Princeton Pauses Orientation Overhaul but Promises Changes

Less than two weeks after the University announced in an email to all students that it was moving the small-group experiences of freshman orientation to fall break, Princeton has paused the changes but cautioned that orientation will still look different, with a final decision expected before the start of the spring semester.

The original announcement on Oct. 27 said Outdoor Action, Community Action, and Dialogue and Difference in Action would no longer be required for first-year and transfer students, among other changes. Orientation would also be shortened from 12 days to eight.

Vice President for Campus Life W. Rochelle Calhoun cited “an expanded approach … that recognizes that meaningful connections and belonging develop over time” in her first note to students, encouraging them to participate in a survey that will help guide future programming. Former student leaders were invited to participate in one of 10 feedback sessions. It is unclear what role student leaders may play going forward, though a New Student Orientation FAQ page called them “an essential part of these programs.”

Calhoun’s email said the changes were “prompted by budgetary considerations” as well as feedback from students, staff, and faculty. “While the small group experiences have been positively received and valued, comments on the length of orientation and concerns about providing adequate time for students to settle into college life were also considered,” Calhoun wrote. 

Alumni and students responded to the news with petitions vowing to save the small-group experiences. An alumni-created site, SavePrincetonOrientation.org, had nearly 4,800 signatures as of Nov. 9, from alumni dating back to the Class of 1958 to current freshmen. 

Simon Porter ’01, a former OA leader trainer, said a group of alumni learned in the spring that program founder Rick Curtis was planning to retire soon and filed paperwork to create an OA endowment. Since the announcement, they have met with administrators who seemed “open and committed to continuing the conversation.” As of Nov. 9, alumni had pledged $635,000 to OA, contingent on the University moving it back to pre-orientation.

The survey Calhoun cited asked first-year students which topics and themes were most helpful during orientation, such as adjusting to life as a Princeton student, understanding values, supporting health and well-being, and getting to know people and making friends. Older students were asked how they felt around fall break during their first year at Princeton. Students were also asked how many nights they’d prefer for small-group experiences, how important being off campus was, and which elements of the programs were most vital.

Calhoun’s follow-up email, which was sent to Undergraduate Student Government Executive Committee members on Nov. 9 and posted online, announced a pause to the decision and promised further discussion at an upcoming Undergraduate Student Life Committee meeting. Calhoun confirmed orientation would be shortened regardless and asked the students for help brainstorming alternatives that “do not maintain the status quo” but do “maintain the integrity of small group experiences.”