Q. What if I had a physical in January of my senior year?

A. A physical evaluation is required within the 2007 calender year for participation in COOT². If you have specific health related questions, you should contact the Colby Health Center at (207) 872-3402.

Q. Do I have to go on a  COOT²  trip?
A. The COOT trip is an integral part of the Colby Orientation Program and all students participate.   If an injury prevents your participation we will assign you to a trip closer to the campus or you will be placed in an on-campus COOT² trip. 

Q. When will I know what COOT² trip I have been placed on?

A. You will be notified by the 2007 COOT² Coordinators Mae Ogorzaly (mmogorza@colby.edu) and David Bacchus (dbacchus@colby.edu)  of your trip placement in late July or early August.

Q. How do I contact my COOT² leader after the trip assignments have been decided?

Your leaders will be contacting you as soon as we have placements completed.  A leader listing is located under the COOT² heading on the main webpage!

Q. When is the last day that I can apply for COOT²?

A. We require all applicants to complete the online application process and submit all health forms by July 15. 

Q. What happens if I don't get the trip that I want?

A. The COOT² Coordinators try very hard to place every student on a trip that best suits his or her interests. Not everyone will get his or her first choice. It is rare, however, that you will not be placed on one of your top 4 selections.

Q. How do I know what to bring on my COOT² trip?

A. Detailed equipment lists are located on the left hand side of the COOT² webpage.  Also check with your COOT² leader prior to arrival for advice.

Q. What day do we leave for COOT²? When do we return to campus?

A. You will leave for your COOT² trip on the morning of Thursday, August 30 and return on Sunday, September 2.

Q. When do I meet my COOT² Leaders?

A. You will meet your leaders on Tuesday, August 28.

Q. If I sign up for a water-based trip, do I need to know how to swim?

A. The Office of Outdoor Safety and Education also insists that you know how to swim if you participate in any of the water-based COOT² trips. The COOT² program requires that life jackets are worn at all times while on the waters of the state of Maine.

Q. What happens if I am injured before arriving on campus and can no longer participate in a COOT² trip?

A. If an illness or injury prevents you from being able to participate, please let us know immediately. In most cases, we will be able to place you on a less strenuous trip so that you may still have the COOT² experience.

Q. Where should I send my payment for COOT²?

A. The COOT² fee will be charged to your first semester bill. You do not need to send a separate payment for COOT².  If you require financial aid, please contact Student Financial Services to see if you qualify.

Q. What if I have special dietary needs?

A. We try to have a wide variety of food options for the COOT² trips. However, if you have allergies or specific dietary restrictions, please contact the COOT² Coordinators immediately, so that we can be sure to make the proper accommodations for your trip.

Q. What if I am on medication?

A. Please list all medications, including inhalers, on your application.  If you have a prescription for something not listed on your application (for example, you are diagnosed with strep throat 3 days before the trip), please bring a note from your doctor with you to campus.

Q. Can I use a mountain bike on the road biking trip?

A. No. You must have a road bike for the road biking trip. If you're not sure about your bike, call your local bike shop for information. If you do not have the appropriate bike and helmet when you arrive for your trip, we will place you on another trip.

Q. What kind of training have my COOT² Leaders had?

A. All COOT² Leaders participate in an extensive training program which includes:

• Wilderness First Aid and CPR Certification
• Team/Community Building Training
• On-Campus training sessions with Health and Counseling Center, Academic Affairs Administrators, and other campus officials.

Q. Can I bring my cell phone, MP3 player, or similar electronics on the trip?

A. All electronics are left on campus in a secure location.  COOT² leaders carry cell phones only for safety purposes.