Colby is committed to the belief that the best preparation for life, and especially for the professions that require specialized study, is a broad acquaintance with human knowledge. The Colby experience is designed to enable students to find and fulfill their own unique potential. It is hoped that students will become critical and imaginative thinkers who are: welcoming of diversity and compassionate toward others; capable of distinguishing fact from opinion; intellectually curious and aesthetically aware; adept at synthesis as well as analysis; broadly educated with depth in some areas; proficient in writing and speaking; familiar with one or more scientific disciplines; knowledgeable about American and other cultures; able to create and enjoy opportunities for lifelong learning; willing to assume leadership roles as students and citizens; prepared to respond flexibly to the changing demands of the world of work; useful to society and happy with themselves.
Colby stands for diversity; for respect for various lifestyles and beliefs; and for the protection of every individual against discrimination. In the classroom and outside, there is freedom to study, to think, to speak, to work, to learn, and to thrive in an environment that insists upon both civility and the free and open exchange of ideas and views. The behavior of individuals may often affect the rights and well being of others, therefore all members of the campus community are responsible for fostering an environment in which teaching, learning, and research flourish.
Academic Integrity
Intellectual integrity is a fundamental value of all academic institutions and is at the heart of the primary teaching, learning, and research activities of the College. Misrepresenting one’s work, using sources without appropriate attribution, and giving or receiving unauthorized aid on assignments and examinations are dishonest acts that violate the core value of intellectual integrity.
Campus Sustainability and Resource Conservation
Colby College is committed to nurturing environmental awareness through its academic program as well as through its activities on campus and beyond. As a local and global environmental citizen, the College adheres to the core values of respect for the environment and sustainable living. Colby seeks to lead by example and fosters morally responsible, environmental stewardship. Environmentally safe practices inform and guide campus strategic planning, decision making, and daily operations. We urge community members to recognize personal and institutional responsibilities for reducing impact on the local and global environment. Finally, we recognize that achieving environmental sustainability will be an ongoing challenge that evolves, as we become more aware and educated as a community.
Diversity
Colby is dedicated to the education of humane, thoughtful, and engaged persons prepared to respond to the challenges of an increasingly diverse and global society and to the issues of justice that arise therein. The College also is committed to fostering a fully inclusive campus community, enriched by persons of different races, gender identities, ethnicities, nationalities, economic backgrounds, ages, abilities, sexual orientations, political beliefs, and spiritual values.
Non-discrimination
Colby is a private, coeducational liberal arts college that admits students and makes personnel decisions on the basis of the individual's qualifications to contribute to Colby's educational objectives and institutional needs. The principle of not discriminating on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, age, parental or marital status, national or ethnic origin, political beliefs, or disability unrelated to job or course of study requirements is consistent with the mission of a liberal arts college and the law. Colby is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and operates in accordance with federal and state laws regarding non-discrimination.
Non-harassment
Harassment based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national or ethnic origin, or disability results in loss of self-esteem for the victim and in the deterioration of the quality of the classroom, social, or workplace environment. Neither the law nor College regulation permits harassment as defined in these policies. Both racial and sexual harassment are illegal under state and federal law. Harassment by one’s peers, by any student, or by any employee of the College will not be tolerated. Possible penalties for those found guilty of harassment include probation, suspension, expulsion, termination of employment, and civil or criminal lawsuits. Those in positions of authority in all sectors of the College community must recognize that there is always an element of power in their relationships with persons having less authority. Faculty members must be aware that they can unexpectedly find themselves responsible for the instruction or evaluation of any student at the College. It is, therefore, the responsibility of the person in authority not to abuse that power. Relationships between consenting adults that would otherwise be acceptable can pose problems when one of the two has any kind of authority over the other. Such relationships should be avoided.
Residential and Social Life
Because Colby is a residential college, students create a community that is simultaneously intellectual and social. The patterns and programs of social and residential life are administered so as to enhance faculty-student ties beyond the classroom, assure respect for persons and property as well as the individual rights, well being, and dignity of others, promote understanding among all people, and foster personal growth and the opportunity to make lasting friendships. In the conduct of its social life Colby is committed to several principles. First, while not every social event can or should be open to every student, campus social life as a whole should be open and welcoming to all students. Second, students must retain the right to avoid social engagements when they so choose. To this end, departments, residence halls, teams, clubs, and other groups should strive to ensure that participation in social activities is nether formally nor informally required. Third, personal conduct at social events should be governed by respect for the rights and well being of others.
Sexual Assault
Sexual assault is sexual activity, of any kind, with a person without that person’s consent. Colby College will not tolerate sexual assault in any form. Sexual assault is an act of violence prohibited, in separate ways, by Maine law and Colby policy. Students found responsible for sexual assault will be subject to disciplinary action, which can include suspension or expulsion.
