HELLO, CLASS OF 2029.
Congratulations on your admission to Colby College! We at the Student Government Association (SGA) are honored to welcome you to our incredible community, your new home.
For many of you, this is the first time you are leaving your home. Some of you may only be driving a few hours north, while others are embarking on transcontinental flights. No matter where you’re coming from, you’re likely feeling a mix of excitement, nerves, and hope. You’ve worked hard to get here, and now you’re about to begin one of the most transformational times of your life.
At Colby, you’ll have the chance to push yourself beyond what you thought possible. The opportunities here are world-class—whether you’re exploring the farthest reaches of astrophysics, studying climate change in Patagonia, or leading cutting-edge research in one of our labs. The academic rigor will challenge you, but the resources are here to help you grow every step of the way.
What truly makes Colby special is its community. We share a spirit of generosity, something we call Hill Magic, a nod to the nearby Appalachian Trail’s “trail magic.” Hill Magic is those unexpected moments of kindness and support that you’ll experience both on and off campus: professors who go beyond office hours to help you succeed and alumni around the world eager to mentor and connect with you.
In this tight-knit environment, you’ll have the chance to build lifelong relationships while exploring the stunning outdoors of Maine, competing in intramural sports, or engaging with the local Waterville community. You’ll find opportunities to get involved and connect with peers and mentors in meaningful ways.
We can’t fully capture the magic of Colby in a letter, but we can say this: it’s a place where you will experience unprecedented growth. You will take risks and challenge yourself in ways you never imagined, and you will feel accomplished at the end of it all as you recognize the potential you have. The best advice we can give you to make the most of your time here is to not be afraid to dream big. It may sound intimidating, but these opportunities are built with you in mind, and everyone on campus and in our alumni network wants to help you achieve your goals. So reach out to them early, go to DavisConnects, talk to your peers and professors, connect with the amazing individuals in this community, and build toward what’s possible with a Colby education.
If you’re able to visit during Admitted Students Day, we encourage you to attend a spotlight class, check out our incredible art and performance spaces, and get a feel for the academic environment you’ll be part of. Take this time to talk to current students and faculty. Can’t make it to campus? Don’t worry—there will be plenty of ways to connect and prepare for this exciting journey.
We’re so excited for you to begin making lifelong friendships, to challenge yourself intellectually, and for the impact you’ll make here. Welcome to the Hill!
Bibatshu Thapa Chhetri ’25 Co-President, SGA
Niamh Lacey ’25 Co-President, SGA
MONDAY, APRIL 21 IN-PERSON PROGRAM
Pre-registration for the in-person program is required. Please register at afa.colby.edu/admitted.
8 a.m.–8 p.m.
Registration
8–8:50 a.m.
Guided Campus Tour
8:30–10:30 a.m.
Breakfast
9–9:50 a.m.
Welcome with President David A. Greene
Colby Family Panel
9–10:50 a.m.
Mule Works Innovation Lab Open House
10–10:50 a.m.
Spotlight Classes (see page 5)
Academic Fair
The Island Campus:
Introducing Allen and Benner Islands
The Power of the Liberal Arts: Shaping the Future of Artificial Intelligence
Guided Tours: Colby College Museum of Art, Campus, Harold Alfond Athletics and Recreation Center
11–11:50 a.m.
Welcome with President David A. Greene
Student to Student: Living the Colby Life
Noon–1 p.m.
Club Expo
The Pugh Center Open House
Noon–2 p.m.
Taste of Maine
Food Truck Festival
1–1:50 p.m.
Spotlight Classes (see page 6)
The Creative and Performing Arts Panel
The Center for Small Town Jewish Life Open House
Guided Tour of the Colby College Museum of Art
1:45–3 p.m.
Downtown Waterville Exploration
2–2:50 p.m.
Community-Building and Campus Life Panel
Guided Tours: Campus, Harold Alfond Athletics and Recreation Center
2:45–4 p.m.
Downtown Waterville Exploration
3–3:50 p.m.
Spotlight Classes (see page 7)
DavisConnects: Career Planning and Off-Campus Study Panel
4–4:50 p.m.
Spotlight Classes (see page 7)
Guided Campus Tour
Research, Internships, and Global Experiences
5–6:30 p.m.
Community Picnic
6:30–8 p.m.
Colby After Dark
MONDAY, APRIL 7
VIRTUAL PROGRAMS
4–4:50 p.m.
Affording Colby: Financial Aid Information Session
5–5:50 p.m.
The Island Campus and Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences
6–6:50 p.m.
Spotlight Class (see page 8)
7–7:50 p.m.
Community-Building and Campus Life Panel
TUESDAY, APRIL 8
VIRTUAL PROGRAMS
4–4:50 p.m.
Davis Institute for Artificial Intelligence and The Halloran Lab for Entrepreneurship
5–5:50 p.m.
The Creative and Performing Arts Panel
6–6:50 p.m.
Linde Packman Lab for Biosciences Innovation
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9
VIRTUAL PROGRAMS
4–4:50 p.m.
Spotlight Class (see page 10)
Colby College Museum of Art and Lunder Institute for American Art
5–5:50 p.m.
Dual-Degree Engineering Programs
6–6:50 p.m.
The Center for Small Town Jewish Life
7–7:50 p.m.
Student to Student: Living the Colby Life
THURSDAY, APRIL 10
VIRTUAL PROGRAMS
4–4:50 p.m.
The Goldfarb Center for Public Affairs and The Oak Institute for Human Rights
5–5:50 p.m.
The Center for the Arts and Humanities and Lyons Art Lab
6–6:50 p.m.
DavisConnects: Career Planning and Off-Campus Study Panel
FRIDAY, APRIL 11 VIRTUAL PROGRAMS
4–4:50 p.m.
Spotlight Class (see page 12)
5–5:50 p.m.
Active Colby Panel
6–6:50 p.m.
The Buck Lab for Climate and Environment
SATURDAY, APRIL 12 VIRTUAL PROGRAMS
8–8:50 a.m.
Living the Colby Life: The International Student Experience
9–9:50 a.m.
Spotlight Class (see page 12)
Noon–12:50 p.m.
Colby Connections: Colby Family Panel
3–3:50 p.m.
Virtual Bingo with Colby’s Student Government and Programming Board
Download the Colby Guidebook app to create your schedule for the day, receive live updates about the day’s events, and connect with your future classmates! guidebook.com/g/colby2029
MONDAY, APRIL 21
Pre-registration for the in-person program is required. Please register at afa.colby.edu/admitted.
SPOTLIGHT CLASSES
Get a true sense of the learning experience at Colby by joining our world-class professors for in-depth and informative presentations of the scholarship they pursue and teach.
8 a.m.–8 p.m.
Registration
Welcome to Mayflower Hill! Begin your experience on campus by checking in and picking up everything you need for your visit in the Parker-Reed Room of the Schair-Swenson-Watson Alumni Center. Registration moves to Lunder House at noon.
8–8:50 a.m.
Guided Campus Tour
Take a tour of our Mayflower Hill campus to learn about academic programs and student life from the perspective of a current student.
8:30–10:30 a.m.
Breakfast
Join us in the lobby of the Gordon Center for Creative and Performing Arts for a light breakfast before you begin your day of activities.
9–9:50 a.m.
Welcome with President David A. Greene
Please join us as President Greene welcomes the Colby Class of 2029 to campus and learn about his vision for the future of Colby.
Colby Family Panel
Families and guests are invited to connect with current Colby parents and staff to hear about their experience as members of the extended Colby community.
9–10:50 a.m.
Mule Works Innovation Lab Open House
Check out Colby’s makerspace, where students from every discipline come together to explore interactive technologies such as virtual reality, 3-D printing, and laser cutting.
10–10:50 a.m.
SPOTLIGHT CLASSES
Euler’s Formula for Polyhedra: How to Network Like a Mathematician
Led by Scott Taylor Professor of Mathematics
War in Western Europe, Spring 1940: A History From Below With New Accents
Led by Raffael Scheck
The John J. and Cornelia V. Gibson Professor of History and Chair of Jewish Studies
Academic Fair
Drop in to connect with faculty and students from across disciplines to learn more about Colby’s academic offerings.
The Island Campus: Introducing Allen and Benner Islands
Join faculty and students to learn about the addition of the Island Campus at Colby and the important role the islands play in supporting research and discovery in ecology, biodiversity, and conservation.
The Power of the Liberal Arts: Shaping the Future of Artificial Intelligence
As the first liberal arts college to establish a major academic program in artificial intelligence, Colby is positioned to redefine a liberal arts education for this century. Join members of Colby’s faculty and leading minds in the field of artificial intelligence as they discuss the various opportunities that Colby students have to shape artificial intelligence and machine learning for the greater good.
Colby College Museum of Art Tour
Visit one of the finest college art museums in the country and learn about the artwork, exhibitions, and opportunities for interdisciplinary learning. Museum staff will be present throughout the day to guide guests through the various galleries and discuss the important role the museum plays both inside and outside the classroom. Water bottles are not allowed in the museum.
Guided Campus Tour
Take a tour of our Mayflower Hill campus to learn about academic programs and student life from the perspective of a current student.
Can’t make it to campus on April 21?
We invite you to register for an individual visit on select Mondays and Fridays in April. These weekday admitted student visits include a campus tour, the opportunity to have lunch with a current student, and the chance to learn more about Colby’s academic offerings. For registration information, please visit afa.colby.edu/admitted.
Harold Alfond Athletics and Recreation Center Tour
Take a tour of the Harold Alfond Athletics and Recreation Center, among the most comprehensive athletics facilities on any Division III campus.
11–11:50 a.m.
Welcome with President David A. Greene
Please join us as President Greene welcomes the Colby Class of 2029 to campus and learn about his vision for the future of Colby.
Student to Student: Living the Colby Life
Enjoy a candid conversation to learn about the Colby experience from those who live it every day. Hear about adjusting to the rigors of college work, living together in residence halls, and getting involved on campus.
Noon–1 p.m.
Club Expo
There are more than 100 ways to make connections with your fellow Colby students while doing something you love. This expo is a great way to see the range of clubs and organizations on campus. Being a part of them is simply a matter of signing up, showing up, and diving in.
The Pugh Center Open House
The Pugh Center supports Colby’s commitment to fostering a fully inclusive campus community through individual support, resource programs, and social justice education.
Noon–2 p.m.
Taste of Maine
Food Truck Festival
Join your peers from the Colby Class of 2029 for some al fresco dining with food from some of Maine’s best food trucks!
1–1:50 p.m.
SPOTLIGHT CLASSES
Manufacturing Consent: News Media and Power
Led by Ben Lisle
Associate Professor of American Studies and Chair of American Studies
Introduction to Francophone Africa
Led by Mouhamedoul Amine Niang
Associate Professor of French and Chair of French and Italian
The Creative and Performing Arts Panel
Join members of the Colby community as they discuss the pivotal role the visual and performing arts play at Colby and the various opportunities there are for students to explore both inside and outside of the classroom.
The Center for Small Town Jewish Life Open House
The Center for Small Town Jewish Life at Colby College cultivates locally rooted, vibrant, connected, socially equitable learning communities steeped in the Jewish tradition and intertwined with the broader Jewish world. The Center’s fellowship is open to students of all backgrounds to exercise leadership in our community in accordance with the wisdom, cultural riches, and values embodied in the Jewish tradition.
Guided Tour of the Colby College Museum of Art
Visit one of the finest college art museums in the country and learn about the artwork, exhibitions, and opportunities for interdisciplinary learning. Museum staff will be present throughout the day to guide guests through the various galleries and discuss the important role the museum plays both inside and outside the classroom. Water bottles are not allowed in the museum.
1:45–3 p.m.
Downtown Waterville Exploration
Explore Colby’s newest additions to downtown! Walk down Main Street to visit Greene Block + Studios, the lively Paul J. Schupf Art Center, and our downtown living and learning community, the Bill & Joan Alfond Main Street Commons.
2–2:50 p.m.
Community-Building and Campus Life Panel
Learn more about making connections and building community at Colby. This panel will highlight orientation programs, student life, spiritual life, diversity, and civic engagement on campus.
Guided Campus Tour
Take a tour of our Mayflower Hill campus to learn about academic programs and student life from the perspective of a current student.
Harold Alfond Athletics and Recreation Center Tour
Take a tour of the Harold Alfond Athletics and Recreation Center, among the most comprehensive athletics facilities on any Division III campus.
2:45–4 p.m.
Downtown Waterville Exploration
Explore Colby’s newest additions to downtown! Walk down Main Street to visit Greene Block + Studios, the lively Paul J. Schupf Art Center, and our downtown living and learning community, the Bill & Joan Alfond Main Street Commons.
3–3:50 p.m.
SPOTLIGHT CLASSES
Vampires and Werewolves in Contemporary Culture
Led by Melissa Miller
Assistant Professor of Russian
Artificial Intelligence and Society: Use and Misuse
Led by Kara Kugelmeyer Data Services Librarian
Considering the Edit in Documentary Filmmaking
Led by Erin Murphy
Instructor of Cinema Studies
Please note, space for this class is limited and is first-come, first-served.
Modeling Human Behavior and Neurodegenerative Diseases in Fruit Flies
Led by Tariq Ahmad
Professor of Biology and Dr. Charles C. and Pamela W. Leighton Research Fellow, and Chair of Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies
DavisConnects: Career Planning and Off-Campus Study Panel
This session will explore DavisConnects, an innovative program that provides students access to global, internship, and research experiences and prepares them for life after Colby.
4–4:50 p.m.
SPOTLIGHT CLASSES
Introduction to Music Technology and Sustainable Audio
Led by Moon Young Ha
Visiting Assistant Professor of Music
Magic in the Ancient and Modern Worlds
Led by Kerill O’Neill
Julian D. Taylor Professor and Chair of Classics and Humanities Division Chair
The Secret Lives of Old Books
Led by Megan Cook
Associate Professor of English and Co-Chair of English
Surveillance Culture
Led by Laura Saltz
Associate Professor of American Studies
Our campus map is on page 14.
Guided Campus Tour
Take a tour of our Mayflower Hill campus to learn about academic programs and student life from the perspective of a current student.
Research, Internships, and Global Experiences
Join Colby faculty, staff, and students from across various centers and institutes as they reflect on the transformative internship, research, and global experiences that have defined their experiences on and off campus.
5–6:30 p.m.
Community Picnic
As we come to the end of our program, admitted students and their guests are invited to join members of the Colby community for a casual dinner. Connect with community members, hear their Colby stories, discover campus traditions, and picture what your four years on Mayflower Hill could look like.
6:30–8 p.m.
Colby After Dark
Let the fun begin! Join us for a variety of events: music, food, games, and time to connect with your future classmates.
MONDAY, APRIL 7
4–4:50 p.m.
Affording Colby: Financial Aid Information Session
Join members of the financial aid team as they present a comprehensive overview of financial aid at Colby. Learn about payment options, how outside scholarships affect a student’s aid package, and health insurance coverage. The team will also spend time walking families through the process of comparing different aid packages from different institutions.
5–5:50 p.m.
The Island Campus and Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences
Join faculty and students to learn about the addition of the Island Campus at Colby and the important role the islands will play in supporting research and discovery in ecology, biodiversity, and conservation.
The Colby-Bigelow partnership includes a semester-in-residence program for students interested in gaining a sophisticated understanding of oceanography and handson research experience through immersion in a professional laboratory environment.
6–6:50 p.m.
SPOTLIGHT CLASS
Native American Reproductive Justice
Led
by Laura
Sachiko Fugikawa Assistant Professor of American Studies and Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies
7–7:50 p.m.
Community-Building and Campus Life Panel
Learn more about making connections and building community at Colby. This panel will highlight orientation programs, student life, academic resources, and other important support.
Don’t forget to download the COLBY GUIDEBOOK APP
VIRTUAL PROGRAMS
TUESDAY, APRIL 8
4–4:50 p.m.
Davis Institute for Artificial Intelligence and The Halloran Lab for Entrepreneurship
The first major academic program in artificial intelligence established at a liberal arts college, the Davis Institute for Artificial Intelligence (AI) is able to facilitate significant faculty and student research and prepare students for a future where AI is transforming industries, careers, and modes of discovery, creativity, and scholarship. The Halloran Lab provides funding for student enterprises and mentorship, as well as innovation and maker spaces on campus and in downtown Waterville. Join us to hear about the impact of these new opportunities on students.
5–5:50 p.m.
The Creative and Performing Arts Panel
Join members of the Colby community as they discuss the pivotal role the visual and performing arts play at Colby and the various opportunities there are for students to explore both inside and outside of the classroom.
6–6:50 p.m.
Linde Packman Lab for Biosciences Innovation
Hear from Andrea Tilden, director of the Linde Packman Lab for Biosciences
Innovation and the Leslie Brainerd Arey associate professor of biosciences as she discusses the funding opportunities offered through this program to support meaningful and wide-ranging exploratory research and experiences in the biosciences.
VIRTUAL PROGRAMS
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9
4–4:50 p.m.
SPOTLIGHT CLASS
How to Read a Poem and Why It Matters
Led by Mary Ellis Gibson
Arthur Jeremiah Roberts Professor of Literature
Colby College Museum of Art and Lunder Institute for American Art
Learn about one of the finest college art museums in the country and the artwork, exhibitions, and opportunities for interdisciplinary learning it provides. A collaborative initiative of the Colby College Museum of Art, the Lunder Institute invites visiting artists, scholars, and museum professionals to engage across disciplines with Colby faculty and students. Learn how the Lunder Institute amplifies marginalized voices, challenges convention, and provides a platform for generative dialogue through art and scholarship.
5–5:50 p.m.
Dual-Degree Engineering Programs
Interested in engineering but want to attend a liberal arts college? At Colby you can do both. Our dual-degree programs allow you to graduate from Colby and obtain an engineering degree from either Dartmouth College or Columbia University. Join current faculty and students to learn more about engineering opportunities at Colby.
6–6:50 p.m.
The Center for Small Town Jewish Life
The Center for Small Town Jewish Life at Colby College cultivates locally rooted, vibrant, connected, socially equitable learning communities steeped in the Jewish tradition and intertwined with the broader Jewish world. The Center’s
fellowship is open to students of all backgrounds to exercise leadership in our community in accordance with the wisdom, cultural riches, and values embodied in the Jewish tradition.
7–7:50 p.m.
Student to Student: Living the Colby Life
Enjoy a candid conversation to learn about the Colby experience from those who live it. Hear about adjusting to the rigor of college academics, building community in residence halls, and getting involved on campus.
VIRTUAL PROGRAMS
THURSDAY, APRIL 10
4–4:50 p.m.
The Goldfarb Center for Public Affairs and The Oak Institute for Human Rights
The Goldfarb Center for Public Affairs connects students to current events, inspires global citizenship, and sparks public policy debates to build leadership skills and a better understanding of some of the world’s greatest challenges. Join us to learn how the center funds dozens of research opportunities and internships each year.
The Oak Institute for Human Rights champions the struggles for dignity, freedom, and justice for people throughout the world. Learn more about opportunities for members of the Colby community, especially students, to participate in research, internships, and activism on behalf of human rights.
5–5:50 p.m.
The Center for the Arts and Humanities and Lyons Arts Lab Students’ ideas drive the work done in the Center for the Arts and Humanities. Through annual humanities themes and labs, they inspire discussions and challenging conversations around campus.
The Lyons Arts Lab functions as a creative think tank to support new ideas and new work developed by Colby students and faculty across academic disciplines.
6–6:50 p.m.
DavisConnects: Career Planning and Off-Campus Study Panel
This session will explore DavisConnects, an innovative program that provides students access to global, internship, and research experiences and prepares them for life after Colby.
VIRTUAL PROGRAMS
FRIDAY, APRIL 11
4–4:50 p.m.
SPOTLIGHT CLASS
Vampires and Werewolves in Contemporary Culture
Led by Melissa Miller Assistant Professor of Russian
5–5:50 p.m.
Active Colby Panel
Being healthy and active are values of our community. Join Colby’s recreation staff and student athletes to discuss living a healthy and active lifestyle on campus by getting involved in varsity sports, club sports, intramurals, or fitness classes.
6–6:50 p.m.
The Buck Lab for Climate and Environment
The Buck Lab for Climate and Environment supports broad initiatives at Colby focused on climate change and other environmental issues. Join us to learn how the Buck Lab facilitates student and faculty research, experiential learning opportunities, student internships with collaborative partners doing environmental work, community engagement, professional skills development, and career networking.
VIRTUAL PROGRAMS
SATURDAY, APRIL 12
8–8:50 a.m.
Living the Colby Life: The International Student Experience
Enjoy a candid opportunity to learn about coming to Colby as an international student. Hear from current members of our international student community about adjusting to the rigor of college academics, building community in residence halls, and getting involved on campus.
9–9:50 a.m.
SPOTLIGHT CLASS
Artificial Intelligence and Society: Use and Misuse
Led by Kara Kugelmeyer
Data Services Librarian
Noon–12:50 p.m.
Colby Connections: Colby Family Panel
Families of admitted students are invited to join us for a virtual conversation with Colby parents. Learn more about their experiences supporting a Colby student and joining the extended Colby community.
3–3:50 p.m.
Virtual Bingo with Colby’s Student Government and Programming Board
Join us for a fun competition against your future classmates! Register to receive an emailed bingo card and compete to win some Colby gear.
Don’t forget to download the COLBY GUIDEBOOK APP
guidebook.com/g/colby2029 AFA.COLBY.EDU/ADMITTED
RESOURCES AND CONTACTS
COLBY COLLEGE MUSEUM OF ART
10 a.m.–5 p.m. (Tuesday–Saturday) Noon–5 p.m. (Sunday)
HAROLD ALFOND ATHLETICS AND RECREATION CENTER
7 a.m.–12 a.m. (Monday–Friday) 8 a.m.–9 p.m. (Saturday–Sunday)
BOOKSTORE
8 a.m.–5 p.m. (Monday–Saturday)
LIBRARIES
Miller Library
Bixler Art and Music Library
8 a.m.–1 a.m. (Sunday–Friday)
10 a.m.–8 p.m. (Saturday)
CONNECT WITH COLBY’S VIBRANT GLOBAL COMMUNITY @colbyclassof2029 #ColbyClassof2029 afa.colby.edu/admitted
Register for an individual visit on select Mondays and Fridays in April!
Weekday admitted student visits include a campus tour, the opportunity to have lunch with a current student, and the chance to learn more about Colby’s academic offerings.
For registration information, please visit afa.colby.edu/admitted.
CONTACT INFORMATION
CAMPUS MAP
