News and resources for undergraduates, compiled by Student Affairs in collaboration with university partners

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 contains important deadlines, announcements, and other need-to-know information, along with helpful reminders and updates about resources, services, programs, and more. Look for new editions in your inbox every other week during the academic year.

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.

Priority scheduling for the BSC
As your Registered Student Organization begins planning for fall 2026 events and activities, check out the priority booking schedule for the Bloomberg Student Center. Booking for theater rehearsals and performances is open now; reservations for RSO signature events and non-theater arts groups’ performances and rehearsals open on April 6.

Important registration dates
For Spring Term 1:

For Spring full term:

For Customized Academic Learning and Term 1 registration dates, view the Academic Calendar. Questions about registration? Contact SEAM.

New and enhanced email security features
To help protect our community from evolving cyber threats, JHU’s IT department is implementing a set of Microsoft's recommended email protection features across the organization. The rollout will begin on Feb. 16 and will continue over the following two months until all users are fully updated. To learn more about the improvements you’ll see in your JHU email inbox, see the announcement in the Hub.

JHU’s Commemoration Day falls each year on Feb. 22, and since this is our sesquicentennial, the university is celebrating with Commemoration Days—special programming designed to celebrate the anniversary of our inauguration and reflect on how far Hopkins has come over the last 150 years!

Some of the highlights include:

To see the full slate of Commemoration Days programming, visit Hopkins Groups.

Craft Your Story workshops with the Life Design Lab
Turn your experiences into a compelling career narrative with the help of a Craft Your Story workshop. Two tracks are currently available to undergraduates: Craft Your FLI Story supports first-generation and limited-income students, while Craft Your Senior Story prepares graduating seniors for interviews and networking. Sessions are held on Friday afternoons this semester; visit the ILLD website to see the full schedule.

Careers in Startups Week kicks off March 2
Collaborating with the Pava Center and Carey Business School, Integrated Learning and Life Design’s Careers in Startups Week is a five-day experience designed to prepare you for innovation-oriented roles across early-stage startups, growth companies, and venture-backed organizations. Join alumni panels, workshops, hands-on case sessions, and an employer pop-up with companies hiring Hopkins talent. Register online to attend.

Upcoming deadlines for Maryland resident scholarships
To be considered for most Maryland state scholarships and grants, students who are classified as Maryland residents must complete a valid FAFSA and/or the MHEC One App by March 1. A complete list of important state deadlines can be found on the Maryland Higher Education Commission website. If you have questions about applying for financial support, contact SEAM.

Milton S. Eisenhower Library renovation updates
There's a huge transformation underway to modernize the MSEL building to create specialized study and research spaces, brighter and open environments, and a more welcoming experience. Follow @jhulibraries on Instagram to catch the weekly #MSEMonday posts for construction photos and explore the project webpage for timelines, renderings, and more.

Aspirations nominations due Feb. 27
Nominations for the spring 2026 Aspirations Awards are still being accepted. Take some time to share the story of a student, colleague, or faculty member who you feel exemplifies our values of curiosity, self-awareness, collaboration, confidence, or responsible leadership. The deadline for nominations is Feb. 27; you can also read about our Fall 2025 awardees online.

Check out Off-Campus Housing's new nest
Join the team in Off-Campus Housing on March 2 as they officially open their new location in Homewood Apartments! There will be games, door prizes, giveaways, food, and more. RSVP in Hopkins Groups.

Apply to serve on the Sexual Violence Advisory Committee
The Sexual Violence Advisory Committee at JHU was established to provide input on ongoing university efforts related to sexual violence and to recommend strategies to enhance the university’s policies, practices, and programs. The SVAC can also serve as a forum for community engagement and constituency feedback. The committee is seeking new undergraduate representation; if you are interested in serving, submit your application before 5 p.m. on Sunday, March 1.

FLI Network book talk Feb. 19
The FLI Network is hosting its annual book talk on Feb. 19 at 6 p.m. in the Glass Pavilion. Author Jessica Ilayalith Mora will be discussing her book, Spread Your Wings and FLI. Reflect on identity, belonging, and the journeys that shape the FLI student experience. All are welcome, and dinner will be provided. Register in Hopkins Groups.

Upcoming movie screenings in the BSC
Did you know you can attend free movie screenings in the BSC?

On Fridays, you can see screenings hosted by Student Affairs, including Zootopia 2 on Feb. 20 and Captain America: Brave New World on Feb. 27. Check out Hopkins Groups for screening locations—more titles and dates will be announced soon!

The Creative Media Center is also hosting screenings every Wednesday at 9 p.m.—stop by their fourth-floor location on Feb. 25 to see Love, Simon.

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