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 2024; the newsletter will return in January. We hope you have a safe and restful winter break!

Study spaces expanded for Reading Days and exams
In response to student feedback, we are expanding the number of available study spaces and extending hours in existing spaces during Reading Days and exams. Many of these spaces will be outfitted with additional furniture, hardware, and other supplies to meet your needs as you prepare for finals. A list of study spaces is available on the Sheridan Libraries website.

Upcoming study sessions: CSS Saturdays and Finals Fuel-Ups
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. The final two sessions of the semester are scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 7 and Saturday, Dec. 14 from 12–4 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 Office of Academic Support will be hosting Finals Fuel-Ups in Scott-Bates Commons Salon C from 6–9 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 10 and Sunday, Dec. 15. Student staff and study consultants will be on hand for content review and study strategies, and snacks will be provided! Check out the flyer to see the full details. 

Watch highlights from last year's celebration

Students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members will gather on Wyman Quad starting at 6 p.m. tonight 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. Be sure to RSVP in Hopkins Groups!

Intersession courses available in SIS
Each January, undergraduate students can register for a diverse set of one- or two-week Intersession courses that are not typically offered during the academic year. You can take one or two Intersession courses, totaling up to three credits, which are graded Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory.

Available courses for Intersession 2025 are now visible in SIS. Registration is now open; contact your advisors or SEAM with any questions about registering.

Third party payment paperwork submission deadline
Students who will utilize third party payments must submit the appropriate paperwork for spring semester by Jan. 5. If you use third party payments from organizations such as employers, embassies, or the military that directly pay all or part of your tuition and fees to Johns Hopkins, submit your paperwork in SIS Self-Service by Jan. 5. Contact SEAM if you have questions. 

Spirit Brunch and winter break dining hours
Celebrate the end of the semester and show your Hopkins spirit with Spirit Brunch, a classic JHU tradition revamped by Hopkins Dining. Visit Hopkins Cafe this Saturday, Dec. 7 from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. to enjoy an elevated brunch menu, music and Hopkins-themed décor before finals begin and before winter break. 

Additionally, winter break hours of operation for all dining locations can now be found on the Hopkins Dining website. All locations will be closed on Dec. 25 and Jan. 1; pre-ordered meals can be requested through the Transact Mobile App from Tuesday, Dec. 3 through Monday, Dec. 9 for pickup on Dec. 24 and from Tuesday, Dec. 10 to Monday, Dec. 16 for pickup on Dec. 31.

RA information sessions scheduled for Dec. 6 and 9
Interested in becoming a Resident Advisor for the 2025–26 academic year? The Office of Residential Life is now holding information sessions where you can learn more about the role and the application process. The next sessions are scheduled for Friday, Dec. 6 at 4 p.m. in the AMR II Social Lounge, and Monday, Dec. 9 at 1 p.m. in the Scott-Bates Commons Multipurpose Room. You can view the full schedule of information sessions, as well as the position description and other need-to-know details on the Residential Life website. The deadline to apply is 12 p.m. noon EST on Friday, Jan. 10. 

Coming in January: Industry-focused career fairs
You asked, and the Life Design Lab listened! Instead of having one large event for all students to attend this spring, LDL will be hosting two career fairs on Jan. 25, featuring employers relevant to your area of study. WSE majors are encouraged to attend from 10 a.m.–12 p.m.; KSAS majors should arrive between 2–4 p.m. More details to come; follow Life Design Lab on social media for the most updated information!

Expanded telehealth services
TimelyCare has recently expanded to include medical telehealth services. Students can access MedicalNow for 24/7 support and to schedule virtual appointments for over 120 health issues. Visit the Well-Being website to learn more.

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.

Hopkins Symphony Orchestra's Winter Fest
Get into the holiday spirit on Saturday, Dec. 7 with Hopkins Symphony Orchestra as they perform a selection of seasonal pieces, culminating with Poulenc’s Gloria, featuring the JHU Choral Society, Towson University Chorale, Baltimore School for the Arts Choir, and soprano Lori Hultgren. With a pop-up holiday market in the upper lobby before the concert, you’re sure to get a dose of winter magic. 7:30 to 9 p.m. in Shriver Hall; reserve your free tickets 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 semester winds down, we'd like to share some support resources available to students: