Princeton University Requires Exam Supervision Due to Rise of AI

May 13, 2026, 20:59
USSociety

Introduction

Princeton University has decided to end a century-old tradition of unsupervised exams. This change comes in response to an increase in cheating made easier by artificial intelligence.

Main Body

Since 1893, Princeton relied on an honor code that allowed students to take exams without faculty supervision. However, this system is now under great pressure. A 2025 survey of senior students showed that 29.9% admitted to academic dishonesty. This was especially common among engineering students, where 40.8% admitted to cheating, compared to 26.4% of arts students. Both faculty and students are concerned about the widespread use of generative AI and smartphones. Dean Michael Gordin emphasized that these tools have made it much easier to cheat and harder for teachers to notice. Furthermore, many students are afraid to report dishonesty. About 44.6% of seniors saw others cheating but stayed silent because they feared social retaliation, such as being shamed or 'doxxed' on social media. Consequently, the faculty approved a new rule requiring instructors to be present at all in-class exams starting July 1. Under these new rules, teachers will act as observers and document any cheating for the student-run Honor Court to judge. This change reflects a larger problem in universities, where some educators believe that AI tools are causing students to stop thinking critically and simply manage their workload.

Conclusion

Princeton will start supervised testing this summer to reduce AI-driven cheating and remove the social pressure from students who report misconduct.

Learning

⚑ The Power of 'Cause and Effect' Connectors

At the A2 level, you probably use 'because' for everything. To reach B2, you need to show that you can link complex ideas using a variety of transitions. This article is a goldmine for this.

🧩 Moving Beyond "Because"

Look at how the text connects a problem to a result. Instead of just saying "X happened because of Y," the author uses these sophisticated bridges:

  • "In response to..." β†’\rightarrow Used when an action is a direct reaction to a specific event.
    • Example: "Princeton changed the rules in response to AI cheating."
  • "Consequently..." β†’\rightarrow This is a professional way to say "so" or "as a result." It marks a logical conclusion.
    • Example: "Students are cheating; consequently, teachers must be present."
  • "Due to..." β†’\rightarrow A more formal version of "because of." It usually introduces the reason for a change.
    • Example: "Supervision is required due to the rise of AI."

πŸ› οΈ The B2 Upgrade Path

Compare these two ways of saying the same thing. The second one sounds like a B2 speaker:

A2 Style: AI is popular, so students cheat. They don't report it because they are afraid.

B2 Style: Due to the popularity of AI, students are cheating. Furthermore, many stay silent in response to the fear of social retaliation.

πŸ’‘ Pro-Tip: The "Furthermore" Boost

Notice the word "Furthermore" in the text. A2 students often use "and" or "also." Use Furthermore when you want to add a second, stronger point to your argument to make your English sound more academic and persuasive.

Vocabulary Learning

supervision (n.)
The act of watching or overseeing something to ensure it is done correctly.
Example:The teacher's supervision of the exam helped prevent cheating.
tradition (n.)
A long-established custom or practice.
Example:The college has a tradition of holding graduation ceremonies in the spring.
unsupervised (adj.)
Not watched or monitored.
Example:The students completed the test unsupervised, which led to many instances of cheating.
response (n.)
An answer or reaction to something.
Example:The university's response to the cheating problem was to introduce stricter rules.
cheating (n.)
The act of breaking rules to gain an unfair advantage.
Example:Cheating on exams undermines the value of education.
artificial (adj.)
Made by humans rather than occurring naturally.
Example:Artificial intelligence can generate realistic text.
intelligence (n.)
The ability to learn, understand, and apply knowledge.
Example:The program uses artificial intelligence to assist students.
honor (n.)
High respect or esteem.
Example:The honor code requires students to act honestly.
code (n.)
A set of rules or principles.
Example:The honor code outlines expectations for student behavior.
faculty (n.)
The teaching staff of a university.
Example:Faculty members voted to change the exam policy.
pressure (n.)
The feeling of being forced to do something.
Example:Students feel pressure to perform well.
survey (n.)
A systematic collection of information from a group of people.
Example:A survey revealed that many students admit to cheating.
senior (adj.)
A student in their final year of study.
Example:Senior students often face the most rigorous exams.
admitted (v.)
Confessed or acknowledged.
Example:Students admitted to using AI tools during tests.
academic (adj.)
Relating to education or scholarship.
Example:Academic dishonesty damages the institution's reputation.
dishonesty (n.)
The act of being untruthful or unfair.
Example:Dishonesty in exams is a serious offense.
widespread (adj.)
Common or found everywhere.
Example:The use of smartphones during exams is widespread.
generative (adj.)
Capable of producing or creating.
Example:Generative AI can produce essays in seconds.
smartphones (n.)
Mobile phones with advanced features.
Example:Students used smartphones to look up answers.
rule (n.)
An established principle governing conduct.
Example:A new rule requires instructors to be present during exams.
observers (n.)
People who watch or monitor an event.
Example:Observers recorded any cheating incidents.
document (v.)
To record or write down information.
Example:Teachers will document any violations for the Honor Court.
judge (v.)
To assess or decide on something.
Example:The Honor Court will judge whether the student is guilty.
problem (n.)
A difficult or unsolved situation.
Example:Cheating has become a major problem.
educators (n.)
People who teach or educate.
Example:Educators worry about students losing critical thinking skills.
critically (adv.)
In a critical or essential way; with careful evaluation.
Example:Students must think critically to solve complex problems.
manage (v.)
To handle or control.
Example:Students need to manage their workload effectively.
workload (n.)
The amount of work that needs to be done.
Example:Balancing a heavy workload can be stressful.
reduce (v.)
To make something smaller or less.
Example:The new policy aims to reduce cheating.
remove (v.)
To take away or eliminate.
Example:The school will remove the temptation to cheat.
misconduct (n.)
Wrongful or improper behavior.
Example:Misconduct can lead to disciplinary action.