Meet the Leos: Hopkins from 10,000 Miles Away
Moving to the United States for college was never a question for junior Hubert Leo—despite being raised 10,000 miles away in Jakarta, Indonesia. “Like other international students, I’ve always been somebody who seeks challenges and opportunities to develop. My family and I always thought that the US was the best place to do that,” Hubert says.
Hubert ultimately chose Johns Hopkins University because of its international recognition and prestige, as well as the flexible open curriculum; as a person with many interests, he had a feeling this may play to his advantage. Though he came in as a Mechanical Engineering major, he was able to switch to Computer Science with an Entrepreneurship and Management minor. Hubert was just settling into his new major and minor when the COVID-19 pandemic hit in March of his sophomore year. At the time, he expected to come back for his junior year and pick up where he left off: starting to get involved in organizations, exploring Baltimore, and even kicking off his entrepreneurial career by launching a student-run laundry business with his friends. But these exciting endeavors were halted when, like many other international students, Hubert went home to Jakarta and didn’t end up returning to campus for all of his junior year. Instead, he and his family have spent the year adjusting to Hopkins from home.
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Housing Update: 2021 Move-Out
It is hard to believe that we are more than halfway through the semester, which means finals week will be right around the corner. With finals week comes residence hall closing! Please be on the lookout for more information via email over the next few weeks.
As a reminder: Final exams begin May 5 and continue through May 13. All students are required to move out of the residence halls 24 hours after their last exam or by noon on Friday, May 14, whichever comes first. By this time, all students must vacate the residence halls, leaving their room and suite clean and empty.
As your student is working through midterms, here are some helpful tips to prepare for residence hall closing:
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- Encourage your student to pack up any belongings they will no longer use for the semester and ship them home. This will help your student to move out more easily under COVID safety guidelines.
- The Wolman Mailroom’s Shipping Depot offers everything students will need to pack and/or ship their belongings. Students can get a jump start on packing by purchasing boxes and tape now and shipping some items home ahead of time. More information can be found on the Mailroom’s website.
- Start talking to your student about their finals schedule and planning their move out. It is important to have students pack their belongings prior to your arrival to make loading vehicles easier. Additionally, taking small breaks to pack and clean in small increments will make it easier, instead of trying to do it all at once. Planning and coordinating with your student should make the Move-Out process a more efficient and less stressful experience.
- As with Move-In, families and guests will not be allowed into the residence halls. Your student will need to bring their items outside, and from there you will be able to assist in loading.
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If you have any Move-Out questions or concerns, please contact the Housing office at 410-516-7962 or housing@jhu.edu.
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Johns Hopkins Universitywide Commencement
Class of 2021 families and friends, be a part of Commencement, it’s as easy as 1, 2, 3…
1. Mortarboard Presentation
The Class of 2021 would like to honor you for your support in getting them to this day by asking that you virtually present their mortarboards (graduation caps worn during the ceremony) to them. Take a short video of you passing this symbol—plain, decorated, even homemade—to your special graduate. Submitted videos will be compiled and shown to your students and their fellow graduates during the ceremony.
2. Share your Memories
Send in pictures and videos taken during your graduates’ time at Johns Hopkins to be included in celebratory videos shown before, during, and after the ceremony.
3. Encourage your grad to participate too
Undergraduates of the Class of 2021 are also encouraged to send in their pictures and videos, lend their voice to the ceremony, and RSVP via MarchingOrder.
More information will be provided on the Commencement website throughout the spring semester. Stay connected with us on social media. “Like” us on Facebook. Follow us on Instagram @jhuseniors, #jhu2021.
If you have questions, please contact the Commencement Office at commencement@jhu.edu.
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HopArt Helps Students Experience Baltimore's Art Scene
HopArt, generously funded by the Hopkins Parents Fund, provides undergraduate students an opportunity to attend performing arts events in Baltimore—for free! Through HopArt, students and faculty can interact in a social setting while getting to know the Baltimore art scene. Transitioning this year to an online format, student attendees are also able to interact with the arts programs or with their faculty after the show.
Two recent opportunities offered by the HopArt program were a virtual improv class with Baltimore Improv Group and a performance by the Baltimore Symphony Orchesta:
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Intro to Improv with BIG (Baltimore Improv Group)
On Thursday, February 18, our Blue Jays had the opportunity to participate in a 60-minute virtual improv class with the Baltimore Improv Group. Through simple, fun, and supportive exercises, participants explored basic concepts like playfulness, listening, and agreement—all in a safe and comfortable digital setting geared specifically toward those who are new to improv. The workshop served students looking to sharpen communication skills, get creatively inspired, and/or collaborate with others.
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Baltimore Symphony Orchestra: Forgotten Voices
On Thursday, February 25, students were treated to a watch party and artist panel for the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra's "Forgotten Voices" program. The session featured performances of original compositions centered around the suffrage movement and the 100th anniversary of the passage of the 19th Amendment. "Forgotten Voices" features students, artists, and scholars in the creative process of this project. Black composers’ voices are elevated with works from the Chevalier de Saint-Georges, a contemporary of Mozart; Scott Joplin; Hannah Kendall; and other gifted living composers.
For more information on HopArt, including a schedule of upcoming programs, visit the HopArt website.
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Stay Engaged, Blue Jays!
Blue Jay Families, have you heard about Hopkins Engage? It's the university's new community engagement platform that allows students to easily connect with community partners, Baltimore nonprofit agencies, and community-engaged groups across campus. The platform provides an easy search function for any student to identify organizations and projects they care most about in their community!
Hopkins Engage serves as a resource for students to make connections and positively impact the Baltimore community through service and civic engagement. JHU campus partners are working with community leaders throughout Baltimore City to post service opportunities for your students to support virtually this spring. We encourage JHU parents and students to explore Hopkins Engage, become members on the platform, and check out some of the events and service opportunities seeking support. Stay engaged, Blue Jays! If you have additional questions, please email hopkins_engage@jhu.edu.
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Important DatesWednesday, Apr. 14
Spring Break Day
Thursday, Apr. 22
Spring Break Day
Thursday, Apr. 29
Last Day of Classes
Friday, Apr. 30
Spring Break Day
Monday, May 3– Tuesday May 4
Reading Days
May 5–13 Final Exam Period
Thursday, May 27
University Commencement
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Life Design Lab Summer Grants
The Life Design Lab has extended the deadline for their "Design Your Summer Experience" grants to April 6. When they apply, students are considered for up to three grants. The full list of grants, applications, amount of distributions, and descriptions can be found here. The Life Design Lab is also offering Summer Experience Grant workshops that can be found through bit.ly/ldlprograms. These programs are designed to introduce students to the grant process and how to apply for them, as well as address and answer any questions they may have.
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Webinar on Fall Class Registration Rescheduled for April 11
Our upcoming webinar, "How Does My Blue Jay Register for Classes in the Fall?", has been rescheduled for Sunday, April 11 from 7–8 p.m. EDT. During this webinar, campus representatives will share with families how students can successfully register for their classes and further explain the expectations and roles of students, faculty and advisors throughout the process. To register, please click here.
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"Coffee and Conversations with International Families" Webinar April 19
This networking opportunity for international families is scheduled for Monday, April 19 from 8–9 a.m. EDT. Featured speakers include Ed Schlesinger, Dean of the Whiting School of Engineering; Christopher C. Salenza, the James B. Knapp Dean of the Krieger School of Arts and Sciences; and Alanna Shanahan, Vice Provost for Student Affairs. Topics to be discussed include the impact the pandemic has had on higher education, and the steps that the university has taken to ensure a meaningful college experience for all students. Students are welcome to attend. To register, please click here.
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Parent and Family Coordinator Opportunity for Your Student
The Parent and Family Coordinator plays a critical role in assisting the Office of Parent and Family Relations and the Director for Parent and Family Relations in helping transition our incoming current Blue Jay Families into Hopkins. Applications are now open so please encourage your student to apply! Applications are due Friday, April 9.
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Updates from the Wellness Website Blog
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Visit the Hub for the latest university news and events.
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Contact Us
If you have a question, please don't hesitate to contact us by emailng bluejayfamilies@jhu.edu, calling 410-516-7355, or visiting our website.
Be sure to also "like" our Facebook Page to find resources and opportunities for your student to get involved!
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