Princeton University is updating its honor code for the first time since 1893 in response to rising concerns about academic dishonesty facilitated by artificial intelligence. Faculty members voted last week to require proctoring for all in-person exams starting this summer, reversing a longstanding policy that allowed students to take exams without direct supervision.

The decision reflects growing challenges posed by AI technology, which has made it easier for students to access unauthorized assistance during exams. According to a Princeton senior, when exams are completed on laptops, students can simply switch to other windows for answers. For tests conducted with traditional paper booklets, students have been reported using their phones discreetly under desks or taking unsupervised bathroom breaks to seek help.

A recent survey by the student newspaper found that nearly 30% of respondents admitted to cheating on an exam or assignment. The university’s move to reinstate proctoring is aimed at curbing these violations and preserving academic integrity amidst the proliferation of advanced AI tools.

This marks a significant shift for Princeton, where the original honor code policy allowed students to be entrusted with taking exams independently for more than a century. University officials and faculty members emphasized that the new measures are necessary to maintain fairness and uphold the institution's academic standards in an era where technology can undermine traditional assessments.