AFRICANA CLUB: The purpose of the Africana club is to celebrate the African continent and its people. We achieve this by fostering an awareness of the peoples, histories, and cultures of Africa on the Bates campus. Furthermore, the club creates a platform on which all students in the Bates campus interested in Africa can interact with each other closely and also share their thoughts, and experiences with the Bates community at large. Similarly, Africana club brings together students who want to study abroad in Africa and those who have been or lived there. The club also develops an avenue for connecting its members with Bates alumni who have interests and/or connections with the African continent.
ALLIANCE OF STUDENTS AGAINST POVERTY (ASAP): According to a UNICEF report, 26,500-30,000 children die each day due to poverty. And they die quietly in some of the poorest villages on earth, far removed from the scrutiny and the conscience of the world. Being meek and weak in life makes these dying multitudes even more invisible in death.** Do these figures upset you? Does this seem "ok" to you? It sure doesn't to us. We think it is high time we got together and act. That is what the Alliance of Students Against Poverty (ASAP) initiative is all about. We can be the generation that ends poverty... will you join?
AMANDLA! The purpose of Amandla! is to cultivate solidarity among students of African descent at Bates College. We are committed to providing a forum where one can express social, intellectual, political, and cultural concerns of students of African descent. It is our mission to promote global causes that directly affect people of the African Diaspora and foster a campus and local community understanding of the rich lives and cultures of people of African descent. Through organizing events and programs that raise cultural and political awareness of Black people on campus, Amandla! hopes to ignite racial tolerance and social change in our communities.
The purpose of the Bates College AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL CLUB is to create awareness among the student population of global humanitarian rights abuses and generate action through demonstrations, vigils, letter writing, speakers, email petitions and partnerships with local community groups. At Bates College we will have weekly meetings, recruit speakers, show eye-opening films, and have a lunch hour at Commons open to all students as a forum for letter writing. The focus of this organization will be on issues of violence against women, rights of the impoverished, the abolishment of the death penalty, torture, wrongful imprisonment, refugee and migrant rights and the global arms trade. As this club was reopened in the second semester of last year, we hope to be more active this year with trips to Amnesty International events and conferences in Boston and New York. We additionally hope to raise awareness within Bates through a Jamnesty concert that will be an informational, musical, and fundraising event.
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.
BATES AVIATORS: The Bates Aviators are students, faculty and staff who love to fly, talk about flying, and actually learn to fly. College may be the best time in your life to fly while you have the time. The Aviators can connect students with ground and flight training at the nearby Lewiston/Auburn airport. We have meetings to plan on and off-campus events as well as just chatting about aviation.
BADMINTON CLUB meets weekly on Sundays from 4-6 pm in the Gray Cage. The club offers an opportunity for Bates students to play badminton in a relaxed setting on campus. All equipment is provided and no experience is necessary. We'll teach you how to play or challenge you to a game. It’s a great way to have fun on the weekend!
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 how 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. These PE classes focus on social dances such as swing, salsa, tango, waltz and many others. Those who are interested in learning these dances at a more advanced level are invited to join the competition team practices two to three times a week which focus on preparing students to compete at the inter-collegiate competitions. The club caters to a wide variety of interest and commitment from social dancing to the technical skills necessary for competitions
BATES BOOK CLUB: The club is an organization where students meet to discuss books. Some of the books read last semester were Jonathan Safran Foer's "Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close," Chuck Palahniuk’s “Fight Club”, and Truman Capote’s, “In Cold Blood”. Meetings are used to discuss the books and to choose the next read. Attendance at meetings is never mandatory and students can always choose to not read the book for a certain session and wait for the next one.
BATES BUDDIES is a club that fosters the relationship between Bates and the Lewiston community. Pairs of Bates students volunteer weekly at a local elementary school during recess and lunch with a group of three to five children. For only one hour per week, Bates students act as mentors and role models to local first, second and third graders. Bates Buddies is a great way for students to get off campus and become engaged in the community in a fun way!
BATES BUILDING HOUSES: This club works with organizations like Habitat for Humanity to build affordable housing in Lewiston and the surrounding area. No experience necessary--you will learn everything you need to know on site.
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 traditionally large budget, the club plans, publicizes, and runs a variety of events over the course of the year and into Short Term. Events include, but are not obligatory, a major music concert, a comedy series, the Halloween and 80's Dance, Big Prize BINGO, Drop Everything and Play aka DEAP (a free music and activities event during short term), the coordination of the nation's 2nd oldest, Winter Carnival and other various fun, diverse acts. This is a great way to interact with the student body, learn event planning and marketing skills, as well as get 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.
Bates 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.
The Bates College CINEMATOGRAPHY CLUB is a student-run film production. Interested in writing, directing, camerawork, editing, producing? Always wanted to make a movie? Join the club.
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 Bates College CROSSTONES is a co-ed a cappella group comprised of a soprano/alto/bass (SATB makeup). The group members hail from California, Illinois, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Massachusetts, New York, Connecticut and Switzerland, making for an eclectic group. Each member contributes his or her own unique personality, musical vision, and creative angles to the group, allowing it to produce a broad sound and style possibilities. The Crosstones have always been known for its down-to-earth nature, humor, and energy, which manifests in its songs, which range from the light classic rock of Billy Joel’s “Lullaby” to the upbeat energy of The Jackson Five’s “I Want You Back” to the modern pop of Justin Timberlake’s “Cry Me a River.” In 2009, the Crosstones are touring the West Coast, performing at colleges and high schools throughout the Bay Area of California as well as down to Southern California. This tour comes in the midst of recording our newest album, in the works since last fall, and scheduled to be released in the upcoming academic year. The Crosstones are big believers in branching out to the community, having sung at nursing homes, local middle school and high school benefits and for the local 207 television station. They have also hosted other college a cappella groups from Wellesley, Harvard and Brown in the annual invitational concert.
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 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 is an on campus Buddhism group that caters to meditation practices and visits to local monasteries and meditation centers. The group meets once a week for guided meditations and discussions. The Dharma club is a non- religious group and is open to people of all faiths, creeds, backgrounds, etc. People with no experience are encouraged to join; we are open and welcoming to all! Come for one evening and find out the power of meditation to help you relax and find inner peace.
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.
The EDUCATION CLUB provides students with an interest and passion for education with a forum to discuss educational issues, dilemmas and opportunities through speakers, community outreach, and other events.
BATES EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES (EMS) is a Maine licensed EMS service that provides emergency care to the Bates College community. All members are volunteers that have completed the Emergency Medical Technician course and the service is entirely student run. Bates EMT's volunteer their time to be on call and are ready to respond to any campus emergency 24 hours a day, 7 days a week whenever school is in session. While on call, EMT's carry radios to communicate with other crew members and Bates Security. Bates EMS not only provides medical care to those in need, but offer lectures and training sessions to keep their EMT skills proficient. They also sponsor blood drives for the college and hold information sessions in residences at the beginning of the year to give information about the service and campus safety.
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!
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, please visit our website at http://abacus.bates.edu/people/orgs/riding/index.htm.
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 weekend the Filmboard presents a newly released, pre-dvd feature film to the Bates Community. Special programming includes independent films, drive-in movies and movie poster raffles. We provide consistent non-alcoholic weekend entertainment to the entire campus for only one dollar. 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.
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.
HEALTH SCIENCES SOCIETY (Club Med): We're a group for anyone interested in a career in healthcare including medicine, dentistry, nursing, public health, etc. and we work to get students together and let them know about all the opportunities out there in the field. For example we've had alumni come to talk about their schooling and careers after college as well as discussions with professionals from the community on subjects such as the health care opportunities available in Maine.
HELICASE: The overall mission of Helicase is to provide support, unity, and inspiration for the exploration of biology both inside and outside of the classroom. We enhance communication between students and the department by coordinating seminar and discussions, as well as functioning as an official liaison. Helicase provides guidance to students about which natural science major will satisfy their interests best and which courses, regardless of their major, would be applicable. Through fieldtrips and other activities we expose students to the resources that surround them in the Bates and greater Maine community, in the hopes of encouraging them to apply these experiences to other work"
Bates HILLEL is an entirely student-run club designed for Jewish students and others interested in Judaism. Hillel offers weekly Shabbat services and dinner and celebrates all major Jewish holidays. Weekly meetings occur at 6PM on Thursdays in Commons 211. All are welcome to attend all Hillel events and programs.
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.
Come play for the WOMEN'S CLUB ICE HOCKEY team! Players of all skill levels, from experienced to beginner, are welcome. We practice 4 days a week from November to March and play games on weekends against other club teams in the region. Although we work hard and love the game of hockey, the emphasis is on teamwork and having fun.
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.
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."
The Bates College INVESTMENT CLUB manages a real $100,000+ portfolio on behalf of the college, in support of student financial aid. The club's portfolio outperformed the major stock indexes by over 25% in 2008! Weekly meetings are held to teach the basics of investment analysis, discuss investment opportunities and vote on new investments, and learn about the financial markets in general. No prior knowledge or investment experience is required, and students from all majors are welcome. Joining the club is highly recommended for those who may be considering finance as a possible career as well as those who are just curious to learn about the financial world..
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.
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!
THE KNIT WITS is an organization which aims to give Bates Students a weekly time and space to knit, or learn to knit. We have a lot of fun as a club doing various activities. We also knit for the purpose of donating to a charitable organization. We encourage all those who are interested in knitting/ would like to learn to knit to join us!
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.
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!
The Bates MARTIAL ARTS CLUB hopes to develop self-confidence and the ability to think and react clearly in a self-defense situation. In our club practices we strive for a high overall level of fitness and knowledge of self-defense. Our instructors are extremely knowledgeable and have well over 35 years of experience collectively. We are the Martial Arts Club because we are not held down by single styles of self-defense. We utilize both striking and non-striking styles, including Karate, Kung-fu, Japanese Jujitsu and Brazilian Jujitsu. Some of our members practice even more varied styles.
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 email us at batesmirroryearbook@gmail.com.
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, where we compete against other New England colleges and universities. Mock Trial presents a great experience to bond with a group of Batesies, while engaging in a challenging and extremely fun activity. No experience is necessary to join!
What is Model UN? MODEL UNITED NATIONS (also Model UN or MUN) is an academic simulation of the United Nations that aims to educate participants about civics, effective communication, globalization and multilateral diplomacy. In Model UN, students take on roles as diplomats and participate in a simulated session of an intergovernmental organization (IGO). Participants research a country, take on roles as diplomats, investigate international issues, debate, deliberate, consult, and then develop solutions to world problems. I still did not get what Model UN is? Model UN is a great opportunity for you to practice your speaking and lobbying skills, make new friends both on and out of campus and simply have a ton of fun while learning more about the current issues pressing the international community. More so: you basically get to be a UN Diplomat for a weekend!! How awesome is that?! Model UN at Bates? The current Model UN club is a young one: it’s “date of birth” being the fall semester of the 2008-2009 academic year. During this first year we participated in the Harvard National Model UN conference. As an expanding club we plan on participating in at least two conferences next year and organize an event on campus. So we need a lot of support. Conclusion: No matter what your experience is you are always more than welcome to join us in our meetings and have a good time.
The Bates MODERN DANCE CLUB aims to connect more Bates students, faculty, staff, and members of the Lewiston-Auburn community with the world of dance. Specifically, we want members of the Bates community to experience styles of dance not offered through the college. Our club gives students a way to maintain or discover a love of dance in a way which is not dependent upon being a dance minor or a member of the Modern Dance Company. Based on input from Bates students and academic departments, we bring guest artists to campus to give workshops, performances, and lectures throughout the year. We also take advantage of performances going on in Lewiston, Portland, and Boston; and invite anyone interested to contribute to a student run/choreographed show put on during short term. Any and all levels of experience are welcome; the club environment is very laid back and friendly; we are always looking for people who like to dance!
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 is a non-audition, non-traditional acapella group that welcomes all singers on campus and draws from a variety of music traditions, including shape note singing, Appalachian folk music, and cultural music from around the world. As common among such vocal groups, we learn many of our pieces from each other and directly from other singers with similar interests. A core part of Northfield involves welcoming in a variety of singers at all experience levels so that we can teach and learn from one another, regardless of our backgrounds. Northfield was founded as a singing group open to all, meant to provide an opportunity for students to learn more about cultural music
OUTfront serves the entire Bates College 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 was founded in 1920 and is the second oldest outing club in the country. Every member of the Bates College community is technically a member of the club. Its administration is set up into officers, directors, and a Council composed of active members. The officers run the administrative aspects of the club while the directors run the outing activities. The organization offers year-round trips throughout New England for hiking, climbing, skiing, canoeing, surfing, kayaking and many more. Every year the club hosts activities including two Clambakes, Winter Carnival and a hike up Katahdin, each of which remain popular campus-wide events. The club has strong participation from every class year and remains one of the most popular clubs on campus.
PAINTBALL CLUB organizes recreational play for Bates College members. We play locally at Lost Valley. 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
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 seminars, video viewings covering all areas of physics, science related trips, and a weekly physics lunch (an informal gathering of physics students, professors, and guest lecturers).
PSYCHOLOGY CLUB: Anyone can participate. All students at Bates College are encouraged to take part in events sponsored by the Psychology Club. 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 discussions, visiting periodically with faculty members for dinner, and attending conferences.
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 are the only student-run theater group on campus and one of the oldest clubs at Bates. The Rob Players are active in the Bates and Lewiston-Auburn communities, putting on full length and one act plays, children's shows, musicals and other events that are free and open to the public. Our group gives student performers, directors and designers a chance to hone their skills in a supportive and fun environment.
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.
SALAAM NAMASTE! is an organization seeking to promote awareness of South Asian culture at Bates College. With its vibrant culture, bubbling spirit and teeming knowledge, South Asia is a growing attraction in the world and has proven to be of much interest to students from America and the other countries represented at Bates. Founded on the enthusiasm of South Asian students at Bates yearning to share their heritage with their fellow students, this club truly enriches Bates’ multicultural life by organizing cultural events from South Asia such as "Holi" (The World's Biggest Water Fight) and hosting South Asian cooking nights and Bollywood movie nights.
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 Bates College SCUBA SOCIETY is a group for certified divers and people who have not yet experienced diving. Through meetings, classes, and dive trips on the Maine coast we seek to involve a wider audience in the sport of diving on campus and within local communities. The club organizes Open Water Certification classes here at Bates for our entire community. Additionally, during the warm fall months and over short term (when the ice goes away) we try and get our fins wet and explore the beautiful state of Maine!
The Bates SECULAR STUDENT ALLIANCE is Bates' first ever student organization dedicated specifically to atheist, agnostic, and non-religious Batesies. Our goal is to promote an understanding of and appreciation for science on campus, as well as to provide a much-needed voice and social atmosphere for the non-religious.
SEED Magazine is a provocative, inspiring, and visually stimulating student run publication that features prose, poetry, photography, painting, and drawing by Bates students. Distributed once a semester SEED works to expose the artistic and eclectic talents of the Bates College student body.
SHOOTING ASSOCIATION: It’s a thrill, and it’s safe. Get involved in the related sports, and learn about all related aspects.
The Bates SNOWBOARD/SHRED CLUB is all about enjoying nature in an extreme way. We sponsor ski and snowboard events such as winter trips to ski mountains in New England and beyond, as well as local skate park trips and even surf trips. This clubs goal is to get shred-ready Bates students out and about riding and competing.
The Bates STEP CLUB is a multi-cultural, co-ed group of steppers. We welcome both beginners and more experienced steppers. In addition to teaching members how to step, we offer a variety of performance opportunities for those who are interested. The Bates Step Club is a new club, and we are growing fast. Join the movement and help promote multi-cultural arts at Bates!
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 is the one and only improvisational comedy group at Bates. They perform both short-form as well as long-form improv and continually explore and experiment with different types of long-form improv structures such as the Harold, the Ascat, and the BAT, a show that is performed entirely in the dark! The Bedfellows perform weekly at different venues all over campus as well as at venues in Lewiston such as The Blake Street Towers retirement home. They also perform at other colleges such as Skidmore College for the annual National College Comedy Festival that Skidmore hosts every year. The Bedfellows bring professional improv and sketch comedy groups to Bates, who in the past, have included The Upright Citizens Brigade Touring Company and The Late Night Players. The Bates community always eagerly anticipates the annual Bedfellow Holiday Show because it is the last show of first semester and it is the only scripted show that the Bedfellows write and rehearse prior to performing. The main goal of The Strange Bedfellows is to bring laughter to the Bates community and the surrounding areas of Lewiston and Auburn using the increasingly popular art form of improvisational comedy as a tool and a medium. Auditions for The Strange Bedfellows are held once a year at the beginning of every fall semester and are open to everyone.
The BATES STUDENT: Since 1875, The Bates Student has been Bates College's completely student-run newspaper. We publish once a week while school is in session. Sections include news, forum (opinion), sports, and arts & living. We are constantly seeking talented writers, editors, photographers, cartoonists, layout designers, web designers, and business managers. Visit www.batesstudent.com to see an on-line version of our publication.
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 AGAINST POVERTY: is a student run organization that focuses on raising awareness, mobilizing students, and raising funds for issues regarding poverty, both at a local and global level. Our group works to promote events that are both informative and inspiring for the Bates Community to take action against poverty.
STUDENTS AGAINST SEXUAL ASSAULT (SASA) is a student-led organization dedicated to educating the Bates campus and community about sexual assault and sexual violence.
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.
TAIKO CLUB: Taiko are stick percussion instruments originated from Japan. Bates Taiko Club meets once a week for official Taiko drumming lesson from instructor and additional meetings for practice purposes among members. In the past, Taiko Club has performed in Sangai Asian Night, International Club Coffee House and CBB Japan Fair. We also organized cultural activities for members such as watching Taiko performances in Boston.
TAKENOTE is the newest co-ed a cappella group on campus. The group performs concert on campus along with performing at community venues, such as nursing homes and most recently the FAB.
YEAHHHH WHIP!!!! BATES COLLEGE’S ULTIMATE FRISBEE TEAM, the legendary Orange Whip (Men’s) and Cold Front (Women’s) are two club teams committed to the sport of Ultimate. Practices are held 3 to 4 times per week, consisting of drills, scrimmaging, conditioning and fun games. We are a team that plays with intensity while always managing to have a great time. In the fall season we play as many tournaments as we can, traveling from Maine as far as Western Massachusetts and Rhode Island. In the winter we play 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 of 2009, we hope to come out hot and keep the glory alive. We all love ultimate and have a great time keeping it real on and off the field? Join us!
The Bates UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST FELLOWSHIP is a liberally spiritual group that meets weekly to discuss issues of religious curiosity and growth. In a trustful, tolerant, and laid-back environment, we encourage each other to ask and answer those big ´life questions´ that are anchored to the appreciation of our lives.
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 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, club members are happy to teach beginners.
WATER POLO (M) TEAM is looking forward to having another awesome year. We will teach you the rules, get you in shape, and play in some tournaments against other club teams in the North Atlantic Conference of the Collegiate Water Polo Association. Last year, we played in three tournaments, included one that we hosted. Last year, our record was 4-7, with one of our victories against the top seed in the conference. There are no cuts, no tryouts, and no experience necessary. Be ready to learn one of the most intense games in the sporting world, get in great shape, and have the time of your life with an awesome team. As our motto says, “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!!!
WOMEN’S RESOURCE CENTER (45 Campus Ave) is a student run group that promotes awareness, discussion, and activism around women's issues. The Vision of the Bates College Women's Resource Center is: to create a safe and comfortable space for women on campus, to provide a place for students to exchange ideas and meet with peers and professors outside of an academic setting, to provide a pro-active, supportive environment that builds community, to generate and encourage dialogue between men and women regarding gender and women's issues at a local, national and international level and to facilitate action and raise awareness regarding gender and women's issues in order to help create a campus free of sexism, discrimination and violence. We hold weekly meetings to plan our brown bag lunch discussions, speakers, conferences, and events. We also work with local organizations and participate in community service activities. Meetings are open to everyone. students, faculty, and staff.
The WOODSMEN CLUB exists to promote and introduce woodsmen competition to the students of Bates College. We plan to compete at an intercollegiate level with such peer schools as UMO, Dartmouth, Colby, and Unity, along with several institutions in northeastern Canada. We will be joining a time-honored tradition of lumberjack competition in the northeast, and we hope to initiate many Bates students to the skills and the thrill of competition with tools like axes, chainsaws and two-man saws. We also hope to offer the opportunity for students to take chainsaw safety and technique classes.
WRBC is Bates' own fully licensed radio station broadcasting since 1958 at 91.5 FM. We represent one of Bates' most eclectic clubs, and feature live radio programming of all genres and styles 24 hours a day, 365 day of the year. We also host concerts and events throughout the school year, including our famed Trivia Night. Recent musicians we have hosted include FM Belfast, Yeasayer, and Crystal Castles. Listen online around the world at www.wrbcradio.com and find out what we are all about!
YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS - a club aimed towards young fresh entrepreneurs willing to come up with unique business ideas and implementing them with budget restraints. The main purpose of the club is to hold a competition between these aspiring entrepreneurs (it has to be groups of between 2 - 5 people), and to decide on the group with the best entrepreneurial skills. The club has professors as the judging panel for the competition and also incorporates itself with other club events and activities. B.Y.E (Bates Young Entrepreneurs) is a great way to experience what's out there, and make it fun at the same time. If you are up for challenges and are creatively innovative, B.Y.E is definitely the club for you! So sign up TODAY, and have a blast taking on the tasks :)
