At its second-to-last meeting of the academic year, Princeton’s Undergraduate Student Government (USG) reviewed mid-year updates from several student-led initiatives, focusing on mental health policy and menstrual product access.
Mental Health Committee Chair Allen Nieva ’26 outlined several proposals aimed at improving student well-being. One of the major topics was a call for a University-wide excused absence policy. While some academic departments currently have their own policies, Nieva argued that a standardized approach is needed.
“Missing a day on this campus is like missing a week,” Nieva said. “Life happens—religious, personal, or medical issues arise—and just one excused absence could make a big difference in a student’s semester.”
Nieva also introduced a new “flexible pathway” proposal to support students who enter Princeton undecided about their major. The initiative would focus on departments with heavy prerequisite requirements, helping ensure students are not locked out of certain majors due to a late decision.
For instance, Chemistry majors must complete—or place out of—at least eight courses in chemistry, math, and physics by the end of sophomore year. The School of Public and International Affairs (SPIA) also requires at least four specific courses before declaration. The proposal aims to make these paths more accessible.
The committee is also advancing efforts to allow a pass/D/fail (PDF) grading option for introductory language courses. A student referendum supporting this change passed last fall. A new task force is forming to explore the policy, which would apply only to students not using the courses to meet graduation requirements.
Nieva announced that the Ivy League Mental Health Conference is set to return for the first time since before the pandemic. Scheduled for November 7–9, the conference will include keynote speakers and workshops from across the Ivy League. “As of this morning, we have reps from seven out of the eight Ivy League institutions,” Nieva said.
Samantha Handwerk ’26 and Amelia Wray ’28 presented updates from the Menstrual Products Task Force (MPTS), including their annual budget report. This year, the group hosted events such as study breaks and stocked bathrooms with period products.
The task force proposed expanding access to menstrual products by installing dispensers in new student-run spaces like the Theater Intime building, in addition to current academic building locations.
USG President Enzo Kho ’26 welcomed newly elected and re-elected USG members during the meeting.
USG meetings are held weekly on Sundays from 5 to 6 p.m. in Robertson 016 and are open to all students and faculty. The final meeting of the semester will take place on May 4. There will be no meeting on April 27 due to Lawnparties.
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