After 133 Years, Princeton Is Going Back to Proctoring Exams

Following a nearly unanimous faculty vote on May 11, all in-class examinations will be proctored for the first time since Princeton introduced the Honor Code in 1893.

According to the policy proposal, which was prepared by Michael Gordin, dean of the college, on behalf of the Faculty Committee on Examinations and Standing, the dean’s office has received requests over the past few years “and with increasing frequency over the last six months” for the change from undergraduates and faculty “given their perception that cheating on in-class exams has become widespread.” Particularly, the use of generative AI tools has made cheating easier, yet, given the small size of most devices, it is also more difficult for other students to observe and report, as required by the Honor Code. 

The policy goes into effect on July 1. The University aims to develop and distribute a guide for faculty by the start of fall term. 

After receiving unanimous votes of support from the Committee on Examinations and Standing and the Faculty Advisory Committee on Policy, the full faculty voted in May, with one opposing vote. The proposal said the change has also been endorsed by current and former student chairs of the Honor Committee, staff at the McGraw Center for Teaching and Learning, and the Faculty-Student Committee on Discipline. 

Isaac Bernstein ’28, the Undergraduate Student Government Academics Committee chair, told PAW that a survey he conducted earlier in the spring semester of 806 Princeton students showed that 50.1% were in favor of proctored examinations, while 44.9% were opposed. Bernstein said in speaking with students and faculty, he “did gain the impression that there was a majority consensus that did support proctoring.” 

Some who don’t support the policy are concerned with how it will be implemented and enforced across departments, according to Bernstein, who also noted that further clarification is needed such as the required number of proctors based on class size. However, he appreciates the communication thus far and said he looked “forward to working with Dean Gordin and administration to develop the best ideas on such a matter in any way that I can.”