Princeton Ends 133-Year Honor Code, Introduces Exam Proctoring Due to AI Cheating

Princeton University has officially abandoned its 133-year-old honor code system, implementing supervised examinations for the first time since 1893. This significant policy shift, approved by the faculty in May 2026, responds to widespread concerns that artificial intelligence and mobile devices have made cheating increasingly prevalent and difficult to detect. Under the new guidelines, proctors will be present during all in-person exams starting this summer to act as witnesses, although they are instructed not to interfere directly with students. Suspected violations will still be referred to a student-run honor committee for adjudication. The decision was driven by both faculty and undergraduate requests, citing a culture where students are reluctant to report peers due to fears of online shaming or doxxing. A recent survey indicated that nearly 45 percent of seniors knew of honor code violations but chose not to report them. While some faculty members described the change as a shameful necessity, it marks a pivotal moment in academic integrity practices. Students will continue to pledge their honor before exams, but the era of unsupervised testing at Princeton has ended due to the challenges posed by modern technology.