Where can I find student deals on computers and software
Get free anti-virus software from JHU. All students are entitled to download Norton Antivirus, but this must be done from campus. Visit www.jhu.edu/anti-virus for more information.
The GRO has been working for years to get software deals for students. Contracts are currently being signed with Microsoft to allow students to puchase Office XP and Windows XP (upgrades or full versions) at discounted prices. We don't have the information yet, but will post it as soon as we get it. For other software deals available to students, please visit the HITS webpage and click on the button marked "software."
Are there other discounts I should know about?
When looking for car insurance, be sure to check out Geico. If you tell them that you are a member of the National Organization of Graduate-Professional Students (NAGPS), you will receive a discount. The GRO is a member of NAGPS, and by proxy, so are you.How many students are at JHU?
There are approximately 2,790 undergraduate, 32 post-baccalaureate, and 924 full-time graduate students. There are also 1,379 part-time graduate students. For more "vital" statistics, visit Johns Hopkins at a Glance.How long is the average graduate student funded?
Most graduate students receive approximately 5 years of funding--some more and some less. Stipends vary from department to department, but range approximately from $12,000 - $22,000.What's the best way to buy books?
If you want to avoid the crowds at the bookstore (they're awful), then we suggest ordering your books online through the GRO Endowment. Just get the list of necessary textbooks from the bookstore's textbook list or your professors and order online from your favorite bookstore. New and used books are available. The shipping is usually FREE, the time is minimal, and you'll be supporting grad student causes.How safe is campus?
It's not bad. Always remember that you are in a city with the normal crime problems, and you probably will be fine. Some people get mugged, others never encounter a problem. Just be smart about walking alone at night (i.e., don't do it!) and be aware of your surroundings. You can check out the campus crime and safety reports online at http://www.jhu.edu/~security.Are there computer labs on campus?
Yes. The largest computer lab is in Krieger Hall (follow the signs). There is a multi-media lab (scanners, cd-burners, dvd-burners, and more) in Mattin Center. Find out more about it at http://digitalmedia.jhu.edu. All you'll need to get into the computer labs is a JCard. Printing costs are extra, and can be paid from your JCard.Complaints and problem resolution
It's inevitable - at some point in your graduate career, you're going to have a problem. It might be with your advisor, your landlord, your roommate, or another student. The GRO has worked to set up a sort of ombudsperson to help mediate and solve problems. Dorothy Sheppard is the Associate Dean of Students, and has been great to us in the past. You can always reach her at dsheppard (at) jhu (dot) edu . If Dorothy can't provide the kind of help you need, the GRO can help point you in the right direction, or at times, act as your personal advocate. Also, look at the graduate student grievance procedures (Also available in plain text).Grad Student ID Cards
Every graduate student (and staff member, for that matter) receives a Johns Hopkins ID card, called the "J-Card." In the past, graduate students have also received an additional card that identifies them specifically as a graduate student. This allows grad students into grad-only events (like Coffee Hour and Happy Hour), among other things. This year, the J-Card will incorporate enough changes that the additional card will become obsolete. The J-Card photo will feature a unique background color for graduate students only. Find out the uses of the J-Card - everything from buying coffee and copies to getting you into a parking lot or library.If you have questions that would be helpful to others, send them to gro (at) jhu (dot) edu