We know you have lots to keep track of as a Hopkins student, and The Word from the Bird is here to help! Every other week, you’ll receive a compilation of 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 new communication more helpful at studentaffairs@jhu.edu.

Receive and report your flu shot by Nov. 17
JHU requires an annual flu vaccine. The deadline to receive your flu shot and upload proof to the Vaccine Management System is Friday, Nov. 17, 2023. The next Homewood flu clinics will be held on Oct. 17 and 25; see the full list of clinic dates to find out when and where you can get a free shot on campus. Have questions? Contact VMS@jhu.edu.

Important upcoming academic calendar dates

For assistance registering for classes, make an appointment with SEAM.

Hopkins Food Pantry partners with Hungry Harvest
The Hopkins Food Pantry has partnered with Hungry Harvest to receive fruits, veggies, and eggs on a monthly basis. Registered shoppers can access these items the last two weeks of every month. The pantry will continue to receive items from the Maryland Food Bank the first week of every month.

Fall in love with fall at Hoptoberfest! JHU celebrates all things autumnal from Oct. 11–14 this year. The festival kicks off on The Beach today, Wednesday, Oct. 11, with a carnival, face painting, lawn games, contests, free food, and much more. Later this week there will be a movie screening, a trip to an off-campus haunted house, and an exclusive concert. You won't want to miss these special events! 

All Hoptoberfest events are free for students, and are sponsored by the HOP and the Hopkins Parents Fund. Learn more and register in Hopkins Groups.

Get ready for midterms with Academic Support services 
Midterms are just around the corner, and there's no better time to check out the many programs and resources available through the Office of Academic Support. Improve your study skills with Study Consulting, sign up for subject-specific tutoring at The Learning Den, or study in a collaborative environment with peers by joining PILOT. All programming is free and open to all undergrads! 

Explore upcoming life design opportunities 
Life Design Lab is excited to launch the Student Opportunities page to keep students abreast of seasonal workshop series, networking opportunities, career fairs, etc. For all opportunities, students are welcome to consult with their Life Design Educator.

Bellies on a Budget
The Office of Student Financial Support is offering a series of webinars on financial literacy. Join them today, Oct. 11, at 5 p.m. for "Bellies on a Budget" to learn practical ways to budget for off-campus expenses such as grocery shopping. Register online to attend. 

Nominate a deserving Blue Jay for the Aspirations Awards
Would you like to recognize a Blue Jay who has had a positive effect on your life or in our community? A great student org leader, an inspiring professor, or a motivating mentor? Student Affairs is now seeking nominees for our fall 2023 Aspirations Awards—a way to honor Homewood students and faculty/staff members who embody our five Aspirations for Student Learning. Nominations are due Friday, Oct. 14; visit our website to learn more and submit a nomination.

Hopkins Dining: Farm to Fork
On Wednesday, Oct. 25, Hopkins Dining presents Farm to Fork, a series that highlights fresh and local flavors found in the surrounding Baltimore area. Enjoy a meal featuring seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients at Hopkins Cafe, Nolan’s on 33rd, and Peabody Dining Hall. You can use meal swipes, Dining Dollars, J-Cash, or a credit card to pay.

The Collegetown Shuttle is back in service
The Baltimore Collegetown Shuttle has resumed service for the academic year. This shuttle, which connects Hopkins, Notre Dame of Maryland University, and Towson University to Penn Station, Towson Town Center, and other useful Baltimore locations, is free for all students with your J-Card. To find more information, including a shuttle schedule and list of stops, check out the Collegetown website.

Confidential support for sexual assault and misconduct
Stalking? Harassment? Relationship violence? If it felt wrong, the JHU Sexual Assault Hotline is here to help. It’s completely confidential and doesn’t constitute filing an official report with the university. Find 24/7 support on the HelpLine (410-516-7333).

Show your Hopkins pride on Blue Jay Tuesday
Every Tuesday, show your school spirit by wearing blue and/or your favorite Hopkins gear and you could be eligible to receive special giveaways and surprises around campus! Next Tuesday, Oct. 17, stop by Levering Courtyard between 5–7 p.m. for a Blue Jay Tuesday snack break; and on Tuesday, Oct. 25, the Rec Center will be hosting a special costumed rock wall climb! Follow @jhustudentlife on Instagram to stay up to date on the latest Blue Jay Tuesday events. 

Tonight: MSE Symposium returns with John J. Sullivan 
Established in 1967, the Milton S. Eisenhower Symposium is a student-run lecture series whose mission is to deliver world-class speakers to the university and its surrounding community. The first speaker in the 2023 series is John J. Sullivan, the former US ambassador to Russia and former US Deputy Secretary of State, who will address an audience in Shriver Hall tonight beginning at 6:30 p.m. Register in Hopkins Groups to reserve your seat.