Freshmen

Welcome to Hopkins! The Office of Academic Advising is here to support you in your academic pursuit and assist you throughout your life at JHU.

Summer

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 ksasadvising@jhu.edu.

Fall

  • 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.
  • Explore your true north. Watch the recording of a past workshop that gives students the tools to have a better idea of where they are headed and how to chart a course based on their own values and their vision of who they are. It’s never too late to start moving forward with intention! Watch the recording here, using this passcode: 996*fDrM, to learn how to explore your values and how to use them as a starting point. The workshop was co-hosted by Krieger Advising and the Life Design Lab.
  • 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.

Winter

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 H/S/NQE distribution 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.

Spring

  • 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.