When you register for Back to Bates: Alumni & Family Weekend by September 19, 2025:

• Entrance to the Community BBQ on Saturday, October 4. The BBQ lunch is free, but pre-registration is requested for planning purposes. 
• A fun Back to Bates swag item!
• For families, a parent class year pin to help you easily connect with parents in your student’s class throughout the weekend.
• You have the ability to sign up for the few events where there is an attendance limit.

Registration is open from August 6 — September 19, 2025. After September 19, we look forward to having you join us as a walk-in, so make your first stop be the Welcome Center.

Please contact the Back to Bates team at backtobates@bates.edu or 1-888-522-8371 and we can help you with necessary adjustments.

You may park in any legal spot on campus or on nearby public streets. The largest campus lot is located between Underhill Arena and the Russell Street Track (enter from Russell Street). Please respect handicapped parking signs.

Maine is a relaxed place! Pack comfortable clothes with plenty of layers to prepare you for sunny days, cool evenings, and rain.

Yes! We will keep our eyes on the weather forecast and make updates to our online schedule accordingly. Event locations and descriptions with significant changes will be highlighted. We will continue to post updates to the web, and you can always get the latest from staff at the Welcome Center.

Please make the Welcome Center your first stop!

For both visiting families and returning alumni, exploring the Maine foodie scene is one more reason to enjoy Back to Bates! You can start with this list of places off-campus for dining and activities to help you find a new local favorite.

We will also have several ways to dine on campus throughout the weekend, listed in the schedule above.

Every year, because of the NESCAC composite schedule, some teams are away on Back to Bates weekend. We look forward to having those teams that are playing away this year back at home on future Back to Bates weekends.

We know that this is disappointing for those families and alumni who were looking forward to rooting for the Bobcats at home this year. And while we don’t take your disappointment lightly, we know how loyal our families and alumni are and hope to see you on the sidelines of another team, making more Bobcat athletics connections.

We certainly welcome your leashed pet on campus, but except for certified service animals, pets are not allowed in any area where food is being served or in residence halls. Please read the full policy here. 

Several buildings will be open, with restrooms available to use:

• Pettengill Hall
• Benjamin Mays Center
• Clifton Daggett Gray Athletic Building
• Commons
• Alumni Gym
• Merrill Gymnasium
• Bates College Store

We want to ensure that Back to Bates: Alumni & Family Weekend is an inclusive experience for all. If you anticipate a barrier on campus or within any programming, please get in touch with Christine Schwartz at cschwart@bates.edu. To ensure that we can implement any accommodations promptly, please reach out to us by September 19 if at all possible.

Bates Dining labels food served for the following common allergens: nuts, dairy, egg, pork, fish, shellfish, vegan, coconut, gluten-friendly, and soy.

However, it is important to note that manufacturers may change the formulation of foods without our knowledge. Additionally, because food is prepared in a commercial kitchen and presented in a self-service environment, there is a possibility of cross-contact with allergens. Anyone concerned about food ingredients should be aware of these risks and be proactive about their food choices. While it is ultimately your responsibility to decide whether or not to eat certain foods, we encourage you to direct specific questions to the chef on duty at the station or a manager.

If you have food-related allergy concerns, we also strongly encourage you to contact John Lajoie, Director of Dining at jlajoie@bates.edu, to discuss your needs.

Campus Safety: 207-786-6254

Emergency Only: 207-786-6111 (dial 6111 if using an on-campus phone.)

St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center and Central Maine Medical Center are within a mile of campus if you need medical attention during the weekend. Please call Bates Campus Safety (6254 from a campus phone, other­wise 207-786-6254) if you need a ride or other assistance.

Inquiries about articles lost on campus may be made at the Welcome Center located at Commons until 5pm on Saturday and thereafter at Bates Campus Safety, 245 College Street. Following the event, all unclaimed articles will be taken to the Office of College Advancement at Bates College, and the College is not responsible for lost or stolen items.

Smoking – the burning of any type of pipe, cigar, cigarette, or similar product, and chewing tobacco is prohibited in all campus buildings – including residence halls. This policy also includes but is not limited to, battery-powered e-cigarettes, vaporizers, vape pens, atomizers, and electronic nicotine delivery systems. 

Smoking is prohibited within 50 feet, approximately 20 paces, of all campus facilities, including residence halls and athletics grounds.