All students are responsible for knowledge of the regulations in the Student Handbook and in the annual catalogue. The handbook covers academic, administrative, and social regulations.

The College reserves the right to dismiss any student whose presence its officers believe to be detrimental to its general welfare.

Although authority regarding discipline is the ultimate responsibility of the dean of students, most of the serious cases requiring discipline of students are turned over by the dean to a judicial board composed of students and faculty. The regulations of the board and the rights of students appearing before the board are described in the Student Handbook.

Behavior  The administrative officers of the College have a responsibility for maintaining and encouraging an atmosphere on campus consonant with the College’s function as a community of students and teachers.

The trustees have delegated to various sectors of the College, including the Student Government Association and the Commons, extensive autonomy in the conduct of student affairs. Students retain the right to organize their own personal lives and behavior within the standards agreed upon by the College community, so long as they do not interfere with the rights of others or with the educational process.

The right of free speech and the open exchange of ideas and views is essential, especially in a learning environment, and Colby vigorously upholds these freedoms. Similarly, the College is committed to maintaining a community in which persons of all ethnic groups, religious affiliations, and nationalities are welcome. The College will not tolerate racism, harassment, including sexual harassment, or intimidation of any kind; any student found guilty of such actions or of interfering with these goals will be subject to civil prosecution as well as suspension or expulsion from Colby.

The College prohibits social fraternities and sororities. Students who pledge, who invite pledging, who haze, or who perpetuate any fraternity or sorority will be suspended for at least one year and may be subject to additional penalties that could include expulsion.

The Colby community–students, faculty, staff, trustees, overseers, alumni–is committed to maintaining a residential atmosphere that supports personal growth and learning; ensures individual rights and the well-being and the dignity of others; promotes understanding and respect; and fosters the opportunity to make lasting friendships. To this end, where alcohol is used, it must be used responsibly, and abuse will not be tolerated.

Colby’s policies governing the possession, sale, and consumption of alcoholic beverages (which are set forth in Appendix VIII of the Student Handbook) are consistent with Maine state law. Students are personally responsible for compliance. The legal drinking age in Maine is 21. State of Maine laws forbid possession of alcohol by underaged persons.

Any student found using or supplying illegal drugs, including steroids, or in possession of drug paraphernalia is subject to disciplinary action, including suspension or expulsion. The College wishes to help those who have substance abuse problems, and confidential counseling is available to those who will discuss treatment and participate in a treatment program.

Access Policy  As a matter of College policy, all campus organizations and College-sponsored events are open to the full participation of all members of the Colby community without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, age, parental or marital status, national or ethnic origin, political beliefs, or disability unrelated to job or course of study requirements. Exceptions to this policy may be granted, for compelling reasons only, by mutual agreement of the dean of faculty and the Academic Affairs Committee, or, in the case of student-sponsored events, by mutual agreement of the dean of faculty, the dean of students, and the College Affairs Committee.

Health Policy  Health professionals in the Colby College Health Services treat students on the same basis as community professionals treat the patients under their care.

The College feels that the best interests of students are served by providing full medical and psychological counseling and treatment from professionals thoroughly informed about personal and family history. The College respects the rights of these professionals to use their judgment in meeting the health needs of students.

Upon recommendation of the medical director or director of counseling services, the College reserves the right to require a student to withdraw for medical or psychological reasons. If, in the opinion of either the counseling service or medical director, a student becomes unable to carry on normal student functions, or when his/her presence is or may become a hazard to that student or others, withdrawal will be required. Following any medical or psychological withdrawal, a recommendation from the student’s physician or psychologist to the appropriate professional is required before the student is readmitted to the College.

The officers, faculty, and medical and counseling staff of the College reserve the right to refuse to divulge information regarding a student’s psychological or psychiatric condition or matters of an intimate nature without the student’s written authorization.

Housing and Student Living  Students live in three residential Commons, accommodating approximately 550 students each. Individual residence hall sizes range from 30 to 166 students per building. All class years are housed in each building, with the exception of the new Harold and Bibby Alfond Residence Complex, which houses only seniors.

Students are expected to live in College housing as assigned by the Office of the Dean of Students and are required to subscribe to an on-campus board plan.

Students requesting permission to live off campus must seek approval from the Office of the Dean of Students. A small number of students are permitted to live off campus and are generally assigned by a lottery system with priority given to seniors first. The College has charge of the maintenance and security of its buildings.

Student Records  Colby complies with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, which establishes the right of students to inspect and review their education records and provides guidelines for the correction of inaccurate or misleading data. Complete guidelines used by the College for compliance with the act are published in the Student Handbook and may be obtained at the Dean of Students Office.

The Colby Name  The Colby name and various logotypes are federally registered service marks, and with the exception of the several regular student publications approved by the College and the Student Government Association, the College exercises editorial control in the matter of content, taste, and style of its own publications, advertisements, and other products. This protection, including the right to delete or remove, extends to all other materials, commercial goods, posters, and other advertising produced by others that imply College endorsements.