Colby College

For Practice
It is an NCAA rule that students may not miss class because of practice sessions unless the practice is in conjunction with an away contest. (see NCAA Bylaw 17.1.4.2 and 17.1.4.2.1)
Missed Class Time. A student-athlete shall not miss class for the following:
(a) Practice activities in any segment; and
(b) Competition in the nontraditional segment.
Exceptions. A student-athlete may miss class for practice activities in the following circumstances:
(a) When a team is traveling to an away-from-home contest and the practice is in conjunction with the contest; and
(b) Student-athletes representing the host institution shall be permitted to miss class time for practice activities scheduled in conjunction with an NCAA championship.
 
For Competition
The following information is intended to summarize college policies and guidelines on missed class time due to athletic contests.
• Colby rules state that students are permitted to miss a class for a contest but only at the discretion of the professor of that class.
• Individual instructors determine whether students may be excused from classes or scheduled course events.
• Coaches are instructed to provide practice and game schedules, including departure times for away contests, to all members of the team prior to the start of each season. For fall sports, students should have this information by the Friday of the first week of classes. For winter and spring sports, students should receive this information as soon as possible after tryouts are completed.
• Once students obtain their game schedules and departure times for away contests, they should compare their athletic schedule with their class schedule and any other scheduled class events to identify any overlapping commitments.
• After reviewing the professor’s attendance policy and, if any, class participation policy, the student needs to communicate with the professor directly and as soon as possible about any scheduled class events he or she is seeking permission to miss. It is recommended that students speak to their professor(s) in person and not initiate these discussions through, for example, email. These conversations should occur during the first several days of the semester.
• Students are responsible for any work missed.
• Students on academic probation cannot be excused from any class for extracurricular events, including athletic contests.
(see Appendix VII/Colby College Faculty Handbook, p. 118)

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).
 

Dean of Studies Office
 

Your success is our priority.
The Dean of Studies Office is here to support you before your first semester, as you adjust to campus life, choose a major, explore opportunities, develop expertise, and prepare for your post-college life.

• Call on your Class Deans to troubleshoot challenges, find strategies to achieve your goals, and access resources and opportunities that create conditions for your success.
• Reach out to counselors for group and individual services that promote your well-being. We'll listen and help you thrive.
• Contact our pastoral care team for social, emotional, and spiritual support through individual conversations or group meetings.

For more information:  https://life.colby.edu/get-support/

Class Deans

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. (see Colby College Catalogue, p.12)

For more information: Make an appointment with your Class Dean by calling 207-859-4560 or drop in to visit in Eustis 107 to discuss any questions or concerns, brainstorm options, or think strategically about your academic and future planning.

Academic Support Services

(https://life.colby.edu/get-support/advising-academic-success/resources/)

Academic Success Programs

• Learning Consultants

These specialized, expert coaches are available to any Colby student wishing additional academic support, coaching, or skill building. Learning Consultants work with your Class Deans to identify and establish support strategies for your unique needs, and they work one-on-one with you during the academic year to guide your individual success. To find out more or to request a Learning Consultant, please contact your Class Dean.

• 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.

• Private Study Rooms & Lockers in Miller Library

Students who need a private study space may apply to use a study room, a designated quiet space furnished with individual study carrel desks and personal lockers to store materials. Students will be assigned to one of three rooms.

Partner Programs

• 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, 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.

• Colby Libraries

Colby Libraries’ staff is available to help answer questions, guide your research, and assist you in finding resources.  There is a Liaison Librarian Program that provides dedicated librarians to every department as well as some co-curricular campus areas.  Liaisons are often subject specialists and are guides and research experts for their assigned academic departments and programs.  Liaisons can answer questions about the Libraries; provide reference assistance and guidance on using the Libraries’ catalog; help you find books, articles, films, etc. for class or for fun; offer tips about choosing databases (and explanations of what databases are!); and provide citation help when you’re incorporating research into your own work.  You can find your liaison here.  You can also send questions to libraries@colby.edu, and we’ll route them to the right staff member.