Pre-Orientation 2024

REGISTRATION FOR PRE-ORIENTATION 2024 WILL OPEN IN MAY!

Prior to participating in required New Student Orientation programming, incoming first-year students can sign up for an optional Pre-Orientation program. Pre-Orientation programs give new students the opportunity to connect with a small group of peers around a shared area of interest. Transfer students may be considered for participation in our Pre-Orientation programs in June 2024 if spaces are still available. Details on the August 2024 Pre-Orientation Programs can be found below.

REGISTRATION* OPENS ON MAY 12, 2024 AT 12:00 PM EST

Capacity for each program is limited, so registration is first come, first serve and will function in two phases.

  • Phase 1: Registration Request. Students will fill out a registration form and request a spot in their desired Pre-Orientation program. A waitlist will be activated once program capacities have been reached.
  • Phase 2: Acceptance & Payment. Following a review process of all Phase 1 registration requests, students’ registration in a Pre-Orientation program is confirmed in late June 2024. Those confirmed will be prompted to accept and pay for a spot in the Pre-Orientation program (if applicable).

Registration is required and is only final upon completing both phases and receiving confirmation.

* Clark Scholars and MAPP programs have a different registration process.

Questions may be directed to Student Transitions and Family Engagement via e-mail at firstyear@jhu.edu or by text at 410-376-5710.

 

2024 Pre-Orientation Program Offerings

Please note – Program fees and capacity vary for each program; Financial Aid options are available for eligible students.

B’More Community Bound

Program Length: 3.5-Day
Cost: $250
Program Dates: Thursday, August 15, 2024 -Saturday August 17, 2024
Move-In Date: Wednesday, August 14, 2024

B’More Community Bound is a program that seeks to build and foster intersectional communities with your fellow JHU peers, the institution, and Baltimore City! We do this through immersive workshops, educational conversations, and energizing excursions! This includes trips and meals to various areas of the city, and opportunities to learn how to navigate the city resources to make you feel comfortable calling Baltimore your new home!

Students who participate in our program will be able to connect with some provided resources and build conversations with others surrounding Baltimore City prior to arrival.

Baltimore Arts

Program Length: 3.5-Day
Cost: $250
Program Dates: Thursday, August 15, 2024 – Saturday August 17, 2024
Move-In Date: Wednesday, August 14, 2024

Join fellow students of a tour of the arts around Baltimore and on the JHU Homewood campus. Students will travel to arts hotspots around Baltimore including the Arts District on North Avenue, theater houses, art-house movie theaters, and museum locations perfect for viewing Baltimore art and exploring what Baltimore has to offer. Included in the program is an all-levels session led by the Baltimore Improv Group. Students will also get a sneak-peek at arts spaces on campus including the new Center for Visual Arts location at the Centre Theater, the historic Merrick Barn theater, and the newly renovated Arellano Theater and Shriver Hall. A great way to explore all the arts has to offer on campus and in Baltimore – join us!

Baltimore Through the Camera Lens

Program Length: 3.5-Day
Cost: $250
Program Dates: Thursday, August 15, 2024 – Saturday August 17, 2024
Move-In Date: Wednesday, August 14, 2024

Join the DMC (Digital Media Center) to learn how to take amazing photographs while exploring Baltimore and getting a behind the scenes look at the city’s and JHU’s art scenes. Visit local arts organizations and galleries to see the work of local artists. Take trips to beautiful and exciting locations where you will be given the chance to explore the photographic skills you learned at the DMC. At the end of the program your finished works will be displayed in the DMC’s Hallway Gallery. All materials will be provided including high end cameras and lenses. No photo experience needed – we will teach you everything you need to know from the basics of how to use a camera to advanced photo editing techniques!

Clark Scholars Pre-Orientation

Program Length: 3.5 Days
Cost: Waived for 2028 Cohort of Clark Scholars
Program Dates: Thursday, August 15, 2024 – Saturday, August 17, 2024
Move-In Date: Wednesday, August 14, 2024

As a part of the A. James Clark Scholars Program, all incoming scholars are required to attend the week-long Pre-Orientation facilitated by the Clark Scholars Program Staff. The 2028 Clark Scholars cohort will explore the Johns Hopkins University campus and the surrounding Baltimore area. Students will develop a deeper understanding of the A. James Clark Scholars Program at JHU through interactive, hands-on experiences on-and-off campus. Participating students will build community with other scholars in their cohort and learn about both critical JHU students’ resources and the A. James and Alice B. Clark Foundation. After participating in this Pre-Orientation, students will understand what it means to be a Clark Scholar. This program is only open for Clark Scholars of the 2028 Cohort. Please contact cle@jhu.edu with any questions.

Hodson Scholars Pre-Orientation

Program Length: 3.5-Day
Cost: $250
Program Dates: Thursday, August 15, 2024 – Saturday, August 17, 2024
Move-In Date: Wednesday, August 14, 2024

The Hodson Scholars program invites incoming Hodson Scholars to participate in a 3.5-day orientation to identify academic resources on campus, engage in the Baltimore community, navigate modes of transportation surrounding Homewood, and connect with other Hodson scholars. Upperclassmen Hodson Scholars will lead students to explore Johns Hopkins and Baltimore’s academic and social landscape. As part of this pre-orientation, students will have the opportunity to visit on-campus resource areas, historical sites, local restaurants, and museums; volunteer at local nonprofit organizations; and engage in team-bonding activities. This opportunity is a great way to connect with fellow Hodson Scholars and better acclimate to campus and the surrounding community!

HopkinsLEAD

Program Length: 3.5-Day
Cost: $250
Program Dates: Thursday, August 15, 2024 – Saturday, August 17, 2024
Move-In Date: Wednesday, August 14, 2024

HopkinsLEAD is the premier leadership program for incoming students who want to build a community while at Hopkins. Held the week before Orientation, students will learn how to identify and communicate their values, inspire a shared vision and create positive, sustainable change at Johns Hopkins and in Baltimore City. HopkinsLEAD is held in collaboration with Orientation and First-Year Experience and is one of many opportunities to begin building community before classes begin.

In previous years, HopkinsLEAD students:

  • Built a tight-knit community.
  • Learned about leadership and service from leaders in local sustainability, art education, and urban redevelopment programs through site visits in Baltimore City.
  • Practiced important leadership skills, such as self-reflection and public speaking, with support from returning student mentors.
  • Developed a leadership mission and involvement plan to guide them through their first-year at Hopkins.

International Student Orientation

Program Length: 3.5-Day
Cost: $250
Program Dates: Thursday, August 15, 2024 – Saturday August 17, 2024
Move-In Date: Wednesday, August 14, 2024

The Center for Diversity and Inclusion and the International Student Ambassadors at Hopkins (ISAH) invites incoming international students to learn more about campus and classroom resources while connecting and having fun with other international students. Students will be paired with a student ambassador and together with their small group will explore campus and Baltimore city. Planned activities include workshop presentations from campus departments, karaoke night, a trip to DC museums, and a movie night at the historical Senator Theatre.

MAPP Pre-Orientation

Program Length: 3.5 Day
Cost: Waived for 2028 Cohort Of MAPP Mentees
Program Dates: Thursday, August 15, 2024 – Saturday August 17, 2024
Move-In Date: Wednesday, August 14, 2024

The Center for Diversity and Inclusion and the Mentoring Assistance Peer Program (MAPP) invite first-year students of all backgrounds who are interested in peer mentorship to support their academic and social transition to Hopkins. The mentorship will extend beyond Pre-Orientation and into the first-year (~10 hours/semester). In an effort to build inclusivity for students, MAPP Pre-Orientation facilitates the following:
  • Building community with a mentor (an upperclass student matched by major) and a family (group of mentors and their mentees)
  • Building awareness of students’ identities and how they may impact their academic and social experience at Hopkins
  • Learning more about campus resources and soft skills to smoothen their transition to Hopkins
  • Exploring the Hopkins’ campus and DC

Pre-orientation activities include Mentor, Mentee, and Family Reveal; Identity and Cultural Humility; Imposter Phenomenon; Planning 3 versions of your life; a local trip; and more.

If you are able to commit to, are interested in mentorship for your first year, and can attend pre-orientation on the dates above, please complete the application on Hopkins Groups. If you are interested in the yearlong mentorship and will not be able to attend pre-orientation, please email Stephanie Mathew at smathe36@jh.edu.

Once you complete the MAPP application, it will be reviewed. Submission of an application does not guarantee admission to MAPP or a spot in the MAPP Pre-Orientation. Due to capacity, space is limited. You will receive notification of your admission to the program and more details about the Pre-Orientation by June 1st.

Recreation Backpacking (Beginner)

Program Length: 3.5-Day
Cost: $250
Program Dates: Thursday, August 15, 2024 – Saturday, August 17, 2024
Move-In Date: Wednesday, August 14, 2024

Embark on an enriching adventure with the Recreation’s Experiential Education Program to explore the Appalachian Trail and immerse yourself in the John Hopkins Outdoor Community. Accompanied by a seasoned Student Instructor team, you will gain invaluable insights into hiking and backpacking techniques while receiving a wealth of information about life at John Hopkins. Throughout this expedition, you will engage in physical activities along a predetermined route, fostering camaraderie with your fellow participants through interactive discussions and challenges facilitated by your Instructor team.

Kindly note that this activity will be divided into two separate trips: one tailored for experienced outdoor enthusiasts seeking a comprehensive trail experience, and the other designed for beginners eager to initiate their outdoor journey.

Recreation Canoeing

Program Length: 3.5-Day
Cost: $250
Program Dates: Thursday, August 15, 2024 – Saturday, August 17, 2024
Move-In Date: Wednesday, August 14, 2024

Join the Recreation’s Experiential Education Program for a rewarding journey delving into the waters of the Potomac and becoming part of the John Hopkins Outdoor Community. Guided by experienced Student Instructors, you will learn about paddling techniques, teamwork, and life at John Hopkins. This adventure includes water-based activities, interactive discussions, and challenges that will strengthen bonds with your fellow participants under the guidance of your Instructor team.