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. 

TODAY: Preview new furniture for the renovated Milton S. Eisenhower Library

MSE Library architects will be on hand to showcase new furniture options for the renovated library project today from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Levering’s Great Hall. Students are invited to test out the pieces and share their feedback! There will also be snacks, giveaways, and a raffle, featuring exciting prizes like Beats Studio Buds and Beats Studio Pro Headphones.

Don’t miss this opportunity to preview these exciting new fixtures and help shape the future of the MSE Library! 

Commencement regalia available for purchase

All graduates attending Commencement must wear official regalia purchased through the JHU Barnes & Noble Bookstore. The deadline to order regalia online is April 4, 2025. For bachelor’s candidates, regalia will also be available for purchase in-store during Grad Fair, which will take place from April 10–12, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Barnes & Noble.

Watch highlights from last year's Edible Book Festival

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 26, at 10 p.m. If you prefer to simply attend the event, swing by the Glass Pavilion on March 31 between 12:30 to 3 p.m. to see all of the tasty creations and enjoy free raffles, popcorn, and a photobooth!

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

With the opening of the Hopkins Student Center just around the corner, coming editions of The Word from the Bird will highlight updates and features of this exciting and transformative new space.

Chef Tim Ma brings innovative dining to HSC

DC chef and restauranteur—and Hopkins alum!—Tim Ma will be overseeing three new dining concepts in the Hopkins Student Center: a fast-casual American Chinese food stall, a coffee shop, and Mo’s Place, a full-service restaurant. Learn about chef Ma’s unconventional path from Hopkins to fine dining and more in his interview with the Hub.

Important upcoming academic deadlines

Questions about your courses? Contact SEAM.

Register for the Hopkins Connect Spring 2025 Mentorship Summit
Join the Hopkins Connect team for the Spring 2025 Mentorship Summit, taking place on Saturday, April 12 from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. The summit will include a brunch panel discussion, and a series of breakout sessions focused on valuable techniques and mentorship concepts that will support your mentorship journey. Pre-registration on OneHop is required as space is limited.

Help spruce up our neighborhoods for spring
Join Off-Campus Housing on Saturday, April 12, from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. for the second annual Community Street Spruce! Students, staff, faculty, and neighbors are invited to come together and make a positive impact. Supplies and complimentary t-shirts will be provided along with a post-Street Spruce pizza party! Register on Hopkins Groups by April 11.

Hopkins Dining’s final Cooking Series of the semester
Interested in learning to cook or looking to sharpen your culinary skills? Sign up for the final Hopkins Dining Cooking Series event of the semester, which will take place Monday, April 14, from 5 to 6 p.m. in Scott-Bates Commons. Registration will open on Tuesday, April 1 on the Hopkins Dining website.

Student advisory committees accepting applications
JHU’s Cross-Institutional Student Advisory Committee is a universitywide forum that provides students with the opportunity to discuss important academic and co-curricular matters and offer advice to university administration. Interested in helping to shape universitywide policies and initiatives? Complete the application form by April 6 to apply for a spot on the committee.

Additionally, the Student Advisory Committee for Public Safety (SACPS), a universitywide advisory committee that serves as a forum for students to discuss public safety matters of broad interest with public safety leadership, is currently accepting applications. As a consultative body, the SACPS will provide feedback and recommendations for public safety through informed and collegial conversation. Learn more and apply.

What you need to know about problem gambling
As March Madness takes center stage, it’s a good time to reflect on the potential risks associated with sports gambling. The Well-Being Blog explores this growing problem, highlighting how excitement over events can sometimes lead to unhealthy behaviors. For tips on how to recognize problem gambling and seek help if needed, check out the blog post.

Finding connection and belonging on campus
Loneliness is common on college campuses, and it can have a negative impact on our academic, social, and emotional well-being. Check out these tips on the Well-Being Blog for how to foster community and connection at Hopkins, as well as a list of resources that can help overcome related challenges.

Save the date for Spring Fair
Celebrate the arrival of spring on Homewood campus at this year’s Spring Fair! Join in on the food, fun, and community from April 24-26. Be on the lookout for more announcements about arts and dining vendors, performers, and the concert headliner in the coming weeks.

JHU recognized once again as a Voter Friendly Campus
We are one of the campuses recognized by Fair Election Center’s Campus Vote Project and NASPA – Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education, for our planned and implemented nonpartisan practices that encourage eligible students to register and vote. Thank you to all of the students who have been actively engaged in our efforts to Hop the Vote!   

Focus group for CSC participants
The Center for Social Concern is seeking students who have been active as a student leader or volunteer in a CSC-affiliated program to join an upcoming focus group. This is an opportunity to share your experiences, insights, and the ways the CSC has supported your active engagement with the Baltimore community. The next focus group will be held on Wednesday, March 26 from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Register soon to guarantee your spot.

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