Corrections: The date for the JHU Major Fair was listed incorrectly in the previous version of this message. The correct date is Friday, February 16. Additionally, the estimated date that JHU will be able to confirm receipt of FAFSA applications has been updated to mid-March.

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 includes a compilation of 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.  

Explore areas of study at the inaugural JHU Major Fair
Interested in learning more about the major you’re planning to declare this spring? Considering a pivot to a new major or investigating a possible minor? Undergrads are invited to explore all the areas of study that KSAS and WSE have to offer at the Student Government Association’s inaugural JHU Major Fair on  Friday, February 16 from 1–5 p.m. in the Great Hall and Glass Pavilion in Levering Hall. Over 30 academic programs will be present to answer your questions, along with representatives from Academic Affairs, Life Design, and Experiential Learning. Register in Hopkins Groups and we hope to see you there!    

DEI Collective summer internships
Looking for an internship at a company that prioritizes diversity, equity, and inclusion—and shares where they are in that process? For the third year running, Hire Hopkins’ DEI Collective is spreading the word about summer internships at companies, nonprofits, and research groups that are committed to making workplaces more inclusive. Learn more about the DEI Collective and log in to Handshake to see organizations currently accepting applications for summer 2024. Act quickly—many application deadlines are approaching! 

FAFSA application deadline extended 
Due to technical difficulties, the FAFSA application deadline has been extended to February 15, 2024. Please note that there will be a delay between the date you submit the FAFSA and when we receive it; JHU will not be able to confirm receipt until mid-March.  
 
If you have submitted the FAFSA, please check the To-Do List on the Financial Aid tab in SIS in February for confirmation of receipt. Your aid will not be jeopardized if the receipt is not confirmed until after the due date.    

If you have questions about your application, please reach out to SEAM for assistance; virtual and in-person appointments are available.   

Spread the love around campus with special programming to celebrate Valentine’s Day!  

The HOP is hosting Valentine’s Day card- and cookie-making on Thursday, February 8 from 11 a.m.–1:30 p.m. in Levering Lounge; they’ll also be doing flower bouquet building on Wednesday, February 14 from 11 a.m.–1 p.m. in the Great Hall. Register in Hopkins Groups to attend both events.   
 
Also on February 14, JHU Student Affairs will be giving away sweet treats in front of Levering Hall from 12–2 p.m. No RSVP is required! Later that evening, swing by Hopkins Café to enjoy a special Valentine’s Day menu; dining hall entry is required for the event, and payment is accepted in meal swipes, Dining Dollars, J-Cash or credit card.

iClicker will be offered free to JHU students
We are excited to announce a three-year agreement with iClicker which will provide free access to the platform to all Johns Hopkins undergraduate students. iClicker is a student engagement tool that helps course instructors guide and assess student learning; it’s available anywhere via mobile devices, laptops, or desktops. iClicker can be used for class attendance, polls, student engagement, student insights, and analytics.  
 
Beginning this semester, students will no longer be charged for a subscription for iClicker.  We wish to thank the student leaders who brought the issue of the financial hardship caused by students having to purchase the program to Student Affairs, and we hope that JHU undergraduate students and faculty will take advantage of its many features and tools. 

Explore opportunities to study abroad
The Global Education Office is holding its annual Johns Hopkins Study Abroad Fair on Tuesday, February 13 from 5–7 p.m. in the Glass Pavilion in Levering Hall. Representatives from the Global Education Office, JHU Madrid, and Life Design, as well as representatives from international universities, study abroad providers, and program alums will be on hand to answer your questions. Register in advance to attend.  

Apply to become a First-Year Mentor
Applications to become a First-Year Mentor will open February 25 via SMILE (Job Number: 13600). FYMs provide peer-to-peer support to ensure the successful transition of all new students into the Homewood community. This is an excellent student leadership opportunity available to rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors. Visit the Orientation and First Year Experience website to learn more about the role FYMs play in welcoming new Blue Jays to our community. 

Call for Conduct Board Members and Integrity Ambassadors
The Office of Student Conduct is seeking students to be part of the Conduct and Ethics Board and to serve as Integrity Ambassadors! The Board hears cases related to behavioral misconduct and academic ethics violations. Please use this link to express interest; applications will go live in March. 

Nominations for the spring 2024 Aspirations Awards are now open
You are invited to submit names of Homewood students, faculty, and staff who you feel exemplify our Aspirations for Student Learning. The deadline to nominate is Friday, February 16, and awardees will be recognized at the Aspirations Celebration on May 2.

Tan France comes to Shriver Hall
JHU is welcoming Tan France from Netflix's "Queer Eye" to Homewood! On February 27 at 3:30 p.m. in Shriver Hall, Tan will discuss authenticity and how it relates to your career path. Additionally, five students from JHU will be participating in a conversation with Tan that will touch on topics including navigating professional success, LGBTQ representation, and more. Students and all other members of the JHU community are welcome to attend, but seats are limited, so be sure to RSVP.

Refresh your knowledge of JHU's drug and alcohol policies 
As the spring semester gets underway, now is a great time to review JHU’s policies around alcohol and drug use. An email summary of current policies was sent to students last week; you can read it online if you missed the message. You can also find educational and support resources related to drug and alcohol use on the Well-Being website. 

Learn new cooking skills with Hopkins Dining
Hopkins Dining's first Hopkins Cooking Series event this semester will be held Tuesday, February 20 from 5–6:30 p.m. in the Glass Pavilion in Levering. This month, students will learn how to make tuxedo-dipped strawberries with Peabody Executive Sous Chef Joseph Bollinger. Registration is required in advance; reserve your spot today while space is still available! 

Blue Jay Tuesday Giveaways at the Ice Rink
Wear your best Hopkins and blue gear to the JHU Ice Rink on Tuesdays to skate and receive exclusive swag to celebrate Blue Jay Tuesday! There will be additional giveaways every week to help keep you warm on the rink, including winter wear like hats, gloves, scarves, and reusable hand warmers. We hope to see you there! 

Cheer on Hopkins Lacrosse this month in the Battle of Charles Street
Hopkins Men's and Women's Lacrosse will host cross-town rivals Loyola in the Battle of Charles Street. The men's game is Saturday, February 17 at 1 p.m. and the women's game is Wednesday, February 21 at 4 p.m.; both will be held on Homewood Field. Games are FREE for students and there will be giveaways! 

As the new semester begins, remember to take good care of yourself during the transition back to campus and classes. Among the resources available to students: