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On the campus princeton increases graduate student stipends by 25 percent.

When Allison Tang, vice president of internal affairs of Princeton’s Graduate Student Government (GSG), tracked her spending for a week — as recommended by the Princeton Financial Literacy Initiative — she was surprised to learn the results.

“I was doing the math, and I was like, ‘Oh, I’m actually not making any money,’” explained Tang, a third-year student in the chemical and biological engineering department. “That was very concerning to me.”

But that will change soon. In January, the University announced an average increase of 25 percent in graduate fellowship and stipend rates, marking the largest one-year increase ever at Princeton. Stipends cover the 10 months of the academic year.

“Through GSG, I’ve heard so many concerns from students this year,” said Tang. “I think this is just a breath of relief.”

According to the University, the stipend rate will increase for doctoral candidates during the 2022–23 academic year, but exact rates will differ depending upon division and role. Currently, graduate stipends range from $30,475 to $34,800, but starting this August, they will grow to a range of $38,000 to $42,000.

“Through GSG, I’ve heard so many concerns from students this year. I think this is just a breath of relief.” — Allison Tang, vice president of internal affairs, Princeton Graduate Student Government

“The increases in stipend rates will ensure Princeton continues to attract and retain the very best graduate candidates from all backgrounds and from all over the U.S. and the world,” Cole Crittenden *05, acting dean of the Princeton Graduate School, said in a University announcement.

Students wondered if efforts by peers at other institutions, such as a 10-week strike at Columbia and a push at MIT to initiate a union election, may have played a role in the University’s decision.

“There was almost a certain poetry to it all, because it felt almost as if the Columbia grad students just won a stipend increase at Princeton in addition to Columbia,” said Tim Alberdingk Thijm, a fourth-year graduate student in the computer science department.

“I really feel pretty inspired by the work that’s gone on at MIT and peer institutions like Harvard and Columbia,” added Gaby Nair, a second-year graduate student in politics. “I think there’s a sense that there might really be a tide turning in higher ed.”

Wednesday, August 28

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University to raise grad student stipends, expresses ‘concern’ about unionization

Princeton’s Graduate College

Angel kuo / the daily princetonian.

Editor ’ s Note: The University has clarified that the raise was approximately $2000 and was ratified before the unionization drive. Read our most recent coverage here.

After a two-week union campaign, Princeton Graduate Students United (PGSU) announced that the University will raise some graduate student stipends by $5,000 in the 2023–2024 academic year. In an attachment to a recent memo sent out to the graduate student body, the University confirmed that the annual stipend rate for the 2023–2024 academic year will be between $47,880 and $50,400. Current graduate stipends range from $45,600 to $48,000. The raise comes as the University has expressed “concerns” with the unionization drive to the graduate student body, and after 1,600 graduate workers, a majority , signed union cards.

According to an email obtained by The Daily Princetonian from the PGSU sent to graduate students, the group hopes more support is to come. In addition to the raise, the union is pursuing guaranteed affordable housing through graduation, improvements to the grievance procedure, more support for international students, better healthcare, funded childcare, improvements to workplace safety, among other causes. 

“This is the first of our union wins, but it’s not enough,” the PGSU organizing committee wrote in an email to graduate students. “We need a union for graduate workers that will allow us to bargain a legally binding contract.”

This news comes after over 150 graduate students, undergraduates, and post-graduate fellows rallied with PGSU on Wednesday, Feb. 15 to demand fair wages and more affordable housing from the University and the Graduate Student Government (GSG) voted to release a message of support for PGSU. Graduate students formed the PGSU in 2016.

In the email, PGSU speculated that this may be a one-time raise and stressed the lack of graduate student input.

“[The raise] does not offset the fact that some graduate students currently pay 45% of their stipends back to Princeton for housing costs each month. It does not address the systemic power imbalance that we can right with a union. It does not guarantee graduate workers a place to turn to in an emergency,” they wrote.

Princeton is not the first university to announce raises after a union card campaign began. According to the PGSU, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)’s Graduate Student Union held a rally on Sept. 27, 2021, and on Oct. 14, received a 3 percent raise for all graduate workers. Duke University’s Graduate Student Union held a campaign rally on Sept. 5, 2022, and on Sept. 14 received an 11.4 percent raise to their base stipend. Dartmouth College’s Graduate Student Union held a walkout and collected pledge cards on Oct. 11, 2022, and on Nov. 1, the University announced a tentative raise in stipends to $40,000 for the upcoming year.

Rodney Priestley, the Dean of the Graduate School sent a memo to graduate students on Feb. 28 referencing the unionization process, including a frequently asked questions (FAQ) document about what unionization means, and the University’s progress in helping graduate students, including the raise.

“Your voice is crucially important as you consider this unionization question,” Priestley wrote in the memo. “We, therefore, believe it is essential for you to be fully informed before deciding whether or not unionization is right for you and your fellow graduate students at Princeton.”

“By design, union representation would have a real effect on the nature of your relationship with the University. We have concerns about how such representation would affect your education and experience at Princeton,” the memo continued.

Priestley also explained that there are other outlets for graduate students’ voices to be heard outside of unionization, including through the GSG, the Council of the Princeton University Community (CPUC), the Priorities Committee, the University Student Life Committee, the Graduate Housing Advisory Board, the Student Health Plan Advisory Council, and the Graduate Student Departmental Committees. He claimed that in taking advantage of these existing mechanisms and opportunities for input, graduate students can “continue to help shape policies and programs at Princeton.”

According to Priestley, Princeton currently has six labor unions on campus, representing over 1,000 staff members who work in areas such as facilities, dining, public safety and security, and “certain aspects” of the library. Union staff members include, for instance, housing and dining personnel and members of the Department of Public Safety (DPS). 

Priestley drew a distinction between graduate students and other unionized workforces on campus such as facilities, dining, and public safety workers. “These positions differ in numerous ways from those of graduate students, for example, in the risk associated with their work, their representation in University governance, and in the overall nature of the engagement towards a lifelong relationship,” Priestley wrote.

Lia Opperman is an Associate News Editor for the ‘Prince.’

Please send any corrections to corrections[at]dailyprincetonian.com.

Correction: This piece has been updated so that current stipend rates are annual rates rather than academic year rates. The ‘Prince’ regrets this error.

Daya and NLE Choppa to headline Fall 2024 Lawnparties

Pop star Daya and rapper NLE Choppa will headline the upcoming Fall 2024 Lawnparties on Sunday, Sept. 8, following the first week of classes. Performances will begin at 2 p.m. on the Frist North Lawn main stage. This year’s Lawnparties will embrace a “fall festival” theme, reflecting the season of transition as students begin a new academic year, and an autumnal aesthetic.

NJ Transit free for returning student move-in

Princeton students returning to campus will not have to purchase a ticket to travel on NJ Transit trains. The fare holiday comes after a summer of historic delays and a month after a 15 percent fare increase.

Princeton students returning to campus will not have to purchase a ticket to travel on NJ Transit trains. The fare holiday comes after a summer of historic delays and a month after a 15 percent fare increase.

Tigers bring home four medals from 2024 Olympic Games

With a school record 26 athletes to Paris, the Princeton Olympic contingent outperformed expectations on their way to a brilliant series of performances in which three Tigers won gold and another brought home silver. Had Princeton been recognized as a country in the eyes of the International Olympic Committee, the school would have placed 28th in the final medal tally.

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Access, Diversity and Inclusion

Trustees set 2024-2025 budget, increasing spending for graduate student support

Photo by Denise Applewhite, Office of Communications

The increase underscores Princeton’s commitment to access, affordability and socioeconomic diversity, and reflects the continued expansion of the student body.

Most families with incomes up to $100,000 pay nothing to attend Princeton, receiving aid to cover the total cost of attendance, including tuition, housing, food, books and personal expenses. A quarter of all undergraduates pay nothing to attend.

The University also provides financial aid to many families with higher incomes; about two-thirds of students currently receive assistance. Nearly half of all Princeton students receive aid that covers the full cost of tuition, including most families with incomes up to $200,000.

Princeton’s  financial aid program  is recognized as one of the most generous in the country. In 2001, the University was the first in the country to eliminate loans from undergraduate aid packages, enabling students to graduate debt-free. The University made  substantial enhancements to its aid program  starting in the 2023-24 year, providing even more generous support to undergraduates and their families.

In 2024-25, the estimated average grant for undergraduates receiving aid will rise by more than $3,200, to $74,380   a year.

Princeton is also committed to supporting its graduate students. The University will increase average graduate fellowship and stipend rates by 4.25% for 2024-25. Total graduate student support is projected to increase 6.7%, to $335 million, based on other rate changes and enrollment.

Between fiscal years 2022 and 2025, Princeton’s spending on graduate and undergraduate student financial support is expected to increase by about 33%, or $152 million, due to pathbreaking changes in aid methodology, stipend rates and the numbers of students receiving support.

“At Princeton we make big bets on human talent from all sectors of society,” Provost Jennifer Rexford said. “We attract amazing students — at both the undergraduate and graduate levels — and go the extra mile to make their educational ambitions affordable.”

The University’s commitment to access and affordability has allowed it to diversify the makeup of the student body in significant and meaningful ways. In the Class of 2027, 67% of students receive financial aid, compared with 52% in the Class of 2008. The percentage of undergraduates eligible for federal Pell grants, restricted to lower-income students, has also risen, from 7% in the Class of 2008 to about 20% in recent years.

Earlier this month, the Board of Trustees  set aggressive new enrollment goals for low- and middle-income students . The trustees said the University should aim for a total undergraduate student body that is at least 70% eligible for need-based financial aid and at least 22% Pell Grant eligible.

Princeton provides financial aid in the form of grants, which do not have to be repaid. It does not require any borrowing, so students can graduate without debt, and there is no expected contribution from student work or summer earnings.

Aid packages are recalculated each year to offset increases to tuition, room, board and other expenses and to account for changes in the family’s financial circumstances. In determining need, Princeton excludes equity in the primary residence and retirement savings, and it considers other obligations, such as educational expenses for other children enrolled as undergraduates, as well as debt.

The University’s  endowment  distributions and investment income cover more than 70% of the undergraduate financial aid budget and over 60 %  of the overall operating budget.

The undergraduate fee package (which includes tuition, room and board) for the 2024-25 academic year will be $82,650. The estimated “net cost after aid” to attend Princeton for the average scholarship recipient is expected to be approximately $13,000 for 2024-25. The estimated “net cost after aid” to attend Princeton for the average student on aid has fallen significantly since the  University enhanced its aid methodology , from $20,000 in 2022-23.

The trustees approved the budget during a meeting in late March.

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Princeton University Faculty Salary by Rank and Contract -

Faculty salary by academic rank at princeton university.

• The Professor salary is $280,268, a 5.10% increase from last year ( +$13,606 ).
• The Associate professor salary is $164,901, a 4.52% increase from last year ( +$7,127 ).
• The Assistant professor salary is $135,201, a 3.75% increase from last year ( +$4,887 ).
• The Instructor salary is $98,214, a 0.84% increase from last year ( +$814 ).
• The Lecturer salary is $103,740, a 7.07% increase from last year ( +$6,854 ).

Faculty Salary By Gender

Faculty Salary Changes over Past 5 Years

How Princeton Faculty Salary Compared?

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Postdoctoral scholars at Princeton to receive minimum annual salary of $65,000

Postdoctoral scholars at Princeton will receive a minimum full-time salary of $65,000 per year, beginning March 1.

The new minimum salary, which represents a nearly 20% increase over a federally required minimum, applies to all current and future employees hired in the University’s postdoctoral ranks.

“Establishing this new minimum salary recognizes the vital role that postdocs play in our campus community as researchers, in advancing faculty scholarship, and in contributing to Princeton’s academic mission,” said Dean of the Faculty Gene Jarrett. “The new minimum salary will make us even more competitive in recruiting excellent and diverse postdoctoral researchers to Princeton.”

Princeton currently employs more than 700 postdoctoral scholars. Postdocs hold doctoral degrees, and they work under the mentorship of faculty and researchers — often as part of a larger research group — as they develop their professional and academic skills.

The salaries of all eligible postdocs earning less than $65,000 will be elevated to the new minimum level, which will serve as the floor for all future postdocs hired at the University. These include postdoctoral research associates, postdoctoral research fellows and postgraduate research associates.

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Princeton Grads Rank at the Top Among Highest Finance Salaries

A recent article by the Wall Street Journal shares the latest ranking of universities based on the finance salaries of their graduates. The Burning Glass Institute compiled the ranking to discover if all other variables are the same, does the one’s university choice impact their earning potential?

Their findings show that graduates of Princeton University working in finance earn an annual salary premium of over $39,000 above the median B.A. graduate. Ranked against other private universities, Princeton sits in the top three with MIT and Harvard. 

According to these rankings, choosing a top university like Princeton can have major salary implications over one’s lifetime and career. Our finance students are rigorously prepared to excel in the most competitive industries and supported by Princeton’s distinguished alumni network and career services department every step of the way.

Read the full article in the Wall Street Journal .

Graduate School

Graduate Student Employment

Graduate study at Princeton, at both the doctoral and the master’s level, requires full-time commitment by students to their academic research and degree progress.  However, occasional participation in hourly employment, internships and external opportunities can complement one’s academic studies and provide professional development. 

Prior to accepting any hourly employment, internships or external opportunities, graduate students must review the Graduate School  Employment Policy  and  Internship Policy  and adhere to these policies while participating in such activities. International students also must comply with all rules on the  Davis International Center’s employment page  or risk violating their visa immigration status.

Hourly Employment

Princeton offers a variety of on-campus hourly employment opportunities for enrolled graduate students.

Search jobs and sign up for notifications about relevant positions by interest.

Find eligibility and application information for federal work-study, including research assistantship guidelines.

External Opportunities & Internships

An external opportunity is off-campus employment which is directly related to a graduate student's field of study and funded by an outside entity.  External opportunities include internships at corporations, positions at national labs or research institutes, or research assistantships conducted away from Princeton.

Learn more about the approval process for off-campus external opportunities and internships.

Professional Development

GradFUTURES provides funding for part-time experiential opportunities conducted at academic, government, non-profit and private organizations that have partnered with the Graduate School.

Find internship and fellowship opportunities specifically for Princeton graduate students.

Impact to Graduate Student Funding

Part-time employment.

Graduate students may accept part-time employment during the Academic Year or Summer while maintaining their Princeton University funding, provided the part-time employment adheres to the  Graduate Student Employment Policy . 

Full-time Employment (external opportunities & internships)

Graduate students forfeit stipend from University fellowships and/or salary from assistantships while engaged in full-time external opportunities and internships. Typically, students participating in full-time external opportunities and internships receive salary from their employers at a rate which meets or exceeds their student stipend.

Other Considerations

Graduate students receiving Princeton funding which prohibits participation in remunerative activities may not participate any part-time or full-time employment.  Honorific fellowships awarded by the Graduate School are examples of Princeton funding prohibiting participation in paid employment.

Graduate students funded by external fellowships must provide documentation from the fellowship sponsor confirm eligibility to perform hourly employment or participate in internships and external opportunities.

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Princeton’s trustees approve supplemental 2.5% midyear salary increase for most faculty, academic professionals and staff

Photo by Danielle Capparella, Office of Communications

Princeton University’s Board of Trustees has approved a 2.5% midyear base salary increase for most benefits-eligible staff, faculty and academic professionals. The increase is effective Feb. 1.

The rare, supplemental midyear increase applies to eligible salaried and hourly University employees hired on or before Oct. 1, 2022.

“ This increase responds to the unanticipated persistence of inflation that has affected the market competitiveness of some University salaries over the past year,” said Dean of the Faculty Gene Jarrett and Vice President for Human Resources Romy Riddick in a joint memo to University employees.

The midyear increase is separate from and in addition to pay increases that will be determined this spring through the Human Resources merit increase program for staff members and the Office of the Dean of the Faculty’s reappointment and salary review processes for faculty and academic professionals.

Online FAQs with eligibility details are available for faculty and academic professionals , and University staff members .

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Princeton trustees approve financial aid increase in 2013-14 budget ..

Princeton University trustees Jan. 26 approved a 4.6 percent increase in undergraduate financial aid in the operating budget for 2013-14, which includes a 3.9 percent increase in tuition, to $40,170. Students who are receiving financial aid will not see an increase in the amount they pay because aid packages are automatically adjusted to compensate for changes in fees.

Postdoctoral scholars at Princeton to receive minimum annual salary of $65,000 .

The new minimum salary, which takes effect March 1, represents a nearly 20% increase over a federally required minimum.

Trustees approve 8.5 percent increase in financial aid budget .

Princeton University trustees Jan. 25 approved an 8.5 percent increase in undergraduate financial aid to $131.6 million in adopting the University’s operating budget for 2014-15. The University’s pioneering financial aid program is committed to providing access and affordability to students from all economic backgrounds without a required loan.

Romy Riddick named Princeton vice president for human resources .

Riddick will lead the Office of Human Resources (HR), which oversees the recruitment, retention and professional development of a highly skilled, diverse and vibrant group of staff members. She has been an integral member of Princeton's HR team since 2012. 

Board approves operating budget for 2003-04 .

Tilghman details impact of economic downturn ..

While Princeton remains fully committed to its financial aid program and other high-priority initiatives, the current economic downturn has reduced the value of the University's endowment and has led officials to adjust future spending projections, President Shirley M. Tilghman told members of the campus community in a Jan. 8 letter. 

Princeton trustees approve lowest fee package increase in 45 years .

Princeton University trustees Jan. 22 approved the lowest increase in undergraduate tuition and fees in 45 years -- 1 percent -- in recognition of the challenging economic environment that continues to affect students and their families.

Fall 2024: Wage Guidelines & Payroll Schedule

Undergraduate student employees are paid according to the wage information below. 

Rates of Pay for Student Employees*

Federal Work-Study Program and Academic Year 2024-25 employment dates are:

September 2, 2024 - May 11, 2025  

Student Worker 1 - $15.13/hour:

Positions require little to no prior experience. Work is structured, with a high level of supervision.

Student Worker 2 - $16.00/hour:

Positions normally require one or more years of experience. Moderate application of technical knowledge or independent decision making may be required. Jobs entailing extensive physical exertion or adverse working conditions are also included in this classification.

Manager/Tutor - $18.00/hour:

Positions normally require two or more years of experience or related course work. These positions may include peer instruction or supervision and require a high level of independent decision making.

Custom Grade:

Custom grade positions require the highest level of independent decision making and expertise.  These positions must include multiple proficiencies or responsibilities exceeding those of the Manager/Tutor role.  Wages are individually approved by the Student Employment Office for each position and must exceed $18/hour.

Hour Limitations and Overtime

US Citizens/Permanent Residents:

US citizens and permanent residents have no weekly employment limit.  However, overtime accrues once 40 hours of work are exceeded in a week.  For students with multiple jobs, the overtime threshold is cumulative between all jobs.   Overtime wages are paid at a 50% premium.

International Students:

International students who have completed an I-9 and are eligible to work are limited to 20 hours of work per week during term time.  International students may work full-time during breaks in the academic calendar (fall recess, Thanksgiving recess, wintersession, spring recess, and summer vacation).

Payroll Schedule

Students are paid according to the Biweekly Payroll Schedule found here .

Department of Molecular Biology

Microbiology, Virology & Immunology

Microbes will be at the heart of the solutions to the world's most pressing problems: food, energy, health, and the environment. Princeton research is therefore heavily focused on microbiology, including studies of viruses, bacteria, and yeast. Princeton microbiology research is highly collaborative and interdisciplinary and combines both theoretical and experimental approaches. Our microbiologists are pioneering the understanding of how individual cells are built, function, and signal, how microbes interact with their hosts, and how microbes interact with one another. This research is leading to a comprehensive understanding of fundamental biological processes, development of novel therapeutics to combat infectious diseases, and the engineering of new resources that are of use to humanity. Princeton microbiology provides a unique and broadly interdisciplinary training environment for undergraduate students, graduate students, and postdoctoral fellows.

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Transportation and Parking Services

MyTransportation Outage

August 16 to September 3, 2024: The University's online parking portal will be undergoing maintenance. Click for more information regarding parking permits, citations, and applying for Revise Your Ride.

Where is my bus?

Check for TigerTransit alerts, see when the next bus arrives, or plan your next trip with the TripShot Mobile App or by opening TripShot   in your browser. New routes and schedules starting August 26. 

Graduate Student Permits

Commuter and residential permits

Vehicles parked on campus without a current parking permit may be cited. Please make sure your vehicle is registered and attached to your active permit.

• Campus residents: One parking permit attached to one vehicle is available per contract holder. Residents may purchase an additional permit for a second vehicle by emailing The Service Point .
• Commuting students: Multiple vehicles may be attached to a permit, however, only one vehicle may be parked on campus at any time. 

Permits and vehicles need to be renewed once a year.

Graduate student parking FAQ

From 7 am - 4 pm, monday-friday:.

• Lakeside, Lawrence, Meadows, and Graduate College residents may park in any of these three residential parking facilities.  
• Residents in Annex housing may park in their residential lot as well as Lot 19 at the Graduate College, Lakeside, Lawrence, and Meadows.   
• Commuting Grad permits allow parking in Theater Drive Garage, Lot 20, Stadium Drive Garage, as well as at graduate housing facilities (Lakeside, Lawrence, Meadows, and Lot 19).

After 4 PM on weekdays and any time on weekends:

• All numbered and unrestricted lots and garages on campus are available unless reserved for event parking.

Please see the University's parking map for more information on lot location and access.

Safe, temporary parking on roadways or unassigned lots for loading/unloading may be allowed and may not exceed 15 minutes. While parked for loading/unloading, vehicle must have flashers on. For questions or concerns, please contact The Service Point .  

Only graduate residents with a current parking permit may park in their permitted residential lot overnight. Commuting graduate students are not permitted to park on campus overnight unless they have been granted a guest pass from a University resident.  

Your vehicle may not remain parked in any University parking lot if you have sublet your unit or not paying rent on the unit. 

Please contact The Service Point with the vehicle make, model, and license plate information (issuing state and plate number) to obtain a parking pass.

Please note that permits are not required for guests parking in non-residential lots or parking garages after 4 PM on weekdays or during the weekend. 

Get your permit

A valid virtual parking permit is required to park on campus. Visit the  My Transportation  hub to activate parking permits and update your vehicle(s).

My Transportation

Learn how to manage your permit, vehicles, or commuter benefits with the My Transportation guide .

Check University rules and regulations for campus parking and permits.  

Related links

• Find ADA parking
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• Construction at Princeton
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Campus construction impacts

Although each project is exciting and will advance the mission of the University, construction will temporarily impact parking and campus bike and pedestrian paths. Transportation and Parking Services is working closely with the Office of Capital Projects, the Office of the University Architect, the Office of Disability Services, and many other partners to maintain safe and accessible routes.  

Learn more about University capital projects

More From Forbes

The newly-opened graduate princeton brings its collegiate charm to new jersey.

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The Graduate Hotels brand—now known as Graduate by Hilton —has, throughout the years, become synonymous with college town accommodation that doesn’t suck. The brand has achieved this through its meticulous attention to detail and a tongue-in-cheek design attitude that makes staying at a Graduate property an experience in itself.

( I recently interviewed the brand’s founder, Ben Weprin , whose vision to transform the dreary accommodation options of university towns has resulted in 34 Graduate hotel properties around the world.)

Graduate Princeton guest room.

Graduate’s latest property, Graduate Princeton , is further testament to Weprin’s vision. The 180-room property opened earlier this month in Princeton’s historic Nassau Street, directly opposite the university’s campus. It’s the first hotel to open in Princeton in nearly 90 years—and only the second hotel downtown, nearly doubling the number of available hotel rooms in town.

“When we started Graduate ten years ago, Princeton was at the top of our list,” Weprin said. “The history, the heritage, the backdrop, the charm, the sophistication—it’s just the idea of what somebody envisions college looks like in America.”

Weprin's firm, AJ Capital Partners, meticulously restored, modernized, and expanded the 1918-era, Colonial Revival-style former university dormitory in partnership with architecture firm Stonehill Taylor. The hotel’s design pays homage to Princeton’s local culture, lore, and traditions, including subtle (and not-so-subtle) references to the university and the town’s 275-year history. Think nods to influential alumni, local architecture, and storied traditions synonymous with the Princeton student experience.

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Upon entering Graduate Princeton’s Gothic library-inspired lobby, guests are greeted by a hand-carved wooden reception desk flanked by four wooden statues of the school’s beloved mascot, the Tiger. Floor tiles rendered in Princeton’s signature orange and black anchor the lobby, which lined with thousands of books and a collection of colorfully embroidered vintage Reunions Jackets—a token received by alumni at their 25th reunion.

Graduate Princeton lobby.

A 30-foot carved wooden study table, a staple in every Graduate, is reminiscent of the historic libraries on campus and serves as a place for visitors and students to study, gather, and connect. The names of Princeton’s storied eating clubs are painted in gold leaf on the library bookcases that frame the space. On the opposite end of the lobby is Ye Tavern, the hotel’s bar and restaurant, named after a storied 1930s-era bar that once occupied the site.

Ye Tavern takes design cues from its namesake. A carved wooden bar—recalling the lancet windows found throughout campus—is a focal point of the space. Leather-topped banquettes weave through the center of the space, punctuated by stone-top tables. Inside the guest rooms, references to Princeton’s color palette are carried throughout, with orange-and-white seersucker drapes matching an apricot-hued carpet. Bedside lamps inspired by the Revolutionary War-era cannon buried behind Nassau Hall sit beside custom bed frames featuring hand-drawn illustrations referencing the university’s annual Cane Spree—Princeton’s first organized intramural event dating back to the 1860s.

Each room also features framed artwork referencing some of the university’s most storied traditions. Guest bathrooms feature custom wallpaper inspired by the campus’ renowned arboretum, paired with a framed sketch by Albert Einstein, a reference to his time working for Princeton’s Institute for Advanced Study.

Graduate Princeton.

To find out more about the recent launch, we spoke to some key members of the Graduate Princeton team below.

I'd love more details about how the team tackled the unique architectural challenge of renovating a former student dorm building from 1918. What elements of the building were preserved, and how challenging was that to do?

Michael Monarca, general manager, Graduate Princeton:

In order to preserve the building’s history and character, we meticulously restored the original façade, brick by brick. Additionally, we ensured that the materials we used in the new building echoed the design of the original 1918 structure, such as the pre-cast concrete coping.

While we weren't able to keep everything from the original structure, we preserved as much as we could. We were able to keep the original floors and key structural elements, but the glass windows were replaced to optimize energy efficiency.

The biggest challenge was creating a seamless transition between the 1918-era structure and the newly-built portion of the hotel. This was a significant undertaking as it involved re-working the structural design to connect both buildings. The end result is beautiful!

What design elements make this property uniquely Princeton? The school and town have a rich history—how is this history celebrated in the design details of the rooms and property, and, wider than that, in the guest experience?

At Graduate Princeton, we have two buildings merging together: one which is over 100 years old, and another which is brand new. In the same vein, Graduate Princeton is a new hotel that celebrates the history of the town and university.

During the process of researching the original building where Graduate Princeton resides, we learned about a restaurant that once existed in the basement. The local resident who told us this story knew of the restaurant because her great grandfather owned a barber shop right across from it called “Jack Honore’s Barber Shop,” which was a Princeton staple for many years. The resident often spent Friday evenings sharing Manhattans with her grandfather up until his passing. We went to the Princeton Historical Society to find out more, and found newspaper advertisements from 1927 confirming the existence of “Ye Tavern.”

In order to pay tribute to the building’s history, and to thank the resident for sharing this story, we not only named the restaurant “Ye Tavern” after the original establishment, but the Manhattan on our menu is now named “In Honore of Jack!”

There is a tradition at Princeton University known as the “Cane Spree,” which began in the 1860’s. In this time, when “gentlemen” would walk with a walking stick or cane, the University’s sophomores decided to create a rule that freshmen could no longer carry canes, and the sophomores would wrestle the canes away from the freshmen. This eventually turned into Princeton’s first organized intramural event, and has evolved today into a multi-sport class competition—almost like a field day. To honor this tradition, all of the headboards in our guest rooms are fashioned out of canes, which feature unique carvings that celebrate the rich history of both the university and the town of Princeton.

Finally, why is this such an exciting opening for the Graduate brand—and what makes the Princeton property stand out?

Kevin Osterhaus, president of Global Lifestyle Brands, Hilton:

Princeton is our first opening since Graduate joined the Hilton portfolio earlier this year, so it’s a very exciting moment for us. In a symbolic way, the opening of Graduate Princeton heralds a new chapter for Graduate, coinciding with both this transition and the brand’s 10-year anniversary.

All Graduate Hotels, including Graduate Princeton, will participate in Hilton Honors, Hilton’s guest loyalty program with nearly 190 million members for the company’s 24 world-class brands. Graduate Princeton guests and Graduate loyalists can book, earn and redeem Hilton Honors Points for their university anchored stays and enjoy their favorite Hilton Honors program benefits when staying with Graduate.

While Brown is in Providence, Columbia is in New York, and Yale is in New Haven, Princeton is in Princeton! The town is synonymous with the Ivy League University, and they help each other thrive. Graduate Princeton’s design truly reflects the rich history of the town and the university, by honoring both old and new traditions.

From bespoke design details—such as the guest room table lamps, which reference the cannon fired by Alexander Hamilton at a turning point in the Revolutionary War—to British hand pies made with Jersey Pork Roll, and modern twists on classic cocktails, the hotel’s design and guest experience celebrates everything that makes Princeton unique. Graduate Princeton offers world class hospitality across the street from a world class institution.

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Meet our team

The Economics Department at Princeton is home to more than sixty faculty members and hosts dozens of visitors, postdocs, and research fellows every year.

In addition to working alongside these researchers and organizing hundreds of seminars and events every year, our team of operational and administrative professionals support a diverse group of undergraduate and Ph.D. students as they pursue their degrees at one of the top economics departments in the world.

All of that work keeps us very busy! But if you’re new to the Economics Department, we know it can be hard to meet everyone on the team and figure out who does what. To help, here’s a quick list of our team members, with more information about who we are, what we do, and how to contact us.

Laura Hedden

Graduate Program Administrator [email protected] | extension: 8-4006 Laura Hedden has been the department’s Graduate Program Administrator since 2010. Prior to joining the Department of Economics, Laura was an adjunct professor of music at Rider University and Westminster Choir College, and a lecturer in Princeton’s Department of Music. Laura holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music and a Master of Fine Arts in Musicology from Penn State University, where she played cello in several ensembles, and a Ph.D. in Musicology from Princeton. After graduation she gradually realized that the last time Musicology was profitable was Prince’s 2004 album release, and gratefully accepted a full-time position in the department. She found a new sense of purpose in helping our graduate students make the most of their experience in the Ph.D. program. Laura hails from a small town in northeastern Pennsylvania and still can’t find her way around New Jersey. When she isn’t working, which isn’t very often, you can probably find her in one of the local refuges photographing birds. She still enjoys playing her cello and would love to talk to you about your own musical interests or hobbies.

Gina Holland

Undergraduate Program Manager [email protected] | extension: 8-0920 Gina Holland is the Undergraduate Program Manager for the Department of Economics. Gina holds a B.F.A in Musical Theatre from the University of Hartford and a Masters of Education in Diversity and Education from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Co-Mom to two girls (18 and 8!) with her wife Maxine, Gina and her family live near the beach in Monmouth County, NJ. With a persistent love for learning, Gina is always in the middle of several books or obsessed with some new song or artist. Gina sings and writes poetry, and recently founded the Atlantic Highlands Womens' Writing Group in her hometown. Her daughter, Eliza, will be starting college this fall at Chapman University in Orange County, CA, so Gina plans to rack up quite a few frequent flyer miles over the next four years. Gina's other passions include studying the Enneagram, listening to podcasts about The Office, and sharing the love of her ultimate muse, Emily Dickinson, by teaching at Princeton Adult School and at Princeton University's Wintersession. Gina loves working with students and faculty at Princeton and is always interested in how you are and what you are thinking about!

Kristin Rogers

Administrative Coordinator [email protected] | extension: 8-2496 Kristin Rogers is the Administrative Coordinator for the Department of Economics. She holds a bachelor's degree in Theatre Arts with a concentration in Technical Theatre from Rowan University, as well as a Master of Business Administration with a focus on Human Resources Management from William Paterson University. Kristin oversees the administration of Junior and Senior Recruiting initiatives within the department, as well as manages the Minor in Quantitative Economics. Additionally, she plays a key role in cultivating donor relations and provides crucial support to the Chair, Associate Chair, and Department Manager. Before joining Princeton, Kristin played pivotal roles in the performing arts, serving as Assistant Executive Director at Surflight Theatre in Beach Haven, New Jersey, and later as Assistant Production Coordinator at the Metropolitan Opera in Manhattan. Beyond her professional pursuits, Kristin leads as co-president of the Monmouth Junction Volunteer Fire Department Active Auxiliary, driving community engagement through numerous fundraisers and events. An avid reader, she has devoured over 150 romance novels this year alone, embracing both print and audiobooks. Kristin's creative talents shine in crafting, with her seasonal creations on display in JRR 200 during the holidays. She also delights in baking adventures with her 5-year-old son, Stephen. Kristin shares a fulfilling life with her husband, Justin Rogers, with whom she will celebrate their 8th wedding anniversary this November. Together, they cherish family travels, exploring destinations, enjoying cruises, and seeking thrills on roller coasters.

Christina Lipsky

Senior Manager, Finance and Administration [email protected] | extension: 8-4011 Christina Lipsky has been with Princeton University for eighteen years, starting in Electrical Engineering as a faculty assistant and progressing her career in various programs/departments such as Applied Mathematics, Architecture, and Economics. While working at the university, Christina earned her master's in Higher Education with a focus on instructional technology, because she is a massive nerd and also had a side hustle as a web developer for small businesses. Alas, those days of free time are long gone, as she is entering her fourth year as Senior Manager in Economics, where her duties include overseeing/onboarding faculty, staff, visitors, the department’s graduate/undergraduate programs, and its building. Before joining Princeton, Christina was an Associated Press award-winning journalist with The Star-Ledger, covering crime in Camden and Morris County, and at Forbes.com as lead news editor focusing on reviewing and test-driving luxury automobiles. So, if you have any opinions regarding true crime, the latest gadgets, or how overpriced cars have become, swing by my office to chat! When she is not at Princeton, Christina enjoys getting into mischief with her two young kiddos (Aria and Asher), husband (Josh), and new puppy (Miles).

Dana Molina

Executive Director, Griswold Center for Economic Policy Studies [email protected] | extension: 8-5765 Dana Molina joined the Griswold Center for Economic Policy Studies in 2018. She serves as the Center’s Executive Director where she organizes high-level symposia events, recruits short- and long-term visitors whose time on campus includes book talks, student roundtables, seminars, and public talks, and manages student research forums and faculty and graduate student grants. She also oversees fundraising activities, attracting individual and corporate member support for economic policy research. Partnering with other centers across the university, Dana encourages interdisciplinary collaboration on a wide variety of topics related to economics. Dana spent the previous ten years overseeing account management and finance for SureTech, a cloud computing and IT services company she co-founded. Dana worked as the Director of Volunteer Programs at Partnerships for Parks in New York City, where she oversaw event logistics and sponsorship for large-scale volunteer events, as well as recognition and grant programs for local volunteer groups. Prior to that she was program manager for the Foundation for a Civil Society, for their initiatives in the Czech Republic and Slovakia. In her volunteer life, Dana is involved with many area non-profits and is currently on the boards of Housing Initiatives of Princeton and The Jewish Center. She also volunteers with the Princeton Mobile Food Pantry and The Friends of Princeton Open Space. Dana enjoys traveling to new places, stand up surfing, and gardening. Her husband Alberto is a serial entrepreneur and is currently running the technology for a new photo product site and also enjoys writing poetry and playing improvisational music. Their daughter Catalina will be a freshman at Princeton this fall and son Milo will be a junior at Princeton High School. Dana loves walking their dog Rocco around town. He can often be found in her office waiting to greet any dog lovers. She received her B.A. from Yale University and served as Peace Corps Volunteer in the Czech Republic and can still speak some Czech.

Connor Reid

Technical Support Specialist [email protected] | extension: 8-3892 As the Technical Support Specialist for the Economics Department, Connor Reid focuses on ensuring our technology runs smoothly. His responsibilities include troubleshooting technical issues, managing and supporting classroom and meeting room technology, purchasing IT equipment, and overseeing the department's various servers. In all that work, Connor’s goal is to make sure that everyone in the department—whether they’re working in the office or remotely—has everything they need to work efficiently and productively. Connor began his journey in IT at Mercer County Community College, where he pursued studies in Information Technology. Before joining Princeton, he worked as a Service Desk Analyst at News Corp, where he provided IT support for major media entities like Dow Jones and The Wall Street Journal, as well as other companies within their network. Outside of work, Connor is passionate about collecting comic books, horror movies, and vintage video games. He also enjoys staying active through hiking and running in the many parks and nature preserves around New Jersey. Additionally, he has a deep passion for live music, particularly within the heavy metal scenes, which he actively follows and supports.

Charles Saltzman

Web Developer [email protected] | extension: 8-5151 Born in Paterson NJ, Charles Saltzman left the varsity soccer team for marching band his senior year of high school, also forming a rock/pop band called the Bemhos with his friends. He would continue in marching band at Rutgers University, where he majored in Mathematics and Art History with a minor in Music. He also played organ/keys at all local Rutgers Basketball games, including more than a few at Madison Square Garden. After college, Charles headed across the country to pursue a Master of Architecture degree at the University of California at Los Angeles. While completing his Master’s thesis in the computer lab, he discovered a fledgling entity called the World Wide Web and taught himself HTML. Following graduation, seeing the demand for web designers and developers in the burgeoning new industry, he took up the web as a career. Following a lengthy stint at Freedom Magazines, Charles took a sabbatical from the corporate scene to bartend in Culver City for a few years. He returned to the digital world to design musical greeting cards for American Greetings Interactive. After the shutdown of the musical greeting cards division, he quickly found his way into a small startup called MySpace, where he worked as their first full-time designer. Following the company's acquisition by News Corporation, he watch it grow into a multi-national social media giant. He finished his tenure at MySpace as Manager of Design and Development. After another couple of years bartending, Charles returned to a web development role for Signature Card Services, a position he would occupy through a move back to the east coast to spend valuable time with family. At this point, Charles took a job in the Economics Department at Princeton University where he remains to this day. But in case you were wondering: The Bemhos recently celebrated their 38th anniversary, with all six original members still in the band, and continue to perform regularly to this day.

Laura Sciarrotta

Finance Manager [email protected] | extension: 8-2858 Laura Sciarrotta is the Finance Manager for the Economics Department, a position she has held for over fifteen years. A graduate of Muhlenberg College, Laura earned her CPA license after completing her studies, setting the stage for a career in accounting. She began her professional journey at Deloitte & Touche, where she honed her skills as an auditor and was even part of the team that audited Princeton University itself—a unique experience that would later bring her full circle back to Princeton! After her time at Deloitte, Laura took on the role of Senior Accountant at Cigna in Philadelphia, where she gained insights into corporate finance. She then returned to the Princeton area, serving as the General Accounting Manager at Bracco Diagnostics, Inc. for several years. While the corporate world provided her with a wealth of experience, Laura knew she wanted to spend her career in higher education. This led her to join the Economics Department at Princeton, where she has found fulfillment in supporting the academic mission of the university. When she’s not crunching numbers or managing budgets, Laura enjoys a variety of hobbies. She is an avid crocheter, often creating beautiful pieces for family and friends. A true Jersey girl at heart, Laura loves spending time at Long Beach Island, where she enjoys the sun, surf, and sand. Laura lives in Lawrenceville, NJ, with her husband and son, and can frequently be found cheering on her son at his baseball and basketball games.

Stu Sternbach

Department Office Support [email protected] | extension: 8-4001 Stu Sternbach joined the department in 2021 when, after twenty years commuting to New York City on the New Jersey Transit, he finally had the courage to walk away from the small creative business he founded many years prior. Through this business, Stu represented artisans in the fields of television production with a focus on on-air commercials and high-end video content. His clients were mostly advertising agencies and Fortune 500 companies. As an agent, he worked closely with film directors, editors, animation studios and music houses securing work and managing the relationships between talent and agency. He was also fortunate to have worked with the Universal Studios Florida Production Group as a freelance business developer for their shooting stages. Prior to working at Princeton, he also had more than a handful of jobs that included producing pharma videos and teaching music for commercials as an adjunct professor in New York. These days, his creative endeavors continue by teaching instrumental music and performing in various bands. He plays a few instruments and composes on occasion, so if you’re a musician or singer please make sure to let him know. In fact, if you are reading this, why not sign up for his Wintersession harmonica course. It's a lot of fun. Anyway, he’s a local dad and his two daughters live close by, so he’s looking forward to staying at Princeton and working closer to family.

Michi (Michiko) Statham

Event Coordinator [email protected] | extension: 8-7986 Michi Statham is a dedicated Event Coordinator for the Department of Economics. where she enjoys crafting unforgettable experiences for students, faculty, staff, and visitors. Although just over a year with the Economics team, Michi has had quite the journey within the university, having her start with Donor Relations just before the Covid pandemic closed university offices and classrooms. She returned once things started opening back up and helped University Health Services (UHS) with Covid testing protocols for university staff and students for a year. She later begin working with the Office of Diversity and Inclusion (ODI) as an office manager for the Carl Fields Center where her passion for hosting events took off. Michi holds a B.S. in Psychology, which naturally coincides with her love for working with people of diverse backgrounds. With her vibrant spirit, she brings people together through beautifully orchestrated events that reflect her attention to detail and creativity. Beyond her work, Michiko is a lover of all things creative—whether she’s indulging in her latest craft project, exploring new travel destinations, or embracing the great outdoors through exercise, short hikes, swimming, pickleball, occasional basketball and backyard barbecues with family and friends. An avid music enthusiast of sorts and self-proclaimed movie buff, she can also be found discovering new culinary delights, making her a true foodie at heart. Michiko is particularly proud of her journey in raising outstanding children, believing that nurturing the next generation is her most rewarding adventure. Passionate about owning her own event planning business, she balances her career with a warm, friendly nature that leaves a lasting impression on everyone she meets. For Michiko, happiness is intertwined with family, friendships, and the joy of creating moments worth celebrating.

Oscar Torres-Reyna

Head of the Economic Statistical Services (ESS) Unit [email protected] | extension: 8-3067 Oscar Torres-Reyna serves as the head of the Economic Statistical Services (ESS) Unit in the Department of Economics. With an impressive career that began at Princeton in 2007, Oscar has become a pivotal figure in the academic community, known for his expertise in data analysis and his dedication to teaching. In addition to his role at Princeton, Oscar is a part-time lecturer at Rutgers University-New Brunswick, where he teaches statistics and data analytics in the Economics Department. This dual role at two prestigious institutions underscores his commitment to nurturing the next generation of statisticians and economists. Oscar's academic journey is marked by a diverse and robust educational background. He holds degrees in economics, statistics, public administration, and political science, reflecting a broad and interdisciplinary approach to his work. This diverse educational foundation has equipped him with a unique perspective on the application of statistical methods across different domains, allowing him to bridge gaps between theoretical research and practical application. Over his 33-year career, Oscar has amassed a wealth of experience across the federal government, the private sector, and academic settings. This extensive experience has provided him with a deep understanding of the complexities and nuances of data analysis in various contexts. His work is characterized by a dual focus: extracting meaningful insights from data and effectively communicating these insights to a broader audience. At the core of Oscar's professional and academic endeavors is a passion for data analysis. He believes in the power of data to uncover hidden patterns, answer critical questions, and inform decision-making processes. His work often involves assisting students in applying sophisticated statistical techniques to analyze economic data, and advising on how to find valuable insights that drive both their understanding of academic research and the relevance of practical policy decisions. Equally important to Oscar is his commitment to education. He has dedicated a significant portion of his career to teaching and mentoring students, particularly those who may not have a background in statistics or econometrics. He understands that these fields can be daunting to newcomers and strives to make them accessible and engaging. His teaching philosophy is rooted in clarity, patience, and enthusiasm, aiming to demystify complex concepts and empower students with the skills they need to succeed. Oscar's contributions to the field are not limited to the classroom or his direct professional responsibilities. He has collaborated with other units across campus that seek to advance the teaching of data analysis and the application of statistical software, continuously working to push the boundaries of knowledge and practice in his field.

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Student Wellness Tip: Investing in Graduate Student Mental Health

Campus leaders at Ohio State University are using state funding to bolster resources and services for graduate and professional students on campus and remotely.

By  Ashley Mowreader

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Ohio State University is scaling its mental health offerings to increase access and support for all students, with a particular focus on graduate students.

Megan Jelinger/AFP

As student mental health needs have grown, more institutional leaders are investing dollars into supporting preventative and interventional measures to aid in student well-being. Ohio’s House Bill 33 allocated $2.5 million to Ohio State University, part of $20 million in funds for university mental health support for students across the state.

University leaders hope to remove barriers to access for students with the funding, particularly for graduate and professional students, through teletherapy, biometric equipment and online resources.

What’s the need: Graduate and professional students face a number of unique life challenges in pursuing their education that vary from their undergraduate peers, including finding social support, navigating life logistics and finances, says Harry Warner, associate director of outreach in Ohio State’s counseling and consultation service (CCS) office.

Incoming undergraduate students often reside in a residence hall surrounded by their peers and experience greater proximity to like-minded individuals. Some graduate students are living alone, with strangers off campus or with their families, making building relationships more difficult, Warner says.

Graduate students can face intense comparison of self to others, burnout and impostor syndrome from rigorous academics and a lack of community.

With age also comes various developmental life markers, further exposing students to new challenges, such as working with a difficult landlord or raising children.

In addition, graduate education can be expensive and have a lower return on investment, which can harm students’ financial wellness and increase stressors while they are enrolled.

Inside Higher Ed ’s 2024 Survey of College and University Presidents found three-quarters of institutional leaders believe they have sufficient clinical capacity to meet the mental health needs of graduate students—but presidents of public institutions were less likely to say this was true, with fewer than one quarter somewhat or strongly agreeing.

At Ohio State’s counseling center, around one in four clients are graduate students (slightly higher proportionally than the graduate student rate at the university), but leaders want to further remove barriers to access.

Dollars at work: OSU will allocate funding to establish in-person and remote supports, including training peer mental health ambassadors, offering teletherapy services, hiring a graduate student administrative assistant, purchasing biofeedback equipment and developing online mental health modules.

Teletherapy and digital mental health modules, specifically, will be targeted toward graduate and professional students. Ohio State partnered with Uwill to offer virtual mental health care, which will be available to all students across the university’s five campuses.

Uwill will extend on-campus services, allowing learners to get after-hours care at night and on weekends and access care wherever they are when off campus, Warner says. “Convenience and accessibility are the big pieces there, so that’s a good extension of how we can support students.”

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Staff will use the biofeedback machine to help students practice self-soothing and grounding skills by tracking their heart rate or breathing.

“The student gets instant feedback on what the effects … while they’re relaxing, while they’re engaging in progressive muscle relaxation, diaphragmatic breathing, those type of things, and it really helps a person get to a deeper level of relaxation,” Warner says.

The university offers a Mental Health Care Grant , housed within the student advocacy center, that provides up to $2,000 to make mental health services accessible. This money can be applied to fund therapy sessions, medications, transportation or childcare costs associated with participating in therapy. Some of the state dollars will be allocated to this fund, providing further reimbursement for students.

Additionally, students can access a mood-tracking app, WellTrack Boost , for free, thanks to the grant.

A larger focus of care: The new funding works to support OSU’s already existing models of care.

One graduate and professional student–focused initiative is CCS’s embedded counseling program, which places 18 practitioners in 16 academic areas such as the dentistry, pharmacy, law and nursing programs. These providers assist in outreach and preventative education as well as therapy and consultation, and they can be highly impactful due to their proximity to learners, Warner says.

“Having a psychologist over in the College of Optometry does a lot, [because it’s] someone right there that they can talk with [who] understands what they’re going through,” Warner adds.

Graduate students can also benefit from group counseling programs offered by OSU’s counseling and consultation service, which include affinity groups.

One impactful outreach program, also Warner’s favorite, is Let’s Talk , modeled after Cornell University’s intervention, which allows students to have free, confidential, drop-in conversations with counseling staff.

In the past, graduate students have used Let’s Talk sessions to address issues like communicating with their faculty mentor or navigating counseling in the U.S. as an international student. These conversations don’t require intake forms and 10 weeks of sessions, Warner says, but they are important to reaching students who need help addressing their mental health and want to connect with an expert.

Removing barriers is a key focus in graduate student support, because of this population’s competing priorities and limited resources such as time and money. So, Warner adds, any way counseling staff can make it easy and low-stakes to engage with students is important.

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