Princeton ends 133-year unproctored exam tradition due to AI-enabled cheating
Princeton University ended its 133-year-old honor code system allowing unproctored exams after faculty voted to require proctoring, citing widespread AI-enabled cheating. A student survey found 30% of seniors reported cheating, though few reported violations due to social media concerns.
What happened
Princeton University's faculty voted on Monday to require proctoring for all in-person exams starting summer 2026, ending a 133-year-old honor code system established in 1893 that allowed students to take exams without supervision.
Dean Michael Gordin stated that 'significant' numbers of undergraduate students and faculty requested the change 'given their perception that cheating on in-class exams has become widespread.' AI and cellphones have made it easier for students to cheat and harder to detect, according to Gordin.
Reported impact
A survey of over 500 seniors conducted by the student newspaper found that 30% reported they had cheated on an assignment or exam, while nearly half reported knowledge of an honor code violation but less than 1% had made a report.
Students are reluctant to report cheating due to fears of 'doxxing or shaming among their peer groups' on social media, with those who do report often filing anonymously, making investigation difficult for the school.
Index analysis
AI has made cheating easier by enabling students to access assistance without relying on others' direct work. As one student noted, on laptop exams 'someone can just flip to another window,' while in paper exams students use phones under their desks or in bathrooms.
Governance controls
Under the new policy, instructors will be present during exams to act 'as a witness to what happens' but are instructed not to interfere with students. If suspected honor code infractions occur, they will be reported to a student-run honor committee for adjudication.
Students will still be required to state 'I pledge my honor that I have not violated the Honor Code during this examination.'
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.