Parents Handbook

The Parents Handbook provides a brief introduction to many aspects of life at Princeton, from academics, campus life and University services to practical matters such as financing a Princeton education and visiting campus. This website answers some of the most common questions that parents have upon their child's arrival at the University.

Please browse the site to learn about the University and the services and opportunities available to undergraduates. In addition, the Parents section of the main Princeton website contains information and updates relevant to parents of Princeton students.

September 5, 2009 (Saturday) — Check-in for freshmen in Community Action and Outdoor Action; residential college receptions hosted by the masters, 3:30 to 5 p.m., remarks by masters, 4 p.m.

September 12, 2009 (Saturday) — Check-in for all other freshmen; lunch for families in the residential college dining halls. Residential college receptions hosted by the masters, 2 to 3:30 p.m.; remarks by masters, 2:30 p.m.; Center for Jewish Life reception, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. (70 Washington Road).

See Academic Calendars for a more detailed schedule from September 9, 2009, through June 4, 2013.

Save the date! Freshman Parents Weekend: Friday-Sunday, October 16-18, 2009

In the event of a campus emergency, Princeton University posts news and other official information as quickly as possible. Understandably, parents want information about their daughter or son quickly; utilizing the website, including its subscription features through RSS feeds, is the easiest method for obtaining the most accurate information available. Many of Princeton’s emergency procedures are featured on the emergency preparedness website. Families can also obtain information about campus emergencies by calling the University’s emergency hotline at (609) 258-7700.

The University also keeps in touch with students during emergencies using the website, the Princeton Telephone and E-Mail Notification System (PTENS), e-mail, Tiger TV and WPRB radio.

Every Princeton undergraduate is affiliated with a residential college, which has professionals who also may be able to assist parents. In an emergency that involves a particular student, parents can contact the appropriate residential college office or the Office of the Dean of Undergraduate Students at (609) 258-3055). After hours, the Dean-on-Call may be reached by calling Public Safety at (609) 258-1000.

We welcome your comments. If you have a suggestion for making our Parents Handbook more useful, please write to the editors at the Office of Communications, 22 Chambers Street, Suite 201, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08542; or call them at (609) 258-3601. Thank you.

Produced by the Office of the Dean of the College and Office of Communications; Christine McKinley, editor.

Copyright © 2009 by The Trustees of Princeton University

Calendars, policies, programs, regulations, requirements and all other statements in this handbook apply to the academic year 2009-10 to the best of our knowledge as of June 15, 2009. The University reserves the right to change any of its calendars, programs, requirements and services without prior notice, in accordance with established procedures.

In compliance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and other federal, state, and local laws, Princeton University does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national or ethnic origin, disability, or status as a disabled or Vietnam-era veteran in any phase of its employment process, in any phase of its admission or financial aid programs, or other aspects of its educational programs or activities. The vice provost for institutional equity and diversity is the individual designated by the University to coordinate its efforts to comply with Title IX, Section 504 and other equal opportunity and affirmative action regulations and laws. Questions or concerns regarding Title IX, Section 504 or other aspects of Princeton’s equal opportunity or affirmative action programs should be directed to the Office of the Vice Provost for Institutional Equity and Diversity, Princeton University, 205 Nassau Hall, Princeton, NJ 08544 or (609) 258-6110.

Princeton in the Nation’s Service and in the Service of All Nations

In an emergency, the Princeton website is the easiest method for obtaining the most accurate information available. Refer to the details below describing emergency procedures and contacts.