Admission Special Events

Fall Open House Schedule and Details

Bates Admission is excited to welcome you to campus for our Fall Open House on Monday, October 12! At this event, you and your family and/or supporters will have the opportunity to take a closer look at Bates.

Register for OCTOBER 12

The event schedule is listed below. The Admission team will continue to update this page with new information as it changes.

If you’re traveling to Bates, you will find transportation information and directions below.

Registration & Reception | Chase Hall

Welcome to Bates! Caffeinate and grab a bite to eat before immersing yourself in campus life. Admission staff will be available to offer advice on how to structure your day.

Campus Tour | Chase Hall

Tour Bates’ scenic campus led by one of our student guides.

Ask the Experts: A Conversation with Admission & Financial Aid Professionals |
Commons 221/222

Hear from Bates Admission and Financial Aid professionals about the application process, get tips and tricks, and ask any questions you have about applying to Bates.

Keynote and Student Panel | Chase Hall

Bates College President Garry W. Jenkins will share his take on what is at the heart of a Bates education. Then hear from a panel of current students about what Bates life is like.

The Transformative Liberal Arts: A Faculty Panel | Olin Arts Auditorium

Hear from our faculty about how they teach and mentor students over their four years at Bates.

Campus Tour | Departs from Chase Hall

Tour Bates’ scenic campus led by one of our student guides.

Early Lunch | Dining Commons

Enjoy lunch in our award-winning Dining Commons!

Studying at Bates: Library Drop-In | Ladd Library 101

Poke around our library and find your perfect study nook, then connect with staff from the Peer Learning Commons, Accessible Education, and our librarians to learn more about library resources.

Playing at Bates: Recreation & Athletic Center Drop-In | Merrill Gymnasium

Check out Bates’ recreational opportunities! From club sports to equipment rentals, Bates students stay active year-round.

Living at Bates: A Residence Hall Drop-In | Student Housing

Check out a few of the living options at Bates. Common spaces in Chu Hall, Rand Hall, and Frye Street Union are ready for you to visit.

Sample Academic Classes | Several Locations
(Available to Prospective Students Only)

A liberal arts education prepares you for a globalized world, but what does a class actually feel like? Experience academics at Bates by choosing one of several Academic Sessions designed and delivered by Bates faculty.

To view a detailed list of classes available, including classroom locations, select the button below.

Fall Open House Academic Class List

Supporting New Bobcats: A Panel for Parents | Olin Arts Auditorium

Parents should attend this panel discussion to learn more about the resources, faculty, and staff that support Bates students through every year of their journey.

Ask the Experts: A Conversation with Admission & Financial Aid Professionals |
Commons 226

Hear from Bates Admission and Financial Aid professionals about the application process, get tips and tricks, and ask any questions you have about applying to Bates.

Beyond the Classroom: Global Education, Purposeful Work, Community Engagement, and Life After Bates | Commons 221/222

Engage with staff members from the Center for Global Education, the Center for Purposeful Work, and the Harward Center for Community Partnerships to learn how Bates helps students continue their learning outside the classroom.

Campus Tour | Departs from Commons

Tour Bates’ scenic campus led by one of our student guides.

Late Lunch | Dining Commons

Enjoy lunch in our award-winning Dining Commons!

Holding the Door: Making Space for Last Questions | Commons Fireplace Lounge

A final chance for Admission and Student Financial Services to connect, answer any remaining questions, and wish you well for your travels home.

We want to ensure that experiences with Bates are inclusive for all. If you anticipate a barrier or need to request an accommodation, please contact the Office of Admission at (207) 786-6000 or admission@bates.edu. To allow for appropriate arrangements, please contact us at least one week prior to your scheduled event, when possible.

Parking Notice for Monday, October 12 for Fall Open House

Please be advised that the City of Lewiston is completing improvements to Central Avenue. There will be no parking permitted anywhere on Central Avenue, and there may be limited access for crossing Central Avenue to and from the visitor parking at the Merrill Lot nearest Underhill Arena and Merrill Gym. While the Merrill Lot is still the recommended parking lot for the event, if you have mobility issues you may want to consider the other visitor parking options listed below, which you can also find on this campus map:

  • Olin Lot (across North Bardwell St from Olin Arts; alongside Moody House)
  • Admissions Lot
  • North Bardwell Street
  • Bonney Science Lot (a few designated spaces)
  • Lane Lot (a few designated spaces)
  • Visitors are welcome to park on nearby city streets, but please be aware of the city’s parking signs. We understand that it may be difficult navigating to find the designated spaces on campus. Please be sure to park only in the delineated spaces where parking is intended.

Visiting Bates