Student-Athlete Handbook
Introduction | Contact Information | Team Around The Team | Diversity and Inclusion | The Student-Athlete Experience | Strength and Conditioning | Counseling and Psychological Services | Athletic Medicine | Nutrition | Student-Athlete Leadership and Affinity Groups | Academic Life | Compliance and Eligibility | Dispute Resolution Procedure | Conduct | Discipline Policy | External Relations | Awards
Introduction
This handbook is a resource for Princeton University varsity student-athletes. It describes the policies and regulations and answers questions that might arise in conjunction with participation in Varsity Athletics. Student-athletes represent Princeton University at all times and are expected to observe its rules, spirit and customs. Head coaches may set additional rules. Student-athletes engaging in disruptive or illegal behavior, including fighting, hazing, alcohol or drug abuse, or knowingly violating Ivy League or NCAA regulations could be subject to disciplinary action by the Department.Princeton University strives for excellence in teaching, scholarship, and research. Princeton has a longstanding commitment to service, reflected in the informal motto — Princeton in the nation’s service and in the service of humanity. All University athletics programs are designed to be in harmony with institutional objectives and to foster a shared allegiance among students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends.The University varsity intercollegiate, club intercollegiate, and intramural athletics, as well as physical education and recreational programs. Princeton works for excellence and balance. The University is committed to equal opportunity for men and women and adheres to the principles that govern the Ivy League and the NCAA. Princeton's goal is that student-athletes are both students and athletes in the fullest sense of those words. The University seeks to ensure that athletes are representative of the student body and values their health, academic achievement, and general personal development.
“Education Through Athletics” teaches the personal, physical, and intellectual skills and rewards that come from dedication to a larger purpose. Recreational sports programs provide graduate students, faculty, staff and undergraduates with opportunities to participate in sport for health and well-being.
Back to top
Contact Information
Important Phone Numbers:
Campus Emergency: 911
Operator: 609-258-3000
Public Safety: 609-258-1000
University Health Services: 609-258-3141
Counseling and Psychological Services: 609-258-3141
Athletic Medicine (Caldwell): 609-258-3527
Environment Health & Safety: 609-258-5294
Emergency Preparedness: 609-258-5294
Information Technology: 609-258-4357
Weather and News Alerts: 609-258-7669
Athletics Staff Directory
Visit GoPrincetonTigers.com
Connect with Princeton Varsity Club
Lead with Princeton Tiger Performance
Engage with Tigers Together
Access support through Student-Athlete Services
Comply with Ivy League and NCAA Rules
Get up to date COVID Info
Interactive Campus Map
Compliance and Student-Athlete Experience
Greg Busch
Senior Associate Director of Athletics, Student-Athlete Services
gdbusch@princeton.edu
609-258-3751
Jason Gallucci
Director of Performance
jgg109@princeton.edu
609-258-1501
Nancy Donigan
Compliance Assistant
ndonigan@princeton.edu
609-258-2705
Student-Athlete Organizations
Asian Student-Athletes of Princeton @princetonasap
Athlete Ally @athleteally_pu
Black Student-Athlete Collective @princetonbsac
Queer Student-Athlete Collective
Student-Athlete Service Council
Student-Athlete Wellness Leaders @TigerSAWLs
Varsity Student-Athlete Advisory Council @PrincetonVSAAC
Back to top
Team Around The Team
To Take Care of Your Body - Athletic Medicine
For Equality and Cultural Understanding - Carl A. Fields Center
To Pursue Paths and Possibilities - Career Development
For Your Mental Health & Well-Being - Counseling and Psychological Services
To access the CPS Cares Line to speak with a counselor 24/7, call 609-258-3141 and press 2. CPS services support the psychological well-being of the University community, available at no cost to currently enrolled Princeton students and their eligible dependents.
For Supportive and Inclusive Community - Gender + Sexuality Resource Center
Princeton's Center for Teaching and Learning - McGraw Center
Faculty & Staff Mentors and Friends - Princeton Athletics Fellows
Where You Live & Thrive - Residential Colleges
For Guidance on Healthy and Respectful Relationships - SHARE
SHARE is a survivor-centered, trauma-informed confidential resource on campus for the Princeton University community. SHARE provides crisis response, support, short-term counseling, advocacy, education, and referral services to those who are dealing with and/or supporting survivors of interpersonal violence and abuse including sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating/domestic violence, and stalking.
To Write Anything Better - The Writing Center
Princeton Athletics Fellows
The Princeton Athletics Fellows are faculty and staff committed to strengthening and supporting the student-athlete experience while building meaningful connections between academics and athletics. A resource for student-athletes, coaches, and administrators, Princeton Athletics Fellows contribute to the integration of the academic and athletic cultures at Princeton.
Princeton Varsity Club
The Princeton Varsity Club (PVC) recognizes the long tradition of athletic, academic and alumni success at Princeton supporting Education Through Athletics, and promoting connections among the Princeton Athletics community. The Princeton Varsity Club funds, implements and supports programs that create opportunity to Achieve, Serve, and Lead for all 38 varsity teams and 1,000+ student-athletes, including:
• Gary Walters '67 PVC Awards Banquet & PVC Letter Sweater program• Tigers in the Community Program, including Weapons of Mass Construction, Reading with the Tigers, Coach for College, Student-Athlete Service Council (SASC), etc.
• The PVC Weight Room in Jadwin Gym
• Jake McCandless '51 PVC Speaker Series
• PVC Welcome Barbecue for varsity student-athletes and coaches
• Alumni engagement opportunities, receptions and special events on campus and off campus as part of the PVC “On the Road” series
• PVC communications and publications (PVC News and www.PrincetonVarsityClub.org)
• Tigers Together initiatives in support of departmental diversity, equity and inclusion efforts and actions
• Other strategic priorities of the Department of Athletics
Back to top
Diversity and Inclusion
Vision
To build on Education through Athletics with a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion lens. Tigers Together aims for equitable and inclusive excellence in Princeton Athletics – supporting student-athlete success in classrooms and in fields of play while centering, equity, inclusion and belonging.
Mission
To strengthen and sustain an environment of diversity, equity, and inclusion within Princeton Athletics.
- To embrace opportunities in athletics to engage in transformational learning and growth around issues of diversity, equity and inclusion
- To build on student-athletes, staff, and alumni perspectives through meaningful partnerships across the department, on campus, and in the community.
- To cultivate a model of inclusive leadership in education through athletics.
Core Values: 3 E’s and layers of DEI
Education: Explore DEI through relevant trainings, conversations, and reflective spaces
Engagement: Inspire collaboration within the department, the campus, and in the community
Empowerment: Develop meaningful relationships that build a sense of welcome and belonging
Partners in this work include:
Campus Life Office of Diversity and Inclusion
Diversity and Inclusion Resources
Carl A. Fields Center
Princeton University Mentoring Program
Gender + Sexuality Resource Center
SIFP
Women*s Center
Office of Religious Life
Pace Center for Civic Engagement
Davis International Center
SHARE
Office of Sustainability
NCAA Office of Inclusion
Since the NCAA has updated its guidelines on transgender and nonbinary athlete inclusion (January 2022), and in collaboration with partners across campus and at Athlete Ally, Princeton Athletics is developing a comprehensive approach to policy and best practices for supporting athletes of all genders in Princeton Athletics and campus recreation activities.
Princeton Athletics deeply values transgender and gender non-conforming members of our community. Our department is committed to the ongoing work of creating more inclusive and supportive environments for transgender and gender non-conforming student athletes, coaches, and staff.
In addition to the NCAA and NIRSA policies, Princeton Athletics is working over the 2022-2023 academic year to collaborate with campus partners, students, and content experts to develop guidelines to ensure transgender student-athletes have the holistic support needed to thrive at Princeton University.
Additional Resources:
Princeton University Gender and Sexuality Resource Center
transathlete.com
athleteally.org
University Health Services
Discrimination/Harassment Complaint
Educational Resources:
LGBTQIA+ 101 (Princeton GSRC)
Gender and Sexuality Terminology (Princeton GSRC)
For more information, contact Miles Smith (mksmith@princeton.edu)
Statement on Diversity and Community
Princeton University is a community devoted to learning. We actively seek students, faculty and staff members of exceptional ability and promise who share in our commitment to excellence, and who will bring a diversity of viewpoints and cultures. By incorporating a range of human experiences and perspectives, we enlarge our capacity for learning, enrich the quality and texture of campus life, and better prepare students for life and leadership.
We respect the dignity, individuality and freedom of each community member. We also strive to be a place where individuals and groups learn with and from each other. We aim to foster a common purpose, along with a collective responsibility for each other and the University as a whole. We acknowledge the difficulties inherent in creating a community of individuals who are different from each other, and remain unwavering in our commitment to diversity and community in a context of academic excellence.
We seek to enable the pursuit of educational, scholarly and career interests in an environment that recognizes the distinctiveness of each person’s experience and common humanity, welcoming the variety of talents, backgrounds, and perspectives of those who live and work here.
Diversity in Athletics
Princeton Athletics is committed to recruiting and educating the very best student-athletes, without regard to age, race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, national or ethnic origin, disability, veteran status or any other defining characteristic. Further, understanding the responsibility to create an atmosphere in which all student-athletes can reach their full potential, Princeton Athletics prohibits any discriminatory treatment based on the characteristics outlined above.
Tigers Together is the Department’s intentional plan for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Within Princeton Athletics; this initiative focuses on identifying and moving forward opportunities for results-oriented change while working to ensure a sustainable culture of inclusion, mutual respect and unity for all throughout the department and beyond; and utilizing our platform to eliminate bias based on gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, race and all other marginalized identities, with a specific focus on racial equity. More information about Tigers Together is here.
Nondiscrimination Statement
In compliance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and other federal, state, and local laws, Princeton University does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, national or ethnic origin, disability, or veteran status in any phase of its employment process, in any phase of its admission or financial aid programs, or other aspects of its educational programs or activities. The Vice Provost for Institutional Equity and Diversity is the individual designated by the University to coordinate its efforts to comply with Title IX, Section 504 and other equal opportunity and affirmative action regulations and laws. Questions or concerns regarding Title IX, Section 504 or other aspects of Princeton’s equal opportunity or affirmative action programs should be directed to the Office of the Vice Provost for Institutional Equity and Diversity, Princeton University, 205 Nassau Hall, Princeton, NJ 08544 or (609) 258-6110.
Sexual Misconduct
Princeton University does not tolerate sexual misconduct, including but not limited to sexual harassment, sexual assault, stalking and dating violence. These behaviors are harmful to the well-being of our community members, the learning/working environment, and collegial relationships among our students, faculty and staff. All forms of prohibited conduct under the Title IX Sexual Harassment policy and the University Sexual Misconduct policy are regarded as serious University offenses, and violations will result in discipline, including the possibility of separation from the University.
Individuals who have experienced or witnessed an alleged incident of sexual misconduct have several options. Those options range from consultation with a confidential resource or other support organization such as the SHARE (Sexual Harassment/Assault Advising, Resources, and Education) office, Counseling and Psychological Services, or the chaplains in the Office of Religious Life, to filing a complaint—with the Office of Gender Equity and Title IX Administration and/or a criminal complaint. The University recognizes that deciding among these options can be difficult. Individuals are encouraged to seek assistance from a confidential resource such as those noted above before deciding how to proceed. More information is here.
Please note that there is a difference between confidentiality and privacy. Non-confidential resources, such as your coaches, will strive to maintain the privacy of the student-athlete, but they are not confidential resources and are obligated to report suspected sexual misconduct to the Office of Gender Equity and Title IX Administration. Non-confidential resources will inform students of this requirement and can also refer students to confidential resources as needed or requested.
The Vice Provost for Institutional Equity and Diversity serves as the University Sexual Misconduct/Title IX Coordinator and coordinates the University's compliance with Title IX. The Title IX Coordinator oversees the University's centralized response to ensure compliance with Title IX and the 2013 amendments to the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA).
Back to top
The Student-Athlete Experience
Student-athletes are always welcome to share their experiences with, or seek support from the Student-Athlete Experience staff. Resources to support the Student-Athlete Experience can be found here.
Compliance
The Compliance office assists with questions related to NCAA and Ivy League eligibility and compliance with policies/practices, including NIL. The Compliance staff also manages the NCAA Special Assistance Fund to assist Pell-eligible student-athletes with financial needs for family emergencies, medical and dental expenses, and purchase of academic course supplies, clothing, shoes and other essentials.
For more information, contact Greg Busch (gdbusch@princeton.edu).
Student-Athlete Services
Student-Athlete Services reinforces the resources available within Athletics and across campus, fostering belonging, engagement, high performance and wellness for student-athletes. This includes connections to the residential colleges, counseling and psychological services, affinity groups, and more.
For more information, contact Greg Busch (gdbusch@princeton.edu).
Princeton Tiger Performance (PTP)
Princeton Tiger Performance (PTP} is a highly unique performance model that utilizes athletics to educate students on how to achieve, serve and lead in all areas of life. PTPoversees strength and conditioning and works closely with sports psychology, sports nutrition, athletic medicine and athletic administration to create an environment that will help student-athletes optimize physiological and psychological health. PTP also supports coaches and student leaders in development of highly successful, positive team cultures centered around our core values. It is our belief that values drive behavior, which define culture, ultimately leading to peak performance.
For more information, contact Jason Gallucci (jgg109@princeton.edu).
Office of Career Development
The Princeton Office of Career Development supports all undergraduate and graduate students to identify their interests and strengths, explore a diverse range of opportunities to build experience and clarity about their goals, and empower them to pursue paths they find personally meaningful. To schedule a meeting with the office, visit: https://princeton.joinhandshake.com/login
Financial Literacy
The Princeton Financial Literacy initiative empowers students with the resources, tools and knowledge to cultivate financial wellness during their time at Princeton and beyond. To learn more about the initiative visit: https://finlit.princeton.edu/about.
Strength and Conditioning
Strength and Conditioning prepares student-athletes for functional movement, preventing injury, and challenging them to maximize their potential. Led by Angie Brumbley-Moyer, Head Performance Coach, the certified assistant strength coaches develop and oversee year-round, sport-specific training regimens. Strength and Conditioning staff communicate constantly with coaches to assure training goals are properly aligned, and with student-athletes to modify training as needed. All S&C coaches are well-versed in teaching Olympic lifts, traditional power fts, high intensity training, velocity-based training, testing and evaluation, and sport science including rest and recovery, fueling, pre-exercise screening, and data collection/analytics.
Weight Room Rules and Responsibilities
· All student-athletes must be cleared by the Princeton Athletic Medicine Staff prior to any weight training activity.
· Student-athletes must report any new injuries to the Athletic Medicine Staff prior to continuing any weight training.
· Varsity student-athletes are not permitted to use the facilities unless a certified Strength and Conditioning Staff member is present.
· Proper athletic attire must be worn at all times.
· Dress must be appropriate for a co-ed training environment.
· Shirts must be worn at all times.
· No hats, cleats or sandals are permitted
· Appropriate training behavior is expected at all times.
· All personal belongings must be left outside the weight room.
· Princeton University is not responsible for any lost or stolen items.
· All weights must be returned to their appropriate location.
· No gum chewing or use of tobacco products is permitted.
· The use of profanity will not be tolerated.
· Always leave the weight room in its proper state (weights racked, no garbage, etc.)
Respectful behavior toward staff members, student-athletes and equipment is required. Failure to follow policies will result in the immediate loss of weight room privileges.
Back to top
Counseling & Psychological Services
Counseling and Psychological Services (CPS) supports the mental health and wellbeing of the Princeton University community, including Princeton student-athletes. Within CPS, are licensed providers that specialize in student-athlete mental health, athletics & sport performance. These sport psychology service providers are part of TIGERSPAW (Tigers Performance and Wellness). TigersPaw is an interdisciplinary team of providers in Athletic Medicine, CPS, and Sports Nutrition that work together to provide holistic and comprehensive support to Princeton's student-athletes. CPS counseling and sport psychology appointments are available here. A sport psychologist on the TigersPaw team is available for appointments in Jadwin. The profiles of CPS staff providing counseling and psychological services to student-athletes are available here. The TigersPaw team also offers team consultations, workshops, and presentations in the areas of student-athlete mental health and sport performance.
All counseling sessions are confidential. Any information discussed in counseling sessions WILL NOT be shared with coaches, sports information, athletic administration, other student-athletes, media, or anyone else without the student's written consent or as required by law. You can read more about CPS confidentiality policy here.
For urgent mental health support call the CPS Cares Line at (609) 258-3141 and press “2” to speak to a counselor on the phone. CPS also offers walk-in appointments for urgent mental health concerns during business hours. For more information on urgent mental health concerns, please visit https://uhs.princeton.edu/counseling-psychological-services/urgent-mental-health-concerns
SHARE (Sexual Harassment/Assault Advising, Resources and Education)
The Sexual Harassment/Assault Advising, Resources and Education (SHARE) office is a survivor-centered, trauma-informed confidential resource for Princeton University. SHARE is anchored in the understanding that oppression is the root of all violence, and strives to undermine oppressive forces through its policies, practices, service offerings, and accountability to the campus community. As an office within Princeton University Health Services (UHS), SHARE provides a variety of supportive services for survivors and co-survivors of interpersonal violence and abuse including sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating/domestic violence, and stalking, including crisis response, one-on-one counseling, advocacy, education and referrals. While SHARE is able to support students who are pursuing Title IX processes, the Office of Gender Equity and Title IX Administration is responsible for the investigation, evidence collection, hearing, and determinations of responsibility associated with Title IX matters.
With regards to prevention efforts, SHARE is a contributor to the UMatter initiative, specifically Respect Matters, and administers many programs to raise awareness and engage the broader campus community. In conjunction with Princeton University Athletics, the SHARE office facilitates the Strength in Coaching on Relationships, Respect, and Equality (SCORRE) Program, where coaches and student-athletes are given tools to foster healthy interpersonal relationships, bystander intervention, and a campus culture of respect and inclusion. The SHARE office also oversees the SHARE Peers, who assist students on campus experiencing unhealthy relationships or other SHARE-related issues by clarifying resources and offering peer support. You can find the current SHARE Peer directory here.
For more information on the SHARE office, including how to make an appointment, please visit the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page here.
Back to top
Athletic Medicine
Princeton University Athletic Medicine
Princeton University Athletic Medicine (PUAM) includes team physicians, athletic trainers, a clinical sports dietitian, and a clinical coordinator all of whom are employees of University Health Services (UHS), with the mission of providing the highest quality of healthcare to the student-athletes at Princeton University.More info on PUAM is available here.
• Pre-Participation Forms
• Athletics Activity Fund
• PUAM Resources
Back to top
Nutrition
Dietary Supplements
It is the philosophy of the Department of Athletics and the University Health Services Athletic Medicine and Sports Nutrition Team that most student-athletes are able to meet 100% of their nutritional needs through a well-balanced, food-first approach to nutrition that aids in maximizing performance including recovery and hydration while maintaining overall health and wellness. Many dietary supplements are heavily marketed to athletes as ergogenic aids, for their ability to help build muscle mass, decrease recovery time, aid in fat loss and improve overall performance in spite of inadequate scientific evidence to make such claims. As a result, they are often misused.
Physicians may prescribe dietary supplements due to diagnosed medical/nutritional deficiencies and student-athletes should follow that advice in those circumstances. It is required that any student-athlete taking ANY dietary supplements (e.g., iron for iron deficiency anemia) inform Athletic Medicine (e.g., Team Physician, Athletic Trainer, and/or Sport Dietitian). The primary concern is that many student-athletes use supplements despite the lack of long-term studies to support their efficacy or safety without medical advice. It is also possible that supplements could contain NCAA banned substances that are often unlabeled, so it is important to check each one before taking it.
Although all manufacturers are required by the Food and Drug Administration to analyze the identity, purity, and strength of all of their products’ ingredients, they are not required to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of their products. As long as a special supplement label indicates the active ingredients and the entire ingredients list is provided, claims for enhanced performance can be made, valid or not. Additionally, contamination of dietary supplements with banned or non-permissible substances remains an issue. Ingredients may be mislabeled, may provide a different level of potency than stated, or may contain substances not listed. All of these can result in harmful health effects or positive drug test results for banned substances.
Student-athletes are ultimately responsible for anything they ingest. While every effort will be made to assist student-athletes in making the best choice possible, all nutritional/dietary supplements carry some risk of containing an NCAA banned substance. It should be known that “positive drug-test appeals based on the claim that the student-athlete did not know the substances they were taking contained banned drugs are not successful” (NCAA Athletic Medicine Handbook). Unless prescribed or provided by Athletics or Athletic Medicine personnel, all student-athletes are encouraged to consult with the Sports Dietitian for a complete nutrition assessment and supplement evaluation before taking any dietary supplements. Evaluations of specific products and education regarding nutraceuticals, dietary supplements and ergogenic aids for student-athletes will be made available by request.
CAUTION: Banned stimulants, hormones and anabolic agents have all been found in dietary supplements even when they are not listed as ingredients. No product can be guaranteed 100% even after a thorough review.
Please reach out to your Sports Dietitian if you have any questions regarding dietary supplements.
Resources:
SSI_UnderstandingDietarySupplementsFactSheet.pdf (ncaaorg.s3.amazonaws.com)
Dietary Supplements - NCAA.org
Drug Free Sport AXIS (dfsaxis.com)
Supplement Connect | U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA)
Dietary Supplements for Exercise and Athletic Performance -Health Professional Fact Sheet (nih.gov)
Eating Concerns
Princeton Athletics and UHS take eating concerns seriously and work to manage these concerns from a multidisciplinary perspective. It is important that there be collaboration among student-athletes, coaches and health-care providers in identifying and providing education, support and treatment for student-athletes suffering or recovering from disordered eating or a diagnosed eating disorder.
An eating disorder can have significant impacts on the physical and psychological well-being of a student-athlete, as well as affect his/her athletic performance. It is important, therefore, that student-athletes, along with coaches, athletic trainers and team physicians, be knowledgeable about eating disorders and the resources available at Princeton University. Coaches, athletic trainers and team physicians, as well as student-athletes themselves, have an important role in the identification and management of eating concerns.
The criteria for participation of a student-athlete in intercollegiate sports are based on overall physical and mental health. Eating concerns are treated like other injuries that may impact an athlete’s health and wellbeing. Student-athletes who are struggling with eating concerns should be aware that there are health-care providers and athletics personnel who are here to support them in their treatment. As is the case with any medical condition, approval for training and competition is determined by the Director of Medicine, a UHS ED Team Physician.
Resources are available through the UHS Eating Concerns Treatment Team to help the student-athlete, coach or athletic trainer who becomes aware, or suspects, that a student-athlete may be struggling with an eating concern or an eating disorder. When evaluating, treating and working with all students, including athletes, UHS may request to involve the athletic trainer and/or the coach as a way to best support treatment. All providers at UHS will obtain the student’s permission before involving anyone outside of UHS in any aspect of care. Coaches and athletic trainers can serve an important role in supporting and motivating towards an identified treatment plan as well as supporting the student-athlete in his/her overall recovery.
More information on managing all aspects of eating concerns including weight and body image can be found in the Athletic Medicine section of this handbook or the PUAM Handbook.
Back to top
Student-Athlete Leadership and Affinity Groups
Varsity Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (VSAAC)
The VSAAC serves in an advisory capacity to the Director of Athletics, representing all teams, meets to discuss administrative policy and the student-athlete experience.
Student-Athlete Wellness Leaders (SAWL)
SAWLs support healthy lifestyles among student-athletes using a peer helper model. SAWLs receive (nonmedical) training to notice and respond to peers in need of support. These students serve as trusted leaders teammates can seek out for friendly support as well as concrete knowledge of resources.
Asian Student-Athletes of Princeton (ASAP)
ASAP is a group created by and for Asian-student athletes to connect, embrace, and recognize Asian identities and experiences and the role of these identities in life as a student-athlete. To get involved: Join the Listserv / Join the GroupMe / Follow ASAP on Instagram / Email: Adrienne Chang or Serena Starks.
Black Student-Athlete Collective (BSAC)
BSAC serves as a liaison between students, coaches, and the athletic department staff to ensure that all student-athletes of color are fully heard, supported and successful in their experiences at Princeton.To get involved: Join the GroupMe / Follow BSAC on Instagram / Email: Quincy Monday or Grace Stone.
Queer Student-Athlete Collective
QSAC provide a space for LGBTQIA+ athletes to get to know one another and form a more cohesive community, as well as enhance visibility and pride in the athletic community as a whole and create a space where queerness can be strongly represented and celebrated in Princeton Athletics. For more info, contact Alexis Weger.
Athlete Ally
Athlete Ally is a group of student-athletes, coaches and staff who are passionate about creating and sustaining an LGBTQIA+ inclusive community on campus, to end homophobia and transphobia in sport,and to activate the athletic community to champion LGBTQIA+ equality. For more information about Athlete Ally please contact Alexis Weger or George Callanan.
A full list of student organizations sponsored by the ODUS is available here.
Back to top
Academic Life
The Department of Athletics works closely with the Office of the Dean of the College and the Deans and Assistant Deans in the Residential Colleges to support student-athletes in their pursuit of both academic and athletic excellence.
As a student-athlete, you are a valued, and valuable, member of the academic community. Sometimes excellence is measured by grades, achievements, and awards; it is always measured in intellectual growth and development.
To achieve these goals, student-athletes must engage with their classes and coursework. At a base level, this means making three fundamental commitments:
1. Go to class.
2. Do your assignments.
3. Get help when you need it.
Princeton courses can be challenging. Following these simple steps, however, will ensure that you maximize your opportunities to grow and develop as a student. The most effective and engaged student-athletes are those who are proactive and self-aware about accessing and maximizing available academic resources. They understand that recognizing a need and asking for assistance is a sign of strength and self-advocacy. Don’t wait until it is too late! It is important to seek academic support services early and often. For a list of key contacts in the residential colleges, click here. To reach Dean Dun, click here.
What to do if you are experiencing academic difficulties? The best first step is to speak directly with a faculty member teaching the course, ideally during office hours. If office hours are difficult due to another class or practice, connect with your instructor to make an appointment for another time. If you have questions or problems with making these connections, feel free to contact Dean Dun or your residential college deans.
The McGraw Center for Teaching and Learning is another, and varied, source of academic support. Visit its pages, or in person, to learn more about learning consultations, study-skill workshops, group study halls, and tutoring opportunities.
The Writing Center offers appointments with trained consultants who will help you improve (or start!) any sort of writing assignments.
Choosing a Course of Study
Choosing courses, and ultimately choosing a major, involves an important series of steps that will ultimately shape your Princeton career. Enjoy the process of finding out what academic disciplines excite you the most!
The Office of the Dean of the College offers multiple sources of help and advice along the way.
- Upon entering the University, you will be assigned an academic adviser through your residential college, who you’ll meet with before and during Orientation, and then again as often as you like over your first several semesters.
- You can also always consult with your Residential College Assistant Dean (for first-and second-year students), or Residential College Dean (for third-and fourth-year students). Feel free to consult with Dean Dun as well.
- Peer Academic Advisors (PAAs) can provide useful information about their experiences with different courses and majors.
- Friends and teammates will share helpful perspectives.
Ultimately, you’ll want to shape your own academic program, guided by your own interests and passions. Using the academic advising system is the best way to have an enjoyable, challenging, and rewarding experience.
Class Attendance
The Department of Athletics makes every reasonable effort to schedule your competitions at times that do not conflict with your academic commitments.
While you should never allow your athletic schedule to determine which classes you take, when possible you should look to schedule precepts and labs so as to avoid known conflicts with competitive and/or travel schedules.
In cases where those conflicts are unavoidable, the University’s policy is not to penalize you for missed class time resulting from attending or traveling to/from varsity competitions.
Notify your professors about potential conflicts as close to the beginning of the semester as possible but by no later than the end of the add/drop period. Be sure to follow-up with a reminder as the conflicts approach. Respectful communication with professors and preceptors is imperative and expected of all student-athletes. Seek out meetings with your professors to identify any class meetings you are likely to miss because of varsity athletic competition or related travel, and to discuss how you plan to cover the assigned material.
You may have post-season conflicts that you don’t know about at the beginning of the semester. Address these conflicts with your instructors as soon as they arise later in the semester.
Feel free to copy your residential college dean and Dean Dun on any correspondence with your instructors.
Please note: student-athletes are not permitted to miss class to attend practices. You should discuss your academic schedule with your head coach so they are aware of any class conflicts with practice.
In short, while the University permits you to miss classes for sanctioned varsity athletic competitions and related travel, these absences must not compromise your ability to remain in good standing in your courses. That standing—and your full participation in your program—may well be compromised if you miss more classes (for personal travel, job interviews, or other extracurricular commitments) than those required for athletic competitions.
First-year students, please note: Writing Seminar classes missed for athletic competitions do count towards the Writing Program’s limit of four absences. Students who miss more than four seminar meetings, for whatever reason (including illness) will not receive credit for the course.
Midterm and Final Exam Conflicts
Conflicts between midterm exams and athletic competitions follow the general policies around missed classes, above. Notify your coach and professor as early as possible about a midterm conflict with a scheduled athletic commitment. Dean Dun can also be of assistance.
Conflicts between scheduled final exams and athletic competitions will be addressed by the Office of the Registrar. If your team qualifies for official postseason competition during final exams, there is no need for you to contact your professors or the Registrar’s Office. The Senior Associate Director of Athletics works directly with the Deputy Registrar to resolve conflicts and reschedule exams as needed and will share information with you and your coaches. For conflicts around take-home and self-scheduled exams, you should be in contact with your instructors.
Academic Integrity and Submission of Written Work
Each year, some students find themselves in academic difficulty due to the submission of written work that is not fully their own. Often the mistake is inadvertent, and could have been avoided by following basic guidelines. Plagiarism involves the appropriation of unattributed ideas as well as verbatim copying. Below are best practices provided by the Office of the Dean of the College. You should:
• Be familiar with the proper rules of citation (see Rights, Rules, Responsibilities, and the Handbook of Academic Integrity at Princeton). Make sure to note the extent of indebtedness to other sources.
• Be certain to fully understand the instructor’s expectation for independent work. If students are permitted to work with other students or share ideas and questions in the preparation of an assignment, make sure there is a clear understanding of the boundary between permissible collaboration and independent work.
• Never submit the same paper in fulfillment of two different course requirements without the written permission of both instructors.
• Show all work when possible in assignments requiring calculations.
• Avoid the temptation of completing take-home exercises in the same room or at the same table as a classmate who is doing the same assignment.
• Refrain from asking to see another student’s work. Innocent initial motives can shift when the hour is late and the assignment is due.
• Memorize the two Honor Code pledges; one is required for in-class examinations while the other is intended for all other written work. While the spirit of the two pledges is the same, the language is different.
• WHEN IN DOUBT, ASK FOR HELP! Always ask the instructor or preceptor for assistance in understanding an assignment or for extra time. Often accommodations can be made. Even if they can’t, a poor or failing grade earned honestly is preferable to risking one's integrity and standing at the University.
Back to top
Compliance and Eligibility
Philosophy
The Department of Athletics sets high standards for integrity, commitment, achievement and character. It is expected that coaches and student-athletes will adhere to NCAA regulations at all times. NCAA rules compliance is an essential component of upholding the integrity of Princeton University and the Department of Athletics. Compliance with NCAA and Ivy League rules and Princeton University’s Rights, Rules, Responsibilities is a shared responsibility of all Princeton employees, student-athletes, representatives of athletics interests and prospective student-athletes. All parties are expected to bring forth information regarding any violations of NCAA and Ivy rules upon becoming aware of them.
Violations of NCAA, Ivy League and Princeton University rules are often inadvertent, yet it is each student-athlete’s responsibility to be knowledgeable of the regulations and report all violations, no matter how small in nature, to their head coach or the University’s Athletics Compliance Office. Coaches or student-athletes not reporting known violations can lead to student-athlete or team ineligibility or disqualification from participation in regular-season competition and/or conference and NCAA championships. The majority of the time these violations are classified as secondary violations and the student-athlete’s eligibility is quickly reinstated. Student-athletes are not expected to be able to interpret all of the applicable rules. Rather, they are expected to ask questions as appropriate. All questions should be directed to coaches and/or the Compliance Office.
The University, Ivy League and NCAA require that to be eligible for practice and competition, a student-athlete must be a full-time, matriculated student in a four-year baccalaureate program. Student-athletes must be enrolled in courses yielding at least 12 credits per semester (or a minimum of 3 classes per term at Princeton) while competing in their sport and make normal progress toward earning their degree. See more information on this in Academic Standards below.
To be eligible to compete in intercollegiate athletics, a student-athlete must meet established eligibility standards. At the beginning of each academic year, each student-athlete must meet with an individual in the Athletics Compliance Office to review the rules and regulations governing athletics participation. This is typically accomplished with a team meeting in the fall. Each student-athlete must complete an Ivy League and NCAA statement certifying that he or she understands and has abided by all rules and regulations of these two governing bodies. The statement, along with other required forms that must be completed annually via a link sent to incoming and returning student-athletes each summer.
Faculty Athletic Representative, Eligibility Officer and Compliance Officer
The President of each NCAA member institution is responsible for appointing a Faculty Athletic Representative (FAR), an Eligibility Officer and a University Compliance Officer. Elizabeth Colagiuri, Deputy Dean of the College is Princeton’s FAR; Jonathan LeBouef, Associate Registrar is the Eligibility Officer. Greg Busch, Senior Associate Director of Athletics for Student-Athlete Services, has oversight of day-to-day compliance and is an excellent resource when questions arise. The group above is responsible for certifying the eligibility of all student-athletes and ensuring that Princeton Athletics personnel and student-athletes are in compliance with all NCAA and Ivy League rules and guidelines.
Ethical Conduct
Student-athletes must compete with honesty and sportsmanship at all times, and represent the honor and dignity of fair play. All Princeton student-athletes are expected to practice good sportsmanship in their conduct toward players, coaches, officials and spectators. A student-athlete who has shown dishonesty in evading or violating NCAA or Ivy League regulations will not be eligible for competition.
Amateurism
A student-athlete will be considered a professional athlete and ineligible for participation in Princeton Athletics if he/she:
• Accepts pay, or the promise of pay, for competing in any sport;
• Agrees to compete in professional athletics in any sport;
• Plays or practices with a professional athletics team as defined by the NCAA in any sport; or
• Uses his/her athletic skills for pay in any form in any sport.
A student-athlete is not eligible in a sport if he/she accepts money, transportation or other benefits from an agent or agrees to have an agent market his/her athletics ability or reputation in any sport. A student-athlete is not eligible in any sport if, because of his/her athletics ability, he/she is paid for work not performed, paid at a rate higher than the going rate, or paid for the value an employer places on his/her reputation as an athlete.
Name, Image and Likeness (NIL)
The NCAA adopted a new policy, effective July 1, 2021, permitting student-athletes to use their Name, Image, and/or Likeness (NIL) in a commercial manner. In accordance with that and the Ivy League interim policy, Princeton has developed an institutional Student-Athlete Name, Image Likeness Policy which permits student-athletes to engage in and earn money and/or other benefits for commercial NIL activity.The Ivy League and Princeton University define NIL activity as engaging for money or other consideration (goods, services, gifts-in-kind, or other forms of payment) in any engagement, business transaction or advertising promotion.
• Student-athletes may be compensated for actual work, business or NIL activity. Compensation continues to be prohibited for or as a direct result of participation in intercollegiate athletics (“pay for play”);
• Commercial NIL activity may not be arranged for student-athletes by the University, including its coaches, faculty, and staff;
• NIL activity and other employment may not be used by the University or its representatives as a recruiting inducement or to encourage continued enrollment and/or participation in intercollegiate athletics at Princeton; and
• All employment and commercial NIL activity must be disclosed to the University in accordance with any institutional policies, regulations, or procedures.
In addition to the parameters outlined above, specifically prohibited NIL related activities are situations where such payment:
• Is not commensurate with market value for similar work, goods, or services.
• Is contingent on specific athletic performance or achievement (e.g., financial incentives based on points scored or earning a specific award).
Disclosure
Prior to entering into a NIL related activity, student-athletes are encouraged to contact the Athletics Compliance office (Greg Busch, Senior Associate Director of Athletics, gdbusch@princeton.edu), so they may understand compliance / eligibility implications.
Princeton Athletics has partnered with Opendorse, a leader in the NIL space to offer NIL opportunities to its student-athletes. All current student-athletes at Princeton receive an Opendorse account and are encouraged to activate these accounts in order to receive NIL opportunities. When a student-athlete agrees to an NIL opportunity, they are required to disclose the opportunity to the Athletics Compliance office via Opendorse. (Note: the Athletics Compliance office is not in a position to approve these arrangements or provide legal or business advice regarding these arrangements. Student-Athletes may obtain advice on these matters from professional representation – see below).
Academic Standards
All first-year student-athletes must have their academic initial eligibility (as well as amateur status) certified by the NCAA Eligibility Center, which operates independently of the University. The Registrar’s Office certifies the continuing eligibility of student-athletes. To be eligible to compete, a student-athlete must:
• Have been admitted as a regular degree-seeking student according to Princeton University published entrance requirements;
• Remain in good academic standing according to Princeton University standards; and
• Be enrolled in at least a minimum full-time program and maintain satisfactory progress toward a bachelor’s degree at Princeton University.
A student-athlete is not eligible to participate in any organized practice sessions in a sport unless he/she is enrolled in at least a minimum full-time program of studies. Minimum full-time enrollment at Princeton is 3 courses. A student-athlete enrolled in less than three classes is eligible to compete only if he/she is enrolled in the last term of his/her degree program and is completing all remaining credits necessary for graduation.
In addition to being enrolled as a full-time student, all student-athletes must maintain NCAA standards of satisfactory progress toward their degree. Those include 6 credits earned per semester and 24 per academic year (with at least 18 during the regular academic year and not in the summer). (The 24 credit hour is only required during the first year.) A student-athlete must also complete specific percentages of the course requirements toward their degree program: 40% entering junior year and 60% entering senior year. Any student-athletes who have received a waiver to compete in their fifth year of collegiate enrollment must complete 80% of their degree requirements in order to be eligible for that year. It is important to remember that maintaining satisfactory progress per NCAA standards will not always be sufficient to meet Princeton University academic standards, so student-athletes should not rely solely on these rules and should not drop any classes without consulting their academic advisor or dean of studies in addition to the Compliance Office.
Seasons of Eligibility
A student-athlete is not eligible to participate in more than four seasons of intercollegiate competition per sport. These four years must be completed within five calendar years after the start of full-time collegiate enrollment.Note: In the Ivy League, student-athletes are expected to use their eligibility within their first four years of actual enrollment. As such, there are no redshirt options. There are limited waiver options for a fifth year (fourth season of competition) which should be reviewed before a student-athlete is away from Princeton for the academic year. For those student-athletes who do not compete in all four seasons while enrolled at Princeton, there are opportunities to play that fourth season as a graduate student at another school. In both of the above scenarios, the student-athlete should meet with Greg Busch as early as possible.If a student-athlete chooses to transfer to another institution before graduating from Princeton, a Notification of Transfer form must be completed prior to any communication between the student-athlete and a coach from another institution. The Notification of Transfer is entered into a database called the NCAA Transfer Portal. All coaches have access to the portal. A student-athlete who does not use four seasons of competition while at Princeton may consider using a season in graduate school. The NCAA also considers this individual a transfer student-athlete. In both situations, the student-athlete must contact Senior Associate Director of Athletics Greg Busch for information on completing the form as well as the rest of the process.
Time Limits for Athletically-Related Activities
A student-athlete’s participation in countable athletically-related activities (e.g., practice, competition, required weight training, film or videotape reviews, required participation in camps and clinics, or team meetings) during the playing season must be limited to no more than four hours in a day and 20 hours per week. NOTE: The day of competition counts as three hours regardless of the actual length of the competition.
During the playing season, student-athletes must have at least one day off per week. On that day, ALL countable athletically related activities are prohibited. Additionally, per Ivy League rules, after returning from an away competition, there must be a ten (10) hour period with no athletically-related activities.
No class time shall be missed for practice activities except for team travel to an away contest.
Outside of the playing season, student-athletes may participate in weight training, conditioning and other specific athletics activities. During this time, all participation must be voluntary. A student-athlete’s activities shall be limited to a maximum of six hours per week, and a minimum two days off are required per week. In sports other than football, skill-related instruction (“practice”) is permitted for up to four hours per week, except during University Reading and Final Exam Periods. The remaining two hours may consist of conditioning, weight lifting, meetings, and/or film. In football, film review and walk-throughs (without a ball) are permitted within the six hours of activity. NOTE: In rowing, fencing, swimming and diving, water polo and field events for track & field, a coach may be present during voluntary workouts to spot or provide safety instruction, but may not conduct or critique the workout.
Countable* Athletically Related Activities
Practices (not more than four hours per day)
Athletics meetings with a coach initiated or required by a coach (e.g., end of season individual meetings)
Competition (and associated activities, regardless of their length, count as three hours)
Field, floor or on-court activity
Setting up offensive and defensive alignment
On-court or on-field activities called by any member of the team and confined primarily to members of the team
Required weight-training and conditioning activities
Required participation in camps/clinics
Visiting the competition site in the sports of cross country, golf and skiing
Participation outside the regular season in individual skill-related instructional activities with a member of the coaching staff
Noncountable Athletically Related Activities
Compliance meetings
Meetings with a coach initiated by the student-athlete (as long as no countable activities occur)
Drug/alcohol educational meetings or CHAMPS/Life Skills meetings
Study hall, tutoring or academic meetings
Student-athlete advisory committee/Captain's Council meetings
Voluntary weight training not conducted by a coach or staff member
Voluntary sport-related activities (e.g., initiated by student-athlete, no attendance taken, no coach present)
Traveling to and from the site of competition, as long as no countable activities occur)
Training room activities (e.g., treatment, taping), rehabilitation activities and medical examinations
Recruiting activities (e.g., student host)
Rest Days
Per Ivy League rules, student-athletes in each sport will have 49 rest days during the academic year while classes, Reading Periods and/or Exams are scheduled. These days shall have no required athletic activity, no voluntary activity under the supervision of a coach, no team athletic activities (including captain’s practices), and no team or team member athletically-related activities resulting from encouragement by the coaching staff to engage in such activity. Under no circumstances will any athletically-related activity involving team members be supervised by a team’s coach, nor will facilities be reserved for team activities.
Team Travel
Student-athletes should remember that they are representatives of Princeton University on campus as well as whenever their team is on the road for competition. All trips begin when the team leaves campus and end upon return to campus. The following are a few items of importance:
There is no specific department-wide dress code for student-athletes on trips, but student-athletes should be aware of their status as representatives of Princeton University and dress accordingly. In addition, coaches may have specific dress codes for their teams. However, those dress codes are limited to dressing professionally or appropriately for the situation (e.g., warm-ups), and should not specify clothing like dresses or skirts that could conflict with a student-athlete’s gender identity.
Charges for hotel rooms and tax are the responsibility of the University; incidental expenses such as telephone; room service and pay movies are to be paid by the room occupants. Coaches may prohibit telephone calls and pay movies from being charged to hotel rooms.
To promote adequate rest and recovery, the Ivy League implemented a mandatory recovery period. This applies to all teams returning from any away competition. There may be no countable athletically-related activity for ten (10) hours after a team’s return to campus. This includes non-sport specific activities such as yoga or stretching/meditation. Student-athletes are not restricted from exercising individually. The rule simply does not allow for any required athletically-related activities.
Outside Competition
Student-athletes are not permitted to engage in any outside competition or any non-collegiate, amateur competition in their sport during the academic year. An exception to this rule applies during published vacation periods, when a sport is out of season, and only for sports other than basketball. Field hockey, men and women’s soccer, women’s volleyball and men’s water polo may begin outside competition on May 1 with prior permission from the Compliance Office if no classes are missed. Student-athletes in those sports should contact their head coach to begin the process of seeking approval for outside competition.
All sports other than basketball: A student-athlete is not eligible in his/her sport for the remainder of the year and the next academic year if, during the academic year, he/she competes as a member of any outside team in any non-collegiate, amateur competition. Competing in official Olympic tryouts and competition and other specified approved competition is permitted. Basketball only: A basketball student-athlete is not eligible if he/she participates in any organized, outside basketball competition after becoming a candidate for an intercollegiate basketball team at an NCAA institution, or after enrolling at a member institution that recruited him/her to play on its intercollegiate basketball team. Competing in the Olympic Games tryouts and competition and other specified approved competition is permitted. It is permissible to play on a basketball team in a summer basketball league that the NCAA has sanctioned.
Note: Student-athletes must receive written permission from the Compliance Office to play in NCAA sanctioned summer leagues. Student-athletes should contact their head coach to begin the approval process.
Team Uniforms and Equipment
Uniforms and equipment will be issued during the course of the season. The equipment managers are responsible for the washing and redistribution of practice and competition uniforms. Student-athletes should notify the equipment staff of any problems with or loss of uniforms or equipment immediately upon discovery. The cost of any equipment and uniforms damaged outside of practice or competition use, or not returned at the end of the season will be billed to the individual. Student-athletes are not permitted to sell any portion of their issued uniform, equipment, or practice gear—even if the item in question is no longer being used.
Property Damage and Theft
During both home and away contests, property damage and theft will be the financial responsibility of the individuals involved. In addition, violators will be subject to University disciplinary action. When individuals cannot be identified for such action, the entire team will be held accountable.
Financial Aid
A student-athlete may receive certain financial assistance other than the financial aid that Princeton distributes. The list of other permissible aid includes:
• Money from anyone upon whom the student-athlete is naturally or legally dependent: or
• Outside financial aid that has been awarded to the student-athlete and which has been reported to the financial aid office.
NOTE:
The Ivy League prohibits the awarding of financial aid on the basis of athletic ability. Any other aid should be discussed with the Compliance Office and Financial Aid Office before it is received in order to reduce the risk of losing eligibility.
Extra Benefits
Student-athletes may not receive “extra benefits” that are not generally available to students or to a particular segment of the student body (e.g., college, eating club) determined on a basis unrelated to athletics ability. An extra benefit is any special arrangement by an institutional employee or representative of the institution’s athletics interests to provide a student-athlete or the student-athlete’s relative or friend a benefit not expressly authorized by NCAA legislation. Examples of impermissible extra benefits include discounts from businesses that are not available to the general public, use of Department of Athletics telephones, copy machines, computers, etc., gifts or loans from Athletics personnel, alumni or boosters, use of automobiles, gifts of clothing, or any other benefits not available to the general public or Princeton students.
Employment
Student-athletes may be employed, but may be compensated only for work actually performed and at a rate commensurate with their skills and experience and consistent with wages for similar jobs in that area. With the new NIL rules, student-athletes may own sports camps and/or teach sport-related lessons, however no Princeton University facilities may be used.
Sports Wagering
Even though sports wagering is now legal in many states, it is still an impermissible activity for NCAA student-athletes, coaches and staff and results in severe penalties. Student-athletes should be aware that this includes wagering (online or in person) for any sport that has an NCAA championship. This includes professional contests as well as any international or Olympic competition in those sports.A student-athlete is not eligible to compete if he/she: knowingly provides information to individuals involved in organized gambling activities concerning intercollegiate athletics competition; solicits a bet on any intercollegiate team; accepts a bet on any team representing the institution; or participates in any gambling activity that involves intercollegiate athletics through a bookmaker, a parlay card or any other method employed by organized gambling.
A student-athlete is not eligible to compete if he/she knowingly participates in any gambling activity that involves intercollegiate or professional athletics, through a bookmaker, parlay card or any other method employed by organized gambling.
Other impermissible forms of sports gambling include pay-in pools for the Super Bowl and NCAA Basketball Tournament (e.g., purchasing a square), and pay-in Fantasy Sports Leagues.
The key to remember is RISK + REWARD = VIOLATION. If something of value is paid to enter and there is a chance to win a reward, then the activity is impermissible. A pool that is free to enter is permissible, as is one that has an entry fee but no prize.
Agents/Advisors
Princeton University student-athletes of high caliber may have the opportunity to continue their athletic careers at the professional level. Both Ivy and NCAA rules prohibit student-athletes from agreeing to be represented by an agent to market them for professional competition. Student-athletes should consult their coach and/or the Compliance Office if they are contacted by an agent or advisor interested in advising or talking with professional organizations for/about them. Student-athletes interested in securing representation or draft-status information should also contact their coach or the Compliance Office.
Student-athletes are now permitted to hire agents or advisors for assistance with NIL activity. Such assistance or representation may not involve marketing or representation for current or future professional sports contracts or competition.
Recruiting
Telephone Calls to Prospects
Enrolled students shall not make or participate in telephone calls to prospects at the direction of a coaching staff member or financed by the institution or a representative of its athletic interests. Student-athletes may receive calls made at the expense of the prospect so long as the prospect was not directed by the student’s coach to call. A student-athlete may write to a prospect at his/her own expense, but not at the direction of a coaching staff member.
Video Calls with Prospects
At the request of coaches, enrolled student-athletes may participate on video calls with prospects. It would also be permissible for enrolled student-athletes to receive video calls from prospects and initiate video calls.
Official Visits
While a prospective student-athlete is on campus for an official visit, Princeton employees and student-athletes may engage with them in the following entertainment activities:
• On-campus events such as home athletic contests, music concerts, art shows, theatre productions, etc. If purchase of tickets for prospects is necessary, the respective coach must give the student host entertainment money (not to exceed $30/day) to cover this expense;
• Off-campus restaurants or sites within 30 miles of campus;
• A meal at the home of an institutional staff member (e.g., the Director of Athletics, a coach, a faculty member or the institution’s president) may be held for a prospect on an official visit, provided the entertainment is on a scale comparable to that of normal student life, is not excessive in nature, and occurs on only one occasion;
• Movies, laser tag, manicures, etc. that cost within the limit of entertainment money provided by the respective coach (not to exceed $30/day) and are within 30 miles of campus; Snacks;
• Post-game team tailgates as long as no conversation takes place between prospects and representatives of athletics interests including parents of current student-athletes; and
• Other activities approved in advance by the Compliance Office.
Excessive meals and transportation. Off-campus meals may not be at expensive restaurants that exceed normal student life at Princeton. Air transportation must be in coach class. Automobile transportation off campus must be in non-luxury vehicles. Campus transportation must be in University vehicles or coach or student-athlete personal vehicles;
• Use of escorts or exotic dancers;
• Trips to gentlemen’s clubs or adult entertainment facilities;
• Serving alcohol or otherwise making it available to under-age prospects anywhere including eating clubs;
• Providing illegal substances to prospects;
• Trips to bars with under-age prospects;
• Organizing campus tours in a manner that is inconsistent with Princeton’s practices of providing tours to prospective students generally; and
• General activities or events at any location that may cause a perception of impropriety.
Other impermissible acts would involve any illegal activity including sexual harassment, sexual assault, physical assault, use of illegal substances, damaging property, hazing, sports gambling, etc.While on campus, prospective student-athletes may have face-to-face conversations with alumni, only occur when both parties are on campus.
Student Host Responsibilities
Serving as a student host is an important service to Princeton University, the Department of Athletics and the team. As such, appropriate conduct is required of student hosts and the following guidelines must be followed:
• The University prohibits minors from consuming alcoholic beverages and prohibits minors from being served alcohol and/or illicit substances.
• Student hosts may not arrange or permit excessive entertainment for a prospect on/off campus. Entertainment must be within the realm of normal student life at Princeton.
• If a student host receives money for entertaining prospects on an official visit, he/she will sign the appropriate Student Host Form, and the money will be distributed in an envelope that lists applicable student host guidelines on its face. The envelope will list the sport, prospect name, host name, visit date, amount disbursed (in case of multiple prospects), and the coach’s signature.
• A maximum of $30 per day may be provided to cover the entertainment expenses of the host and the prospect. An additional $15 a day may be provided for each additional prospect entertained.
• Student hosts will retain all receipts from the official visit and keep them in the envelope over the course of the visit.
• After the visit, the student host will return the envelope with all receipts and any leftover funds to his/her coach for processing.
• Excess student host money may not be kept by the student host as it would constitute an extra benefit and impact the student’s eligibility for competition.
• Any money provided to host a prospect on an official visit is for the purpose of entertaining only the student host, the prospect, the prospect’s parents (legal guardian) and/or spouse. Other students may assist with hosting the prospect but must pay for their own entertainment.
• No cash may be given to the visiting prospect or anyone else.
• Entertainment funds may not be used to purchase or otherwise provide the prospect with any souvenirs, T-shirts, etc., THEY ARE FOR ACTUAL ENTERTAINMENT EXPENSES ONLY.
• Vehicles may not be provided or arranged for by any institutional staff member or representative/friend of Athletics.
• A student host may not transport the prospect or anyone accompanying the prospect more than 30 miles from campus.
Back to top
Dispute Resolution Procedure
Consistent with University guidelines (see Rights, Rules, Responsibilities), the Department of Athletics has a process for resolving interpersonal conflicts that arise as a result of a student’s participation in intercollegiate athletics. The University encourages open and honest communication between coaches and players. Most conflicts and differences of opinion can be resolved by the individuals directly confronting issues and jointly seeking resolution.
The Department’s dispute resolution procedure is a means to have third parties assist in informal conflict resolution if necessary. This process attempts to balance the need to address issues of student-athlete welfare with the obligation of providing due process to coaches and staff. The process is available only for student-athletes and not for their families or other representatives.
The following steps are required to initiate the dispute resolution process:
STEP 1 (initial contact)
Student-Athlete -> Coach (preferred option)
or Student-Athlete -> Captain
or Student-Athlete -> Team Procedure (determined by individual teams)
or Student-Athlete -> Department of Athletics Representative (Notice should be given to the Director of Athletics that the system is being invoked).
STEP 2 (informal dispute resolution meeting)
Student-Athlete/Captain/Coach or Student-Athlete/Coach/ Department of Athletics Representative (Notice must be given to the Director of Athletics that the system was invoked).
STEP 3 (formal process)
Student-Athlete/Mediator (impartial non-Athletics employee)/ Department of Athletics Representative or Student-Athlete/University Ombudsperson (for allegation of violation of law, i.e., discrimination based on sex, race, gender, national origin)
STEP 4
Written report to Director of Athletics Since student-athletes are encouraged to use the dispute resolution procedure when they believe they have been treated unfairly, it is critical that there be no retaliation against an individual who initiates the procedure. Retaliation will not be tolerated and will be subject to University disciplinary procedures.
Please refer to Rights, Rules, Responsibilities for a full understanding of the University-wide procedures in place for the resolution of (non-Athletics) complaints and grievances.
Back to top
Conduct
Student-athletes are expected to know and observe the rules of their sport in both practice and competition and should wear only those articles of equipment issued by the University or approved by the coach. They should maintain cordial relations with opponents, officials, spectators and members of the media. Displays of bad manners and language are always out of order.
Hazing
The Department of Athletics has a zero tolerance hazing policy. All student-athletes are required to follow the following hazing regulations as written in Rights, Rules, Responsibilities.
New Jersey Law
In compliance with New Jersey statute, Princeton University is required to notify all students of their rights under law.
• A person is guilty of hazing, a disorderly persons offense, if, in connection with the initiation of applicants to or members of a student or fraternal organization, he or she knowingly or recklessly organizes, promotes, facilitates or engages in any conduct, other than competitive athletic events, which places or may place another person in danger of bodily injury.
• A person is guilty of aggravated hazing, a crime of the fourth degree, if he or she commits an act which results in serious bodily injury to another person.
• Consent shall not be available as a defense to a prosecution under law.
• Conduct constituting an offense under the law may be prosecuted under any applicable provision of Title 2C:40 of the New Jersey Statutes.
Prohibition on Hazing
Any student shall have the right to be free of all activities which might constitute hazing, while attempting to become a member of a fraternity, sorority, athletic team, student organization, eating club, or other campus organization. Organizations, their members, and their prospective members are prohibited from engaging in or encouraging others to engage in activities that are defined as hazing. A broad range of behaviors that may place another person in danger of bodily injury or behavior that demonstrates indifference or disregard for another person’s dignity or well-being may be classified as hazing. Examples include but are not limited to the following:
• Forced or required ingestion of alcohol, food, drugs, or any undesirable substance; or
• Participation in sexual rituals or assaults.
Drugs and Alcohol
Students at Princeton University are expected to be acquainted with and to abide by both the State of New Jersey and University regulations regarding the consumption of alcohol and drugs. They are also expected to be aware of the social, physiological and psychological consequences of excessive drinking in order to make responsible and informed decisions about the serving and consumption of alcohol. The University provides regular educational programs on alcohol and drug abuse as well as counseling services.
The University alcoholic beverage policy is designed to be consistent with the laws of the State of New Jersey, which, in general, prohibit the consumption and serving of alcoholic beverages to persons under 21 years of age. The policy also reflects the need for mutual respect and personal responsibility within a diverse community. Students are responsible for their behavior, whether or not they are under the influence of alcohol. Under no circumstances will the consumption of alcohol constitute a mitigating circumstance when it contributes to the violation of University regulations.It is the primary responsibility of those in the presence of a severely intoxicated person to contact appropriate University or local medical and safety personnel (DPS officers, deans, McCosh Health Center staff, Princeton Medical Center staff or local police or members of the rescue squad) for assistance. Intoxication will not be grounds for disciplinary action. Contacting the Department of Public Safety for assistance in transporting a student in need of medical attention will not, in itself, lead to disciplinary action. Disciplinary action will occur only if other circumstances indicating a violation of University policy are observed. In such an instance, the fact that students initiated a call for assistance will be considered a mitigating circumstance. At no time is it permissible to consume alcoholic beverages during athletics trips.
Team hazing and other initiation activities involving the use of drugs and alcohol are violations of University policy and of state law. Violations of these policies are grounds for disciplinary action by the University and Department of Athletics for individuals, teams and/or coaching staff members.
Tobacco Products
The use of any and all tobacco products by student-athletes, coaches, officials and game personnel during practice, competition, or any team or department activities is prohibited by NCAA rules.
NCAA Drug Testing
The NCAA conducts random selection drug testing annually on campus, at NCAA Championship competition, and during the summer at any location. All NCAA sport participants are eligible for year-round drug testing and if participating, testing conducted at NCAA championship events. All student-athletes are required to sign a drug testing consent form in order to be eligible to participate in a varsity intercollegiate sport.
The NCAA-affiliated Center for Drug Free Sport performs a urine analysis for the presence of a selection of banned drugs. The penalty for a positive test for a performance-enhancing drug (PED) is strict and automatic: student-athletes lose one full year of eligibility for the first offense (25 percent of their total eligibility) and are withheld from competition for 365 days from the date of the test. A second positive test for a PED results in the loss of all remaining eligibility.
The penalty for a positive test for a substance in the street drug class is withholding from competition for 50% of the season in all sports in which the student-athlete participates. A second positive test for a street drug results in the loss of a year of eligibility and withholding from participation for 365 days from the test.
A student-athlete who is involved in a case of clearly observed tampering with an NCAA drug test, as documented per NCAA drug-testing protocol by a drug-testing crew member, shall be declared ineligible for further participation in postseason and regular-season competition during the time period ending two calendar years (i.e., 730 days) after the student-athlete was involved in tampering with a drug test.
If a student-athlete who is selected for NCAA drug testing does not show up for testing or refuses to provide a sample, he or she will be penalized as if there were a positive drug test result for a PED.
Banned drugs include stimulants, anabolic agents, diuretics/masking agents, illicit drugs, Peptide Hormones and Analogues, anti-estrogens, and Beta-2 Agonists. Do remember that dietary supplements are not well-regulated and may contained substances that cause a positive drug test result—even if they are not on the product label. Examples of substances under each class can be found at www.ncaa.org/drug testing. There is no complete list of banned substances, nor is there one of NCAA-approved supplement products. As such, a student-athlete should be sure to discuss any drug (even one prescribed) or supplement with a member of the Athletic Medicine Staff before taking it.
The NCAA recognizes that some banned substances are used for legitimate medical purposes. Accordingly, the NCAA allows exceptions to be made for those student-athletes with a documented medical history demonstrating the need for treatment with the banned medication. Any questions concerning exceptions or the drug testing program in general should be directed to a member of the Athletic Medicine staff.
Back to top
Discipline Policy
Princeton Athletics sets a high standard for commitment, achievement and character. As a student-athlete you choose to make sacrifices and accept the responsibility of representing Princeton.
Participation in intercollegiate athletics is a privilege. A Princeton student-athlete represents Princeton at all times, on and off the playing surface, in and out of season. Appropriate conduct is expected at all times.
Unfortunately, incidents may occur that are contrary to these expectations and that tarnish the tradition of excellence of Princeton Athletics. Usually, these incidents are minor and attributed to isolated, one-time lapses in judgment. On occasion, incidents may be more significant or repetitive.
Each head coach has the responsibility for establishing behavioral expectations for his/her team and addressing violations. Princeton Athletics Disciplinary Protocol is intended to affirm the authority of the head coach while at the same time establishing a base of understanding about appropriate conduct and the minimum outcomes for all student-athletes who violate those standards.
The following sanctions (see chart below) will be applied in instances where a report to the Princeton Athletics (e.g., Department of Public Safety report, University disciplinary charge and/or sanction, Princeton Borough Police or other police agency report or arrest, etc.) identifies a student-athlete as committing an offense that violates University policy and/or the law. This process is not designed to be used in situations involving violations of team rules or team alcohol policies, which fall under the purview of the head coach. Princeton Athletics will invoke the penalty schedule in a timely manner for major offenses and for minor violations after second (and subsequent) offenses as described below.
A minor violation is considered to have occurred in any situation where an individual:
• Is charged with a disorderly persons offense or receives a citation and in looking at the totality of the circumstances it is reasonable to believe the person committed the act (e.g., open container, false identification, public urination, underage possession of alcohol, provision of alcohol to minors, hosting a party, etc.);
• Is found responsible for a University disciplinary infraction (non-academic) and is assigned less than six months of University probation; or
• Is found to have engaged in conduct that is deemed inappropriate, reckless, instigating or malicious, but does not rise to the threshold of a major violation
A major violation is considered to have occurred in any situation where an individual:
• Is charged with a felony and in looking at the totality of the circumstances it is reasonable to believe the person committed the act (e.g., DWI, assault, sexual assault, theft, etc.);
• Is found responsible for a University disciplinary infraction (non-academic) and is assigned more than six months of University probation due to the severity of the incident;
• Is found responsible for a University academic infraction and is assigned either a suspension not served penalty, or more than eighteen months of University probation due to the severity of the incident; or
• Is found to have engaged in conduct that is deemed inappropriate, reckless, instigating or malicious (e.g., vandalism, destruction of University property, assault of another person etc.).
Minor Violations
First offense: No department action.
Second offense: Minimum one (1) contest suspension.
Third offense: Minimum suspension from two (2) contests.
Major Violations
First offense: Minimum one (1) contest suspension.
Second offense: Minimum suspension from the lesser of three (3) or 20% of scheduled contests
When a suspension is necessitated, it may be appropriate to use a significant non-traditional season contest or significant team event (e.g., withholding from a training trip) in lieu of contest suspension. This option should be requested by the coach and agreed upon in conjunction with the Senior Associate Director of Athletics responsible for student conduct.
There should be neither a rush to nor a delay in judgment, but a timely response when there is sufficient understanding of the details of the incident. Suspensions are typically implemented with the first available contest, though in extenuating circumstances the Senior Associate Director of Athletics has discretion to determine the appropriateness of a delay.
Coaches retain the ability to provide additional sanctions or responses as they deem appropriate, especially when withholding a student-athlete from additional contests, or requiring campus/community service and/or counseling. Monitoring campus/community service and counseling expectations is the responsibility of the head coach.
The withholding of information in an attempt to evade punishment under the penalty schedule is subject to further penalties as appropriate.
Department of Athletics disciplinary sanctions are separate from University sanctions. The Senior Associate Director of Athletics will serve as the conduit for communication between the Department and ODUS and the residential colleges. It should not be assumed that repeated violations of University Rules will be handled in the same manner by ODUS and the Department of Athletics.
Back to top
External Relations
Ticket Sales & Operations
Student-Athlete Ticket Policies
The Department of Athletics charges admission for seven sports (football, men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s ice hockey, wrestling, and men’s lacrosse). For regular-season contests for which there is paid admission, the Athletics provides team members with up to four (4) complimentary admissions to be used by family and friends. Up to 48 hours prior to the contest, team members will have the opportunity to list the names of the individuals who will be admitted to the contest free of charge via a pass list. In certain instances tickets will be sent out via email prior to the contest in accordance with the new NCAA mandates. Each program will be notified by the ticket office regarding proper procedure prior to the start of the season. If a pass list is required at a game designated gate and locations will be assigned. Those listed by the team member must provide proper identification when they arrive at the gate.
A student-athlete may not sell or receive payment from any source for his or her complimentary admissions and may also not exchange or assign them in return for any item of value. Similarly, individuals designated by student-athletes to receive complimentary admissions are not permitted to receive any payment for said admissions or to exchange them for any item of value. Receipt of payment for complimentary admissions by such designated individuals is prohibited and considered an extra benefit which could affect a student-athlete’s eligibility for competition.
Details related to these procedures are provided by the Ticket Office in advance of any paid contests. This policy does not include postseason events. For questions about postseason tickets, student-athletes should contact their head coach.
Athletic Communications
The Athletic Communications office is responsible for the publicity for the University’s 38 varsity sports teams, primarily on the Athletics website (goprincetontigers.com), on social media, and through local and national television contracts.Each team has a sport contact in Athletic Communications, responsible for maintaining that team’s information online and on social media. Included are pregame stories, postgame recaps, schedules, statistics, rosters, archival information, written features, record books and recruiting information, as well as video highlights, interviews and feature stories.
It is beneficial for student-athletes to meet their Athletic Communications contact and to establish a relationship. Athletic Communications is in place to tell student-athlete stories and elevate personal and program brands. Athletic Communications welcomes potential ideas for stories about athletics, academics, community service or unique hobbies.
Athletic Communications manages all official social media channels under the Princeton Athletics brand, including the main “Princeton Tigers” accounts as well as those of each team. While focused on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook, Athletic Communications is always exploring new opportunities to increase the department’s and student-athletes’ social media. If you have any questions on how to build your social media brand or are interested in learning more on ways you can help with your team’s social media please reach out to your Athletic Communications contact.
Media Requests
All media requests including interviews should be made through Athletic Communications. We value student-athlete privacy and schedules, and aim to ensure the media is not contacting student-athletes without the knowledge and permission of Athletic Communications. Athletic Communications contacts reach out to student-athletes to set up the best day and time, working around class schedules, testing, practices and competition to talk to the media representative. If you do receive a direct request, please forward to your sports contact and politely inform the media of department protocols.
Personal Social Media Posting Policy
Princeton Athletics sets a high standard for commitment, achievement and character. The Princeton students who choose to join these athletics programs choose to accept the responsibility of representing Princeton University at all times, on and off the playing surface, in and out of season.
Appropriate public conduct and representation is expected at all times. There are many chances for a student-athlete to express themselves. There is also the chance to accidentally or inadvertently get into situations with serious -and long-term -consequences. It is the policy of the Department of Athletics not to censor student-athletes, coaches or administrators on social media. The Discipline Policy may be invoked where sound judgment is not used and material is posted that does not appropriately represent Princeton Athletics and the University. A few guidelines for appropriate social media behavior.
• Student-athletes are asked to consider that every posting is public. Even posts to private accounts, for instance, can become public if they are screen-captured and shared. The general rule of thumb is to consider that all postings will be read by coaches, teammates, opponents, officials, parents, friends, directors of admission for graduate school, prospective employers.
Anonymous message boards and forums where posters use names that keep them anonymous are potential hazards for athletics teams. Student-athletes should keep in mind that discussing sensitive team information -such as injuries, disciplinary situations, personnel changes and recruiting -around individuals one does not know could be posting to message boards.
Back to top
Special Awards and Scholarships
Numerous awards and postgraduate scholarships are available to Princeton University student-athletes. In some cases it is the responsibility of the student to apply for the award or scholarship. In other cases coaches, administrators, and/or the Office of Athletic Communications may be responsible for nominating students for individual awards.
The Ivy League and other conferences select numerous student-athletes for awards, scholarships and all-academic teams. A student-athlete who is interested in applying for any award, should confirm deadline dates in advance as they change from year to year.
There are other regional and national sport-specific awards available, including the NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship Award, NCAA Woman of the Year Award, NCAA Top Ten Awards and Award of Valor, and Honda Award Program. The Department identifies viable candidates and seeks nominations from coaches and student-athletes.
Senior Awards
In addition to numerous awards presented in each sport, the following Senior Awards are presented annually at the Gary Walters ’67 Princeton Varsity Club Banquet:
• C. Otto von Kienbusch Sportswoman of the Year Award: Awarded annually to a Princeton senior woman of scholastic rank who has demonstrated general proficiency in athletics and the qualities of a true sportswoman. Presented in memory of C. Otto v. Kienbusch 1906, friend and benefactor of women’s athletics at Princeton.
• William Winston Roper Trophy: Awarded annually to a Princeton senior male of high scholastic rank and outstanding qualities of sportsmanship for general proficiency in athletics. Presented by Mrs. William W. Roper and the Class of 1902.
• Class of 1916 Cup: Awarded each year to the Princeton varsity letter winner who, continuing in competition in his/her senior year, achieved at graduation the highest academic standing. Presented by the Class of 1916 on the occasion of its fiftieth reunion.
• Art Lane ‘34 Citizen Athlete Award: Awarded each year to a senior student-athlete for his or her selfless contributions to sport and society as an undergraduate student-athlete.
• Chris Sailer Leadership Award: Given annually to senior student-athletes that demonstrate exceptional leadership and a commitment to serving others. Given by Lucy Small DeStefano ’99 S94 and Chris DeStefano ’94 S99 in honor of Chris Sailer, Hall-of-Fame women’s lacrosse coach at Princeton from 1987-2022.