Duke Kunshan University implements daily COVID-19 testing, incorporates serious sanctions for noncompliance

Under Duke Kunshan University’s new COVID-19 testing policy, two to three missed surveillance tests can lead to academic suspension, demotion from leadership positions and a permanent note on students’ records.

In response to widespread COVID-19 infections and increasing restrictions in China, DKU is requiring students to complete daily COVID-19 tests from April 4 to April 10. Students who fail to comply with testing requirements will be subject to serious consequences, according to an email to the DKU student body from Raphael Moffettl, DKU’s dean of student affairs.

If students miss one test, their parents will be notified of the conduct violation and their DKU access code will be deactivated until they complete a test and provide proof of testing. The names of students who are noncompliant with testing requirements will also be published publicly to the rest of the student body.

By publishing the list of names, DKU aims to make the campus community “aware of these students as they pose potential health risks to the DKU community by violating government epidemic prevention regulation protocols,” according to an email sent to DKU students.

If students miss two tests, they will be placed on disciplinary probation. In addition to the sanctions outlined above, these students will also be barred from holding student leadership positions—including resident assistants, duty assistants, peer mentors and student workers—for the 2022-23 academic year. 

Students on disciplinary probation will only be able to register for fall 2022 classes after all other students have registered. The violation of COVID-19 policies will also be noted on a student’s permanent record, but the note on the record is subject to removal if the student does not miss any more tests.

If students miss three tests, they will face all of the sanctions for one or two missed tests, in addition to harsher penalties. These students will be subject to academic suspension and will need to retake the classes in which they are currently enrolled, although they can remain on campus for the rest of the semester due to COVID-19 protocols. Students will also not be able to study away through the Global Education Office, including at Duke’s Durham campus. After three missed tests, the notation on the student’s record will not be removed.