Sending Your Student to Colby
 Changing RolesParents’ roles change dramatically during the years their students are at college. Many find it disconcerting to be totally and legally responsible for a child one year and to step back into a more advisory role the next. Students and parents have to adjust to these redefined responsibilities and new roles. A vital part of the whole experience at Colby is the gradual transformation of the students from teenagers to fully responsible adults ready to strike out on their own. These new roles are not only a part of the natural maturation process; they also are legally defined matters. The Federal Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) clearly defines who can have access to a student’s academic records, and other Federal laws govern the access to an individual’s medical and financial information. For more information about FERPA, please see the Student Handbook. Communications About Your StudentColby treats students as adults who are responsible for their own affairs. Students are entitled to the privacy guaranteed by various federal laws. Consequently, parents may find the information available to them about their student’s activities and status considerably more restricted than when he/she was in high school. Students generally must give explicit direction and permission before grade reports, information about health or counseling services, or information about disciplinary actions may be released to parents or anyone other than the student. Students are responsible for payment of bills and fees, but they may direct that a copy of statements be sent to others for payment (an option most students exercise). These matters also are discussed in more detail in various sections of this handbook. If parents have additional questions or concerns, they should contact the Office of the Dean of Students, 207-859-4250, or Student Financial Services, 207-859-4132. Colby students’ directory information (as defined by FERPA) and photos may be included in publicity about the College. In addition, press releases containing accomplishments (e.g., dean's list, graduation, other honors or activities) and other directory information may be sent to local or hometown newspapers and other media unless a student contacts the Office of Communications (207-859-4353) to request that a student’s directory information not be included in College publicity and/or that press releases not be sent. Room decor is left to the student, but each student room is furnished with:
If they choose, students may rent small refrigerators from an approved vendor or bring them from home provided they are four cubic feet or less in volume. They also may bring a small microwave oven. Stereos, portable TVs, rugs, posters, lamps, and wall hangings make the room more personal. A small tool kit is helpful when moving in. There are local stores and national chains such as Kmart, Wal-Mart, and Home Depot located in Waterville for those forgotten or last minute items. There are other national chains such as Bed Bath & Beyond, Kohl’s, Sam’s Club, Target, and Pier 1 in Augusta, just a 20-minute drive from campus. The following items are not permitted: candles (or any open flame), hot plates, pets of any kind (except fish), irons (except in laundry rooms), incense, halogen lamps or lights, torchiere lamps, ceiling hangings, excessively large wall hangings such as tapestries. International Students Colby has students who come from more than 54 countries. Students who arrive at the Portland Jetport are met by other international Colby students and staff from the Office of Student Affairs and escorted to campus. International students receive information from Associate Dean for International Affairs Susan McDougal throughout the summer prior to their arrival. There are several special programs and events for international students sponsored and coordinated by the Office of Student Affairs. These include a weekly international coffee hour, the International Food Festival held each fall, the International Extravaganza held each spring, and the very popular international Host Family Program. Students can choose to be matched with local families who serve as families away from home. Students and their host families participate in special events in addition to the occasional home-cooked meal or weekend away from campus.
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