Princeton University to suspend freshmen who join Greek organizations

[Wildwood11]

<p>Mini, you left out the next line about satisfaction:</p>

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While recent University surveys and the COMBO surveys found overall student satisfaction at Princeton very high, there appears to be a higher degree of satisfaction among members of clubs. In the 2009 senior survey, 53% of selective club members and 48% of sign-in club members were “very satisfied” with their undergraduate experiences, as compared to 39% of nonclub members. (In addition, 42% of selective club members, 45% of sign-in club members and 47% of non-club members were “generally satisfied.”)

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<p>This adds up to Princeton students being at least satisfied with their college experience at 95% for selective club members, 93% for sign-in club members, and 86% for non-members.</p>

<p>This is a very high degree of satisfaction any way you look at it. I would really like to see the results of such studies from other peer schools–I’ve never heard of any public information on this, so if anybody has some, please post.</p>

<p>But the more important question here–is anybody who has been on CC a while surprised that the group of students (non-club members) that skews more toward minorities and low-income students are in general less satisfied with their private college experience? Wouldn’t this be the case on every other elite campus?</p>

<p>Students from low-income backgrounds have a harder adjustment to elite institutions, are under more financial stress and will feel more out of place at colleges where a big chunk of the student body is from private schools or upper-middle class suburbs. This is going to be true at every top 50 school, probably more so at ones with weaker financial aid. It is not news that kids from affluent families have more resources to put into having the time of their lives at college.</p>

<p>And with the regard to the stats on alcohol is it news that kids who decide not to participate in this kind of social organization are more alcohol-averse than those that join?</p>

<p>I think it is commendable that the Princeton administration undertook this study and is actively seeking to improve the experience of its students. Again, I would like to see this transparency from peer institutions.</p>

<p>Hunt, While I have said before that I would prefer there were no bicker, I don’t think it’s that big a deal that 20% of students don’t get into their first-choice club. A lottery system would result in the same, albeit with fewer hurt feelings, since there are a limited number of spaces. Those that choose to put themselves in that position are aware of the possible outcome and I would think most take it in stride.</p>