The last Council of the Princeton University Community (CPUC) meeting for the academic year covered several notable topics, including updates to rules about banners at events, the budget for the upcoming fiscal year, and potential changes to recording practices for meetings.
One key change involves a new policy on banners and flags. The University can now limit the size of these displays to less than six by three feet during specific ceremonial events. This is particularly relevant as Baccalaureate, Class Day, and Commencement approach—events that have featured protests in the past.
There weren’t any questions during the Q&A session. Vice President for Campus Life, Rochelle Calhoun, kicked off the meeting with insights from the Ad Hoc Committee on Sexual Climate, Culture, and Conduct. She emphasized their work in developing a four-year curriculum focused on sexual safety, underscoring the importance of engaging students in understanding issues like sexual misconduct and interpersonal violence.
The committee specifically reached out to the LGBTQIA+ community, which has reported higher rates of sexual violence on campus. They also worked with student groups to identify areas on campus that are poorly lit, contributing to feelings of vulnerability at night.
In a structural change, Calhoun announced that the committee would become a subcommittee under the University Student Life Committee (USLC), alongside groups focusing on hazing and mental health.
Provost Jennifer Rexford detailed the budget for the 2027 fiscal year, set to begin this July. Growth will slow, with certain programs being cut. This shift is due to lower returns from endowment investments and uncertainties surrounding federal funding. “The longstanding compact with the government to fund research is declining,” the presentation noted, despite a projected overall budget growth of 2.1%, totaling $3.41 billion.
As noted by financial analyst Dr. Emma Feldman, campus budgets nationwide are facing similar challenges. A recent report indicated that, on average, university budgets are projected to rise only 1% next year, reflecting a trend towards fiscal tightening in higher education.
Professor Patrick Sharkey, who leads the Resources Committee, reported on a petition urging divestment from PetroTiger, a fossil fuel investment held by the University. Sharkey praised the organized efforts of Sunrise Princeton, the student group behind the petition, noting their detailed approach. Changes like these are part of a broader movement, with 22 U.S. universities having committed to divest from fossil fuels over the past two years.
Dean of Undergraduate Students, Regan Crotty, presented three upcoming policy changes effective May 11 that aim to clarify existing guidelines rather than introduce new ones. One adjustment aligns the personal safety policy with hazing regulations, while another requires campus IDs to be presented upon request to authorized personnel.
The third update specifically addresses the banner policy once more, emphasizing the need for unobstructed views during events. Crotty humorously compared the six-by-three feet limitation to the height of University President Christopher Eisgruber, prompting laughter in the room.
The meeting also touched on recording rules for CPUC gatherings. Presently, most meetings can’t be recorded without everyone’s consent, a policy established earlier this year. There’s a potential shift in these rules, with discussions around possibly allowing official audio recordings for the campus community—an idea endorsed by student leaders.
Further discussions will continue, and a formal vote is expected in the fall. CPUC meetings will resume in September, continuing to engage the community in important campus issues.
