Princeton's admissions viewbook is the primary source of information about the University for thousands of high school students. Sixty glossy pages extol everything from our world-class faculty to our amazing sports program. Dean Rapelye writes in an introductory letter that she and her staff have "attempted to capture the complex institution within these pages." For the most part, the guide does an admirable job, and its glowing portrait will surely entice many students to apply in December.
But the viewbook is, in one important respect, very misleading. Readers of the newly reformulated "campus life" section, if they are otherwise unfamiliar with Princeton, will be left clueless about the central place of eating clubs at Princeton. In the 12 pages it devotes to campus life, the admissions office mentions the clubs only once — in passing — as a "dining only" alternative to the new, socially integrated four-year residential colleges.
This is an absurd, dishonest omission that absolutely must be corrected. The viewbook that exists today describes the University's institutional contribution to campus life — the residential colleges, Frist Campus Center, special interest centers for women, minorities and international students — but by overlooking the clubs it manages to give a wildly inaccurate overall impression. The book's preface acknowledges that many upperclass students join "historic" eating clubs, but fails to point out their role in Princeton's present.
The University is obligated to paint an accurate overall picture when it describes the Princeton experience to prospective undergraduates. The current viewbook amounts to a flat-out refusal to be honest about Princeton's social scene.
We are confident that Dean Rapelye and President Tilghman are acting in good faith. The campus life the administration seems to want — more open, more eclectic and less clubby — may really be better than what we've got now. And we believe the change can take place without spin control. Many of our classmates would have opted to stay in a four-year college if that had been an option, and we think that when the new colleges are introduced, their effect will be drastic and immediate. But the drive for change doesn't justify misleading prospective students about what they'll find when they get here. Daily Princetonian editorials are written by the Editorial & Opinion Editors, Managing Editors and Editor-In-Chief.
Read More
The CPUC must not gut its Judicial Committee
Bill HewittEnding the Judicial Committee’s jurisdiction over initial complaints would embolden abuses of power, allowing the administration to evade accountability for University rule violations without the pressure of student and faculty authority.
Ending the Judicial Committee’s jurisdiction over initial complaints would embolden abuses of power, allowing the administration to evade accountability for University rule violations without the pressure of student and faculty authority.
Princeton, let’s adopt a digital prox
Jorge ReyesTo prevent pointless replacement and lockout charges, maximize convenience, and create better access to meals and facilities, Princeton should follow the precedent set by some of its peers and adopt a digital prox system.
To prevent pointless replacement and lockout charges, maximize convenience, and create better access to meals and facilities, Princeton should follow the precedent set by some of its peers and adopt a digital prox system.
What is a Princeton degree really for?
Joel IbabaoSo what, in the end, is a Princeton degree really for? I take a more moderate view: Students should prioritize earning potential — unless they feel irresistibly called to something else.
So what, in the end, is a Princeton degree really for? I take a more moderate view: Students should prioritize earning potential — unless they feel irresistibly called to something else.