Well I can totally confirm a similar issue in Wuhan.

I returned a few days back from the states and called the school to say I will be back in a few days. The next morning I got a frantic call from the FAO telling me that I need to get my degree, criminal record check and TESOL certificate authenticated. I was like WTF. Why did you not email me about this when I was back home?

He said that the previous afternoon he had attended a meeting at SAFEA HQ and a memo has been issued to all schools in Wuhan and Hebei that they require this and the PSB need the authentication also for a resident permit issue AND renewal.

I then had to start making calls home, I couldn't use Skype because of the urgency, this resulted in me having to load 500rmb on my phone to open international calling facilities (never needed it in 4 years of being in China) and get my Mother to find these original documents. That was easy, she has then had the run around trying to find out what to do. My school just said take them to the nearest consulate, that all well and good but I live in Utah and there isn't one anywhere nearby. She managed to locate a company who can do apostles and such, the cost of mailing these things and their costs is US$220 (so far).

An absolute fiasco and the school don't want to foot the bill. I think its time to find another job. I am really annoyed about this.

So yes, watch out!