Connect with resources designed for families of Princeton students. Welcome, parents and families of Princeton students! We are thrilled to have your student at Princeton and to have you join our community. We’re sure you are excited and nervous about what the next several years will hold for your student, which is normal. Take time to peruse the many resources available on our website. While much of the content is aimed at undergraduates, we realize that you probably have a number of questions about academic life at Princeton as well. You will find information on the undergraduate academic program as well as the network of resources and support in place to help your student study what they love, take advantage of the opportunities around them, and find help when they need it. We urge you to help your student think broadly and expansively about their time here. Encourage them to take imaginative leaps with their studies; to think outside their established comfort zone; and to look forward to four years of intellectual, personal, and cultural growth on our warm and welcoming campus. Key Resources and Experiences for Families Princeton Families Visit Princeton University's Families page for helpful links and important contact information. Tiger Family Hub Use this secure website to update contact information, access University services and systems, and find other family-related resources. Your Path to Princeton Your Path to Princeton offers incoming students an overview of the undergraduate experience and helps them forge connections before they arrive on campus. The website includes information about move-in and Orientation, important University resources, and has a special FAQ section for families. First-Year Families Weekend Explore University life, including open houses, lectures, and cultural and athletic events. You will also enjoy numerous opportunities to ask questions about procedures and policies. Common Concerns Semester Preparation What does my student need to do to prepare for the fall? There are a number of important tasks that all new students must complete before the fall, including but not limited to: Complete all steps listed on Matriculation Online, including the Not Anymore! and Alcohol.edu programs Complete ClassPath, the Academic Advising Mini Course Contact roommates Explore their residential college website (not just now, but during the year, too) Attend Orientation Where does my student get coursebooks? Students can find all of their books at the University’s bookstore, Labyrinth Books, at 30% off. Labyrinth also has a guaranteed buyback program: End savings translate to 55% off all new books and 62.5% off all used books. Books are also available to rent. Two weeks before the start of classes, all coursebook information is viewable in students’ course sites via the “Books” tab on Canvas. How can my student get involved in the University community? There are many ways to get involved at Princeton, from the residential college council, to intramural sports, student organizations, and volunteer activities through the Pace Center. Encourage your student to take a look at their options before the fall, and decide on a few to check out in September. They can also talk to their Residential College Adviser (RCA) about fun things to do on campus once they get here–and upperclassmen are always an invaluable source of information. Advising and Academics If my student is struggling academically, where should I send them? Encourage your student to speak directly with their course instructors. They may also make an appointment with their residential college assistant dean for studies (first-years and sophomores) or residential college dean (juniors and seniors). Who will advise my student during the first two years? The assistant dean for studies at each residential college has primary responsibility for academic advising of first-years and sophomores. Students have access to many other advising resources as well. Supporting Your Student When is it appropriate for families to contact residential college staff? We recommend that students speak with us themselves prior to parental intervention. However, if you are worried about your student's physical or psychological well-being or safety, call the college office at the number below. We will be happy to listen to your concerns, and will do our best to support your student. Note that we cannot promise absolute confidentiality in every case, as it is our policy to inform students when we speak with their parents. Safety concerns: Please call Public Safety at 609-258-1000 to request a welfare check. Emergencies: Call 609-258-3333 College Office numbers: Butler: 609-258-3474 Forbes: 609-258-6094 Mathey: 609-258-5717 New College West: 609-258-3629 Rockefeller: 609-258-3728 Whitman: 609-258-8900 Yeh: 609-258-2283 When might I expect to hear from college staff? We will call you if we are so concerned about your student’s safety and/or well-being that we think you need to be involved. We will also inform you if your student's status at Princeton is likely to change–for example if they face a serious disciplinary charge or a separation from the University for academic reasons. Fortunately, these circumstances are rare. How do I best support my student during their Princeton career? College is an exciting and daunting time for both students and their families. Our institutional goal is to produce competent, capable adults who are able to manage their own affairs. To this end, we recommend active familial support with an eye toward autonomy. This is a difficult balance to achieve and will look quite different for each family. Additional Resources Princeton Parents Facebook Group Connect and share information through this group maintained by and for families of Princeton University students.