Below is a descriptive listing of most of Bates' student organizations. Take a moment to read through the list, just to get a taste of the wide variety of extracurricular opportunities that are available to all students. If you're interested in a group, visit their booth at the Activities Fair, look for posters announcing their early meetings, or check the listings in the Bates Daily, the daily campus newsletter. Feel free to attend an organization's meetings; they're always looking for members. If you have an interest which is not met by one of these organization, stop by the Student Activities Office to discuss starting a new organization. There's always room for one more.
AMANDLA!’s primary function is to meet the needs of African-American students and those of African descent. By so doing, it hopes to heighten black awareness on the campus and in the surrounding community. The organization brings issues and programs of global and societal importance to campus, focusing on the rich lives and cultures of people of African descent.
AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL is an organization of world-renown. Recognized by the United Nations for its efforts to combat human rights abuses and political discrimination, AI works to preserve and ensure the unalienable human rights of all world citizens as agreed upon by the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights. Working against torture, inadequate prison conditions and the death penalty, AI serves to unite members in just causes in the hope of ensuring a more just and humane world for all fellow global citizens.
The ANIME CLUB meets once a week on Sundays to watch episodes of Japanese anime series or movies. The meetings typically last for an hour to two hours and are a great way to learn about anime and take a study break. In the past, we've watched the now popular Kenshin series, Samurai X, and movies by director Hayao Miyazaki, among others.
BADMINTON CLUB: No experience required. We provide members with the equipment and a friendly atmosphere to enjoy the sport. We welcome new students to join our club. You can fulfill some of your Physical Education requirements and have fun at the same time!
THE BATES COLLEGE BAHÁ’Í ASSOCIATION promotes the unity of mankind and the principles of the Bahá’í Faith such as the need for equal rights and privileges for men and women of all backgrounds, the harmony of science and religion, and the unfettered search after truth. The Association, open to all members of the College community and their families, aims to foster understanding, love, and fellowship in the Bates community through lectures and other public meetings, social gatherings, and service projects.
The BATES BALLROOM SOCIETY is an organization run entirely by students and is open to anyone, including faculty and members of the community, who would like to learn to dance. All levels of experience are welcome and no partner is necessary. The club sponsors a beginner class once a week for 1.5 hours, for which PE credit can be earned if all classes of the semester are attended. The focus during these classes is on social dances such as swing, salsa, tango, waltz and many others. If people are interested in learning any of these dances at a more advanced level, they are invited to attend the competition team practices which focus on preparing students to compete at all levels in inter-collegiate competitions. Overall, the atmosphere of the club is very relaxed and it eagerly welcomes anyone interested in dancing.
BATES BOOK CLUB: The club is an organization that meets with students who choose certain books to read. Some of the books read last year were J.D. Salinger's "Franny and Zooey", Jonathen Lethem's "Motherless Brooklyn" and also the classic "Jonathan Livingston Seagull" by Richard Bach. Members get their books for free. Meetings are used to discuss the books and to choose the next read. Attendance at meetings is never mandatory and you can always choose to not read the book for that session and wait for the next one.
BATES BUDDIES is a volunteer program where Bates Students work with groups for 3-6 Longley Elementary School students one day a week. Bates Students visit with their Buddies at lunch and recess. It is a great chance to make a huge difference in a child's day!
BATES COLLEGE TELEVISION NETWORK: BCTV is a small, student operated, closed circuit television station transmitting on two channels of the college's video network. Now in our eight-year of operation, we have produced live sports shows, a late night format show, an investigative reporting program, phone-in panel discussions, and a weekly news show.
CATHOLIC STUDENT COMMUNITY: is the Roman Catholic affiliated organization at Bates College. The group works alongside the College's Catholic Chaplain in organizing weekly Sunday Mass and other spiritual activities such as prayer/discussion meetings and dinner meetings. The group is also active in the Lewiston community, volunteering with local churches and charitable organizations.
The CHASE HALL COMMITTEE is the primary, student run, programming board on campus. Working with a substantial budget, the club plans, publicizes, and runs a variety of events over the course of the year and into Short Term. Events include a major music concert, a comedy series, the Halloween and 80’s Dance, Big Prize BINGO and the coordination of the nation's 2nd oldest, Winter Carnival. This is a great way to interact with the student body, learn event planning and marketing skills, as well as getting your voice heard in the booking of campus entertainment.
The members of the Bates College CHESS CLUB are people who love to play chess. There are people from a variety of levels, from just learning the names of the pieces and what each piece does to being able to practice advance strategies from a number of possibilities. No matter what skill level you are, everyone is welcome and encouraged to come and play. We meet once a week and run tournaments as well. We have even had an intercollegiate tournament in the past. So, if you are interested in learning how to play chess or already know how to play chess and simply want to play a few games each week, then the Chess Club is the perfect destination for you!
BATES CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP: The purpose of BCF is to encourage and equip students to follow Jesus Christ as Lord. We strive to grow in love for God and God's people of every ethnicity and culture, and to come to a deeper understanding of the Scriptures and of God's purposes in the world. We organize various small groups that usually meet weekly for Bible study, discussion of pertinent issues, or prayer. There are also weekly Wednesday meetings for a time of worship, sharing and teaching. Various social activities are held throughout the year for relationship and community building, and oftentimes just for fun! Our activities are always open to the entire Bates Community. BCF is associated with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship.
CHRISTIAN SCIENCE ORGANIZATION is a group dedicated to supporting and pro-actively encouraging a spiritually uplifted campus and community. We seek to serve as a spiritual resource for all and create a comfortable forum for dialogue on spirituality and current issues through meetings and lectures. Our weekly meetings include readings and the sharing of experiences and ideas about how the challenges of campus life and beyond can be met through prayer and spirituality. We warmly welcome all genuinely interested students, faculty, and staff.
BATES CIVIL LIBERTIES UNION (BCLU): Wendell Phillips observed that "Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty." The BCLU maintains this vigil by actively defending and promoting awareness about, civil liberties at Bates and at large. To do this, the BCLU engages in advocacy and organizes lectures, panels, and discussion meetings to generate discourse and to facilitate greater awareness of civil liberties.
COMPETITIVE SKI CLUB - USCSA Maine Reynold’s Division D-3 ski racing. We have Alpine and Cross Country teams for both men and woman. The only requirement is that you are comfortable on your skis and want to go fast. We have twelve team races through January and February (for both Alpine and Nordic). Great opportunity for people who can’t or don’t want to race at the D-1 level to continue their racing career.
CRICKET CLUB is an exciting and skillful sport played worldwide. Originating in Britain it is most popular in its former colonies like India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Australia, New Zealand, Jamaica, Bermuda, Nepal, Bangladesh etc. Over the last decade cricket has witnessed a dramatic gain in popularity in nations as diverse as United Arab Emirates, Canada, USA, Netherlands, Argentina and Malaysia. Come learn about this growing global sport followed passionately by millions. Everybody is welcome, no prior experience is required.
The CROSSTONES is Bates' first ever co-ed a cappella group. Entering their 10th year, the Crosstones are known around campus for their fun and energetic performances filled with entertaining antics. Their repertoire is expansive with songs by artists like the Counting Crows, George Michaels, Coldplay, Pearl Jam, Fionna Apple, Offspring, Gorillaz, Toto to name a few. The Crosstones recently put the final touches on their awaited second album and released it in the fall of 2006. All are invited to listen to track samples from the album and to get to know the members of the group at http://abacus.bates.edu/people/orgs/crosstones/.
BATES COLLEGE CYCLING TEAM: Heart Rate. Lactate Threshold. Power-to-weight ratio. These are all important considerations in the sport of bike racing...but we don't care about them at all!! The Bates College Cycling Team is a laid-back bunch of guys and girls dedicated to racing their bikes. We train year-around and have fun. We race mountain bikes in the fall and road bikes in the spring. If you are at all interested in making bikes go fast and hanging out with awesome people in a no-pressure setting, this is the club for you.
THE DAAC (DARFUR ACTION AND AWARENESS COALITION) is a Bates organization dedicated to raising awareness and promoting action about the ongoing genocide in Darfur, Sudan. Actions of the club include fundraisers to raise money for African Union peace-keepers, petitioning politicians for increased U.S. involvement in the region, contacting local and national media outlets requesting media coverage of the issue, as well as overall campus education and awareness of the issue in Darfur.
The Bates College DEANSMEN are one of Bates College’s two all-male a cappella groups. Since 1957 this group of about fourteen charming men has been entertaining audiences at Bates, throughout New England, and even across seas with their diverse repertoire and sound. The most notable of the group’s travels is their annual spring tour, which has taken them to London, Iceland, Mexico, and beyond. The Deansmen sing songs by artists such as Stevie Wonder, Steely Dan, The Blind Boys of Alabama, Kool & The Gang, The Who, and Michael Jackson, all of which are arranged for a cappella by current members of The Deansmen, or alumni. The group is best known for its ability to maintain high quality musicianship and seriousness, while letting loose on stage and delivering a powerful performance. Auditions for The Deansmen are held during the first week of the Fall semester. Be sure to check them out at the activities fair.
BROOKS QUIMBY DEBATE COUNCIL: Debate and Bates are practically synonymous. Always among the top debating schools in the nation, Bates placed fourth at the North American Championships in 1992. In past years, we have hosted the North Americans, featuring the top debaters from Canada and the U.S. Debate is a great way to develop your mind, compete successfully against the top schools in the country, travel around the country and the world, and have a lot of fun. No prior experience is necessary; some of our best debaters started while at Bates. Come join us---it will change your life.
BATES DEMOCRATS are concerned students and citizens who tend to vote for Democrats, and are politically active and aware. We sponsor speakers, work on election campaigns, host forums and debates on campus, and engage in discussions on hot political topics. In joining us, you can have an impact on the world beyond Bates.
The BATES DHARMA SOCIETY was revived in Fall '05 by a handful of like-minded individuals interested in furthering their knowledge about Lord Buddha's teachings & Buddhist practices. We meet weekly (Mondays & Thursdays 7:00 pm at the Multi-Cultural Center) to discuss/ organize events and practice meditation. Our main event is the Annual Celebration of Vesak (the birth, enlightenment and passing away of Lord Buddha) which is held during the month of May. We host Buddhist monks from various traditions and are always on the lookout for innovative means to allow the Bates/Lewiston Community to nurture their interest in Buddhism and Enlightenment. The Bates Dharma Society welcomes all (irrespective of personal beliefs/religious affiliations) to join this informal group to make friends, meditate or satisfy your curiosity about Buddhism!
BATES DISCORDIANS are an eclectic* group of students who sponsor fun, slightly non-rational, chem-free social events. We organize the activities that you secretly would like to do but are afraid your friends will laugh at you for doing. Our events include snowball fights, Fall Fling (huge leaf-pile jumping), and the enigmatic* Nerf war, Widget. Also, we are people to talk to about LARPs and RPGs. Our events are open to all Bates students, and we always welcome new recruits to swell the ranks of Discord. *Big words provided by Hooked-On-Phonics Advanced Learning Tapes.
DODGE BALL CLUB: The Dodge ball club is a student organization that teaches and hosts recreational dodge ball. Once every semester, we hold a campus-wide dodge ball tournament. It is the future goal of the dodge ball club to participate in other NESCAC sponsored dodge ball events.
BATES EATING AWARENESS ASSOCIATION (BEAA) (pronounced “B”) is a group of students working to make Bates a healthy campus. We organize events throughout the year, especially during Healthy Habits week in February, to raise awareness of issues surrounding eating disorders, body image, self esteem, and stress. Events include yoga sessions, lectures, movie nights, “Iron Chef’” cooking competitions, and photography exhibits. BEAA has a resource library and relaxation room at 45 Campus Avenue in the Student Wellness Center.
ECONOMICS SOCIETY: The goal of the Economics Society is to provide a forum for interested students to discuss various topics related to the field of economics. Topics include investment strategies as well as the economic framework behind current affairs or “hot topics” such as free trade, globalization, and sweatshop labor. The Economics Society encourages all interested people to attend the meetings. No experience is necessary.
Bates EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES (EMS) is an all volunteer Maine licensed EMS service that provides emergency care to the Bates College community. All members have completed the Emergency Medical Technician’s course and the service is entirely student run. Bates EMT’s volunteer their time to be on-call and they are ready to respond to any campus emergency 24 hours a day, 7 days a week when school is in session. While on call, EMT’s carry radios in order to communicate with other crew members and Bates Security. They not only provide medical care to those in need but they offer lectures and training sessions to keep their EMT skills proficient.
BATES ENERGY ACTION MOVEMENT (BEAM): A movement at Bates College dedicated to taking direct action to fight anthropogenic global climate change by promoting Carbon Neutrality at Bates and direct political participation. Climate change is the greatest challenge of our generation. A massive international student movement is rapidly growing and Bates is rising to the forefront. Be a part of this historical movement which will affect the lives of many generations to come. This year we will hit the ground running with tons of exciting events and actions including hosting the 5th annual Maine State Climate Summit. There is no time to wait for someone else to solve this problem - the responsibility is ours and we are rising to the challenge! Be a part of the BEAM TEAM!
ENVIRONMENTAL COALITION: The Environmental Coalition focuses on improving environmental responsibility at Bates, in Lewiston-Auburn, and on a national scale. We work towards these goals with many different approaches, including campaigning for changes to specific college policies, educating students, and drawing attention to crucial issues outside of Bates. It is important to note that EC is run by its members, and this means that new issues are always welcome. If you have other environmental projects that you are interested in come to a meeting and inform other members of your ideas; before you know it a new campaign will be kicking off.
THE BATES EQUESTRIAN TEAM is a club sport open to anyone who is interested in riding or learning to ride. The Bates Equestrian Team competes in the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA) in Zone 1 Region 2. We have two seasons, fall and spring, with about four horse shows a season. IHSA shows make it possible for students without horses to show in college. At a show, riders are randomly assigned a horse from the host barn and are judged on their equitation, (traditional hunt seat). There are classes open for all abilities so anyone is welcome to show with the team. If you are interested
THE FEMINIST ACTION COALITION is an organization that promotes women's empowerment by advocating social, political, and economic equality through political action and awareness of issues such as reproductive health, domestic abuse, and global women’s issues. We aim to study and take action on global, national, campus, and local feminist issues and concerns, and to provide leadership and career building opportunities for feminist students. We also try and educate the Bates community about feminist issues.
The FENCING CLUB began a few years ago as a small club to teach the rudiments of fencing. We have grown to teach beginning fencing, group lessons in all three weapons, free fencing for all levels, and to field competitive teams against collegiate clubs and varsity teams. We also satisfy your phys ed requirement.
FILMBOARD: Every week the Filmboard presents a newly released feature film to the Bates Community. Special programming includes independent films, guest filmmakers and movie poster raffles. We provide consistent non-alcoholic weekend entertainment to the entire campus. Members help select and show films. New faces are always welcome!
THE BATES FISHING CLUB was established in 1999 for fishermen and fisherwomen in hopes of establishing a network of campus wide anglers. The BFC has equipment and supplies freely available for all members and anyone else interested in finding out what fishing is all about: good friends and good times. Our equipment room can cover all your fishing needs from native brook trout fishing to striped bass surf casting to ice fishing for pike. The BFC has traveled to and fished at number of destinations across the state and the Northeast including the Kennebec River in Gardiner for rainbow trout, Phippsburg for striped bass, Sabattus Pond for pike, Moosehead Lake for lake trout and landlocked salmon, Cape Cod for striped bass, and even the Outer Banks for wahoo and tuna. Everyone is welcome, so join us and experience fishing for yourself.
THE FRANCOPHONE CLUB was created to help students explore different aspects of francophone culture at Bates. It will provide an opportunity for francophone students to meet, speak French, and discuss topics concerning francophone countries. The Francophone Club, however, will in no case exclude non-French speakers since conversations are always held in English, and occasionally French. Since its birth, the club has focused on showing French movies followed by rich discussions, as well has cooking classes, and various other cultural activities. It will, consequently, continue along this path, initiating student gatherings like these. The ambition of the club is also to organize conferences and meals to promote the discovery of French food, to encourage discussions, and last but not least, to make possible some trips to the closest francophone country: Quebec. The Bates College Francophone Club serves to satisfy the desire of the students in this community for an acquaintance and knowledge of the Francophone countries through active participation in cultural, academic and social functions.
THE FREEWILL FOLK SOCIETY: Ever been to a contradance? Play fiddle, guitar, bagpipes, bones, accordion or banjo? Listen to folk, Celtic, bluegrass, or international music? The Freewill Folk Society is for you. Our events include concerts, jam sessions and monthly contradances. Come look us up!
YEAHHHH WHIP!!!! BATES COLLEGE’S ULTIMATE FRISBEE TEAM, the Orange Whip, is a club team that holds co-ed practice 4 days a week, with 2 hours of drills and scrimmaging and fun Friday practices with disc-inspired excitement (disc golf, Boot, Cower and Hestonball are recurring favorites). We go to as many tournaments as possible in the fall; in 2005 we traveled to schools from Maine to Western Massachusetts to Rhode Island, winning two tournaments, and hosted our annual NESCRACK tournament here at Bates. We spend the winter in the Grey Cage, attempting to keep in shape and gearing up for men’s and women’s Sectionals and some co-ed tournaments in the spring. 2006 marked the beginning of Women’s Whip, with some separate practice time and all-women tournaments to add to the whole Whip program. We all love disc and have a great time together, on and off of the field… http://abacus.bates.edu/people/orgs/ultimate/index.htm
THE GARNET is Bates' literary and arts magazine. It accepts poetry, short stories, essays, and all other creative writing as well as 2-dimensional artwork for submission from all students, faculty, staff, and alumni in the Bates community. Staff members read and review submissions, and participate in layout and design. We also organize readings of both students and professional writers, as well as poetry slams, radio readings and open campus writing workshops. Join and be read!
The GOLF CLUB is a campus-wide organization that allows Bates students to play golf at local courses at a substantially low price. Last short term, we were able to secure unlimited Golf passes at two local golf courses, Spring Meadows in Gray and Fox Ridge in Auburn, for just $166 per person. 33 Students took advantage of this golf deal and we were able to get the school to subsidize a good amount of the golf passes. Next year, for fall and spring semesters, we have high ambitions to offer the same kind of deal at an even lower price. We are also looking into discount golf lessons for the beginner. In addition, we have bought two sets of rental clubs for those who don't have clubs on campus. We are looking forward to next year and I would encourage all students, of all skill levels, to bring your golf clubs to college.
BATES HILLEL creates a Jewish cultural community at Bates. We have weekly meetings (Thursdays at 6pm in the Rowe Room) where we plan religious, cultural, social, and community service activities. We have Shabbat services (6:00pm) and dinner (6:30pm) together every Friday in the MC House. All members of the Bates community are welcome at our events!
BATES HINDU AWARENESS GROUP: The Hindu Students Club at Bates College was formed in response to the growing numbers of Hindus attending Bates. The Hindu Students Association
recognizes the many religions and cultural festivities of Hinduism such as Divali, Holi, Bhangra and Garba parties. Amongst others, this club organizes visits to temples, film and food festivals. The events sponsored by the Hindu Students Association are open to all students at Bates College.
HISTORICAL SOCIETY is an organization for all people interested in history. It tries to educate the campus about the significance of the past through movies, talks, and other events. The club also continues and explores old traditions and stories form Bates History back to 1855.
MEN AND WOMEN'S HOCKEY TEAMS: Open to all students, the men’s and women’s ice hockey teams practice five days a week and play around 20 games a season, extending from November to February. Both teams are members of the American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA), which is the largest and most competitive club hockey organization in the nation and offers an annual national tournament for top qualifying teams. The clubs play on campus at Underhill Arena and travel throughout the northeast competing against other colleges and universities within the league and participate in regional playoffs. Both teams are student run but are led on-ice by experienced coaches. The men’s team is led by Tom LeBlonde, who played collegiate hockey and is now a history teacher at Lewiston High School. The women’s team is led by Roger LaChapelle, who in addition to serving as a school administrator for numerous years has coached Lewiston High School to multiple Maine state hockey championship titles.
THE INDIGENOUS STUDENTS’ NETWORK (ISN) was formed with the primary goal of creating awareness of the world’s indigenous cultures at Bates College. We seek to educate both the campus, as well as the wider community about indigenous traditions and histories, as well as social issues relevant to indigenous populations. ISN is open to students of all ethnicities and encourages open communication of ideas related to indigenous peoples. ISN has (co)hosted speakers, held discussion panels, and orchestrated fun events to promote indigenous culture.
BATES INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY CLUB is Bates’ computer club and so much more. We take interest in building computers, network development, and Wired Magazine. We don’t hesitate to pop the case off a computer or take on new projects. If it’s broke, we fix it. If it’s not broke, we fix it anyway. Our most recent activities include configuring a dual processing PowerMac G5 as a video editing station and proxy server. Our other major project has been the creation of a web caching server running Fedora Linux and Squid. This machine will see duty campus wide once development and testing is complete.
INTERNATIONAL CLUB - "The International Club provides the Bates community with an opportunity to take part in a large variety of activities that aim to promote and encourage cross-cultural awareness and understanding. Such activities include the annual International Dinner (featuring foods from around the world), trips during the mid-semester breaks, several International parties, and our International Fair and Festival when students represent their countries in a variety of ways, ranging from fashion, to music, to dancing, to pictures, movies, and souvenirs. These activities serve as an opportunity for international students to represent themselves, their countries, cultures, and traditions. Just as importantly, with our activities, we aim to create interaction that offers all students, from within the United States and from outside, the insight on various world issues; young ambitious people who share the same desire for knowledge, exploration, and education. We also serve to support the International students in their transition process from one part of the world to another. We welcome all members of the Bates Community as members of the International Club, or participants in its activities."
ITALIAN CLUB serves the purpose of promoting Italian language and culture at Bates College through a wide variety of activities including presentations, movie showings, traditional dinners, and group outings to museums or concerts, etc.
THE BATES JAZZ BAND performs a wide variety of music encompassing styles ranging from Swing to contemporary. We rehearse once per week and perform at least one on-campus concert per semester. Although our repertoire has many written passages, improvisation is encouraged for anyone interested. This ensemble has an appointed student leader who assists the Director. There is also a small, student-led combo consisting of interested members that meets informally throughout the semester and plays frequently on and off campus; participation in this combo is coordinated through our student leader. We encourage all musicians to inquire about enrollment with Director Thomas Snow regardless of their experience. There may be an informal audition process to join.
JUGGLING CLUB: Balls, rings, clubs, diablos, devil sticks and more! We welcome everyone and anyone who is interested in learning or improving their juggling and/or circus related art. Think you lack the coordination to do anything involving more than one flying object? Come to a meeting and we'll prove you wrong!
MEN'S CLUB LACROSSE: The Bates Men’s Club Lacrosse team has greatly increased in size and popularity since its first season in 2006. Club Lacrosse is a great option for anyone interested in experiencing the game of lacrosse at a college level regardless of skill or experience. Competition consists mostly of other schools throughout New England.
LATINOS UNIDOS: Latinos Unidos is a club, organized as a threshold of diversity. The club seeks to afford the Latino Students of Bates College with the opportunities needed to embrace their culture while continuing to learn about the cultures around them. As such, our main goal is to enlighten the Bates community about the beauty and richness of countries in, South America, Central America and the Caribbean. The entire Bates community, whether Latino or not, are invited to all meetings and activities. Additionally, in order to include non-Spanish speaking members, all meetings are held in English.
LAW CLUB is geared towards those students interested in the pursuit of law by practice or education later in life. The goals of the club are to host a variety of guest speakers (practicing attorneys, admissions representatives from surrounding law schools, and current law students etc) to learn from their experiences and to also encourage networking. An aim of the Bates College Law Club is to somehow become involved with the student judiciary and possibly attend student hearings, and finally to some how contribute to the city of Lewiston in one respect or another through the means of possible pro bono work at local firms.
MANIC OPTIMISTS: What do you get when you put 13 guys who love to sing alone with a piano? You’ll have to see for yourself to find out, but we’re pretty sure you’ll be manically optimistic about it! The Manic Optimists are Bates’ newest all-male a cappella group, performing a wide variety of current hits and classic favorites. We perform constantly throughout the year, at Bates, at other schools, and anywhere else they’ll have us, from the Boston Common to Sugarloaf ski resort and beyond! So what do you say? Do you have what it takes to be a ManOp? Audition this fall and find out!
MERIMANDERS is the student-run female a capella group at Bates. The group, founded in 1957, sings a variety of musical genres. We enjoy performing on campus, in many local and regional community service settings, and at other colleges. Tryouts are held at the very beginning of the year.
MIRROR (THE YEARBOOK): If you have yearbook experience, if you have no yearbook experience, if you like to write, take photos, or design, we think we have the place for you! The Mirror awaits your ideas. Even the least experienced person can make major contributions. We capture fragments of your wonderful Bates experience. Be part of the Bates history by joining the Mirror. Stop in and see us in Chase Hall, Room 215 or call 795-7492.
MOCK TRIAL TEAM: Our three year old team is both competitive, and a lot of fun. We spend a few months preparing a trial, including writing opening and closing statements, and direct and cross-examinations. We annually attend the regional competitive tournament in Manchester, Connecticut, where we compete against other New England colleges and universities. Mock Trial presents a great experience to bond with group of Batesies, while engaging in a challenging and extremely fun activity. No experience is necessary to join!
MODERN DANCE COMPANY: Opportunities to dance, work out, perform, teach, and choreograph. All interested students are welcome. Performance is not mandatory. Company members also teach master classes and perform lecture-demonstrations in local public schools as part of an Outreach Program partially sponsored by the Maine State Commission on the Arts and Humanities. Interested? Contact Carol Dilley in the Schaeffer Theater. .
MUSHAHADA ASSOCIATION (Muslim Students’ Association) is an association of the Muslim students and students interested in the Islamic faith at Bates. Mushahada is an Arabic word and means vision. The club aims at providing appropriate space for religious observances, and increasing awareness of Islam as a religion on the college campus through organizing a diverse range of activities, which also act as a platform for interaction between Muslim students on the campus and the college community as a whole.
THE BATES MUSICIAN'S UNION aims to bring together musicians into a single collective. Through sponsoring concerts, parties, and other campus-wide events, we hope to increase awareness of, excitement for, and participation in the many music-related opportunities which Bates offers. The union organizes the schedules of concerts and band practices and gives musicians a unified voice before Bates as a whole.
NEW WORLD COALITION is an organization composed of people with a diverse array of world views who meet on common ground to organize for social justice. We work to build a new world from the roots up by advocating for permanent structural change and engaging in direct action. We believe that making the connection between local and global struggles is paramount in this endeavor. From the bottom up and the periphery in, we seek to disable unjust power structures based on money and military strength while building solutions which will allow for greater citizen democracy and provide for all of humanity's needs.
NORTHFIELD an Acapella Group. Northfield is a non-audition, non-traditional acapella group. Everyone is invited to sing with us, no matter skill or experience. We sing rounds, shapenote music, international songs, and songs our members have written. We perform often, but all performances are optional, so you can sing with us even if you’d dislike performing. It's a very welcoming group, and a new amazing way to sing music!!
OUTfront serves the entire Bates community by sounding out fundamental issues of sexuality and gender. As both a student-run support group and a political organization, we facilitate education and discussion of gender and sexuality issues while working to change intolerant and discriminating attitudes. OUTfront cooperates with other student organizations toward the greater goal of social justice for all within, and beyond, the College.
The BATES OUTING CLUB is the largest student group on campus because everyone on campus is a member! While membership in the club is extended to all students, we highly encourage you to come to meetings and become an active council member. We send out vans nearly every weekend to go skiing, surfing, kayaking, hiking, climbing, and every pursuit in between. And fear not, if you've never been into outdoor sports before, we'll help you get started! We have the equipment and expertise to get you the skills you need to get started on all sorts of new adventures. See you out there!
PAINTBALL CLUB organizes recreational play for Bates College members. We play locally at Lost Valley, Mt. David, or at our very own field: Flying Monkeys. The club provides a limited amount of equipment to reduce costs and seeks to promote safety and sportsmanship in the rapidly-growing sport of paintball.
PEP (PEOPLE EATING PLANTS/PLANT EATING PEOPLE) is a student organization dedicated to raising awareness and sharing resources about vegetarian/vegan issues and lifestyles. We hold weekly veggie dinners, have potlucks to socialize and share recipes, and organize an annual event in recognition of Meatout, among other things. Mooo!
PEP BAND is a student-run musical organization that helps create school spirit and enthusiasm at Bates sporting events. No matter what the level of your musical ability is, everyone is welcome to join. We will create the energy that will lead Bates to victory.
PHOTOGRAPHY CLUB: By now you may have noticed that Bates has NO PHOTOGRAPHY DEPARTMENT. Well, don't fret; you can join the Photo Club! You get access to a darkroom, AMAZING discounts on photo paper & film (as cheap as $1.00 a roll!!), and a discount at a nearby camera shop. And ...you don't have to know anything about photography! We teach! Whether you're Ansel Adams incarnate or you've never seen a camera in your life (but want to), join the Bates Photography Club!
The PHYSICS SOCIETY’s purpose is to advance and spread knowledge of physics to interested members of the Bates community. We sponsor weekly seminars, video viewings covering all areas of physics and a weekly physics lunch (an informal gathering of physics students and professors).
PSYCHOLOGY CLUB: Anyone can join. Membership is open to all students at Bates College. The purpose of this club shall be to foster interaction between psychology majors and other interested individuals within the context of fields related to psychology. Some of our activities include, sponsoring speakers, holding monthly discussions, visiting periodically with faculty members for dinner, and showing psychology related movies.
PUBLIC JOURNAL: Hey, you! What are you thinking about? The Bates Public Journal is your chance to voice it. It is a non-fiction literary publication that is a forum for self-reflection and the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. It’s about saying whatever is on your mind, be it funny or serious. Submissions can include prose, confessions, random rants and musings, letters, postcards, or anything else you can dream up!
BATES COLLEGE REPUBLICANS, a chapter of the Maine College Republicans and the College Republican National Committee (CRNC), is a political organization that promotes conservative values on the Bates campus and helps elect Republican candidates at the local, state and national levels of government. Club members host prominent speakers, engage in grassroots activism on behalf of Republican candidates, sponsor school-wide debates, and generally heighten political awareness at Bates. The club has a strong belief in the benefits of a strong two-party government and recognizes that every difference of opinion is not a difference of principle..
The ROBINSON PLAYERS is Bates' only all-student-run theater organization. We assist student directors, actors, designers, and techies in putting their creativity to work through a wide-range of productions. We also sponsor workshops, trips, and parties throughout the academic year. We welcome anyone and everyone in the Bates community to join us regardless of their prior theater experience. Our main goals are to enlighten, challenge, entertain, and amuse anyone who is willing to think creatively."
The Bates MEN’S RUGBY TEAM competes in the fall, playing rivals Colby and Bowdoin in addition to Maine-Farmington, Maine-Orono, and UNH in the northeast conference in the New England Rugby Football Union (NERFU). We practice Monday through Friday and have games on Saturday. Contrary to popular belief, you do not need to be of gargantuan size to play rugby. We need people players of various body types to play the all of the positions. Do not worry about having previous experience as almost all collegiate rugby players do not have previous experience. Rugby is an intense game requiring you to push your body and your mind to the limit. The rush of playing rugby is unlike any other you will have ever experienced. We look forward to seeing you on the pitch.
RUGBY (W): Not just for men anymore! We're a competitive, fun-loving bunch. We compete against teams throughout New England. Come learn how to tackle and to pass backwards, and make some long-lasting friendships.
THE BATES SAILING TEAM is a student-run and organized club sport. We maintain 12 FJs and 1 Laser, and sail and practice out of Taylor Pond Yacht Club in Auburn, which is approximately 10 minutes from campus. The team practices and sails 5 days a week with 3 days devoted to Racing Practice with Head Coach Rob Haile, and 2 days devoted to novice sailors, recreational sailing and sailing lessons taught by US Sailing Certified Instructors. The team also competes in races throughout New England on the weekends. We are active members of the New England Intercollegiate Sailing Association (NEISA), and race competitively at a wide range of their races. There are racing events for all skill levels, and there is NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY to join the club. Just bring enthusiasm and a desire to learn and have fun! Participation in the club fulfills Bates College Physical Education requirements.
SANGAI ASIA: "Sangai" means "togetherness" in Nepalese, which is a founding purpose of this club. Sangai Asia was created to promote Asian and Asian-American awareness, identity, and fellowship on the Bates campus as well as in the greater community. Sangai Asia has held and cosponsored events such as dinners, cooking classes, film series, annual fireworks displays, and lectures focusing on Asian and Asian- American identity and cultures. In addition, Sangai Asia also produces the annual "Asian Performance Night," which typically features an outside professional performance group, and highlights the diverse Asian cultural backgrounds of its members and Bates students through the performing arts.
The SCUBA SOCIETY here at Bates College is a group for certified divers and people who have not experienced diving. Through meetings, classes, and dive trips we seek to encourage people to enjoy the sport of diving. The club even organizes Open Water Certification classes here at Bates for the entire community. Additionally, during short term once the ice goes away, we try to get out there and get wet!
SEED Magazine is a provocative, inspiring, and visually stimulating student run publication that features prose, poetry, photography, painting, and drawing from members of the Bates College and Lewiston community. Seed is open to all and distributed once a semester.
SHOOTING ASSOCIATION: It’s a thrill, and it’s safe. Get involved in the related sports, and learn about all related aspects.
THE STORY TELLING CLUB creatively creates space for us to tell stories to each other, draw connections between stories, and reflect on the practice. In the group, we define a story as an account of experience, and so we accept any form desired to make the account. We seek diverse membership in effort to complicate our reflections, imaginations, and hopes for the world.
THE STRANGE BEDFELLOWS, Bates? only improvisational comedy group, have been making people in the Northeast laugh for the last 10 years. The Bedfellows perform a mix of long and short form improv bi-weekly on-campus, bring visiting groups from other colleges, professional troupes for workshops and shows, and travel to such exotic locations as the National College Comedy Festival at Skimore in Saratoga Springs, NY. Favorite events include the annual pre-finals show, holiday shows, the 12-hour charity fundraiser, Improv-a-Thon, and the impending hot dog and cotton candy relay-eating contest. Yum! Auditions are held at the beginning of fall semester. Come, help us spread comedy and love to the far ends of campus!
THE BATES STUDENT is the college's weekly newspaper and has been in publication since 1873. The newspaper, which has a circulation of about 2,000 copies, is staffed and produced entirely by students and is widely read on campus. No experience is necessary to join. Meetings: Sundays at 7.p.m., 224 Chase Hall.
THE BATES COLLEGE STUDENT GOVERNMENT is the student government of Bates College. It consists of two branches: the Executive Council (EC) and the Representative Assembly (RA). The EC consists of the president, vice presidents, treasurer, and a representative from each elected advisory committee. The RA consists of elected representatives from every class and housing unit. At weekly public meetings, the BCSG acts as representatives of the student body, voicing concerns and support, engaging in advocacy, and articulating student interests. This continues outside the weekly meetings through the work of nearly forty committees. These committees determine policies in areas ranging from academics to parking, discipline to residential life, and much more. The BCSG administers over $350,000 in Student Activities funds each year, allocating the money amongst various student clubs and organizations. More information about the Bates College Student Government is available at http://www.bates.edu/bcsg/.
STUDENTS FOR PEACE AND JUSTICE IN PALESTINE is a club at Bates College that consists of students interested in the Palestine/Israel conflict. The members believe that the Palestinian narrative is not understood in the United States; thus, many injustices against Palestinians occur without notice. Therefore, it is the goal of this club to present the Palestinian narrative to Bates through speakers, movies, forums, and dialogs. This also entails political activism and active participation in campus organization and publications by the members to bring awareness of the Israeli's and Palestinians working for peace. We believe that understanding the Palestinian narrative is vital for a lasting peace process in the Middle East. As we educate more Americans about Palestinians then, as a nation, we can take the appropriate steps towards a sustainable and just peace.
THE TABLE TENNIS CLUB is young club at Bates which fosters to all level players. It currently provides two brand new professional Stiga tables and up to date equipment. Tournaments with prize money are scheduled throughout the year to continue the fun and competitive experience delivered by the Table Tennis Club.
THE BATES TRIATHLON CLUB provides the Bates community with an opportunity to train and compete in a triathlon. The club was formed in 2006 and requires no prior experience. We hold daily practices in the Spring with the goal of competing in a triathlon in May.
BATES UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST FELLOWSHIP is an organization on campus which creates community among UUs and those questioning and searching for religion and spirituality. Based on interest, we have regular dinner meetings and occasional outside activities during the semester, often in connection with the minister of the local UU church. We are open and inclusive to all who are interested.
VIDEO GAME CLUB: The Video Game Club's main purpose is to provide tournaments of multiplayer video games for campus-wide competition. We also hold exhibitions of new games so you can check them out before you buy them. If you play video games, join, because it's an easy way to get to know lots of people from all parts of the campus.
The BATES MEN'S VOLLEYBALL CLUB is a competitive team that competes against schools from all around New England. We compete in the New England College Volleyball League and have done quite well in the past few years. We are a club sport and is open to anyone who is willing to play. We compete against such schools as Bowdoin, Colby, University of Maine, Brown, Williams and many others.
The WATER SKIING CLUB welcomes skiers of all abilities. We ski on a pond ten minutes from campus. A boat and all equipment are provided. Wakeboarding is also available. Come be a part of one of the most exciting and fun clubs on campus. No prior experience is necessary, although some experience with recreational water skiing is helpful.
WATER POLO CLUB (M): The Bates Men’s Water Polo is a team with a tradition of excellence. Having compiled a record of 42-0 over the past four years and four consecutive division titles, coupled with four straight national top ten finishes, the Bobcats are one of the premier teams in Division III Water Polo and at Bates. There are no tryouts, merely a requisite desire to have fun learn, and excel. No one gets cut and everyone plays. Join this tradition of excellence, a tradition epitomized by our motto, “There may not be any horses in the pool, but there are plenty of stallions”.
WATERPOLO CLUB (W): Women’s Waterpolo is an athletic club that is open to everyone! No experience needed...If you can swim, you can play...Come get wet!!!
WITHIN REACH is a student run Christian club centered on the 8-Points of Progressive Christianity. We believe in questioning rather than dogmatic truths and inviting all people, regardless of defining characteristics, such as gender, race, religion, age, or sexual orientation, to join us. Our weekly discussions are centered on studying texts from different faith traditions as well as reading about spirituality in its multiple forms. We focus on growth in our own faith, whatever that may be, as well as building fellowship with the Bates and Lewiston/Auburn communities. We also sponsor the 'Movie and a Meal Series' and 'Dinner and Discussion,' which usually bring together many students interested in talking about religion and faith in a present day context. Look for us at the Activities Fair and Progressive Students Fair.
The WOMEN OF COLOR is an organization that strives to promote better understanding of the varying needs of women of color and the issues that they are confronted with in society. Even though the group addresses the issues of racism, sexism and other forms of prejudice that manifest themselves in the lives of women of color, it also strives to celebrate the differences amongst women of color. Through organized events and meetings, the organization provides a comfortable environment for women of color, as well as to enhance a better understanding of the lives of women of color on the Bates campus and within the community and society at large.
The WOMEN'S RESOURCE CENTER (45 Campus Avenue) is a student-run group that promotes awareness, discussion, and activism around women's issues from health to sexuality to politics. We hold weekly meetings to plan our brown bag lunch discussions, speakers, conferences, and trips to events such as the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk. We also work with local organizations like the Abused Women's Advocacy Project by having on-campus trainings so students can participate in service activities in the community. The WRC has a growing lending library of materials, books, and videos about gender issues from sexual assault to personal biographies and memoirs. Meetings are open to everyone - students, faculty, and staff.
WRBC Radio Bates College - 91.5 FM - Get involved with the organization in which one out of every six Batesies participates. We promote an open, free format program of broadcasting, where every type of music is welcomed. Tune us in during Orientation to find out what we are all about, or feel free to stop by our studio in the basement of OCS anytime! Sign up to be a DJ for your very own show!
