COVID-19 Campus FAQ

Vaccination Requirements:

• Students are required to complete a World Health Organization-approved COVID vaccine series prior to participation in on-campus activities. Duke also recommends students receive a booster dose when eligible per CDC guidelines. Note: Health Science students are required to receive the booster dose when eligible per CDC guidelines.
• All new employees are required to have a WHO-approved COVID-19 vaccination and booster shot or a Duke-approved medical or religious exemption.

Masking:

• Duke University’s approach to masking in classrooms will be tied to the CDC community level category. Currently, Durham County remains at the “high” level of community risk, so masking will continue to be required in classrooms. If and when the community risk has been reduced to medium or low for two consecutive weeks, masking will no longer be required in classrooms. Masking will continue to be encouraged in classrooms for anyone who is concerned or is at high-risk for severe disease.
• Masks will continue to be required on Duke buses and vans and in all clinical settings, regardless of the CDC community level.
• Individuals who are unvaccinated are still required to wear a mask in all indoor settings.
• Anyone who is experiencing COVID-19 symptoms should wear a mask, not report to work or attend classes, and get tested as soon as possible. Anyone experiencing respiratory symptoms, even after a negative COVID test, should remember there are many respiratory viruses circulating in our community. Please be considerate to others and wear a mask whenever you have any cold-like symptoms.
• Masks may still be required in other locations based on specific circumstances, so student, employees and visitors should carry a mask and be prepared to wear it, if needed. Masking is one of the most effective ways to protect yourself and others, especially in indoor settings. Please continue to respect an individual’s decision to wear a mask even if it is not required.

Testing:

• Duke will require all students to get a negative PCR test before arriving on campus, preferably within 72 hours of arrival. Tests are not required to be submitted to Duke, but participation is considered as part of the Duke Community Standard.
• Anyone who tests positive should contact Student Health and delay their arrival until cleared by Student Health.
• Duke will continue to offer limited surveillance testing at four locations during the fall semester. Testing is optional for all students, faculty and staff. For more information about surveillance testing, visit the Coronavirus Response website.

Isolation Management:

• Students, faculty and staff who test positive will be required to wear a well-fitted mask and isolate for a minimum of five days before returning to work or class and will need to continue to wear a mask for another five days. Health sciences students will be required to observe the longer isolation requirement for those working in the healthcare environment.
• Residential students who test positive will be allowed to isolate in place within their residential hall room or apartment while wearing a well-fitted mask until released by Student Health. Residential students can arrange for food delivery through Merchants on Point. Roommates who have been exposed will need to test and also wear a mask to reduce further exposure or infection. Duke has secured space to help relocate exposed medically high-risk roommates, if needed.

Updated: 6.6.22

Yes. Neighbors are still encouraged to alert Duke to any student behavior that they are concerned about including behavior that violates our Duke Community Standard or potentially violates local, state or federal law.

Neighbors can look to “The Duke Community Standard in Practice: A Guide for Students” for undergraduate student policies.

This policy document primarily uses language pertaining to on-campus behavior, however all undergraduate students are made aware that our Duke Community Standard pertains to behaviors regardless of location from enrollment to commencement. The items pulled out from the document below bring additional context to the University’s ability to address the policies for off-campus behavior.

• Duke students are held to these standards wherever they are (on-campus or off-campus in Durham or traveling elsewhere).
• Page 32-33, Other Violations section- addresses violating local ordinances or state or federal laws including those related to noise, housing occupancy, and/or the use of distribution of alcohol.

To report behavior to the University, follow the steps below:

Here are the ways to submit a report (please submit as many details as possible):

• The toll-free phone line is (800) 826-8109 (English and Spanish)
• The link to the confidential web form is at this website: values.duke.edu
• The email address is conduct@duke.edu

The phone line and web form are confidential and can take reports anonymously.

The reporting line is intended to collect conduct issues and investigate the concern over a period of time. If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, call 9-1-1 for immediate assistance.

Updated: 6.6.22

As of Monday, March 7, fully vaccinated individuals will no longer be required to wear masks inside most campus and leased facilities. However, masks will continue to be required for all individuals in the following locations on the Duke University campus unless otherwise indicated:

• In-person classes
• Duke buses and vans
• Clinical and patient care areas*

*Note: Easing of mask requirements does not apply to Duke University Health System hospitals, clinics, procedural centers and PDC clinics. Further communication regarding changes in mask requirements will come directly from DUHS and PDC leadership and will be in accordance with CDC health care recommendations.

Masks may still be required in other locations based on specific circumstances. The Lemur Center will still require masks to help protect the health of the lemurs. We encourage students, employees and visitors to carry a mask and be prepared to wear it if needed. Individuals who are unvaccinated are still required to wear a mask in all indoor settings. Anyone who is experiencing COVID-19 symptoms should wear a mask, not report to work or attend classes, and get tested as soon as possible.

For additional information read this Duke Today article.

Updated: 1.10.22

We anticipate that students who choose to travel during the holiday break will return between January 1st and January 4th. Spring semester begins January 5th. Many graduate students call Durham home and stay in the area over the break. Additionally, some international students choose to stay particularly due to travel and quarantine restrictions in their home countries.

All students enrolled at Duke for the Spring 2022 semester must:

• Be prepared to submit proof that they have received a COVID booster shot before the end of January, or as soon thereafter as they are eligible according to CDC guidelines.
• Attest that they have received a negative COVID test within 48 hours prior to returning to campus. Only PCR tests administered by a certified provider are acceptable; self-administered rapid/antigen tests will not be accepted.  Students who test positive should not return to campus until their isolation period is completed.
• Take an entry (surveillance) test administered by Duke after returning to campus.
• Sequester in their on- or off-campus residence until they receive notification via email that their sequester can end. According to CDC and state public health guidelines, individuals who receive a positive result in surveillance testing must isolate for 5-10 days (depending on vaccination status) before they can attend classes.
• Due to the rapid spread of the Omicron variant of COVID-19 all undergraduate and graduate/professional classes will be held remotely until Tuesday, January 18th.  During this time, no hybrid or in-person classes will be permitted.

Residence halls will open as planned on January 2nd. However, on-campus residential students are strongly encouraged to delay their return to campus, if possible. All on-campus dining will be grab-and-go until January 18th; no indoor dining will be permitted during this time. All Duke facilities will remain open.Updated: 1.4.22

Duke is now requiring all students and employees to provide proof of receiving the COVID-19 booster shot in January or within 28 days of their eligibility under CDC and state guideline, whichever date is later.

For those that are unable to receive a booster shot before returning to campus after the winter break, additional opportunities will be made available on campus in January. Medical and religious exemptions can be requested.

Updated: 1.10.22

Yes. Neighbors are still encouraged to alert Duke to any student behavior that they are concerned about including behavior that violates our Duke Community Standard or potentially violates local, state or federal law.

Neighbors can look to “The Duke Community Standard in Practice: A Guide for Students” for undergraduate student policies.

This policy document primarily uses language pertaining to on-campus behavior, however all undergraduate students are made aware that our Duke Community Standard pertains to behaviors regardless of location from enrollment to commencement. The items pulled out from the document below bring additional context to the University’s ability to address the policies for off-campus behavior.

• Duke students are held to these standards wherever they are (on-campus or off-campus in Durham or traveling elsewhere).
• Page 32-33, Other Violations section- addresses violating local ordinances or state or federal laws including those related to noise, housing occupancy, and/or the use of distribution of alcohol.

To report behavior to the University, follow the steps below:

Here are the ways to submit a report (please submit as many details as possible):

• The toll-free phone line is (800) 826-8109 (English and Spanish)
• The link to the confidential web form is at this website: values.duke.edu
• The email address is conduct@duke.edu

The phone line and web form are confidential and can take reports anonymously.

The reporting line is intended to collect conduct issues and investigate the concern over a period of time. If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, call 9-1-1 for immediate assistance.

Updated: 12.8.21

Yes. The policy is in effect.

Last year, as part of its COVID safety measures, Duke significantly reduced the number of students living in on-campus residences and only invited certain class-years to live on campus during the Fall and Spring semester. For this reason, some students who would have normally lived on campus chose to live in off-campus housing instead.

Updated: 12.8.21

Neighbors are encouraged to reach out with questions and concerns even if behaviors may fall outside of the current policy. By reporting, the appropriate team can then review. The best direct email for neighbors to report concerning behaviors is conduct@duke.edu

• Vaccinations: All Duke undergraduate, graduate and professional students must present proof of vaccination in order to attend classes and other campus activities this Fall. All faculty and staff are expected to present proof of vaccination by September 1. Students, faculty and staff may apply for a medical or religious exemption. Individuals granted medical or religious exemptions will be subject to daily symptom monitoring, regular testing, masking and other protocols applicable to those who have not been vaccinated.
• Testing: All students will be tested upon arrival at Duke and must then participate in surveillance testing regardless of their vaccination status. The frequency of how often students are called in for testing depends on a number of factors, including vaccination status and whether an individual has potentially been exposed to the virus. All students who have obtained an exemption from vaccination will be required to participate in surveillance testing twice a week. Faculty and staff who have not been vaccinated will be required to participate in surveillance testing once per week. The testing schedule for each group is based on the number of interactions they are likely to have that could lead to the transmission of COVID-19. Students tend to live in congregate settings and will likely have substantially more interactions than faculty and staff. **updated 9.15.21**
• Symptom Monitoring: Effective September 1, fully vaccinated faculty, staff, and students will not be required to complete daily symptom monitoring. Anyone who has not been vaccinated, regardless of the circumstances, will be required to complete daily symptom monitoring.
• Masking: Masks are required on the Duke Campus in all indoor locations. Because of the declining trend the last couple weeks, masking is no longer required outdoors in most circumstances on the Duke campus, though masks are still strongly recommended in outdoor settings with a gathering of people. Masks will continue to be required for large outdoor events on campus. Masks are also required on all Duke buses and shuttles, as swell as bus stops. These requirements apply to all students, faculty, staff and visitors regardless of vaccination status. Masks will not be required when an individual is working alone in an office where they are the only occupant. **updated: 9.15.21**
• Indoor Eating: Indoor group seating at Duke Dining facilities will be temporarily suspended. All Duke Dining facilities will transition to grab and go, and more than 25 tents have been erected across the campus to provide outdoor seating for meals and other gatherings.**updated: 8.31.21**
• Flu Vaccination: All members of the Duke community will be expected to participate in the annual flu vaccine program.

Updated: 7.6.21

As our knowledge and understanding of the COVID-19 virus continues to evolve, the Undergraduate Student COVID-19 Policy Plan has been established to provide guiding principles as well as student responsibilities and expectations while enrolled in the 2021-22 academic year. This policy plan has the ability to be updated appropriately as more information becomes available. Any undergraduate student who attends in-person courses on campus or utilizes on campus resources, facilities, or services is required to attest to these guiding principles. The Undergraduate Student COVID-19 Policy Plan overarches the Compact and offers the Durham community a broad perspective on Duke’s undergraduate policy around COVID-19 as conditions change throughout this academic year.

Updated: 8.24.21

Yes. Neighbors are still encouraged to alert Duke to any student behavior that they are concerned about including behavior that violates our Duke Community Standard or potentially violates local, state or federal law.

Neighbors can look to “The Duke Community Standard in Practice: A Guide for Students” for undergraduate student policies.

This policy document primarily uses language pertaining to on-campus behavior, however all undergraduate students are made aware that our Duke Community Standard pertains to behaviors regardless of location from enrollment to commencement. The items pulled out from the document below bring additional context to the University’s ability to address the policies for off-campus behavior.

• Duke students are held to these standards wherever they are (on-campus or off-campus in Durham or traveling elsewhere).
• Page 32-33, Other Violations section- addresses violating local ordinances or state or federal laws including those related to noise, housing occupancy, and/or the use of distribution of alcohol.

To report behavior to the University, follow the steps below:

Here are the ways to submit a report (please submit as many details as possible):

• The toll-free phone line is (800) 826-8109 (English and Spanish)
• The link to the confidential web form is at this website: values.duke.edu
• The email address is conduct@duke.edu

The phone line and web form are confidential and can take reports anonymously.

The reporting line is intended to collect conduct issues and investigate the concern over a period of time. If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, call 9-1-1 for immediate assistance.

Updated: 7.6.21

Duke hosts some pre-orientation programs prior to the start of fall semester. Students who attend will move to Durham beginning August 2^nd.

First-Year Move-In Day is Tuesday, August 17^th. Upperclass students who live on campus will move in between Friday August 20^th and Sunday, August 22^nd.

Upperclass students who are eligible to live off-campus sign leases on different timelines throughout the summer depending on their unique circumstance.

Updated: 7.6.21

Yes. The policy is in effect.

Last year, as part of its COVID safety measures, Duke significantly reduced the number of students living in on-campus residences and only invited certain class-years to live on campus during the Fall and Spring semester. For this reason, some students who would have normally lived on campus chose to live in off-campus housing instead.

Updated: 7.6.21

Duke aggregates conduct outcomes and created this infographic to share some high level outcomes.

New and returning students will continue to be held accountable to the behavior expectations and Duke Compact.

Neighbors are still encouraged to alert Duke to any student behavior that violates our code of conduct or is out of line with state and local requirements at any time, and we appreciate all of the input received during the Fall and Spring semester.

Here are the ways to submit a report (please submit as many details as possible):

• The toll-free phone line is (800) 826-8109 (English and Spanish)
• The link to the confidential web form is at this website: values.duke.edu
• The email address is conduct@duke.edu

The phone line and web form are confidential and can take reports anonymously.

Updated: 4.26.21

Undergraduate students who live on campus will start to return on January 14, residence halls open on January 15. However, we continue to monitor local, state and national conditions including travel advisories, and could make changes as needed.

Remember that most of Duke’s 9,000 graduate and professional students, and their families, call the Durham area home year-round. A small number of undergraduates remained on campus over the break due to travel restrictions or extenuating circumstances.

Duke’s academic calendar is available at the Registrar’s website. That URL is: https://registrar.duke.edu/calendars-key-dates/academic-calendar

Any changes to the academic year will be posted to coronavirus.duke.edu.

From 1.12.21

Yes, all students accessing campus will have entry baseline testing before they are cleared to return to campus. Surveillance testing will continue throughout the semester. The testing tracker is now updated on Tuesdays: https://coronavirus.duke.edu/covid-testing/

From 1.12.21

Yes, and all undergraduate students who are living in Duke housing or taking classes on campus will need to reaffirm their commitment to the Duke Compact before their DukeCard will be reactivated. DukeCards are student’s electronic key and are required for building access and all student services such as dining. From 1.12.21

Due to COVID-19, first year students will not be allowed to participate in traditional recruitment for fraternity/sorority organizations at Duke. And there will be no in-person recruitment among any selective living groups during the spring semester. All student events must be in compliance with Duke policy. Any in-person recruitment activities will be considered a violation of the Duke Compact. If neighbors are concerned that these types of behaviors are occurring in the community, they are encouraged to submit a report. From 1.12.21

Yes. Neighbors are still encouraged to alert Duke to any student behavior that violates our code of conduct or is out of line with state and local requirements at any time, and we appreciate all of the input received during the Fall semester.

Here are the ways to submit a report (please submit as many details as possible):

• The toll-free phone line is (800) 826-8109 (English and Spanish)
• The link to the confidential web form is at this website: values.duke.edu
• The email address is conduct@duke.edu

The phone line and web form are confidential and can take reports anonymously.

From 1.12.21

Since the beginning of the 2020-2021 school year, the Duke Office of Audit Risk and Compliance has been able to track concerns reported regarding student conduct related to the Duke Compact.

Individuals reporting a concern are not required to indicate their affiliation with Duke. Of the concerns reported where affiliation data was captured, 76% were reported by students, 21% by Duke faculty or staff members and 3% by individuals outside of Duke.

More than 700 students went through the conduct process during the Fall semester, resulting in educational interventions or individual sanctions. Additionally, five student organizations were placed on interim suspension.

Updates on the conduct process are sent to students throughout the semester and are posted here: https://coronavirus.duke.edu/updates/community-messages/

From 1.12.21

Wherever they are during the break, students are expected to adhere to the Duke Compact and student COVID-19 Policy Plan: https://keeplearning.duke.edu/student-expectations/

Additionally, the “Community Responsibility” section of the Duke United website outlines the expectations for all members of the Duke community: https://returnto.duke.edu/community-responsibility/

The Duke Compact is posted here: https://returnto.duke.edu/the-duke-compact/ 

From 1.12.21

Over the Fall semester, Duke administered 178,084 tests to faculty/staff and students with 241 positive results. Campus remained open and functioning throughout and there were no incidents of virus transmission resulting from classroom settings.

Read about Duke’s testing, surveillance and contact tracing.

The CDC also cited Duke as a model program for minimizing the spread of COVID-19 on a college campus. From 1.12.21

No, the policy has not changed. However, as part of its COVID safety measures, Duke significantly reduced the number of students living in on-campus residences and only invited first- and second-year students to live on campus. For this reason, some students who would have normally lived on campus chose to live in off-campus housing instead.

We anticipate that on-campus residency will return to pre-COVID levels, but only when it is safe to do so. From 1.12.20

Yes. Neighbors are still encouraged to alert Duke to any student behavior that violates our code of conduct or is out of line with state and local requirements at any time, and we appreciate all of the input received during the Fall semester.

Here are the ways to submit a report (please submit as many details as possible):

• The toll-free phone line is (800) 826-8109 (English and Spanish)
• The link to the confidential web form is at this website: values.duke.edu
• The email address is conduct@duke.edu

The phone line and web form are confidential and can take reports anonymously.

From 1.12.21

Students are expected to adhere to the Duke Compact and student COVID-19 Policy Plan: https://keeplearning.duke.edu/student-expectations/

Additionally, the “Community Responsibility” section of the Duke United website outlines the expectations for all members of the Duke community: https://returnto.duke.edu/community-responsibility/

The Duke Compact is posted here: https://returnto.duke.edu/the-duke-compact/ 

From 1.12.21