The Residential Experience: Student Life and Services

Life at Colby is centered on the notion that learning extends beyond the classroom into all aspects of the college experience. As shaped by the College’s mission and precepts, a Colby education is characterized by academic rigor, a strong community, a friendly campus atmosphere, global reach, and active engagement with a diversity of thought and human experiences.

Colby has a number of programs designed to help students maximize their academic success. Each student has a faculty advisor and a class dean to consult about issues that arise. Usually, the first person to consult when a student has academic concerns is the professor for the course or the student’s academic advisor. If a student is uncertain of expectations or is having difficulties in a particular course, it is a good idea to communicate with the professor as soon as possible.

Academic Advisors: All incoming students are assigned a first-year academic advisor who helps students navigate their first-year academic experience. Incoming first-year students are assigned to faculty advisors through the Office of the Dean of Studies. Advisors and advisees establish contact with one another in early summer to help guide course selection for the fall. Advisors meet with students during the orientation period and assist students during the period when courses may be added or dropped from the students’ schedules. Academic advisors provide guidance to students during course selection for Jan Plan and spring and help students as they navigate their first-year academic experience. During the second, third, or fourth semester, when students may elect a major, they will move under the direct advisorship of a major department or program.

Class Deans: The Dean of Studies Office supports and enhances Colby’s commitment to first-rate, individual advising of students. In addition to having an academic advisor from the teaching faculty, every Colby student is assigned a class dean to provide advice and support during their time at the College. The class deans are knowledgeable about issues and problems that arise for students and are a good source of information about College resources and policies. They offer general advising as well as referrals to other campus offices. The class deans help students and parents/guardians manage academic and non-academic situations as they arise, consulting extensively with faculty and staff across the College. Students may contact their class dean or the Dean of Studies Office at 207-859-4560 or [email protected].

Faculty Office Hours: All faculty on campus hold one-on-one and/or group office hours. Office hours are an excellent resource for students who are struggling in a class or looking to master advanced material beyond what is required for lectures. Professors often use office hours to help students prepare for exams or review difficult material that appears on problem sets. Students are encouraged to attend office hours regularly throughout the semester and should consider office hours the first step in pursuing academic support.

Learning Consultants: Colby offers learning consultants who can assist students with study habits and other targeted strategies. These expert coaches are available to any Colby student seeking additional academic support, coaching, or skills-building. Contact the Dean of Studies Office at 207-859-4560 to request a meeting with a learning consultant. 

Student Success Fund: Colby is committed to providing educational access and opportunity regardless of a student’s financial background. The Dean of Studies Office will work with students on a case-by-case basis to identify and connect them with available financial resources to help alleviate distressing situations that can interfere with academic success. Students are encouraged to contact the office to discuss their concerns and explore options: 207-859-4560 or room 107, Eustis Hall. Student Success Funds are specific to basic academic and emergency needs; students who are seeking funding for education enrichment opportunities (e.g. housing or travel costs related to internships) should contact DavisConnects or Student Financial Services.

Tutoring: Colby provides academic support services that supplement the support provided by course instructors. Advanced students are hired as teaching assistants, tutors, or writing fellows. Consult the professor of the course or your class dean to review the challenges you are experiencing and to request assistance from a tutor.

The Farnham Writers’ Center: Located in Miller Library, the Farnham Writers’ Center works with students on all aspects of writing. They seek to further a culture of writing at Colby and in the community through peer tutoring and special writing events. As a writing resource for our students, including multilingual writers, they provide information on good writing practices and guidance on grammar and documentation. Even students who have always been strong writers can find themselves feeling less confident when learning how to write in a new academic setting. The Writers’ Center is a warm and friendly space where students can seek advice on every step of the writing process.

Access and Disability Services: Colby offers programs and resources that support a range of learning differences—to make sure every student can maximize their academic potential. As part of the ADA accommodations process, Colby provides a range of support for students with learning differences, including but not limited to additional time on exams, note-taking support, and other adjustments in academic procedures, in accordance with recommendations of qualified diagnosticians. Students also work with Access and Disability Services to request accommodations related to housing, parking, and dining.

Typically, all students are expected to attempt to complete the foreign language requirement. However, students who experience inordinate difficulty in completing this requirement and who have documentation of a language-based learning difference that meets Colby guidelines may petition to modify the foreign language requirement with an approved program of alternative study, which will include three courses exploring aspects of a single linguistic or cultural group. Students with questions in this area can contact the director of student access and disability services at 207-859-5166 or at [email protected] or by visiting room 103B, Eustis Hall.

There are many places students can turn to on campus for advice and support when they are encountering difficulties, whether involving interpersonal relationships, fitting in socially, or worrying about the direction life is taking. The nearest resource is often the residence hall staff. These trained student staff members—community advisors—can provide information about professional support resources. When students are facing more serious issues, it may be appropriate to seek out more specialized resources. These resources include class deans, Counseling and Health Center staff, and Religious and Spiritual Life staff. When problems arise outside of business hours and on weekends, students can access emergency and support resources through our on-call systems. To access the professional on-call or Colby Emergency Response, call Security at 207-859-5911. To access after-hours Counseling Services, please call 207-859-4490 ext 0.

Leaves of Absence/Withdrawal from the College: For the full policy on leaves and withdrawals, refer to the Dean of Studies website, or contact [email protected].

Medical Leaves: For the full policy on medical leave, refer to the Student Handbook appendix, Dean of Studies website, or contact [email protected].

Colby Wellness and Health Services: Student wellness is foundational to full engagement in the Colby experience. Colby offers wellness support on campus for all students, as well as comprehensive health services through MaineGeneral’s nearby medical center. In the College’s Garrison-Foster Building, free wellness supplies are available to all students 24/7, and student prescriptions can be delivered to campus for free on weekdays. The Office of Student Wellness in Garrison-Foster supports students with access to wellness resources, navigation of the medical system, and education for health and financial literacy. MaineGeneral College Health is the dedicated medical clinic for Colby students at the Thayer Center for Health, located less than one mile from campus and accessible via Colby’s free transportation system. Through MaineGeneral College Health, students can utilize a broad network of physicians and specialists offering comprehensive health services and integrated care. The medical professionals at the College Health clinic provide the full range of primary care services, including physical exams, gynecological services, contraception, travel health consultations, appointments for injuries and illnesses, referrals to specialists, ongoing care, as well as behavioral health evaluations and medication management. Contact MaineGeneral College Health at 207-861-6860 for medical guidance over the phone or to make an appointment. Contact the director of student wellness at [email protected] for support with health resources, access, and navigation.

Colby Emergency Response (CER): CER is a team of students trained and licensed as emergency medical technicians (EMTs) who respond to health emergencies on campus. This network supplements the care provided by the health center staff to ensure that all students subject to accident/illness on campus are assisted swiftly and skillfully.

Colby Counseling Services: The mission of Colby Counseling Services is to foster the well-being of all students within a respectful and confidential environment through providing a range of psychological counseling, consultation, and outreach services. Our diverse team of psychologists, professional counselors, and social workers collectively has more than 40 years of experience working collaboratively with students. We work with students in individual counseling, group counseling, through teaching practices such as meditation, and in a variety of other capacities. Students also have access to our counselor on call for mental health emergencies when the office is closed. 

The Counseling Services Office is located in a comfortable and private setting on the second floor of the Garrison-Foster Building, and all of our services are free of charge. We also want you to know that we take your confidentiality very seriously, and your privacy is protected in the same manner it would be if you were visiting a counselor as an adult in your home community. Appointments can be made by calling 207-859-4490 or by stopping in room 205, Garrison-Foster Building, during regular business hours. You can find more information at Counseling Services – Life at Colby.

In a mental health emergency, students can reach the on-call counselor 24/7 by calling Counseling Services at 207-859-4490 and pressing “0”. For off-campus help, you can reach out to the Maine Crisis Line at 1-888-568-1112, or dial 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. For suicide prevention details, please visit our website at Suicide Prevention – Life at Colby or call Campus Security for assistance.

Off-campus mental health referrals:

Talkspace (free to Colby students): talkspace.com/ColbyCollege
Health Psych Maine: 207-872-5800
Psychology Specialists of Maine: 207-607-4022
Rebecca Lovitz, LCSW: 207-228-2741
Greg Bazakas, LCSW: 207-314-9868
MaineGeneral Mental Health and 
Substance Abuse (including meds): 877-777-9393

Finally, no matter how well you attend to your health, everybody experiences some level of emotional challenge in college … it’s totally normal! So, if you notice that those challenges are interfering in the classroom, in relationships, or in other areas of your life, don’t hesitate to reach out.

The Residence Experience: As a residential campus, Colby College’s residence halls are where students call home while achieving their academic pursuits. The residential setting is an integral part of the college experience and, therefore, all students are expected to live in the College’s residence halls. Residence halls across campus vary in size and can accommodate between 6 and 200 students. All first-year students reside in a designated cluster of residence halls. Upper-class students are housed in all other residence halls with the exception of the Harold and Bibby Alfond Residence Complex (which houses only seniors), and the Bill & Joan Alfond Main Street Commons (which houses only juniors and seniors). In all residence halls, students can expect a safe, inclusive, and supportive living environment that integrates the academic, creative, and cultural dimensions of college life. Residence hall communities are led by student leaders specifically hired and trained to promote an engaging residential community that fosters connections, personal growth, civility, and student success.

Students have access to a variety of specialized housing options, including but not limited to substance-free, healthy-living options, and thematic learning communities. New and incoming students will be assigned to residences by the Office of Residential Experience. Returning residents select their rooms during a lottery process outlined by the Office of Residential Experience. More detailed information about residential living at Colby can be found on the Life at Colby website.

Orientation: Special attention is given to the task of welcoming and orienting new students into the Colby community. From the time of admission until they arrive on campus, new students are invited to make use of the admitted students’ website to get answers to questions they may have. First-year students come to campus a few days prior to the start of fall classes and participate in a comprehensive orientation program designed to introduce them to the academic program as well as all aspects of residential, cocurricular, and social life at Colby.

As part of orientation, first-year students are required to participate in COOT (Colby Outdoor Orientation Trips). Orientation leaders, upper-class COOT leaders, and residential community advisors (CAs) serve as peer mentors for new students during orientation and throughout the year.

Dining Services: The College offers a board plan of 21 meals per week for all resident students. Meals are served in three separate on-campus dining halls—in Foss Hall, Dana Hall, and Roberts Hall, each with a different menu. Students living in the Alfond Residence Complex, the Bill & Joan Alfond Main Street Commons, and the Mary Low Co-op, or students living off campus who do not subscribe to the full meal plan, are entitled to an adjustment of the comprehensive fee.

Cotter Union/Pulver Pavilion: Cotter Union is located near the center of the campus and serves as the student center and a venue for more formal gatherings, including lectures and performances. The Office of Campus Life, the Colby Bookstore, the student mailroom and United States Post Office, the Blue Light Pub, offices of the Student Government Association, the Pugh Center, and the Page Commons Room are in Cotter Union. Pulver Pavilion features a variety of informal spaces and a snack bar and grill called the Spa.

Student Organizations and Leadership Development: The Office of Campus Life is committed to creating opportunities for students to explore, practice, and develop their leadership capabilities. Leadership development occurs through experiences with student organizations and clubs as well as through retreats, trainings, and workshops. Colby has approximately 130 student-led clubs and organizations focused on culture, athletics, music, politics, publication, religion, service, or other themes. By in large, clubs and organizations are open to all students.

The Pugh Center: The Pugh Center, located within Cotter Union, welcomes all students interested in and devoted to engaging with experiences related to access, belonging, equity, and advocacy. It is a space where uniqueness, authenticity, and diversity are valued and celebrated.

The Pugh Center houses the First-Generation/Limited-Income (FLI) Program and the International Students and Scholars Office. Our team supports students through the development of cocurricular initiatives, opportunities to apply theoretical frameworks explored in the classroom, and intellectual engagement with critical conversations across campus constituencies. We work to design and implement programs and educational opportunities dedicated to developing skills and creating a sense of community among Pugh students. The Pugh Center also collaborates with campus partners to advance intercultural understanding and social change through programming that engages the entire Colby community. 

Additionally, the Pugh Center offers specialized leadership development and resources for approximately 15 Pugh-affiliated student clubs. While the Pugh Center houses multicultural student clubs and is dedicated to students who identify with groups that have been traditionally underrepresented within the Colby community, programming and social events are open for all students to enjoy. We welcome students interested in engaging in concepts and conversations surrounding race, ethnicity, culture, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic and first-generation status, ability, religion, and spirituality.

Student Governance: Students play significant roles in shaping student life through the Student Government Association (SGA) and the Student Programming Board (SPB). The president and vice president of the SGA serve as student representatives to the Board of Trustees, and students serve on College committees, including Academic Affairs, Administrative, Admissions and Financial Aid, Athletic Advisory, College Affairs, Cultural Events, Financial Priorities, Healthcare Advisory, Independent Study, Information Technology, Library, Multicultural Affairs, Security, Race and Racism, and the Environmental Advisory Group.

Colby’s Religious Holidays Policy: Colby College is supportive of the religious practices of its students, faculty, and staff. The College is committed to ensuring that all students are able to observe their religious beliefs without academic penalty.

The College will enable any student to make up any course requirements scheduled during a religious holiday that is observed by that student. Students are expected to inform course instructors within two weeks of the beginning of the term of any religious observance that will conflict with coursework. The faculty member will then work with the student to find a reasonable accommodation that will allow the student to complete the academic work. In addition, no student will be required to participate in College events such as athletic commitments, lectures, or concerts on these holidays.

Students who have questions or concerns about requesting accommodations for their religious holidays should reach out to the Dean of Religious and Spiritual Life.  

Security: The Security Department works to provide a safe and secure environment for the Colby community. The department, located in the Roberts Building, is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Trained, professional officers patrol campus on foot and in cruisers. Students can seek assistance from Security by visiting the Roberts Building; using one of the Blue emergency phones that are located throughout campus or call by dialing extension 5911 from any campus phone or 207-859-5911 from an off-campus or non-campus phone. The blue emergency phones and the emergency number are restricted to calls of a true emergency nature, such as fire, medical emergency, or suspicious or criminal activity. An officer will be dispatched to the scene to evaluate the situation and take appropriate action.

The College strongly encourages any individual who observes or who is the victim of any crime or conduct violation to report the matter immediately to Security. The College’s crime statistics are available on the Security Department website.

Emergency phone number on campus: 5911
Emergency phone number off campus: 207-859-5911
Non-emergency phone number: 207-859-5530
Emergency phone number when not on Colby property: 911 

For non-emergency or routine business, such as vehicle registration information, lock outs, and lost items, call extension 5530 from any campus phone or 207-859-5530 if calling from an off-campus or non-campus phone.

All students are expected to know of the regulations in the Colby College Student Handbook and in the Colby College Catalogue. The handbook covers academic, administrative, and social regulations.