All information for incoming first year students can be found in our KSAS Advising Canvas Site. Should you have any questions about the Canvas site, or next steps, you can email [email protected].

• Think about potential first-semester schedules
• Use our scheduling tips to create their first-semester schedule
• Potentially taking placement exams
• Complete the new student advising form.

Your New Student Advising Form is crucial as it enables the Krieger advising team to provide you with as much tailored guidance and support as possible as you transition to Hopkins! 

More information on what the profile is and how to access it is provided in the KSAS New Student Academic Advising Canvas course.

• Academic Support. Start your academics on the right foot! Consider working with one or more of the free programs sponsored by the Office of Academic Support. Their three programs address different needs and different courses, see descriptions and enrollment procedures.
• Get involved! Look for opportunities to get connected with campus clubs and activities. Satisfaction with your college experience comes through finding a healthy balance between academics and engagement. Visit the Office of Leadership Engagement & Experiential Development and check out the full the list of registered student organizations on the Homewood campus.
• Prepare for Fall Advising. Be on the lookout in early October for an invitation from your KSAS assigned academic advisor to schedule your Fall Advising appointment. These appointments take place throughout October and early November, you will meet 1:1 with your advisor to discuss your goals and academic interests, transition to campus life, and any questions or concerns you may have. For students in the Success Coaching Program, you will continue to meet with your success coach as scheduled.

Enroll in an Intersession Course. Each January, JHU offers a diverse set of 1, 2, or 3-week courses that are not typically offered during the academic year. There is no tuition charged for current degree-seeking undergraduates who were registered full time for the preceding Fall semester. Take courses for fun, to earn Foundational Ability credits, and to meet faculty and fellow students who share your interests.

• The B’More program is a 1-week Intersession program for all undergraduates that is designed to introduce students to Baltimore and help them establish a relationship that transcends their time at Johns Hopkins. B’More students explore the ways in which the city’s civic and cultural resources can enhance a Johns Hopkins education. You will partner with Baltimore City community organizations to explore diverse topics and perspectives.

Get to Know JHU. Intersession is a great time to learn more about JHU and the many resources available to support your academic and professional development. These resources can help you decide what you want from your time at JHU and beyond:

• Department websites—Get to know the majors and fields of study that interest you. Consult your DUS.
• HOUR—Learn how to navigate HOUR to find research positions at campus labs and in the greater JHU community.
• The Life Design Lab—Serving in the role traditionally occupied by career services, the Life Design Lab supports JHU students as they explore their major and career pathways via workshops, drop-in advising sessions, events, internships, and alumni relationships. Use their resources to update your resume and learn how to search for internships for the future.

• Look Ahead. Thinking about plans for this Summer? Start searching for internships and other off-campus opportunities.  To get ideas for options, visit the Life Design Lab—view their resources via Handshake and connect with the Life Design Educators.
• Interested in summer courses at Hopkins? Consider if you wish to enroll for summer course(s) at JHU. Courses are posted throughout the winter at summer.jhu.edu, and registration opens in early March.
• Prepare for Spring Advising. Be on the lookout in early March for an invitation from your KSAS assigned academic advisor to schedule your Spring Advising appointment. These appointments take place throughout March and early April, you will meet 1:1 with your advisor to declare your primary major in KSAS, plan for future courses, and discuss plans for summer. For students in the Success Coaching Program, you will continue to meet with your success coach as scheduled.