Under 20 enrolled in first semester of TCNJ and Princeton cross-registration program

In the first semester of a cross-registration program between the University and The College of New Jersey, fewer than 20 total students are cross-enrolled at both schools. 

The program, which was unveiled last semester, allows upperclass undergraduate students and graduate students to enroll in select courses at each other’s institutions for no additional charge. The agreement is currently set to run through the 2030–31 academic year.

Jhett Laurie, a TCNJ junior cross-enrolled in HIS 383: A More Perfect Union — The United States, 1920–1974, viewed the program as a meaningful opportunity to further his learning.

“I want to go into education, and being able to take an Ivy League course is really awesome,” Laurie said in an interview with The Daily Princetonian. “Using things I’ve learned in my class at Princeton and applying it to the classroom is going to be really beneficial.”

“The program lets students shape their education around their own aspirations, which is what makes it so worthwhile,” Anya Andrzejek, a senior at TCNJ cross-enrolled in PSY 341: The Psychology of Adversity, told the ‘Prince.’

The program requires cross-registered​ TCNJ students to arrange their own transportation, which has posed logistical difficulties for some students.

Laurie explained that, while the University provides cross-registered students with parking at the Stadium Garage, he often parks on streets closer to academic buildings on campus. He added that there is a time crunch for him to get back to TCNJ because class times at the two institutions do not align perfectly. 

Daniel Martire, a TCNJ senior cross-registered in POR 199: Intensive Portuguese, wrote to the ‘Prince’ that because the University and TCNJ have different class times, he has to park on Nassau Street instead of the parking garage to be on time for his class. 

Additionally, Luke Shonis, a TCNJ junior cross-registered in PSY 385: Mind, Body, Culture — Clinical Psychology, noted that due to differences in the two universities’ academic calendars, holidays and breaks do not always align. However, he added that these difficulties did not outweigh the benefits of the program. 

Former University spokesperson Jennifer Morrill previously shared with the ‘Prince’ that both the Office of the Dean of the College and the Graduate School would update their websites to include additional information about how students will be able to participate in this new agreement.

Since then, additional information has not been posted to the two websites. 

“Princeton seniors who wish to explore TCNJ course options will be posted publicly closer to the spring course enrollment period,” University spokesperson Michael Hotchkiss wrote in a statement to the ‘Prince.’ “In the meantime, students with particular questions should consult with their residential college dean.”

The program is “highly selective,” with one’s academic record and past courses being “key factors for eligibility,” according to TCNJ’s website. 

Martire wrote that he has seen some interest in the program among TCNJ’s student body, though most of his peers were not aware of it. He added that TCNJ provided adequate information on the program, but he thought it should be promoted more in the future. 

Andrzejek explained that TCNJ Vice Provost for Academic Engagement Tammy Deiterich made the cross-registration process clear from the start. She added that Princeton Deputy Dean of the College Rebekah Peeples GS ’09 and Program and Special Projects Coordinator Marianne King were “exceptionally supportive and helpful throughout the process.” Andrzejek also shared that there is currently a lot of interest in the program at TCNJ, with many students asking her about the experience. 

Currently, undergraduate students at the respective institutions are only permitted to cross-register in one course during their time at the institution. 

“The decision to focus the program on upper-level students and limit participation to one course helps us provide this opportunity to as many students as possible, and it will likely remain that way for the foreseeable future,” TCNJ spokesperson Emily Dodd wrote in a statement to the ‘Prince.’ 

Cross-registration requires approval from both institutions and the course instructor, according to TCNJ’s website. 

In a comment to the ‘Prince,’ POR 199 instructor Nicola Cooney wrote that she was contacted by King, who asked if she would be willing to have a cross-registered student join her course. Cooney added that she had to take no additional action to facilitate Martire’s enrollment in the course or access to materials.

Laurie explained that the University provided him with an email to access online resources and facilities. He added that signing into online resources required additional steps, and that he had to personally reach out to card services to arrange a TigerCard. 

“As for access to facilities, I can access the buildings I want to visit, but some online services aren’t available at first until you contact the people in charge,” Shonis added. 

Hotchkiss wrote that the University is planning to evaluate the program after two years. 

“In the end, there’s really nothing that sets these students apart from our own, except for the opportunities available to them,” history professor Kevin Kruse, who is teaching HIS 383, told the ‘Prince.’ “And I’m glad this program is giving them those opportunities.” 

Rajbir Toor is a News contributor for the ‘Prince’ and a member of the Class of 2030.

Please send any corrections to corrections[at]dailyprincetonian.com.