Shanghai University has become the butt of jokes after requiring its students to take the mandatory online swimming test before graduating. On May 15, Shanghai University’s Dean’s Office announced that undergraduate students completing their bachelor’s degree who are required to take a 50-meter (164-foot) swimming test may be allowed to take it online. from their homes following the city’s Covid outbreaks. , reports the South China Morning Post.

In China, students at some of the most prestigious universities must learn swimming before graduating, as it is considered a survival skill and improves physical fitness.

The move was made to “ensure the graduation process goes smoothly”, the now-deleted reading which was captured on screen and shared widely on social media.

To pass the swimming requirement this year, students must complete a “Basic Swimming Theory” online test by May 29, the notice said.

“Classes and facilities, including the university swimming pool, are suspended due to the ongoing Covid-19 lockdown. To ensure that students can graduate, we have decided to conduct the swimming test online,” an unnamed staff member from the dean’s office told Chinese newspaper Jimu.

However, the announcement was met with ridicule and laughter after the notice was shared on Chinese social media platform Weibo.

“It’s just embarrassing, coming from a reputable university. How can a theory exam be the same as a real lap in the pool?” commented one Weibo user.

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“Are students supposed to swim in their tubs? another person said, while another user asked, “Is this a real version of internet browsing?”

After witnessing one of the worst outbreaks that began on April 22, the city of Shanghai is seeing a gradual decline in Covid cases.

Starting Sunday, shopping malls, libraries, museums, theaters and gymnasiums will be allowed to reopen, with limits on the number of people, in eight of Beijing’s 16 districts that have had no community cases. for seven consecutive days.

(With agency contributions)

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