From the time of admission until they arrive on campus, new students are invited to make use of a "hot line" to the College to get answers to any questions they may have. An on-campus orientation program for first-year and other new students is held just before the beginning of each new semester. The program includes an introduction to the intellectual and social life of the College, meetings with academic advisers, and placement examinations. Prior to the orientation, first-year students may participate in COOT (Colby Outdoor Orientation Trips), conducted by upperclass students, alumni, faculty, and staff members.

Placement in Mathematics  A mathematics placement questionnaire must be completed prior to registration by all first-year students who intend to take Mathematics 101, 121, 122, 131, or 161 in the fall semester. The purpose of this questionnaire is to indicate the course most appropriate for the individual student. Final decision on placement rests with the chair of the Department of Mathematics.

First-year students who intend to register for a "no prerequisite course" (Mathematics 111 or 112) need not complete this questionnaire.

First-year students who intend to register for Mathematics 231, 253, 262, or 274 should consult with their advisers and with the chair of the Department of Mathematics.

During orientation, first-year students will have the opportunity to attend a mathematics placement meeting to discuss their placement with the faculty.

Placement in Foreign Languages  Students wishing to continue the study of a foreign language at Colby are encouraged to take The College Board SAT-II test in that language. The results are used to place the student at the appropriate level. Guidelines for placement in foreign language study are included in the course registration packet sent annually to members of the incoming first-year student class.

If a student has not taken the SAT-II test and wishes to continue studying a language, he or she will be placed on the basis of a required placement exam given during the orientation period for new students. Students whose SAT-II scores are more than a year old at the time of registration are also required to take the Colby placement exam.

Students who have earned a grade of 4 or 5 on an Advanced Placement examination may be eligible for placement in upper level language courses.

Students who have had two or more years of language study may enroll in the first semeter of the elementary course of that language only if the appropriate department determines that their preparation is not adequate for a more advanced level.

Placement for students in languages for which no College Board test is available is determined by consultation with the appropriate department.