Newsletters
Fall 2011
AIA News
The Bates Alumni in Admission Newsletter
To start this update, I thought you all would appreciate hearing directly from Bates faculty on what is happening on campus this year. I know that this will make you miss your days as a Bates student, but also will be helpful in talking with prospective students about what kind of courses are taught at Bates. Without further ado, The Bates Faculty answers, “What course are you excited to teach?” http://www.bates.edu/news/2011/09/09/video-convo-teaching/
What’s new in Bates Admission?
Admission Staff Update
I am delighted to share that a few familiar faces will be joining the staff in Lindholm this fall. Scott Steinberg ’86 will join the Office of Admission as Senior Associate Dean of Admission — Admission Operations & International Enrollment. Scott has had a long and successful career in higher education, most recently as the Director of Undergraduate Admission at the University of Southern Maine. In addition, we have three new Admission Counselors, all Bates graduates of 2011. Uriel Gonzalez, Charlotte Green and Simone Pathe. When you see these folks at an upcoming Bates event, please make sure to say, “Welcome back!”
Also, we have a new Coordinator of Campus Visits and Events, Michelle Lewis. If you are interested in hosting a Bates Admission event, or have access to a good location, please connect with Michelle directly at: mlewis2@bates.edu
Our long-time Dean of Admission, Wylie Mitchell, has officially retired from Bates. Our office wished him farewell in August, and Bates has since launched a national search for a Dean of Admission. I know that you join me in thanking Wylie for his years of service to Bates and wish him well. This spring, Wylie was honored with the College Key Distinguished Service Award.
In the short-term, John Hanson has joined our team as Interim Dean of Admission. John has had a fabulous career in education, most recently as Dean of Admission at Middlebury College. Also, officially moving into the position of Director of Admission is our own Leigh Weisenburger. Many of you have known Leigh for years and join me in saying, “Congrats! And well deserved!”
Many AIA volunteers have asked about Elaine Hansen’s departure, and how the campus is moving forward in her absence. The Interim President for the year, I know that many of you have had the good fortune to meet. For those who have not had the pleasure, get to know President Nancy Cable at: http://www.bates.edu/president/
For up-to-date information on the search for the next Bates President, see: http://www.bates.edu/president/presidential-search/
Garnet Gateway Interview Report
You may already be well aware, as we have been talking about this for over a year now, but it is official. The Admission Interview Report is now located in the Garnet Gateway system on the Bates website. The real beauty of this password protected system is that you will be able to track your interviewee to see if s/he applies, is admitted and enrolls. Enjoy!
In terms of accessing the new form, when you are assigned an interview, you will receive your user identification and pin number (if you don’t have it already), your pin and a set of instructions. These instructions will also be on the AIA website shortly. As you begin to navigate the system, here are a few helpful links.
Garnet Gateway:http://www.bates.edu/garnet-gateway/
Bates Help Desk (if you have trouble logging on):http://www.bates.edu/ils/technology/
Affordability
Recent press has highlighted the Bates comprehensive fee of $51,300 for the 2010-11 academic year as one of the highest in the country. I am sure that those who have attended college fairs and given admission interviews already this fall have been asked, “What does it cost to go to Bates?” For helpful resources on how to talk about the cost of a Bates Education, see: http://www.bates.edu/financial-services/
New Bates Admission publications
If you have already covered a college fair, you might have already seen these pieces. As part of the group that helped put them together, I am very proud to show you two of the new Bates Admission publications. Enjoy!
A new look for the Bates Admission Viewbook! http://www.bates.edu/admission/the-searcher/
Also, there is a fabulous new piece focusing on Bates Bobcat Athletics. http://www.bates.edu/admission/the-bobcat/
These publications are directly connected to a long-term communications strategy in which members of the Bates community (including many of you!) were involved, developing a brand promise and brand attributes. This work will help unify the communications of the college, with Admission and Advancement at the center of these efforts. The statement below is not something that we will publish, but will use as a guide as we continue to tell the Bates Story. Enjoy!
Brand Promise:
Bates is a nationally recognized and innovative college of the liberal arts and sciences. A globally and locally engaged community of intellectually bold students and faculty from around the world, Bates offers an academically rigorous and exceptionally personalized education guided by extraordinary faculty mentors in an inclusive and unpretentious environment.
Brand Attributes:
Bold
Actively engaged
Innovative
Supportive
Academically rigorous
Principled
Valued — sought after [in demand ] – Relevant – Needed (outcomes) – Leading change within their community – highly effective people
Bates Supplementary Essay
Below, you will find the new essay prompt we have created as a supplement to the Common Application. If students ask you about how to tackle it, please encourage them to only take a small bite of the Mission Statement. Be specific, be personal and tell us why Bates is the right choice for them.
Prompt:
In addition to the Common Application essay, please select one phrase from the Bates mission statement below and comment on how it inspires you and draws you to Bates (1–2 paragraphs).
Since 1855, Bates College has been dedicated to the emancipating potential of the liberal arts. Bates educates the whole person through creative and rigorous scholarship in a collaborative residential community. With ardor and devotion —Amore ac Studio — we engage the transformative power of our differences, cultivating intellectual discovery and informed civic action. Preparing leaders sustained by a love of learning and a commitment to responsible stewardship of the wider world, Bates is a college for coming times.
Contact Us
Dawna and I look forward to another great year in Bates AIA. If and when you have questions, please let us know: aia@bates.edu and 207-786-6006. Best wishes!