Welcome to a new academic year, Blue Jays, the 150th in Johns Hopkins University's history!

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.

An FAQ about the BSC
Do you have questions about the new Bloomberg Student Center? You can find answers to many popular queries on the BSC’s FAQ page, including everything you need to know about reserving and using these exciting new spaces.

Upcoming academic deadlines
Sept. 5 at 12 p.m. noon is the last day to add courses for Fall 2025; waitlists also end at that time. All SIS actions will be blocked starting Sept. 5 at 12:01 p.m. through Sept. 6 at 12 a.m. Additionally, registration for Special Opportunities for Undergraduate Learning (SOUL) courses begins Sept. 8.

Have questions about course registration? Contact the Office of Student Enrollment and Account Management (SEAM). 

Complete your health insurance waiver by Sept. 15
If you have private health insurance coverage comparable to the university plan, then you may be eligible to submit a waiver request. Please be aware that a waiver request form must be submitted each academic year, regardless of whether your insurance information has changed. Visit JHU’s health insurance portal and select your school to learn more or waive coverage before the Sept. 15 deadline.

Back to campus safety tips
As you return to Homewood for the fall semester, remember to keep safety in mind! Be aware of your surroundings and stay alert and vigilant as you travel on and off campus. When traveling at night, go with a friend or a group when possible; if you feel unsafe or are ill, you can call Campus Security for a walking or vehicle response on or around campus. Visit the Public Safety website for more tips and resources.

The J-Card Office and the Tech Store have moved
Both the J-Card Office and the Tech Store, formerly located in Levering Hall, have moved to the second floor of the JHU Campus Store at 3330 St. Paul Street. Come visit their new locations and, while you're there, check out all the new apparel and merch in the Campus Store.

Watch highlights from Monday's BSC First Look Celebration

On Monday, we celebrated our community’s first look at the new Bloomberg Student Center – a milestone moment for Hopkins! Students, staff, faculty, and other members of the Hopkins community got the chance to preview this innovative new space and enjoy food, exclusive giveaways, music, and more. Visit the Hub to see a recap of all the festivities!

Remember, the BSC First Look continues this week with a full calendar of events. Visit Hopkins Groups to see what’s coming up next, and register for the ones you don’t want to miss!

Steam pipe replacement project on Freshman Quad
Work began in late August to replace the steam pipe beneath the Freshman Quad. This essential infrastructure upgrade is a critical step towards transitioning the campus to a hot water heating system and will enable the future construction of the new AMR I, scheduled to begin in May 2026.

Visit the project page and download the JHU Wayfinding app for guidance on navigating campus while this work is underway. You can see more information about ongoing construction projects and maintenance on the Alerts & Outages page on the Facilities website.

Looking to take a class at another division of JHU?
SEAM is excited to announce the launch of a centralized interdivisional registration webpage. No matter which school has your desired class, you'll find the IDR processes and policies you need to know in this easy-to-navigate hub designed to enhance and simplify the IDR experience for all students.

Homewood laptop loaner applications now open
Need a laptop? Student Outreach and Support, in partnership with Hopkins IT, offers short-term laptop loans (up to two weeks) for Homewood undergrads. Laptops are for academic use only; complete the SOS Laptop Loaner Application to get started. Pickup and drop-off is at the Hopkins Tech Store.

Explore career pathways with Future Fest
From Sept. 5–19, the Life Design Lab’s Future Fest invites students, alumni, employers, and campus partners to come together, explore possibilities, and discover next steps toward a fulfilling life. Future Fest is more than a career fair—it’s an opportunity to uncover new paths, build meaningful connections, and design a future that aligns with your goals. Learn more and register to attend.

JayBot is back!
Our mascot has come to life as JayBot, an AI chatbot that's here to connect with you to resources, discover opportunities to get involved, and answer your questions about Hopkins. Look for important updates, resources, and more from JayBot through the semester! You can also engage with JayBot by texting 1-977-916-5759. 

Welcome Weeks returns
Connect with friends, explore resources, build community, and discover all that JHU has to offer during Blue Jay Welcome Weeks! From celebrations and block parties to live performances and free food, there's something for everyone to enjoy. View the list of upcoming events in Hopkins Groups, and be sure to check back regularly for new additions to the schedule!

Applications Now Open for the Dialogue Innovation Fund 
Announcing the inaugural Student Blue Jay Dialogue Innovation Fund, which offers up to $10,000 in funding for collaborative projects that promote respectful and constructive dialogue among students. Engage with diverse perspectives, develop essential leadership skills, and enhance our community's understanding of complex social issues while co-sponsoring initiatives with fellow students. Apply by Oct. 15, 2025, to transform your ideas into impactful conversations that resonate at JHU! View more information or reach out to Markya Reed at volunteer@jhu.edu.

Celebrate Sophomore September
Join the Office of Student Transitions & Family Engagement in celebrating the first-ever Sophomore September, where we’ll show appreciation and support for our second-year Blue Jays! The new Sophomore Series, which begins on Sept. 2, features resources, community, giveaways, and more – check out what's happening in Hopkins Groups!

Deadline to change meal plans is Sept. 5
There’s still time to make changes to your meal plan selection for the Fall 2025 semester! Visit the Hopkins Dining website before the end of the day on Friday, September 5 to change your meal plan.

An expert debate on pandemic response
On Sept. 17, Open to Debate and the SNF Agora Institute will present The Hopkins Forum: Debating the Legacy of the COVID-19 Pandemic, a public debate on the pandemic response. Speakers include Tom Frieden, Mikhail "Doctor Mike" Varshavski, Jerome Adams, and Dara Kass, exploring lessons for trust, resilience, and preparedness in public health. The event is the first in a flagship series of eight live debates SNF Agora and Open to Debate will hold in Washington, D.C., and Baltimore; learn more and register to attend.

Drop-in services from Student Outreach & Support
Homewood undergraduates can utilize Student Outreach & Support (SOS) Drop-In Services for resource navigation support through challenges. Students can connect with SOS for the first time, reconnect after a break, and seek timely support if their previous Case Manager is not accepting appointments. In-person and virtual options available.

Urgent care from your phone or laptop
Whether it’s medical or mental health support that you need, you have access to free and confidential care from TimelyCare just by being a Hopkins student. Log in with your JHED@jh.edu email and access TalkNow, MedicalNow, and other scheduled services. You can read more about these services on the Well-Being Blog.

Get connected at the Fall 2025 Student Involvement Fair
Join the Office of Leadership Engagement and Experiential Development (LEED) for the Fall 2025 Student Involvement Fair on Aug. 29 from 2–5 p.m. on Wyman Quad! This year, LEED is excited to reimagine the fair with a focus on accessibility. Hosting the event outdoors will allow for better mobility and flow, making it easier for everyone to engage with student organizations. In addition, a Virtual Involvement Fair will run for two weeks following the event, providing even more ways to discover and connect with campus groups. Learn more and register in Hopkins Groups.

Kick off the year at Blue Jay Bash
Hopkins Dining's annual welcome back event for undergrads, Blue Jay Bash, will be held next Thursday, Sept. 4, from 5–8 p.m.! Visit Wyman Quad for a street food menu, games, music, and more as we celebrate the start of the semester. Bring your friends, appetite and school spirit!

Blue Jay Bash will replace dinner and late-night service at Hopkins Cafe and dinner at Nolan's on 33rd, which will both close after 2 p.m. on Thursday; Levering Kitchens will be open with regular hours and extended meal exchange hours from 2–8 p.m. 

As a new academic year begins, we'd like to share some resources available to support you: