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.

Congratulations on reaching the end of the semester! We know you've worked incredibly hard to get here, and we hope you're proud of all that you've accomplished as you prepare for Reading Days and exams.

This is the last edition of Word from the Bird for 2025; the newsletter will return in January 2026. We hope you have a safe and restful break!

Get ready for finals: Study spaces, CSS Saturdays, and more
CSS Saturdays provide an opportunity to study with community and academic support as finals approach. Tutors will be on hand to provide support for Chemistry, Physics and Math, and Gateway Computing (both JAVA and Python); study consultants will also be available for general academic support. Upcoming sessions are scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 6 and Saturday, Dec. 13 from 12 to 4 p.m. at the Center for Student Success (3003 N. Charles Street, Homewood Apartments Suite 193). Pizza and snacks will be provided! RSVP in Hopkins Groups.

Additionally, The LaB will be hosting a study break edition of Cookie Connection on Dec. 8 from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Stop by for free cookies and hot chocolate, sponsored by Student Affairs and the Hopkins Food Pantry, and then stick around to enjoy a cozy study space!

Looking for a study space during Reading and Exam Days? We've got you covered! Visit the Library's website for a directory of expanded study spaces on the Homewood campus, which will be updated as locations, hours, and other details become available. 

Take a study break at the BSC
Special events and programs will be taking place daily at the Bloomberg Student Center during the final weeks of the semester! Take a break from your studies and enjoy snacks, games, puzzles, crafting workshops, and more. Use the event tag “BSC Events” in Hopkins Groups to see all the latest BSC programming, which will continue to be updated in the coming days.

Also, the ping pong table has returned to the BSC! Challenge a friend and have some fun by playing table tennis, shuffleboard, or foosball. Not sure how to play? Scan QR codes by the equipment to learn!

Hours of operation during Winter Break
As Winter Break approaches, please be aware of changes to operating hours on campus: 

Submit your proposal to the Sesquicentennial Awards Program
In recognition of 150 years of academic achievement and innovation, JHU is launching a Sesquicentennial Awards Program! Students are invited to submit proposals for the Artistic Lens Awards, which invite ideas that engage the Hopkins community with artistic and creative offerings exploring the university’s past, present, and future. Awards of up to $15,000 are available.

Proposals must be submitted by Jan. 9, 2026, with decisions announced Feb. 13. A second award cycle will open during the spring semester. For more information and to submit, visit the university’s sesquicentennial celebration website.

Students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members will gather on Wyman Quad starting at 6 p.m. tonight, Dec. 3, to commemorate the end of another fall semester and the beginning of the holiday season with the annual Lighting of the Quads. The evening will include musical performances, hot cocoa, illuminated artwork, and exclusive giveaways, leading up to the moment when President Daniels flips the ceremonial switch to light up Homewood campus with holiday lights. Register for the event and view the fireworks viewing area map on Hopkins Groups. 

Expanded financial aid for Homewood undergraduates and impact of recent legislation
Starting next year, Johns Hopkins will be tuition-free for all undergraduate students from families earning up to $200,000 a year. As a result of the change, students representing more than 85% of American households, according to U.S. Census data, will be able to attend Johns Hopkins without having to pay tuition. 

The new aid levels for Hopkins undergraduates will go into effect for eligible current students in the spring 2026 semester and for new, incoming students next fall for the 2026-27 academic year. To learn more about what this means for you as a current student, visit the Student Financial Support website. You can also read more coverage of the announcement in the Hub. 

Additionally, P.L. 119-21, also known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) or the reconciliation bill, signed July 4, 2025, includes significant reforms to federal student aid programs. Visit the SFS website to learn more.

SNF Agora Intersession courses now available
Interested in civic engagement? Consider an Intersession course as part of your preparation to be a leader and to meet the critical challenges of democracy. To view the variety of courses available in Intersession 2026, visit the SNF Agora website. 

Upcoming academic deadlines

Nominate the student speaker for Commencement
Seniors, do you want to be this year's student speaker at the universitywide Commencement ceremony, or know someone who should be? Nominations are being accepted now through Jan. 23! To nominate yourself or a member of the graduating undergraduate class, please complete the form on the Commencement website. 

Upcoming RA information sessions
Interested in becoming a Resident Advisor for the 2025–26 academic year? On-Campus Living is now holding information sessions where you can learn more about the role and the application process. The next sessions are scheduled for Dec. 4 at 7 p.m. and Dec. 5 at 1 p.m. in Wolman Theater. You can view the full schedule of information sessions, as well as the position description and other need-to-know details on the On-Campus Living website.

Dec. 9 deadline: Sexual misconduct survey
JHU is inviting students to participate in a survey on sexual misconduct. The results of the survey will be used to guide policies and initiatives to encourage a healthy and safe environment for all JHU students. 

A survey link has been emailed to all students; please submit your response by Dec. 9. As a token of our appreciation, approximately 20% of students who complete the survey will be randomly selected to receive a $15 Amazon gift card. If you have questions about the survey or have difficulty accessing it, please e-mail ClimateSurvey@jhu.edu. 

Preserve your access to the Calm app 
Whether you’re a current Calm app user or are interested in accessing the platform for the first time, all users must authenticate their accounts in a web browser. Current users will need to complete the authentication process to continue using Calm. As a new benefit for existing and future users, you can now gift five accounts to non-Hopkins friends and family! 

Remember SNACKS for well-being during finals
As we head into a demanding finals season, it is crucial to remember that a little balance and self-care can go a long way towards not just surviving but thriving during this busy time. In support of this, remember SNACKS—not just the kind you munch on during a study session, but an acronym for well-being to help students remember the importance of Sleep, Nutrition, Activity, Connectivity, Knowledge, and Self-care. Read more on the Well-Being blog.

Cheer on Hopkins athletes at upcoming tournament games
Hopkins Football, currently ranked #7 in the country, will host local rival Salisbury for a game on Dec. 6 at 12 p.m. at Homewood Field! This round is the Sweet 16; the winner will advance to the Elite 8. 

Then, celebrate Hoopy Holidays with Men's Basketball at 4 p.m. Hopkins will face off against Swarthmore, with exciting seasonal giveaways including long-sleeve shirts, holiday desserts, and hot chocolate! Hopkins Sports will also be partnering with our undergraduate class councils for a raffle and halftime competition between the classes.

Hopkins Symphony Orchestra celebrates BruFest
Experience Bruch’s first violin concerto and Bruckner’s Fourth Symphony with Hopkins Symphony Orchestra’s BruFest on Dec. 6 from 7:30 to 9 p.m. in Shriver Hall. Remember, tickets to HSO performances are free for students! RSVP in Hopkins Groups.

Holiday happenings in Baltimore
If you're staying in the area over Winter Break, take advantage of the many special events happening in and around Baltimore to celebrate the holiday season! Visit Miracle on 34th Street in Hampden to see a festive light display, or stroll through the German Christmas Village in the Inner Harbor for shopping and seasonal treats. You can find more information and other holiday events on the Visit Baltimore website.

As the fall semester winds down, we'd like to share some resources available to support you: