Date: October 27, 2025
This message addresses a number of noticeable increases in university community standards violations and the updated sanctions.
Smoke Free Campus Policy
I have received reports of smoking in study rooms, classrooms (while the class is in session), the quad, the library (yes, even “when no one’s around”), and residence hall rooms. In short, just about every space that’s supposed to be smoke-free.
Both NYU policy (which applies to all campuses and global sites) and Shanghai government regulations clearly prohibit smoking indoors and the use of e-cigarettes or vaping. The only designated smoking area is by the North Gate, away from the campus entrance. When someone chooses to smoke elsewhere, it creates a second-hand environment that harms the health and safety of our community.
This message serves as a Formal Warning. Anyone found smoking outside the designated area will be placed on University Probation, effective immediately and without appeal. Under this status, you will no longer be considered “in good standing,” which may affect your ability to study away and will result in a notation on your university record. For context:
- A first violation will result in a notation through the end of this academic year.
- A second violation will result in the notation remaining until graduation
If you’re trying to quit smoking or want support, I encourage you to reach out to the Student Health Center at shanghai.health@nyu.edu, they have helpful smoking cessation programs and resources to guide you through it.
Theft of Delivery Items
When you take items that do not belong to you, even if it was “accidental”, it is considered an act of theft. Please take the time to verify that the item is truly yours before removing it. Likewise, if you are not ready to pick up your delivery in a timely manner, do not have it sent to campus or the residence hall just to occupy the waimai lockers and limit others from using it. It is your responsibility to inform the delivery staff to place items in the lockers.
Investigating and mediating these incidents consumes university resources that could be better used elsewhere. To ensure fairness and efficiency, we will only review available footage between the time of delivery and a 20 minute pick up window. If individuals are identified, they will be required to pay restitution for the items and go through the student conduct process.
Residential Guest and Room Passcodes
We’ve seen cases involving the misuse of NYU ID cards to "sneak in outsiders" and sharing of room passcodes with individuals not assigned to that space. These actions put the safety and security of others at risk.
- A first violation will result in the loss of guest privileges for the rest of the semester.
- A subsequent violation will result in University Probation and the same notations outlined above.
Our community works best when everyone does their part. Let’s respect the shared spaces we call home and look out for one another. Link to NYU Shanghai Community Standards. I know many of you are respectful and considerate of shared spaces, but unfortunately, repeated reminders have been ignored. While this isn’t how we want to spend our time, we owe it to everyone who lives, studies, and works here to uphold community standards. If you see a violation, please email shanghai.dos@nyu.edu
with the time and location, and our office will follow up appropriately to hold individuals accountable.
Thank you for your attention and I do hope we do not need to engage through the conduct process.
Date: October 27, 2025
Welcome back to Shanghai, and best wishes to those beginning a study away semester. This message is going to all upperclass students, regardless of location, to ensure no one is missed. I wish this was not my first communication at the start of the academic year, but the impact on the Class of 2029’s first day has made it necessary.
It has been brought to my attention that some of you may be promoting or engaging in events positioned as “Welcome Parties” for new students. As returning members of this community, you are looked to as role models. Your actions shape how new students experience the university and the city. Creating or promoting events that mislead students into believing they are endorsed by the university, or that seek to profit from them, is unacceptable. This is particularly concerning for individuals who serve in leadership positions.
To be clear: it is perfectly fine to spend time with new students, go out with them, and help them learn how to navigate Shanghai responsibly. Done in the right way, this kind of support is both valuable and appreciated.
You should not be making a profit from your peers, nor accepting funds to promote or solicit on behalf of outside groups. The use of the NYU or NYU Shanghai name and logo is strictly prohibited. NYU Shanghai has clear policies and expectations for conduct. Any student found in violation will face disciplinary consequences. （Conduct Policy）
Date: March 7, 2025
Last week, the admissions office invited selected applicants to candidate weekends, while many others saw their process conclude. For those invited, this is an exciting yet nerve-wracking time. You were in their shoes not too long ago. As members of this university, your role is to encourage, support, and welcome applicants, it is not to profit from their anxieties.
It is deeply disappointing that some students have marketed admissions training, campus tours, or claimed access to evaluation materials for a fee. This is a serious violation of university policy and compromises the integrity of our admissions process. The university will not defend anyone who has made a conscious decision to exploit our applicants and families. Anyone engaged in this must immediately cease all activities, refund applicants, and issue an apology.
If you have engaged in this type of activity and have not been identified, I am offering you the opportunity to acknowledge your actions, screen shot that you have refunded the money and email shanghai.dos@nyu.edu by the end of the business day today Friday 3/7. Otherwise, anyone identified after this deadline will receive a stronger university sanction.
There is a clear difference between being helpful and crossing an ethical line. Sharing your experiences, offering advice, and calming nerves is encouraging. Charging for guidance, implying insider knowledge, or using this process for personal gain is unethical and unacceptable.
Our university stands for integrity, fairness, and excellence. Let’s ensure our actions reflect these values.
Sincerely,
David Pe
**Policy Violations:
1. Conducting a private business from any NYU Shanghai facility or using any
NYU Shanghai resources.
2. Engaging in behavior that substantially disrupts or interferes with University or community activities, programs, or operations.
3. Solicitation, canvassing, or using University facilities, resources or services, or misappropriation of the University name, for the purpose of conducting business or non-profit endeavors not otherwise authorized or sponsored by the University.
4. Failure to comply promptly with the reasonable request or instruction of a university employee or agent acting in an official capacity
Date: December 20, 2024
As you conclude your final examinations for the Fall 2024 semester, I encourage you to take time during the winter break to recharge and reflect. However, I must bring to your attention an urgent matter that impacts a number of individuals in this community.
Yesterday, a student was stopped by police and found operating an electric motorcycle without a license. The student explained that they were unaware of this requirement, as the dealer had claimed a license was unnecessary. Additionally, the vehicle was purchased outside of Shanghai. While it’s understandable to feel misled or scammed, it is ultimately your responsibility to understand and comply with the law. Ignorance is not a valid excuse.
Operating an electric motorcycle without a proper license can result in serious consequences, including fines ranging from 200 to 2,000 RMB and detention for up to 15 days. In this case, the police officer issued only a fine, with the understanding that the university would notify all students of this regulation. However, this incident serves as the only and final warning. Any future violations will result in the full application of the law, and the university will not be able to intervene.
I assume there is a level of adrenaline rush from the thought of or the actual operation of this type of vehicle. You may think it’s “cool” to operate at a faster speed. However, that “cool” quickly fades when faced with the possibility of spending time in detention or being held financially accountable for injuries caused to others. The university strongly opposes the operation of such vehicles in a densely populated city like Shanghai even if you can obtain a license legally. The risk of injury to yourself and others is extremely high. You are subject not only to local PRC laws but also university policy. Please do not let this be the defining moment of your education.
Immediate Action Required:
What is Allowed Without a License: Electric bikes that meet the following criteria:
- Properly registered with a license plate.
- Maximum speed of 25 km/h.
- Weight below 55 kg.
- Battery capacity less than 48V, with no modifications.
- Battery charging must not be done indoors due to fire safety risks.
- Only one passenger is permitted, and they must be under 12 years of age.
- Helmets are mandatory.
- Operators must fully comply with all road and fire safety regulations.
- Note: Strict control is necessary due to the risk of fires caused by batteries, which have resulted in tragic incidents.
What is Not Allowed Without a License (D, E, or F Class):
- Motorcycles - Gas or Electric that exceed the above specifications.
- If you own or operate such a vehicle, you must immediately cease its use on public roads until you obtain the proper license.
- Insurance, similar to that required for cars, must also be purchased.
- Failure to adhere to these regulations will result in legal consequences. Please take this notice seriously and act accordingly to ensure compliance with local laws. Let this message serve as a reminder that individual responsibility and awareness are essential in maintaining the safety and integrity of our community.