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. 

Important registration dates

2025 Commencement Student Speaker nominations
Do you want to be this year's universitywide Commencement student speaker? Or do you know someone who should be? Nominations are being accepted now through Friday, February 14! If you would like to nominate yourself or a member of the graduating undergraduate class, please complete the form on the Commencement website.

Celebrate the NFL’s biggest game of the year on campus! Hopkins Dining will be showing the Super Bowl on screens in Hopkins Café during dinner and offering a special menu with game-time snacks. Leadership Engagement and Experiential Development will be hosting a watch party over at the LaB with an all-you-can-eat food selection. Whether you're coming to watch the game, the halftime show, or the commercials, it's sure to be a good time!

For the latest updates on construction projects and active alerts affecting Homewood campus, visit the Facilities & Real Estate website.

Lighthouse Hour: Affirming Peer Support Space
Student Outreach and Support invites all Homewood undergraduates to the first meeting of Lighthouse Hour, a non-clinical peer support group for all who want to build social connections, learn more campus resources, and further connect with Hopkins and Baltimore. This introductory interest meeting on February 7, 2–3 p.m., in the Imagine Center's Dive Room, will be an opportunity for students to meet each other and learn more about what to expect from Lighthouse Hour this semester. SOS has also launched a survey to learn more about interested participants prior to the meeting.

Reminder: JayBot SMS Chatbot
Have you been messaging with Jay? Our mascot has come to life as JayBot, an AI chatbot that's here to connect with you to resources, discover opportunities to get involved, and answer your questions about Hopkins. Look for important updates, resources, and more from JayBot through the semester! You can also engage with JayBot by texting 1-977-916-5759.

Love Data Week
Registration is now open for Love Data Week! Taking place February 10-14, Love Data Week is an international celebration of data. Johns Hopkins Libraries is offering a week-long series of online events, exploring the topics of AI and big data, community-centered research, and data licensing. All events are free.

Appy Hour at Levering Kitchens
Join Hopkins Dining for Appy Hour from 2 to 4 p.m. on February 10 through February 14. Guests will receive 20% off their order at Levering Kitchens (including Tossed Kitchen, Levering Taco Kitchen, Mosaic Kitchen, and Red Lantern Kitchen) when placing a mobile order through the Transact Mobile App. Use code “APPY20” on your mobile order to receive 20% off your entire purchase (up to $10 off). Don’t have the Transact Mobile App? Visit the Dining website for more information on how to download it. 

Aspirations Award Nominations
The nomination form for the spring 2025 Aspirations Awards is now available. Take some time to share the story of a student, colleague, or faculty member who you feel exemplifies our values of Curiosity, Self-Awareness, Collaboration, Confidence, or Responsible Leadership. The deadline for nominations is Wednesday, February 12. And save the date for the Aspirations Celebration ceremony on May 1 in the Glass Pavilion. (Please note: individuals nominated in the fall are automatically entered into consideration for the spring awards.) 

Meatless Madness
It’s time again for Meatless Madness, the annual, tournament-style contest to see which meat-free dish will be crowned Chompion! Visit the Well-Being website and @jhuwellbeing Instagram account to vote for your favorites each Monday through March 10.

Health Promotion and Well-Being now offering coaching
Well-being coaching, a personalized and collaborative process that focuses on helping individuals achieve their full potential and lead a fulfilling life, is now being offered by Health Promotion and Well-Being. Coaches work with clients to identify their goals, overcome obstacles, and develop strategies to enhance their overall well-being.

Examples of topics you might address in well-being coaching include sleep, prioritizing well-being, managing stress, time management and organization, and social and interpersonal skill development. Visit the Well-Being website to schedule an appointment and learn more about how coaching can support you on your journey towards optimal well-being and personal growth.

Next Hop Talks is Feb. 12 
The Hop Talks dialogue series continues February 12 with a dinner discussion on how the recent Affirmative Action decision has shaped the demographic makeup of first-year students at JHU and what it means for your experience as a student.

Belonging Brunches and You Belong Socials
Join Religious and Spiritual Life for free brunch at the Interfaith Center (3509 N Charles St.) every Wednesday from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. And on Thursdays from 3:30 to 5 p.m. the Center for Diversity and Inclusion offers good food and good company during their You Belong Socials.

Lacrosse home openers this weekend
Our lacrosse teams are back in the Nest as their seasons get underway! Women's lacrosse welcomes Florida to Homewood Field on Friday, February 7 at 11 a.m. Men's lacrosse takes on Georgetown in their home opener on Saturday, February 8 at 1 p.m. Let's Pack the Nest and cheer on our Blue Jays!

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