The College ends its academic year with an assembly of scholars and students in celebration. This ceremony marks the transition for seniors from students to holders of the baccalaureate degree. The Class of 2008 will graduate on Sunday, May 25, 2008.

Accommodations

If you haven't already done so, we urge you to make room reservations as soon as possible, as local hotels fill quickly for this special weekend. 

Tickets and Seating

Tickets are not required for any Commencment weekend events and there is no limit on the number of guests a graduate may invite. Seating is limited and guests are encouraged to arrive early.  In case of rain, outdoor events will be moved to the Merrill Gymnasium, in which case seating will be limited to the building capacity.

Invitations and Announcements

In the spring each graduate will be notified of when and where they may pick up invitations to Commencement.  The College provides each graduate with five formal invitations. (Again, there is no limit on the number of guests a graduate may invite.)  Graduates and their families may purchase graduation announcements through the Bates College Bookstore in conjuction with Balfour.  It has been brought to our attention that another company (Signature) has been mailing announcement information to members of the class of 2008 and their families.  This mailing was done without the permission of the College and Signature has no affiliation with Bates. 

Accessibility

Wheelchairs are provided on a first come, first served basis for those needing assistance to and from Baccalaureate and Commencement.  Wheelchairs may be picked up and returned to area near the flagpole at the center of the Quad.  There will be reserved handicap parking available at the corner of Campus Avenue and Nichols Street and a handicap drop-off area on Campus Avenue at the gate opposite Nichols Street. (In case of rain, reserved handicap parking will be available directly behind Merrill Gymnasium.)

When to Arrive

Parents and families are invited to attend the induction ceremonies for various honor societies that take place on Friday evening.   The first campus wide event for graduates, parents and families is the Baccalaureate service on Saturday at 2pm.

After Commencement

The Commencement ceremony lasts approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.  The luncheon following Commencement is a casual gathering and usually concludes by 2pm.  Graduates must be moved out of their rooms by 5pm.

 

Commencement Weekend Events

Thursday, May 22, 2008

4 to 5:30 p.m.
Baccalaureate Rehearsal
For performers only.
Coram Library Quadrangle
(In case of rain, Merrill Gymnasium.)

6:30 to 7:15 p.m.   *Note change in time and location
Reception
For all seniors and faculty.
Alumni  Walk - East End

7:15 p.m.    *Note change in location
Senior-Faculty Dinner
New Commons

Friday, May 23, 2008

3 p.m.
Mandatory Commencement Rehearsal
For all seniors.
Alumni Walk
(In case of rain, Merrill Gymnasium.)

4:30p.m.
College Key Induction
Olin Arts Center Concert Hall

6p.m.
Phi Beta Kappa Induction
Olin Arts Center Concert Hall

7:30p.m.
Sigma Xi Induction
Olin Arts Center Concert Hall

Saturday, May 24, 2008

2 p.m.
Baccalaureate Service
Coram Library Quadrangle
(In case of rain, Merrill Gymnasium.)

3:45 to 5p.m.
President's Champagne Reception
For seniors, parents, faculty and guests.
Library Lawn and Arcade
(In case of rain, Clifton Daggett Gray Athletic Building)

5 to 6p.m.
Office of Multicultural Affairs/Multicultural Center Reception
A celebration of the diversity at Bates College.
Multicultural Center Lawn
(In case of rain, Multicultural Center, first floor.)

5:30 to 7p.m.
Bates Scholar-Athlete Society Induction
Alumni Gymnasium

7:30p.m.
Panel Discussion with Honorands
Fireplace Lounge, New Commons
Dessert will be served at 7:30p.m.,
followed by a panel discussion at 8p.m.
Open to the Bates Community.

8:30p.m.
Commencement Concert
Olin Arts Center Concert Hall

Sunday, May 25, 2008

10 a.m.
Commencement
Coram Library Quadrangle

Following Commencement, a buffet luncheon for the Bates community will be served at the Library Lawn and Arcade.
(In case of rain, the Commencement ceremony will be held in Merrill Gymnasium, and the luncheon will be held in the Clifton Daggett Gray Athletic Building and the Alumni Gymnasium.)

Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Heather Bumps in the Office of the President at 207-786-6102 (or hbumps@bates.edu)