Princeton University has ended its more than century-old tradition of unproctored examinations, citing growing concerns about cheating fueled by artificial intelligence. According to a report by The Wall Street Journal, the faculty at Princeton University voted this week to mandate proctoring in all in-person exams starting this summer. This policy reversal overturns a system that had been in place since 1893.
The End of the Honor Code Era
For nearly 133 years, Princeton relied on its Honor Code, which allowed students to take exams without the presence of any professor or invigilator. Under this system, students pledged not to cheat, and any violations were reported to a student-run honor committee. The code was widely regarded as a cornerstone of Princeton’s culture and a point of pride for the institution.
Why the Change Now?
As per the WSJ report, Dean of the College Michael Gordin stated in a letter to students that "a significant number of undergraduate students and faculty" requested the change, given perceptions that cheating has become widespread. He noted that the availability of AI tools has made it easier for students to cheat while simultaneously making it harder for faculty to detect violations. Additionally, students have become increasingly reluctant to report peers due to fear of social media backlash.
New Examination Rules
Under the new policy, instructors will be present during exams and are required to document and report any infractions to the honor committee. Despite this change, students will still sign the pledge: "I pledge my honor that I have not violated the Honor Code during this examination." However, proctoring will now serve as an added safeguard.
Nadia Makuc, a senior who chaired the honor committee, noted that most students support the new policy because it reduces the pressure to report classmates. The committee handled around 60 cases last year, but Makuc believes many violations went unreported. "If the exam is on a laptop, someone can just flip to another window. Or if it’s in a blue book, people use their phone under the desk," she explained.
