In keeping with the philosophy of Princeton’s liberal arts education model, Princeton students are expected to be fully engaged members of our intellectual community, immersing themselves in the simultaneous study of a variety of disciplines before majoring in one academic department. A Princeton undergraduate degree is founded on 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 so that all students carry a similar course load and make adequate progress toward their degrees (as described herein). The first two years of study prepare students for required independent work in their majors, which is the hallmark of a Princeton undergraduate education.

Faculty expect students to be active participants in their education. Developing critical study and life skills, such as working independently, managing competing obligations, and completing coursework on time, is an essential educational obligation.

Students must observe all University deadlines (as described herein) and may not carry incomplete courses into a subsequent term. While postponing final examinations to the beginning of the following semester may be permitted under exceptional circumstances, only students who take a leave of absence from that semester for medical reasons can request further postponements. 

The Faculty Committee on Examinations and Standing administers academic regulations on behalf of Princeton’s faculty. Requests for exemptions to the following provisions, as well as petitions for exceptions to academic policy, should first be discussed with the student’s residential college dean or assistant dean for studies. The final request or petition should be sent to the secretary of 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 and expectations for undergraduate academic life at Princeton. By virtue of their enrollment, Princeton students assume responsibility for complying with academic policies, for reading all email sent by University advising staff, and for initiating requests for clarification when necessary. Ignorance of academic regulations will not 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.