Federal and state governments have asked Bates and colleges and universities across the country to prepare contingency plans in the event that human-to-human transmission of pandemic influenza becomes virulent. Bates is working closely with local first responders and government officials as it develops contingency plans.

Bates College utilizes many different sources and references for pandemic planning. One of the most relevant documents guiding Bates' pandemic planning is: "Colleges and Universities Pandemic Influenza Planning Checklist." The list was developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as a guideline for planning.

In addition, the U.S. Department of Environment, Health and Safety has compiled a comprehensive list of documents and links relevant to college pandemic planning. The list was shared with the Campus Safety Health and Environment Management Association (CSHEMA) and became the basis for a web page specifically oriented to college pandemic planning.

The College has developed protocols for response consistent with directives from the World Health Organization (WHO), the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Maine Center for Disease Control & Prevention (MCDC).