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 includes 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.

PROGRAMMING NOTE: The Word from the Bird will be on hiatus for Fall Recess and will return on Wednesday, November 29. 

Important information for Spring 2024 registration
This Friday, November 10 at 4:30 p.m. is the deadline to withdraw from a fall semester class (with a "W" on your transcript). It's also the last day to change your grade system (Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory) and the last day to change credits for independent academic work.

Registration for the spring semester begins at 7 a.m. on the following dates:

Continuous registration is available through February 2, 2024 at 12 p.m. Contact your academic advisor or make an appointment with SEAM to discuss your academic progress and begin planning for the upcoming semester.

Additionally, effective Spring 2024, students are no longer permitted to register for time conflicts at the time of registration. Students are required to obtain email approvals from course instructor(s) in order to be registered by SEAM for courses with a time conflict.

Changes to dining operating hours during Fall Recess
Operating hours for on-campus dining locations will vary during Fall Recess (November 20­­–24). Visit the Hopkins Dining website to view each location’s hours of operation.

If you will be staying on campus on Thursday, November 23, you can pre-order a Thanksgiving meal for dinner. You can view menu options online before placing your order via the Hopkins Dining mobile app now through Thursday, November 16. Meal pickup will be available between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on November 23.

New and upgraded IT resources for students
The Student Technology Academic Resources team (STAR) has completed technology updates and enhancements to several computing labs and collaboration spaces! In the Krieger 160 Lab (open 24/7), upgraded Apple and Windows computers with larger dual monitors are now available, along with dual monitor laptop docking stations and wireless collaboration areas. If you have any other on-campus tech needs, visit the IT Services website for more information about available tools.

National First-Generation College Student Day is a nationwide acknowledgment of those scholars who are the first in their families to pursue higher education. Here at Hopkins, we have joined in celebrating FLI Day every November to show our appreciation and support for our first-generation and limited-income students as well as our "FLI Proud” faculty, staff, and alumni.

Please join us for this year’s celebration today, November 8, from 12–2 p.m. on the Keyser Quad. It’s sure to be a fun afternoon of community, art, activities, giveaways, and more! RSVP in Hopkins Groups and be sure to tag @johnshopkinsfli in your photos on Instagram!

CSS Saturdays: Study with a Tutor
Head over to the Center for Student Success this weekend for CSS Saturdays: Study with a Tutor, a new initiative offered in partnership with the Office of Academic Support. Enjoy pizza and snacks while studying in community with other students and with the support of tutors and study consultants. The first session will be held on Saturday, November 11 from 12–4 p.m., with additional dates scheduled for December 2 and 9. If you have questions prior to attending, please contact studentsuccess@jhu.edu. 

Student Financial Support workshops on financial wellness
Have any questions about financial aid, financially navigating the world as an adult, or just curious about how to handle your money? Student Financial Support has a series of financial wellness workshops that may interest you:

See more upcoming events and register for the ones that interest you on the Student Financial Support website.

Hopkins Cooking Series returns on November 14
Hopkins Cooking Series is a monthly initiative that aims to teach students valuable cooking skills with a recipe specially curated by Hopkins Dining chefs. This month's class is hosted by Director of Culinary Innovation, Hamilton Goss, and will feature a Pumpkin Bisque with Spiced Cream. Reservations are required; sign up online by Thursday, November 9 to reserve your spot.

Chat with a Case Manager
Navigating JHU can be difficult, but the Office of Student Outreach and Support can help. Chat with a Case Manager is an online drop-in service held every Wednesday from 5:30–7 p.m. over Zoom by case manager Susan Kodzwa. These drop-in sessions are an opportunity for students to discuss personal or academic concerns, as well as learn about resources and support available on and off campus. Non-emergent questions? Contact studentoutreach@jhu.edu.

Flu shot deadline is November 17
As a reminder, this year's deadline to upload proof of receiving the flu vaccine to the Vaccine Management System (VMS) is Friday, November 17. A list of upcoming campus clinics can be found online; the last Homewood vaccine clinic will be held on Tuesday, November 14 in Shriver Hall from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Annual Drag Brunch
The Office of Gender & Sexuality Resources is hosting their annual Drag Brunch this Sunday, November 12 at 11 a.m. in the Glass Pavilion. The event will feature delicious food, glittery goodies, photo ops, as well as entertainment from some of Baltimore's most fabulous drag talent. Space is limited, so be sure to RSVP in Hopkins Groups to save your seat!

Hopkins Concert Orchestra performs Vivaldi on November 12
Hopkins Concert Orchestra opens their season with Vivaldi’s most famous work, The Four Seasons. Hear this playful work brought to life with the orchestra’s musicians featured as soloists on Sunday, November 12 at 3 p.m. in the Bunting-Meyerhoff Interfaith Center. Tickets are free; register online to attend.

Fall sports championship season is in full swing
Men’s Soccer, Women’s Soccer, and Field Hockey all won their conference tournaments and will begin their NCAA campaign for a national championship. Volleyball will also be hosting their conference tournament starting Friday. Admission to tournament games is FREE for all students with ID. These games will be exciting, and you won’t want to miss them so mark your calendars! Visit the Hopkins Sports website for game times and locations.

Free screening of Barbie this Friday
Put on your favorite pink outfit and join us for a screening of Barbie this Friday, November 10 at 8 p.m. in Bloomberg 272. Tickets are free, but advanced registration in Hopkins Groups in required to attend! Please note that food or drink are not allowed inside the theater.