In keeping with a liberal arts philosophy, Princeton students are expected to be fully engaged members of an intellectual community, immersing themselves in the simultaneous study of a variety of disciplines before concentrating in one academic department. A Princeton undergraduate degree is grounded in a common experience of full-time, residential, in-person study normally completed over the course of four years and eight consecutive academic terms. The curriculum is designed in such a way that all students carry a similar course load and make adequate progress toward the degree (as described herein). The first two years of study prepare students for the required independent work in the department of concentration, which is the hallmark of a Princeton education.
Students are expected to be active participants in their education; the development of critical study and life skills, such as working independently, managing competing obligations, and completing work in a timely fashion, is an essential educational goal.
Students are required to observe all University deadlines (as described herein) and may not carry incomplete courses into a subsequent term. While postponement of final examinations to the beginning of the following semester may be permitted under exceptional circumstances, further postponements are available only to students who take a leave of absence from that semester for medical reasons.
The Faculty Committee on Examinations and Standing administers academic regulations on behalf of the faculty. Requests made under the following provisions, as well as petitions for exceptions to them, should first be discussed with a student’s residential college dean or assistant dean. The final request or petition should be sent to the secretary to the Faculty Committee on Examinations and Standing for presentation to the committee. Students do not appear in person before the committee.
The following provisions provide the basic framework for undergraduate academic life at Princeton. By virtue of their enrollment at Princeton, students assume responsibility for complying with academic policies, for reading email sent by University advising staff, and for taking the initiative to ask for clarification when needed. Ignorance of academic regulations cannot be accepted as a basis for an exception to them.
The University is committed to providing students with disabilities equal access to the educational opportunities and programs available at Princeton. Princeton’s Policy on Disability and Accessibility is implemented in the context of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 as amended, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504), and the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination, which prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability. The term "disability" may include learning, physical, sensory, psychological, medical, and certain temporary disabilities. The University provides students with reasonable accommodations in accordance with the ADA/Section 504 and applicable state law. Students with disabilities may request academic accommodations; housing and dining accommodations; modifications to University policies, rules, and regulations; environmental adjustments such as the removal of architectural, communication, or transportation barriers; and auxiliary aids and services. Additional policies and procedures regarding accommodations can be found on the Inclusive Princeton and Office of Disability Services (ODS) websites. ODS utilizes an interactive process including an intake interview to understand a student's disability and explore reasonable accommodations. Students with disabilities may, with the support of ODS, petition the Committee on Examinations and Standing for a modification of academic regulations.