The message is being sent to all Duke undergraduate students.

Thursday, May 20, 2021

Dear students,

We are writing with the last COVID conduct and compliance update of the 2020-2021 academic year. Thank you for all you did this year to make sure we were able to finish out the semester strong, safe, and healthy. We continue to be so proud of the ways you all have come together and supported each other this past year, while rising above extraordinary challenges.

COMPLIANCE AND CONDUCT UPDATES

As we have throughout the year, we are providing a monthly update to share aggregate data around conduct outcomes for individual students and student organizations found responsible for any violations of COVID and Duke Compact-related expectations. As you know, we follow up on all reports and investigate to determine any student responsibility.

For the period from the start of the spring term through Friday, May 13:

  • 307 students referred for educational interventions for less severe infractions of the Duke Compact. These outcomes are not part of a student’s disciplinary record. Sanctions for COVID-related violations are implemented by either the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards or Housing and Residence Life.
  • 281 sanctions have been issued to students this spring. (NB: total number of sanctions does not equal total number of students as one student could receive multiple sanctions). These actions, which include suspensions for an upcoming semester, formal warnings, disciplinary probation, withdrawal of campus privileges, and educational initiatives, may become a part of the student’s conduct record and, in some cases, reportable to graduate schools, study away programs, employers, and other university programs in which a student’s disciplinary record may be a factor in participation.
  • 0 campus organizations currently on suspension for COVID-related infractions.

Administrative Action Review Panels are held to determine if allegations of flagrant violations of COVID policy expectations and the Duke Compact could result in interim measures to preserve the health, safety, and welfare of the Duke and Durham community, pending the conduct process.

  • 11 students have had cases addressed through Administrative Action Review Panels this semester. Examples of flagrant violations include: hosting large gatherings, failing to follow quarantine and isolation protocols to protect fellow students, and repeated violations of COVID expectations. As in Fall 2020, interim measures have included loss of campus privileges, interim suspensions, and other interim restrictions.

OSCCS will report aggregate conduct outcomes for the 2020-21 academic year in August 2021.  

Thank you again for coming together as a community this year, to do the right thing, to look out for each other, and to support each other during a truly extraordinary year.

Thank you and go Duke,

John Blackshear
Associate Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students

Jeanna McCullers
Senior Associate Dean & Director,
Office of Student Conduct & Community Standards