When Princeton resumes classes this fall, Prospect Street will be dark for the first time in more than a century. In an agreement reached today between the Graduate Interclub Council (GICC), the Undergraduate Interclub Council (ICC), and the University, all operations, dining, social activities and housing will be suspended until January 1st.
We do this with a heavy heart, but recognize that the health and safety of the community must come first. Toward that end, the University is very focused on ensuring compliance with their protocols and managing risk during the reopening process. After much brainstorming and discussion between the Eating Clubs and the University, we came to the joint conclusion that closing the clubs was in everyone’s best interests. The University has graciously offered financial support to help the clubs weather this tough period and to help us prepare to open safely as soon as it’s deemed appropriate. We are already discussing the spring semester, but there are too many rapidly shifting variables to make any projections at this time.
To our past, present and future student membership, we share your disappointment and are working now to provide social respite during this semester—even if it has to be virtual. We would appreciate your suggestions for communal activities and projects, from career mentorship and community service to cooking classes and online parties.
We are also keeping open to the University our offer of 250,000 square feet of well-ventilated space. If they require additional room for open-air classes, socially distant dining, or other purposes—we stand ready to assist. This isn’t our first global pandemic after all—we will get through this together.