Editorial: Open up FSI

In a recent article in The Daily Princetonian, Assistant Dean of the College Diane McKay stated that participants in FSI fall under three categories: students coming from schools that did not offer many Advanced Placement or honors classes, students who are the first in their family to attend college and students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. Despite this statement, official data on the participants has not been made available, and even very general information about this program is difficult to obtain. This makes it difficult to draw definitive conclusions about how well FSI is meeting its stated goals.

Anecdotally, however, this board is aware of many past FSI participants who did not meet the three selection criteria outlined by McKay. FSI attendees interviewed for the ‘Prince’ article commented on the large number of athletes who took part in the program; several students estimated that at least half of participants were members of varsity sports teams. Moreover, the ‘Prince’ reported that 18 football players attended FSI this past summer, accounting for more than half of the team’s incoming freshmen and nearly one-quarter of the total participants in FSI, which has a set number of available spots. It seems unlikely that all of these students come from disadvantaged backgrounds. Conversely, there are a number of students on campus who could have benefited from this program but who were not invited, and likewise, not all students who meet McKay’s criteria receive an invitation. Some of these students have reported to us the significant trouble they encountered in their freshman-year academics. As a result of this information, we are concerned that the limited number of spaces in FSI may not be allocated in the best way and that a justification for the high rate of participation of athletes has not been offered.

Increasing the transparency of FSI would help ensure that the program benefits those who need it most. Some might argue that a more candid approach would result in stigma being attached to participants, and perhaps this is why the administration keeps such a tight lid on the program. To the contrary, we believe that the current lack of transparency only amplifies the stigma and rumors already associated with FSI.

One way to achieve transparency would be to invite more incoming freshmen to attend the program. Given that there may be more interested students than can be accommodated, the University could sort invitees into different priority groups. Those who would benefit most from the program could be strongly encouraged to attend while those less in need could simply be sent a letter to gauge their interest.

It is important that all admitted students — especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds — be given every opportunity to succeed at Princeton. FSI can play an integral role in this effort, and we support the program’s continued existence. But in order for the program to reach its full potential, and in order to uphold basic standards of fairness, FSI should be more open and accessible. West College should take steps to ensure this happens.