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A professor and their class sitting in the grass outside of the Memorial Chapel
By: Contributing Writer
May 13, 2026

A big “thank you” to the many students who have already set up their Colgate accounts, completed the language background form, language placement testing (if needed), and the academic preferences and experience form. Our teams at the Office of the Registrar and Keck Center for Language Studies are hard at work crafting your fall schedules based on the preferences you shared.

For those still completing the forms, I’ve included some guidance below to help you through the process. These and other items can be found on your new student checklist. Tip: Sign in to the new student checklist portal with your applicant email. You’ll then be prompted to use your Colgate credentials for specific checklist items.


Start Building Your Academic Experience

Set up your Colgate account, Due 5/21

  • Setting up your Colgate computing and network account is a key step for new students.
  • After the May 21 due date, all University correspondence will be directed to your Colgate email address only, including your fall schedule released around June 10. 
  • When you log in to your network account, you will be prompted to set up DUO for multi-factor authentication. Next you need to enroll in Google 2-Step Verification.
  • If you have questions or need assistance, contact Information Technology Services at itshelp@colgate.edu.
  • Tip: At no cost to you, Colgate provides some academic software such as Microsoft Office and Adobe Suite. A full list can be found on the software page.

 

Set up your Colgate account

Language Background Form and Placement Testing, Due 5/27

  • Colgate offers a wide array of language courses. By providing a detailed background of your language studies, you help us identify the best pathways for you to fulfill the Core Liberal Arts Practice in Language Study. 
  • Once you submit the background form, we’ll let you know if a placement exam is the next step.
  • If you have questions or need assistance, contact Cory Duclos, director of the Keck Center for Language Study, senior lecturer in linguistics, at gduclos@colgate.edu or 315-228-7671. 

 

Complete the Language Background Form

Colgate Academic Preferences and Experience (CAPE) Form, Due 5/27

  • The incoming first-year registration webpage is your go-to resource for completing the CAPE form. We encourage you to explore the materials there to discover the courses and programs that spark your interest most.
  • If you have questions or need assistance, contact the Office of the Registrar at registar@colgate.edu or 315-228-7408. 
  • Tip: Students in the AMS or OUS scholars programs should indicate their status at the beginning of the form. If you were not notified of admission into these programs, please click next without choosing a program.
     

Complete the CAPE form

Submit Final High School Transcript, Due 7/25

  • Once available, a final high school transcript showing your graduation date and signed by a school official should be submitted through an electronic transcript service or by mail. 
     

If you have any questions, please contact newstudents@colgate.edu.
Go, ’gate!

Warmly,

Tara E.W. Bubble
Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management
Dean of Admission and Financial Aid