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.

Introducing new student-friendly pricing for BSC dining and service changes at Mo’s Place
In response to student feedback, dining prices in the Bloomberg Student Center have been reduced starting this semester. Now you can enjoy the same quality food you love at more student-friendly prices! Order ahead using the Transact Mobile Ordering app for a quick and convenient dining experience.

Also beginning this semester, we’re excited to share that Mo’s Place will be operating as a full-service, sit-down restaurant, as originally intended. Mo’s offers a full à la carte menu featuring a mix of shareable plates, sandwiches, and hearty entrées, along with extended hours to support campus life. Please note that seating at Mo’s is now reserved for patrons only.

Cybersecurity reminder
Johns Hopkins IT is urging our community to stay vigilant in light of a significant rise in phishing and other scam attempts. Remember, no one from JHU will ever call or email you to ask for your password or multi-factor authentication (MFA) code. Read more about how to protect yourself in the Hub.

Check out the new Student Affairs website
Student Affairs is excited to introduce our redesigned website! This is your hub for information about campus life, resources and support services, events and activities, and much more at JHU. Whether you’re looking for the latest fitness class schedules or suggestions for where to eat on campus, our new website presents the information you need in an engaging, easy-to-navigate format.

Student Affairs content will continue moving from our previous website in the coming months; be on the lookout for more updates in future editions of Word from the Bird.

Important billing dates
Stay on top of your finances by reviewing key billing dates to ensure timely payments. For KSAS and WSE undergraduates, payments for spring term are due Monday, February 2, 2026. Have a question regarding student accounts, registration, and financial aid? The SEAM office is here to help!

Happy Spring 2026, Blue Jays! Beginning this week, we’ll be highlighting many of the exciting on-campus events and programming for the spring edition of Blue Jay Welcome Weeks. It's an opportunity to connect with friends, explore resources, build community, and discover all that JHU has to offer!

Looking for something to do this week? Here are some of the events coming up next:

Visit Hopkins Groups to see more upcoming events and follow @jhustudentlife on Instagram for weekly event highlights.

Important registration dates

KSAS: No signature required, WSE: Academic advisor must release advising hold.
Questions about adding or dropping courses? Contact SEAM.

Explore career opportunities with the Life Design Lab
The Life Design Lab invites you to attend its Spring Industry-Focused Career Fairs, which connect JHU students with employers in a range of industries:

Learn more and register in Handshake.

Save the Date: JHU Major Fair is Feb. 13
Hosted by the Office of First-Year Experience in partnership with KSAS, WSE, and the Life Design Lab, the JHU Major Fair is an opportunity to explore different academic pathways at Hopkins. You’ll have the opportunity to connect directly with representatives from majors, minors, research initiatives, study abroad programs, and other specialized and cross-disciplinary academic opportunities across the university. The fair will be held on Feb. 13 from 1 to 3 p.m. in the Glass Pavilion and Great Hall; registration is now open.

Take a spin around the Hopkins Ice Rink
The Johns Hopkins Ice Rink at Homewood has returned for the 2026 winter season! All JHU students are invited to sign up for a free 90-minute skating session now through Sunday, Feb. 22. Rental skates, beverages, and snacks are also free of charge to all attendees who have completed their registration and submitted an electronic waiver.  

The ice rink is located off West University Parkway in the Imagine Center parking lot. Check out the calendar for available time slots, theme nights, and giveaways—including exclusive Hopkins gear you won’t want to miss! 

Nominate the 2026 Commencement student speaker
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 through Jan. 23! To nominate yourself or a member of the graduating undergraduate class, please complete the form on the Commencement website.

Dry January? T-Break? Take a substance use self-assessment
This is a time of year when many people choose to experience sobriety or reduce substance use. One way to get started is to get feedback on your current use. Explore e-check up to go and get immediate, accurate, and detailed information on your alcohol and/or cannabis use.  

FLI poetry workshop series begins Jan. 28
Curious about poetry or looking to strengthen your creative voice? Join the FLI Network for the first session of their three-part poetry workshop series, “Spread Your Wings and FLI: Stories, Poems, and First-Gen Voices.” Visit the Writing Center on Jan. 28 at 6 p.m. to learn about poetic elements, finding inspiration, and expressing emotion through words, along with tips on reading and performing poetry with confidence. No prior experience required, just bring your creativity and an open mind. RSVP in Hopkins Groups, and learn more about other upcoming events in the series.

The Spring Student Involvement Fair is Jan. 30
Learn about involvement opportunities with nearly 400 student organizations and campus departments! The Spring Student Involvement Fair will be held in the O’Connor Center for Recreation and Well-Being on Friday, Jan. 30 from 2 to 5 p.m. Register to attend in Hopkins Groups and follow LEED on Instagram for the latest updates. If you're unsure about joining a student org, check out this blog post on our website that explains how participation in an org can help you find your purpose.

Hop Talks Book Talk on Feb. 5: The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks
Join the Center for Social Concern on Feb. 5 at 6 p.m. in Levering’s Great Hall for a group discussion of The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot. Explore the story of Henrietta Lacks and discuss the historical and ongoing relationship between Johns Hopkins and the Baltimore community. Free copies of the book will be provided; RSVP in Hopkins Groups.

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