PRINCETON, N.J. — Princeton University announced Thursday that it will discontinue its Wintersession program and close the Office of Campus Engagement as part of broader cost-reduction initiatives driven by financial uncertainty and shifting federal funding dynamics.
Launched in January 2021, Wintersession was a two-week, noncredit series of workshops and activities offered during winter break. Participants included undergraduates, graduate students, faculty, staff, and postdoctoral researchers.
Vice President for Campus Life W. Rochelle Calhoun said decisions were guided by a focus on safeguarding student health, well-being and safety while preserving the core student experience Princeton University. Princeton plans to continue some community-building traditions—such as the annual Community Care Day—through other avenues, despite the office closure Princeton University.
Undergraduate dormitories will now close over winter break—beginning Dec. 22, 2025, at noon—and reopen Jan. 23, 2026, at 9 a.m. Only students with prior approval may remain on or return to campus during that time. Graduate housing will remain open Princeton University.
Dean of the College Michael Gordin reaffirmed the university's commitment to academic excellence, robust financial aid, and opportunities for student engagement. He emphasized that financial challenges are not altering Princeton's dedication to its core educational mission Princeton University.
Additional cost-saving measures already underway include pausing capital projects, slowing faculty hiring, and limiting staff growth to mission-critical areas. Departments will implement further reductions in fall—ranging from reduced free offerings to shorter operating hours in some campus services—in support of these financial goals
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