Princeton University announced that Wintersession will be discontinued after five years of serving as a University-wide opportunity to teach, learn and build community during the last two weeks of winter break.
The announcement comes as the university continues to reduce costs amid budget uncertainty, while maintaining its commitments to academic excellence, access and affordability initiatives.
Wintersession, organized by the Office of Campus Engagement, which will also close, started in January 2021 following the realignment of the University’s academic calendar. The optional, two-week program offered noncredit workshops and other activities for students, faculty and staff.
This change, along with other cost-reduction efforts, reflects financial challenges spurred by the federal government’s reassessment of its relationship with American higher education, as well as broader economic uncertainty.
“As we have had to focus on budget reductions, our decision-making has been guided by preserving the core student experience and supporting student health, well-being and safety,” said Vice President for Campus Life W. Rochelle Calhoun.
“I am grateful to the staff organizers of Wintersession and to the many students, faculty and staff who participated. While the Office of Campus Engagement will also close, we will preserve its mission of community connection and learning through other events and groups.” For example, the annual Community Care Day will continue to focus on campus-wide health and well-being.
With the discontinuation of Wintersession, undergraduate dormitories will be closed for the entirety of winter break (except for students who have been preapproved to remain on or return early to campus). For the upcoming academic year, undergraduate dormitories will close at noon on Dec. 22, 2025, and will reopen at 9 a.m. on Jan. 23, 2026. Graduate student housing will remain open during winter break.
“Princeton’s commitment to providing students with a world-class educational experience remains unchanged,” said Dean of the College Michael Gordin, regarding the budget cuts. “Students will continue to benefit from a supportive campus community, unmatched research opportunities and myriad options for pursuing transformative service opportunities.
“We continue to provide robust financial aid to ensure that all admitted students can afford to attend Princeton and that they may fully engage with the educational opportunities available on campus.”
Princeton recently announced a further expansion of its generous undergraduate financial aid program, which will take effect this fall.
To reduce spending in other areas, the University previously shared that it is pausing or canceling some capital projects, decreasing the pace of faculty hiring and avoiding staff growth, except in mission-critical circumstances.
Starting this month, departments and units will roll out additional budget reduction measures that will affect programs and services. These impacts will range in size, from less free food and merchandise to reduced operating hours at some campus operations. Collectively, they will add up to significant savings that help the University protect its core mission.
