Frequently Asked Questions

Yes! During 2025 – 2026 academic year, the HSC will be open to JHU students, faculty, and staff with a valid J-Card. Guests are welcome when accompanied by their host and must check in at the Welcome Desk. More details about guest access will be shared closer to opening.

No, academic classes will not be held in the HSC.

Yes. The HSC will have trained security staff and building monitors to support a safe and welcoming environment for all students and guests.

Yes! The Hopkins Student Center will offer a variety of student employment opportunities across the building, including roles in event support, customer service, creative media, and daily operations. Student staff will help bring the space to life—serving as ambassadors, supporting events, and assisting with tech and building services. Details on how to apply will be shared closer to opening.

BIG (Bjarke Ingels Group) and Shepley Bulfinch.

Student-focused events, including institutional programs, registered student organization events, and arts performances, have the highest priority.

A student-focused event is defined as an event with audiences where 90% of the attendees will be JHU students or incoming students.

Events in the Hopkins Student Center may be scheduled to begin 30 minutes after the building opens and must end 30 minutes before the building closes each day. This ensures adequate time for setup and cleanup by staff. Be sure to reference the HSC Hours of Operation to plan your event within the approved timeframes.

Catering for events in the HSC will follow university event dining guidelines, with several flexible options available. Hopkins Dining’s 1876 Distinction offers a wide range of services—from casual meetings to large receptions—with a focus on sustainable practices and exceptional service.

In addition, a selection of pre-approved caterers and HSC Food Hall vendors will be available to support campus events. Student organizations may also request to use EZCater. Additional details, including menus and ordering guidance, will be provided as the HSC approaches opening.

For health and safety reasons, cooking or prepping food on-site is not permitted. Student organizations are encouraged to explore catering or delivery options for any events involving food.

Yes, tabling will be available both indoors and outdoors at the Hopkins Student Center. The indoor tabling location is still being finalized, and more details will be shared prior to opening. Outdoor tabling will take place on the plaza adjacent to the Food Hall entrance, offering a highly visible space for student organizations to connect with the campus community.

Students and departments will not be charged for using HSC spaces. However, fees may apply for additional services or equipment beyond standard use.

HSC spaces are not intended to be rented by non-university groups.

Department events that are not student-focused can only reserve spaces Monday through Friday from 8am–3pm during the academic year. Non-student-focused events are not permitted on weekends unless they occur during a break period when students are not in session.

To prioritize student access and allow for a successful transition into the new building, reservations from departments outside of Student Affairs will be accepted starting October 15, 2025. This initial period ensures students have the opportunity to engage fully with the space during its early launch phase.