Policies and Procedures
The Johns Hopkins University Office of Summer and Intersession Programs complies with all University Policies.
Summer at Hopkins is committed to providing an enriching and academically rigorous summer experience, offering students the opportunity to engage in challenging coursework and dynamic learning environments that support their academic and personal growth. Whether students are enrolling in courses on-campus or online, and for on-campus students, whether they are residential or commuter, adherence to university policies and community expectations is essential to ensuring a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for all participants.
Students enrolled in Summer at Hopkins coursework must comply with Johns Hopkins University’s undergraduate academic regulations, policies, and procedures governing student life and academic integrity. These rules provide the foundation for a structured academic community, but true success comes from students embracing the values of integrity, respect, and responsibility that these policies uphold.
Summer at Hopkins courses—both in-person and online—uphold the same high standards of academic rigor, student achievement, and conduct integrity as those offered during the fall and spring semesters at Johns Hopkins University. Students are expected to engage fully in their learning, conduct themselves with honesty, and contribute positively to the program’s academic and social community.
Our Commitment to Excellence
At Summer at Hopkins, we strive to foster an environment that promotes:
- Academic Excellence: Encouraging intellectual exploration and a commitment to scholarly achievement through rigorous coursework and research opportunities.
- Self-Awareness and Personal Development: Fostering independence, decision-making, and self-advocacy skills essential for success in higher education and beyond.
- Access and Community Engagement: Creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for relationship building with peers, faculty, and the broader university community through collaboration and shared learning experiences.
- Wellness and Safety: Prioritizing student well-being through structured support services, health and safety policies, and a commitment to fostering a balanced Pre-College Experience.
We ask all students and families to carefully review the policies outlined in the sections below before submitting their acknowledgment and confirmation. Visiting Undergraduates and Pre-College students, and for minors, their parent/guardian, will confirm their acknowledgment and understanding of this information through a DocuSign process that will take place during the student’s onboarding process after registration. Understanding these expectations is critical to having a positive and successful Summer at Hopkins experience.
General Policies & Code of Conduct
As a participant in Summer at Hopkins, you are part of the Johns Hopkins University (JHU) community and are expected to uphold the university’s standards of conduct. These policies ensure a safe, respectful, and productive environment for all students, faculty, and staff. The Student Affairs Policies and Guidelines website holds the major JHU student policies. While students are required to follow all policies and guidelines, Summer at Hopkins highlights the following key policies as particularly relevant to our student population.
All students must adhere to the JHU Student Conduct Code, which outlines behaviors that are inconsistent with the university’s values. Prohibited conduct includes, but is not limited to:
• Disruption of university activities
• Harassment or discrimination
• Theft or damage to property
• Substance abuse
• Possession of weapons
Violations may result in disciplinary actions, up to and including dismissal from the program.
Maintaining academic integrity is paramount. Students are expected to uphold the highest standards of honesty in their academic work. The Homewood Undergraduate Academic Ethics Policy provides detailed information on academic misconduct, including:
• Cheating
• Plagiarism
• Falsification of data
• Unauthorized collaboration
Any violations will be addressed promptly and may lead to severe consequences.
JHU enforces strict policies regarding the use of alcohol and drugs. As per the Homewood Undergraduate Alcohol Policies:
• The possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages by individuals under the age of 21 is prohibited.
• The use, possession, or distribution of illegal drugs is strictly forbidden.
Non-compliance will result in disciplinary action and legal consequences.
Hazing in any form is not tolerated at JHU. Hazing is defined under applicable law and policy as :
any intentional, knowing, or reckless act committed by a person (whether individually or in concert with other persons) against another person or persons regardless of the willingness of such other person or persons to participate, that:
• Is committed in the course of an initiation into, an affiliation with, or the maintenance of membership in, a student organization.
• Causes or creates a risk, above the reasonable risk encountered in the course of participation in the institution of higher education or the organization, of physical or psychological injury including:
• Whipping, beating, striking, electronic shocking, placing of a harmful substance on someone’s body, or similar activity.
• Causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, confinement in a small space, extreme calisthenics, or other similar activity.
• Causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing another person to consume food, liquid, alcohol, drugs, or other substances.
• Causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing another person to perform sexual acts.
• Any activity that places another person in reasonable fear of bodily harm through the use of threatening words or conduct.
• Any activity against another person that includes a criminal violation of local, State, Tribal, or Federal law.
• Any activity that induces, causes, or requires another person to perform a duty or task that involves a criminal violation of local, State, Tribal, or Federal law.
Engaging in hazing activities can lead to severe disciplinary measures, including expulsion. Please see the university’s Hazing Policy for more information.
JHU values the rights to free expression and peaceful assembly. Students are encouraged to engage in open dialogues and express diverse viewpoints. The Freedom of Expression Guidelines outline the expectations and limitations to ensure that such activities do not disrupt university operations or infringe upon the rights of others.
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. FERPA grants students certain rights regarding their educational information, including:
• The right to inspect and review their education records.
• The right to request amendments to records they believe are inaccurate.
• The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information, except in cases where FERPA allows disclosure without consent.
JHU adheres to FERPA guidelines to ensure that student records remain secure and confidential.
The Acceptable Use and Security of Johns Hopkins Information Technology Resources policy outlines the proper use of university-owned technology and data security guidelines. Key expectations include:
• Students must use university computing resources responsibly and ethically.
• Unauthorized access to university systems, data, or accounts is strictly prohibited.
• Personal use of university resources should not interfere with academic or administrative operations.
• The use of JHU networks to engage in illegal activities, including unauthorized file sharing or hacking, is not permitted.
• Students are responsible for maintaining the security of their JHU credentials and devices.
Failure to comply with these policies may result in the restriction of access to university resources and disciplinary action.
Students are responsible for managing their student records, course registration, and financial obligations while enrolled in Summer at Hopkins. This includes:
• Ensuring course registration is accurate and making any necessary modifications before deadlines.
• Understanding and following tuition payment and refund guidelines as outlined by the university.
• Submitting required health forms and other documentation before the program begins.
For more details on course changes and refund timelines, students should refer to the Summer at Hopkins Course Change and Refund Timelines page.
Summer at Hopkins Community Expectations
At Summer at Hopkins, students are expected to uphold high standards of behavior to foster a safe, inclusive, and respectful learning environment. These expectations apply to all students, regardless of enrollment type. Below are the community expectations divided into general behavioral expectations, academic setting expectations, and residential life expectations.
1. General Behavioral Expectations (Applies to All Students)
To ensure a safe and supportive environment, Summer at Hopkins maintains strict policies regarding behavior and student conduct. While some violations will result in immediate dismissal, others may result in warnings with required corrective actions. The following violations are defined but not limited to:
• Physical, verbal, or emotional harm to another participant.
• Creating a hostile environment through intimidation or exclusion.
• Interfering with a participant’s rights or experience.
• Using technology to harass, impersonate, or intimidate others.
• Possession, use, or distribution of alcohol, drugs, or drug paraphernalia.
• Attempting to purchase restricted substances.
• Possession of tobacco or vaping products.
• Misuse of prescription medications.
• Physical violence or threats.
• Possession of weapons or dangerous objects.
• Tampering with safety equipment.
• Unauthorized facility access or creating safety hazards.
• Fire safety violations.
• Theft, property damage, or shoplifting.
• Unauthorized room entry or guests.
• Sexual misconduct or inappropriate behavior.
• Curfew violations or leaving campus without permission.
Consequences: Violations of these policies may result in disciplinary action, including but not limited to warnings, loss of privileges, required behavioral contracts, or immediate dismissal from the program without refund.
2. Expectations in the Academic Setting
In addition to the General Behavioral Expectations, students in Summer at Hopkins programs/courses are expected to:
- Engage Actively and Respectfully: Students must participate in coursework, discussions, and group activities professionally.
- Attend All Classes and Be Punctual: Consistent attendance is required, and tardiness may impact academic standing.
- Follow Academic Integrity Policies: Cheating, plagiarism, falsification of data, or unauthorized collaboration will result in disciplinary action.
- Use Only Approved Transportation for Academic Field Trips: Students must use JHU-approved travel arrangements for off-campus academic excursions.
- Respect Instructors and Peers: Disruptive behavior in class, including excessive talking, inappropriate language, or lack of participation, is unacceptable.
- Wear Appropriate Attire for Lab Activities and Field Trips: Closed-toe shoes and long pants must be worn during lab-based coursework and academic field trips.
3. Academic Integrity & Ethics Policy Violations (Pre-College Programs)
Students enrolled in Pre-College programs are expected to uphold the highest standards of academic integrity. Violations include, but are not limited to:
- Cheating: Using unauthorized materials, sharing answers, or receiving assistance on coursework without permission.
- Plagiarism: Submitting work that is not your own or failing to properly cite sources.
- Multiple Submissions: Using the same or substantially similar work for multiple courses without approval.
- Falsification: Providing false information regarding coursework, records, or academic performance.
All suspected violations of academic integrity will be reported to the Office of Summer and Intersession Programs for review. Instructors have the authority to impose penalties related to coursework, such as grade reductions or failing an assignment, but they cannot remove a student from the program. The Office of Summer and Intersession Programs will determine if additional disciplinary actions, including expulsion from the program, are warranted. If an instructor suspects a violation, they will review the case and may issue an academic penalty. More serious or repeated offenses will be referred to program administration, which may result in the following penalties:
• Formal warning with required corrective action.
• Retake of an exam, paper, or assignment.
• Score of zero on the impacted coursework.
• Reduction in the final course grade.
• Failure of the course.
• Removal from the program without refund. If a student is residential, they will be required to vacate the residence hall within 24 hours of the final decision.
Students have 48 hours from the confirmation of the penalty by the instructor to file an appeal. Appeals must be submitted via email by the student and should include all relevant information regarding the situation. All appeals will be reviewed by the Executive Director of the Office of Summer and Intersession Programs, whose decision will be final.
4. Residential Life Expectations (For Residential Students)
Students residing in Summer at Hopkins housing must follow additional expectations to create a safe and cooperative living environment:
Students must remain within the designated home area of the program at all times unless accompanied by staff or granted written permission by Summer at Hopkins administration. This includes following established boundaries for academic buildings, residence halls, dining facilities, and approved common spaces. Leaving campus or entering restricted areas without approval is strictly prohibited.
Students must be inside the residence hall by 9:30 p.m., on their assigned floor by 11 p.m., and in their suites by 11:30 p.m. Quiet hours are from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m., and students are expected to maintain a respectful noise level to support the well-being of their peers.
Students must maintain open communication and respect their roommate’s space and belongings.
Students are only permitted to enter their assigned rooms in the residence hall. Gatherings must take place in designated common areas and lounges.
No guests or family members are allowed in the non-public areas of the residence hall, including during move-in/move-out.
Students must follow JHU transportation guidelines and may not use personal vehicles or ride-sharing services.
Students must adhere to all rules and regulations provided by residential counselors during off-campus field trips. Students are required to stay within designated areas and follow supervision guidelines at all times.
Students must follow rules regarding room maintenance, prohibited items, fire safety, and security protocols. Students are responsible for the cost of any room damages.
Lost or misplaced keys must be reported immediately, and students are responsible for replacement costs.
The Residential Wellness Coordinator operates a first-aid station for students requiring standard first-aid. Students experiencing illness must contact the Residential Wellness Coordinator for support. If necessary, the coordinator will assist in scheduling an appointment at the on-campus wellness center or arranging a trip to urgent care. If a student is too ill to attend class, they are required to follow the standard protocols for reporting their absence to both program staff and instructors.
Students are responsible for the self-administration of medication.
Students assume all responsibility for lost or damaged personal property. JHU is not responsible for personal belongings.
Tampering with smoke detectors or any fire safety equipment will result in dismissal from the program and may lead to legal consequences.
Students are required to leave their rooms in the condition in which they found them. This includes removing all personal belongings and taking out trash. Students will be charged for any damages, excessive cleaning, or failure to check-out on time or follow the proper protocol. Any personal items left after move-out will be discarded by housekeeping staff.
Residential Student Check-Out Procedures
To ensure student safety and program integrity, Summer at Hopkins has established strict check-out procedures for residential students who need to leave campus during non-academic hours. The check-out process must be initiated and approved by the student’s parent/guardian in advance.
Only individuals 25 years or older who are pre-approved by the parent/guardian via the official Off-Campus Check-In/Out Policy document submitted through DocuSign may check a student out.
1. A Student Release Form must be completed by the parent/guardian at least 24 hours in advance, specifying the departure and return times.
2. The authorized individual must present a government-issued photo ID when checking the student in/out.
3. Check-out and check-in must occur at the Summer at Hopkins Residential Office, where Summer at Hopkins staff will verify identification and require signatures from both the authorized individual and the student.
Failure to adhere to check-out protocols may result in immediate expulsion from the program.
5. Commuter Student Expectations
Commuting students are responsible for managing their time on campus before and after class, as well as during lunch periods, as they are not under direct supervision outside of scheduled course activities. All commuting students must:
- Residence Requirement: Reside with a responsible adult over the age of 25 while participating in the program.
- Transportation Responsibility: Provide their own transportation to and from the program.
6. Family Code of Conduct
At Summer at Hopkins, we value the partnership between families, staff, and students in creating a positive and supportive learning environment. Families, parents, and guardians play a key role in fostering student success and ensuring a respectful and collaborative relationship with program staff.
Families and guardians are expected to:
• Treat all students, faculty, and staff with respect in all interactions.
• Address concerns through appropriate communication channels to allow for timely and effective resolution.
• Schedule meetings in advance when requesting to speak with program staff, as immediate availability cannot be guaranteed.
To maintain a safe and productive environment, the following behaviors are strictly prohibited:
• Use of abusive, threatening, or harassing language in any communication (in person, email, phone, or digital platforms).
• Disruptive behavior that interferes with program operations, including classroom activities or administrative functions.
• Attempts to discipline or confront a student who is not their own child.
• Excessive, unscheduled communication that hinders staff’s ability to fulfill program responsibilities.
Families should express concerns through appropriate program channels rather than public forums or social media. Posting false or defamatory statements about Summer at Hopkins staff, students, or policies may result in restricted communication access and denial of future program enrollment.
Consequences: Failure to adhere to these expectations may result in:
- Restricted access to program events or facilities.
- Removal from campus for disruptive or inappropriate behavior.
- Denial of future enrollment in Summer at Hopkins programs.
If a family member or guardian experiences behavior from program staff that does not align with these standards, they may contact the Office of Summer and Intersession Programs at [email protected] to address their concerns.
Health & Wellness
Medical Forms and Immunization Records
On-campus Pre-College students will be required to complete a Summer at Hopkins Health and Emergency Contact Form, which will provide pertinent student medical information to help ensure the best possible support during the program. Short-term visiting students are exempt from the mandatory pre-entrance health and immunization requirements for incoming degree-seeking students. While optional, JHU and Summer at Hopkins highly recommend the following vaccinations:
- MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella): 2 doses of MMR OR 2 doses of measles & mumps PLUS 1 dose of rubella OR positive blood titers. All doses must be administered at 12 months of age or older.
- Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis): Must be given at age 11 or older. Td (Tetanus-diphtheria) does not satisfy this requirement.
- Varicella (Chicken Pox): 2 doses of varicella OR provide titer OR history of disease.
- Meningococcal Vaccine: One dose of the 4-valent (ACYW) meningococcal conjugate vaccine given at age 16 or older. Maryland law requires that students and families acknowledge this recommendation.
- Seasonal Influenza Vaccine: Strongly encouraged.
- COVID-19 Vaccine: The university strongly recommends that all students, staff, and faculty receive at least one dose of any FDA- or WHO-authorized vaccine.
Student Disability Services
Johns Hopkins University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for students with documented disabilities. Student Disability Services works with students to ensure they receive the necessary support to be successful. Students requiring accommodations for academic coursework or housing should work directly with Student Disability Services to submit their requests and required documentation in advance of the program.
Access to the Ralph S. O’Connor Center for Recreation and Well-Being
Students have access to the Ralph S. O’Connor Center for Recreation and Well-Being, which includes fitness facilities during scheduled times. To gain access, a Digital Waiver must be completed by a parent/guardian before use. When completing the waiver, families should enter Summer at Hopkins in the ‘Name of the Program’ field. Students are responsible for following all Rec Center guidelines and requirements. Failure to adhere to the policies of the facility may result in loss of access.