Food trucks, trips to New York City, and rock-stacking activities during winter break will be no more.
Following the spring semester’s funding cuts, hiring freeze, and scrutiny from the federal government, the University will discontinue the Office of Campus Engagement (OCE) and its flagship program, Wintersession, effective Sept. 2, citing “challenging budgetary circumstances,” according to an email sent to Campus Life staff on Aug. 14.
The email, sent on behalf of OCE Executive Director Judy Jarvis and co-signed by the office’s three other staff members, announced that the office and Wintersession will be shut down after six years.
“We four on the Office of Campus Engagement team are incredibly saddened by this news, though we understand that these are unprecedented times,” the message read. “Having to sunset our office and Wintersession does not change our pride in the joy-creating, community-building, and positive mental health-promoting that we have contributed to the campus.”
The office’s closure is one of the first significant cuts announced by the University, which asked most departments and units in May to prepare plans for 5–10 percent budget reductions.
“This change and other cost-reduction efforts reflect financial challenges spurred by the federal government’s reassessment of its relationship with American higher education, as well as broader economic uncertainty,” the University said in a press release.
Launched in 2021, Wintersession was a free, two-week series of events open to all members of the Princeton community. Anyone could lead a session, which ranged from skill-based workshops to keynote events.
Any undergraduate and graduate student who signed up for at least one event received free dining hall meals and access to their housing for the full two weeks. As part of the end of Wintersession, undergraduate dorms will now be closed for the entirety of winter break until Jan. 23, the University said in its announcement.
The 2025 edition of Wintersession drew 4,359 attendees, an increase of more than 2,000 from the program’s inaugural year in 2021, according to data published on Wintersession’s website. Especially popular among graduate students, the two-week event was known for a wide range of programming: student-designed and led events, museum trips, mindfulness exercises, and often a celebrity event or two offering career advice.
While most of OCE’s work centered on planning Wintersession, the office also led or co-led several other University-wide initiatives. These included the creation of a virtual activities calendar during the COVID-19 pandemic, convening peer educator and adviser group leaders, co-leading Princeton Research Day, and co-leading Community Care Day.
The email also invited staff to a sunset celebration on Aug. 27 to “celebrate all the accomplishments of the Office of Campus Engagement throughout its six years.” It was not immediately clear whether the OCE’s four dedicated staff members would retain their positions at the University.
“This is a tough email to write and no doubt tough to read,” the email read. “We wanted you to hear the news from us, and know that we will be okay. We also want to thank you for believing in us, dreaming with us, and partnering with us throughout Wintersession and the Office of Engagement’s time on campus.”
The University said in its statement that more cuts will come in the weeks leading up to the beginning of the semester.
“Starting this month, departments and units will roll out additional budget reduction measures that will affect programs and services. These impacts will range in size, from less free food and merchandise to reduced operating hours at some campus operations,” it said. “Collectively they will add up to significant savings that help the University protect its core mission.”
Hayk Yengibaryan is a head News editor, senior Sports writer, and education director for the ‘Prince.’
Please send any corrections to corrections[at]dailyprincetonian.com.
Editor’s Note: This article has been updated to include a press release from the University.
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