedback on wireless coverage across campus will help IT@JH ensure they provide proper support and wireless coverage where you live and study while on campus. Participate in the survey and share your feedback! 

Submit your ad to the digital signage network
Did you know that you can advertise on behalf of your registered student organization on screens across campus? The Digital Signage Network is open to Hopkins affiliates sharing news, resources, and events relevant to the Homewood student community. View submission guidelines and submit your ad for consideration today!

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!

Participate in the Out of the Darkness Walk April 11
JHU's biggest event for suicide prevention and mental health awareness kicks off 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. The energy is supportive and hopeful; you can fundraise, but there's no requirement to do so. Visit Hopkins Groups for more information.

Beat tax season stress with help from Student Financial Support
Tax Day is April 15, but you don’t need to be stressed out by the tax-filing process! In the fifth in a series of eight webinars recently hosted by Student Financial Support, financial educator Shahar Ziv explained how to get your taxes in order. Visit the Well-Being blog to see tips and watch the webinar recordings.

Hear from local candidates running for office during March 25 community forum
Join the Charles Village Civic Association (CVCA) and Hopkins Votes as they host the 2026 Maryland Primary Election Candidates Forum tonight, March 25, at 6:30 p.m. This forum will feature candidates running for office in Baltimore City to represent or serve areas including Charles Village and the Johns Hopkins University's Homewood campus. RSVP in Hopkins Groups.

Student Leadership Awards nominations due March 30
Leadership Engagement and Experiential Development is now accepting nominations for the annual Student Leadership Awards, which celebrate the accomplishments of students, faculty, and staff leaders on the Homewood campus. Nominations are due on Monday, March 30, at 11:59 PM ET. You can read more about the awards and nominate a deserving Blue Jay online.

April 7 Hop Talks: From Climate to Clinic
Join the Center for Social Concern as they continue exploring this year’s Common Question, “What is health?” through the lens of planetary health. Their next Hop Talks conversation on April 7 examines how local efforts are redefining health and expanding access across our city. RSVP in Hopkins Groups.

Save the date for Spring Fair: April 23–25
Celebrate the arrival of spring on the Homewood campus at this year’s Spring Fair! Join in on the food, fun, and community from April 23 to 25. Be on the lookout for more announcements about arts and dining vendors, performers, and the concert headliner in the coming weeks.

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