Discipline at Colby

Miller LibraryColby students are encouraged to mature through the freedoms afforded them. Relatively few restrictions are imposed on their activities so long as they do not create problems for others in the community.

Students whose presence on campus is detrimental to the general welfare of the College will be subject to disciplinary action. Normally, after the first offense for which they are found responsible, students may be placed on disciplinary probation for a semester, for one year, or for the remainder of their time at Colby. A student who violates probation may be suspended or expelled. In extremely serious instances, students may be suspended or expelled for the first offense.

Although the College has no agreement with the local police concerning either the protection or prosecution of students, it does not condone violations of the law. Students involved in misconduct off campus also are subject to Colby sanctions.

The College treats students as adults who are responsible for their own affairs. Students also are entitled to the privacy guaranteed by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, which protects the confidentiality of student records. Accordingly, Colby does not notify parents of pending disciplinary actions. However, in serious matters, students are strongly encouraged by the Office of the Dean of Students to consult with their parents or guardians in advance of disciplinary hearings.

In general, cases are heard by the Judicial Board or Dean’s Hearing Board to render judgment in cases and make recommendations for sanctions, when appropriate, to the dean of students. In cases where there is no dispute of the facts related to the case, the dean may impose sanctions independently of the Judicial Board. In certain unusual cases, the dean, with the approval of the president, may act unilaterally.

If suspension or expulsion is recommended by the Judicial Board or by the dean of students, a copy of the letter notifying the student will be sent to parents or guardians so they may consult with their daughter or son regarding the decision.
 
Academic Honesty
Academic honesty is discussed at length in the Colby Student Handbook. Faculty members will report instances of academic dishonesty to the Office of the Dean of Students. Faculty members generally fail the student on the piece of work in question or for the course. The Dean of Students Office will verify the charges and will send a written notification to the student and parents. A second case of academic dishonesty results in suspension from the College.

Information Technology Policies and Procedures
The College has established a code of ethics for information technology use that outlines the rights and responsibilities of all members of the Colby community. The College also has a clearly defined set of policies and procedures regarding e-mail, Web page use, and copyright infringement notice procedures. These and other policy documents are reviewed annually, are included in the student, faculty, and staff handbooks, and are available at www.colby.edu/info.tech/policies.

Colby's No-Fraternity Policy
After lengthy review, the College withdrew its recognition and support of its social fraternities and sororities in 1984, and the trustees mandated that there would be no rushing, pledging, or initiating of new members of fraternities or sororities. Students who pledge or who invite pledging, haze, or perpetuate any fraternity or sorority will be suspended for at least one year and may be subject to additional penalties that could include expulsion.

Alcohol Policy
In addition to being partners in athletic competition, the 11 colleges and universities composing the New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC) are united in efforts to provide safe environments in which students may mature intellectually and socially.

Recognizing that social life plays a role in the college experience, each campus has increased its efforts to encourage students to make responsible choices. Each school takes a strong stand against substance abuse, including alcohol. While the vast majority of students at the NESCAC institutions who choose to drink alcohol do so responsibly, each school has disciplinary and educational programs in place for students who misuse alcohol and other substances. Additionally, all of the conference schools expressly prohibit hazing.

For more information about Colby's policy on alcohol and violation point system, see the Student Handbook.

Drugs
Colby does not tolerate possession of illegal drugs or drug paraphernalia. Any student using or possessing drugs may be suspended. Possession of a usable amount of marijuana is a civil violation in Maine with a maximum fine of $400 for a first offense. Any student found supplying any illegal drug is subject to suspension.

The College, through a substance abuse counselor at the health center, provides evaluation and counseling for students who experience difficulties with alcohol or other drugs. Generally, such students are identified through the hall staff, security staff, dean of students staff, or health center staff.

Although many students are able to remain enrolled while obtaining necessary counseling, in some cases it is more appropriate for students to take medical leave and receive counseling elsewhere.

Note: Colby reserves the right to notify parents when students under 21 years of age violate alcohol laws or when students of any age violate Maine drug laws.