Colby has no formal program for dyslexic/learning-disabled students and does not treat such students differently from other students in the admissions process. However, those students with learning differences who are admitted to Colby have available to them several forms of support, including the attention of Assistant Dean of Students Joseph Atkins (ext. 4253, jeatkins@colby.edu).

In accordance with the recommendations of a qualified diagnostician, students with learning differences may be allowed several adjustments to academic procedures, including additional time on examinations, extensions on other assignments, and other variations in examination procedures. These students may petition to take less than a normal course load each semester. Other forms of support are available and may be discussed with Dean Atkins.

All Colby students are expected to attempt to complete the foreign language requirement. A student who has experienced inordinate difficulty while at Colby in learning a foreign language and who has a verified medical diagnosis of a learning difference as established by College guidelines can petition to replace the foreign language requirement with an approved program of alternative area study, which will be composed of three courses reflecting aspects of a single language or culture.