Johns Hopkins Traditions

Johns Hopkins University also referred to as Johns Hopkins, is a prestigious private research institution located in Baltimore, Maryland. It is the oldest research university in the United States and the western hemisphere, established in 1876, and has nurtured a couple of notable Johns Hopkins traditions.

It holds a steady position among the most prestigious educational institutions in the United States. It is currently in the seventh spot in the best national university rankings published by U.S. News & World Report.

Being a student at Johns Hopkins does not only involve pure academics, but you will also find yourself enjoying its rich traditions and learning about its worthwhile history. You will also learn to engage in its active student communities and form unforgettable camaraderie with other students from diverse backgrounds.

At AdmissionSight, our commitment to guiding each student through the difficulties of the enrollment process has remained constant throughout the years. Our dependable consulting ensures that your application will bring out the best in you. In the succeeding parts of this article, we will discuss the valuable Johns Hopkins traditions and their significant contributions to the college life of a student.

Are academics at Johns Hopkins hard?

Are academics at Johns Hopkins hard? With its low acceptance rate and rigorous admissions process, Johns Hopkins is not easy to get into, which also shows prospective students that academics at this institution can be challenging and only suitable candidates can survive its curriculum.

Academics at Johns Hopkins can be fairly rigorous. To maintain a solid grade point average (GPA), you will have to put in a great deal of work and effort. You will be expected to determine an acceptable GPA based on the number of additional parts of your academic experience that you choose to include.

Although Johns Hopkins is most known for its strength in the natural sciences, it also possesses extraordinary strength in a number of other disciplines. Additionally, students sometimes find classes in the arts and social sciences to be satisfying and even pursue triple degrees.

The distribution requirements system that has replaced the core curriculum is not only very useful, but it also gives students a lot of freedom in choosing the classes they take and makes it easy for them to double or even triple major.

In addition, the lecturers are often described as fantastic, and in the vast majority of instances, they are extremely approachable. The professors at Johns Hopkins genuinely care about the accomplishments of their students and even help them to secure research funds or update them on various research opportunities or internships.

Furthermore, they are not entirely focused on their graduate students and research, contrary to the widespread belief at the university, but they do care about the success of their undergraduate students. Although teachers certainly expect a lot from their students, the amount of work that must be completed is not insurmountable.

Students even find that their homework at Johns Hopkins helps them comprehend the subject matter covered in the lectures much better. Nevertheless, due to the amount of work, it is extremely challenging to make it through the semester without pulling several all-nighters. With Johns Hopkins traditions, students can take a break from their rigorous academics and have fun every now and then.

On many school days, students would remain in the library for upwards of six hours. There are several classrooms with a large number of students, from 100 to 200, although the majority of classes for upperclassmen are much smaller, with about 10 students. Both types of classes have provided students with positive learning opportunities.

With its strong emphasis on academics, students are committed to their schoolwork and give a great deal of attention, spending a lot of time studying. In order to prove this, Johns Hopkins is expanding the library rather than constructing a student center, which is something that students at this institution do not have.

Students are extremely competitive, and everyone strives to advance their position. Classes can be broken down into a wide range of subcategories. As mentioned earlier, there were both small and large ones, with attendance ranging from eight to hundreds of students. Because class sizes vary, there are different ways to teach, such as through lectures, seminars, sections, and laboratories.

Students often describe other professors as being friendlier than others, and some don’t even bother to make an effort to get to know you, while others do. Even though class participation is only required in certain classes, students still try their best to contribute to each and every class they have.

Some classes are even quite intimate and focused, especially on language classes, and the teachers put in the effort to get to know each student as well as the challenges and opportunities presented by the target language acquisition.

Each department offers tremendous assistance to students at Johns Hopkins and even gives them opportunities to explore various places for research. They offer up their straightforward judgment without hesitating for a moment. At this prestigious school, students can take interesting and unique classes and take part in fun Johns Hopkins traditions.

The education at Johns Hopkins can be extremely difficult and requires a certain amount of self-motivation and determination, but it definitely proves to be worth it when moving into the outside world.

In conclusion, students ended up with the impression that attending Johns Hopkins is beneficial, despite the fact that the academics are challenging.

List of Johns Hopkins Traditions

What customs are included in the list of Johns Hopkins traditions? With its rich and long history, Johns Hopkins maintains certain traditions to commemorate its remarkable past. Students benefit from the collaboration of Leadership Engagement and Experiential Development and other campus partners in the planning of traditional events.

The entirety of the campus comes together to honor and celebrate their community during special traditions such as Blue Jay Opening Day, Lighting of the Quads, and Spring Fair. Therefore, ensure that you put the dates for these and any other campus events that you are interested in attending on your calendar.

Lighting of the Quads

It occurs shortly prior to the holiday break. During the occasion, there will be a countdown to the moment when the president turns on the holiday lights, as well as entertainment, refreshments, and art exhibitions.

Indeed, it is one of the most popular Johns Hopkins traditions. It consists of an enjoyable ceremony in which the campus is illuminated with Christmas lights, causing students to anticipate the arrival of winter each year. In recent years, singing and fireworks have become increasingly prevalent. With this event, students at Johns Hopkins and several communities within the institution come together to see a stunning lighting ceremony that is filled with festive activities such as musical performances, cider, sweets, handicrafts, and lighted art.

Spring Fair

During the spring semester, students and residents of the surrounding community congregate at Homewood for the Spring Fair. This event features booths that are run by students and local businesses; funnel cake and other foods; a beer garden; arts and crafts; music; and a concert that features well-known artists.

It is also an event operated entirely by students for no financial gain. The sights, sounds, and scents of the fair transform the institution into a festive environment where everyone can have a good time once a year. Ram’s Head Live plays host to Spring Fair’s main event concert, making this venue one of a kind. Some of the artists who have played there in the past include the Chainsmokers, Steve Aoki, and Krewella.

Gilman Hall Floor

Even though it has been said that Johns Hopkins University has a small number of traditions for a school of its age and that many of its old traditions have been lost to time, there are some myths and practices that everyone knows about.

One such urban legend has been around for a very long time and concerns the university seal that may be seen on the floor of the entryway at Gilman Hall. According to the urban legend, if a student in the school’s present enrollment steps on the seal, they will never graduate. Because of the significance of this ritual, the seal has been cordoned off from the rest of the room by a fence.

Blue Jay Opening Day

We can’t forget one of the most anticipated Johns Hopkins traditions—the academic year and the sports season both begin with Blue Jay Opening Day. This “tailgate” is hosted across the entire university and includes opportunities to connect with campus and community resources, as well as rides, games, a photo booth, a DJ, and giveaways.

Hoptoberfest

Hoptoberfest is the perfect way to celebrate the beginning of the fall semester. This is an annual event that takes place in the fall and offers music, activities, and food. In the past, Hoptoberbest has included performances by Parachute and Cheat Codes, as well as a movie showing, a pumpkin farm, other craft activities, and a fun run.

Does Johns Hopkins have student clubs?

Does Johns Hopkins have student clubs? There are about 400 student organizations at Johns Hopkins, and each one serves as a distinct educational environment for the students that participate in it. Opportunities to develop leadership skills, cultivate connections that will last a lifetime, hone interpersonal communication abilities, and improve organizational skills can be found in these Registered Student Organizations (RSO).

Is there a Greek life at Johns Hopkins?

Is there a Greek life at Johns Hopkins? Fraternity and sorority life were first introduced to the institution’s campus in 1876 with the chartering of the Beta Theta Pi fraternity, which is still active on the Johns Hopkins campus today.

Since then, Johns Hopkins University has grown to include a total of nine sororities and eleven fraternities. There are a total of nine different sororities, five of which are affiliated with the National Panhellenic Conference and four of which are affiliated with the Multicultural Greek Council Sororities. There are 11 different fraternities on campus, and they are all members of the Inter-Fraternity Council.

Over 1,000 students are a part of the fraternity and sorority life on campus, with women making up 23% of participants and males making up 20%. Over the past several decades, the scope of fraternity and sorority life at Hopkins University has grown significantly, and they have often been part of celebrating the various Johns Hopkins traditions.

In 1989, just 15% of the student body was involved in these organizations. The historically black fraternity Alpha Phi Alpha was established in 1991, while the Asian-interest Lambda Phi Epsilon fraternity was established in 1994, and the Latino-interest Lambda Upsilon Lambda fraternity was established in 1995. The spring semester is when the rush is held for all of the students. Charles Village is home to the majority of fraternities but not sororities because sororities do not retain residences there.

The Inter-Fraternity Council, the National Panhellenic Conference, and the Intercultural Greek Council, which is a combination of the National Pan-Hellenic Council and the Multicultural Council, are the three councils that all of the fraternities and sororities that are affiliated with Johns Hopkins University belong to.

Does Johns Hopkins have good athletics?

Does Johns Hopkins have good athletics? With its enjoyable Johns Hopkins traditions and rigorous academics, this institution is not primarily a sports school, but it is well-known for its lacrosse titles.

The name “Blue Jays” is given to many athletic teams at this institution. In spite of the fact that sable and gold are utilized for academic gowns, the university’s sporting teams compete in Columbia blue and black. Johns Hopkins holds its annual Homecoming festival in the spring when lacrosse games are the most popular.

Lacrosse

Both the men’s and women’s lacrosse teams compete at the highest level of collegiate athletics offered by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and are affiliated members of the Big Ten Conference. The Centennial Conference is home to the other teams, all of whom compete in Division III. In addition, Johns Hopkins University is home to the Lacrosse Museum and the National Hall of Fame, both of which are managed by US Lacrosse.

The men’s lacrosse squad at this institution is often considered to be its most successful athletic program. The team has won a total of 44 national titles, including nine wins in Division I, 29 titles from the United States Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association (USILA), and six titles from the Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association (ILA).

It was announced on June 3, 2013, that the Big Ten Conference would begin sponsoring men’s lacrosse beginning in the 2015 season. The Blue Jays are a team that competes in the men’s lacrosse division of the Big Ten Conference (2014-2015 school year).

The women’s lacrosse program is currently affiliated with the Big Ten Conference and was formerly affiliated with the American Lacrosse Conference (ALC). In the women’s Division I media poll conducted by Inside Lacrosse in 2015, the Lady Blue Jays earned the number 18 spot. In 2007, they were ranked eighth in the Division I Intercollegiate Women’s Lacrosse Coaches Association (IWLCA) Poll.

In 2013, the team concluded the season with a record of 10–7, which was an improvement over 2012’s result of 9–9 in the standings. They concluded the 2014 campaign with a record of 15–5 overall. It was announced on June 17, 2015, that the Blue Jays would begin participating in women’s lacrosse competition in the Big Ten Conference beginning with the 2017 season (2016-2017 school year).

Swimming

Notable Division III athletic programs can be found at Johns Hopkins. The men’s swimming team from Johns Hopkins University won three straight NCAA Championships in 1977, 1978, and 1979. In the school year 2009–2010, Hopkins was victorious in eight different Centennial Conference competitions, including football, men’s and women’s soccer, football, men’s and women’s tennis, and women’s cross country and track and field.

Cross country

The Women’s Cross Country team made history at Johns Hopkins by being the first women’s team in any sport to ever earn the number one spot in a national rating. Baseball, men’s and women’s soccer, men’s and women’s tennis, men’s and women’s basketball, and men’s tennis all saw teams win Centennial Conference championships in the 2006–2007 school year. Since 2005, the women’s soccer team has held the title of Centennial Conference champion every year from 2005 through 2011.

During the school year 2013–2014, Hopkins won a total of 12 Centennial Conference championships, the majority of which came from the school’s track and field and cross country teams, which combined for six of the wins. Apart from being a popular sport played at the said university, it’s also become one of the Johns Hopkins traditions.

Fencing

The fencing team at Hopkins is highly regarded since it has consistently rated among the top three teams in Division III over the previous few years and has twice been victorious against the University of North Carolina, which competes at the Division I level. They were able to win the MACFA title in 2008 by claiming victory over UNC.

Water Polo

The water polo team played a full schedule against opponents from Division I throughout the last few years and consistently finished in first place in Division III.

Football

In 2009, the football team competed in the NCAA Division III tournament and made it all the way to the quarterfinals. Since 2005, the squad has been to the tournament three times.

Baseball

In 2008, the baseball team finished in second place, but they were defeated by Trinity College in the championship game of the Division III College World Series.

Squash

In the College Squash Association, club teams compete against varsity programs from Divisions I and III. The Johns Hopkins University squash team is a member of the association. The squash team has a record of 30th place at the end of the 2011–12 season.

How diverse is Johns Hopkins?

How diverse is Johns Hopkins? Johns Hopkins University has a strong commitment to upholding the dignity and equality of all people, regardless of factors such as age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, pregnancy, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, marital status, pregnancy, veteran status, or gender identity or expression. With this, anyone can enjoy the Johns Hopkins traditions without limitation due to their religious or ethnic background.

The gender ratio at Johns Hopkins University is 54% women to 46% men, which indicates that there are 16% more female students than there are male students enrolled there. Johns Hopkins University has the same number of male and female students as other US universities and welcomes students of both sexes. On average, 56% of students at US universities are female.

Johns Hopkins serves a significant number of out-of-state students, with 91% of the student body residing outside of Maryland or in other countries.

White students make up the vast majority of Johns Hopkins University’s student body, although there is also a large Asian student body. The school is home to a very wide range of racial and ethnic groups. 59% of pupils are minorities or people of color (BIPOC).

You can check out our discussion on Johns Hopkins Class of 2025 Statistics for an in-depth discussion of the diversity statistics of that particular academic class.

Johns Hopkins traditions can surely give a lot of unforgettable memories to students. Your college life at this prestigious institution won’t be complete and have enjoyable memories without those traditions mentioned earlier. Suppose Johns Hopkins is your dream college and learning about its remarkable traditions has convinced you to enroll. In that case, we at AdmissionSight are here to provide our quality consulting service and help you achieve your goals. Contact us to learn about our service from our trusted team.