The heart of our campus experience at Princeton University begins with our Frosh Orientation Programming, a time when first-year students bond and forge connections that can last a lifetime. Pre-orientation programs like the Community Action (CA), Outdoor Action (OA), and Dialogue & Difference in Action (DDA) trips are pivotal in this initiation process. These programs have been cherished traditions that have fostered a sense of community, belonging, and engagement among incoming students.

However, the recent decision announced by Vice President Calhoun to move these crucial trips from the pre-orientation period to fall break threatens to dismantle years of tradition and community building. These programs aren't just about outdoor adventure or community service. They are about forming the first ties of friendship, understanding our vibrant campus culture, and instilling a sense of responsibility and awareness in all new students. Moving these trips to fall break will not only decimate program attendance due to potential schedule conflicts but also weaken the transformative experience for incoming students.

Furthermore, relocating our small group experiences to the fall break period means they lose their intended purpose as an introductory experience. When it all happens is essential. Pre-orientation trips serve as an essential bonding period before the academic rigor of Princeton actually begins. It’s a chance for students to find companions and allies before they immerse themselves in their studies. Removing this fundamental step can lead to feelings of isolation and reduce the chances of creating those early support networks so crucial for navigating college life.

Retention rates and student satisfaction correlate strongly with the depth of friendships and support networks formed during the first few weeks of university. Our current model has a proven track record of success, with student testimonials and feedback consistently supporting the significance of these pre-orientation trips. By moving them to fall break, we risk jeopardizing not just personal experiences but the overall cohesion and well-being of the incoming class.

Our goal is simple: restore the pre-orientation trips to their rightful place in the academic calendar. We request the administration to listen to the voices of students past and present, who have experienced firsthand the transformative power of these programs. The tradition of these trips is unquestionably worth preserving.

Sign this petition to advocate for the preservation of our community’s traditions and to ensure that future generations receive the same transformative and community-building experiences that have defined our past.

If you can, leave a comment with how your orientation experience impacted you so we can really show the impact of this decision on students.