Pre-Orientation 2025

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!

Join the CMC (Creative Media Center) to learn how to take amazing photographs while exploring Baltimore and getting a behind the scenes look at the city’s art scene. 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 CMC. At the end of the program your finished works will be displayed in the CMC’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!

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.

As a part of the A. James Clark Scholars Program, all incoming scholars are required to attend the 3.5-day Pre-Orientation facilitated by the Clark Scholars Program Staff. The 2029 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. This program is only open for Clark Scholars of the 2029 Cohort. Please contact [email protected] with any questions.

The Cummings Scholars program invites incoming Cummings Scholars to participate in a 3.5-day program to experience the home cities for both Washington, D.C. and Baltimore-based Cummings Scholars. One day exploring Baltimore, lead by local Baltimore students, and one day exploring Washington, D.C., lead by Washington, D.C. students. Students will build community and belonging with fellow first years and upperclass Cummings Scholars. Events will include opportunities for families to engage at evening receptions in both locations. The third day will introduce students to Cummings Scholars resources and community members on the Homewood Campus including conversation with the Financial Aid Office, connection to the Faculty Advisory Board, and introduction to Cummings Scholars peer mentors.

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 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:

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

The Center for Diversity and Inclusion invites all incoming students especially international students studying in the US for the first time to learn how to navigate Hopkins towards academic success and available resources within a U.S context, while connecting and having fun with other new students representing a variety of backgrounds. Students who are underrepresented, first generation and/or limited income, students with disabilities, and part of the LGBTQ+ community are also welcome to participate. Students will be paired with a student ambassador and together with their small group will explore campus, US culture and the city of Baltimore. Previously, planned activities included workshop presentations from campus departments, karaoke night, a tour around Baltimore, and a movie night at the historical Senator Theatre.

The Kessler Scholars Program invites incoming scholars to a 3.5 day pre-orientation designed to introduce new students to the culture and community of Baltimore, enhance their connection to one another, and instill aspects of the programmatic mission dedicated to supporting academic exploration in Humanities and Social Science disciplines. Throughout this pre-orientation, students will form bonds with one another while engaging in a series of robust team building activities, exploring the cultural and historical richness of Baltimore, and participating in academic discussions that lay the groundwork and prepare students for a successful fall semester.

The Center for Diversity and Inclusion and the Mentoring Assistance Peer Program (MAPP) invite first-year students of all backgrounds who are interested in year-long peer mentorship to support their academic and social transition to Hopkins. MAPP is open to all first-year students including those who are underrepresented, first generation and/or limited income, students with disabilities, LGBTQ+ and international students. The mentorship consists of two components:

• Students will build awareness on their ability to engage Hopkins resources and social capital that may impact their personal and academic Hopkins experience. Students will then learn about navigating campus resources, developing their personal and professional network and soft skills to aid in their transition to Hopkins.
• Students will be paired with an upper-level student/mentor and a family (group of mentors and their mentees) to explore campus and Baltimore city. Planned activities include Mentor, Mentee, and MAPP family activities and programming, creating a success plan with you in mind and maximizing experiences in and out of the classroom to ease their transition to Hopkins. We help you develop YOUR success strategies, introducing you to key partners and staff invested in your success, themed monthly meetings and trained mentors guiding you every step of the way during your first year at Hopkins.

If you are interested in this exciting mentorship program, please complete the application on Hopkins Groups. Once your completed MAPP application form is received, you will receive an email with details about the next steps in June. This program usually fills up quickly so complete the form today.

IF YOU ARE APPLYING FOR THE MAPP PROGRAM, PLEASE USE THE MAPP APPLICATION FORM IN ADDITION TO THE PRE-ORIENTATION REGISTRATION FORM.

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.
*Please be advised that this trip will require multiple nights away from campus. You will not return until the conclusion of the trip.*

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.
*Please be advised that this trip will require multiple nights away from campus. You will not return until the conclusion of the trip.*

Become a part of the Recreation’s Experiential Education Program for an exciting journey of rock climbing at various locations across the greater Maryland area, while immersing yourself in the Johns Hopkins Outdoor Community. With the expert wisdom of our amazing Student Instructors, you’ll be scaling new heights in no time! Get ready to master climbing techniques, nail those belaying skills and tackle some seriously gnarly rock formations that’ll push you to your limits! While soaking up the nighttime vibes, you’ll uncover the secrets of life at Johns Hopkins and getting to know your awesome peers! This adventure features rock-based activities, engaging discussions and challenges designed to enhance camaraderie among participants, all under the expert guidance of your instructional team.
*Please be advised that this trip will require multiple nights away from campus. You will not return until the conclusion of the trip.*

Get ready to spark your academic and social journey at Hopkins! The SPARK-On In-Person Experience is an exciting 3.5-day pre-orientation program designed for students who have participated in the SPARK Online Course. It’s your chance to connect, explore, and thrive as you transition into college life.

• Build Your Community. You’ll join a welcoming group of peers also enrolled in Pre-Calculus and Calculus I, forming a supportive network of friends and study partners. Guided by near-peer mentors—upper-class students with experience as teaching assistants in first-year math courses—you’ll gain valuable insights, advice, and encouragement for your academic journey.
• Dive into Math in a Fun, Hands-On Way. Through interactive and kinesthetic activities, you’ll deepen your understanding of key mathematical concepts explored in ALEKS and Calc I. Engage in dynamic experiences like Shape Shifters and Function Fusion that bring math to life, all while sharpening your problem-solving and communication skills in a supportive environment.
• Explore Beyond the Classroom. Take your learning to new heights with a day trip to the National Museum of Mathematics! This unforgettable outing blends discovery and inspiration, offering unique perspectives on the beauty and power of mathematics.
• From scavenger hunts to group discussions and beyond, SPARK-On is designed to create lasting friendships and connections that extend far beyond pre-orientation. Join us to make your first steps at Hopkins fun, rewarding, and full of possibilities!

SPARK IS FOR STUDENTS ENROLLING IN PRE-CALC OR CALC I ONLY. INVITATIONS WILL BE SENT TO STUDENTS VIA EMAIL BY JUNE 20.