Academic Eligibility

Academic Status
To be eligible to represent an institution in intercollegiate athletics competition, a student-athlete shall be enrolled in at least a minimum full-time program of studies, be in good academic standing and maintain satisfactory progress toward a baccalaureate or equivalent degree. (see NCAA Bylaw 14.01.2)

Student's Program
The student at Colby normally takes from 12 to 18 credit hours in each semester and one offering during the January term. Full-time standing during a semester requires a minimum of 12 credit hours. Each first-year student has a faculty advisor to assist in planning the academic program. A new faculty advisor is assigned when the student has selected a major. Approval of the faculty advisor(s) is required for all procedures affecting a student's academic program. (see Colby College Catalogue, p. 30)

Dropping Courses
It is each student's responsibility to ensure that his or her registrations are accurate and total at least 12 credits, the minimum for full-time status. (see Colby College Catalogue, p. 31)

A student-athlete no longer shall be considered enrolled in a minimum full-time program of studies (after dropping a course that places the student below full-time status) when the dropped course becomes official in accordance with procedures determined by the institution for all students. A student-athlete who is adding a course to reach full-time status shall become eligible for practice and competition once the course has been approved by the appropriate department head (or designated representative) and submitted to the registrar. (see NCAA Bylaw 14.1.8.1.1)

Academic Warnings
Faculty advisors, class deans, coaches of athletic teams in which a student participates, and the student's parent(s)* are notified when students receive warnings from instructors or are placed on academic probation. [*Parents are notified after a student receives two warnings in a semester.] (see Colby College Catalogue, p. 26)

Academic Probation
Students who earn fewer than 12 credits or a grade point average between 1.70 and 1.99 in any semester will be placed on academic probation. Any student on academic probation is required to consult with his/her academic advisor, class dean, and any extracurricular advisor, such as a coach, to discuss whether the student should continue participation in extracurricular activities. (see Colby College Catalogue, p. 34)

Satisfactory-Progress Requirements
To be eligible to represent an institution in intercollegiate athletics competition, a student-athlete shall maintain satisfactory progress toward a baccalaureate or equivalent degree at that institution as determined by the regulations of that institution. (see NCAA Bylaw 14.4.1) For Colby’s definition of Satisfactory Academic Progress, please explore the Colby Catalogue pages 15-18.

Academic Dismissal
Students who earn less than a 1.70 grade point average in any semester or who do not earn at least 12 credits and a 2.00 grade point average while on probation will be dismissed from the College for one academic year. (see Colby College Catalogue, p. 34)

Change in Eligibility Status. If a student-athlete's academic eligibility changes at the end of a quarter or semester, the student-athlete shall become eligible or ineligible to compete on the date their eligibility officially is certified by the appropriate institutional authority. In a case in which the student becomes eligible at the end of the term, the earliest date on which the student can become eligible to compete is the day after the date of the last scheduled examination listed in the institution's official calendar for the term that is ending. In a case in which the student becomes ineligible, the ineligibility shall become effective not later than the first day of classes of the following semester or quarter. In any case, if the student-athlete is academically eligible to compete at the time of the student-athlete's or the institution's first participation in an NCAA championship, they shall remain eligible for the remainder of the championship. (see NCAA Bylaw 14.1.10)

Before Initial Enrollment -- Practice or Competition. A student-athlete may practice or compete during the official vacation period immediately before initial enrollment, provided the student:
(a) Has been accepted by the institution for enrollment in a regular, full-time program of studies at the time of the individual's initial participation;
(b) Is no longer enrolled in the previous educational institution; and
(c) Is eligible under all institutional and NCAA requirements.
(see NCAA Bylaw 14.1.8.1.7.5)

[Season of Participation} Minimum Amount of Participation. A season of intercollegiate participation shall be counted in the student-athlete's sport when a student-athlete participates (practices or competes) during or after the first contest in the traditional segment following the student-athlete's initial participation of that academic year at that institution or when the student-athlete engages in intercollegiate competition during the nontraditional segment in that sport. This provision is applicable to intercollegiate athletics participation (practice or competition) conducted by a Division III collegiate institution at the varsity, junior varsity or freshman team level. (see NCAA Bylaw 14.2.4.1)
Exceptions. A season of participation shall not be counted:
(a) During the traditional segment when a student-athlete participates in a preseason scrimmage or preseason exhibition conducted before the first contest following the student-athlete's initial participation of that academic year at that institution;
(b) During the traditional segment when a student-athlete participates in an alumni contest conducted before the first regular-season contest following the student-athlete's initial participation of that academic year at that institution; and
(c) In baseball, field hockey, lacrosse, soccer, softball and volleyball, when a student-athlete participates (practices or competes) during the nontraditional segment.
(see NCAA Bylaw 14.2.4.1.1)

Eligibility Between Terms -- Practice or Competition. To be eligible for competition or practice that takes place between terms, the student-athlete shall: (Adopted: 10/20/09)
(a) Have been registered for the required minimum full-time load (see NCAA Bylaw 14.1.8.1) at the conclusion of the term immediately before the date of competition, if the student is continuing enrollment; or
(b) Be accepted for enrollment as a regular full-time student for the regular term immediately after the date of competition if the student is either continuing enrollment or beginning enrollment (see NCAA Bylaw 14.1.8.1.7.5).

Final Semester/Quarter -- Practice or Competition. A student-athlete may practice or compete while enrolled in less than a minimum full-time program of studies, provided the student is enrolled in the final semester or quarter of the baccalaureate or graduate program or a minor or undergraduate certificate program and the institution certifies that the student is carrying (for credit) the courses necessary to complete degree, minor or certificate requirements. (see NCAA Bylaw 14.1.8.1.7.1)