Commencement 2027 Schedule
Last updated: November 5, 2026
We will continue to update this schedule as more details are confirmed. If you have any questions, email Michelle Lewis at mlewis2@bates.edu.
Monday, May 24, 2027
5:30pm-7:00pm: Farewell Celebration for Seniors and Faculty
Tuesday, May 25, 2027
9:30pm-12:30am: Senior Events
Wednesday, May 26, 2027
Short Term Ends
10:00am-11:45am: Short Term Showcase
9:30pm-12:30am: Senior Events
Thursday, May 27, 2027
8:00am-4:00pm: College Store
- Student Cap and Gown Distribution
2:00pm-4:30pm: Senior Events
5:00pm: Underclass Students Depart (Post-LBPM LUNCH)
5:30pm-8:00pm: Commons
- Senior Commons Favorites
9:30pm-12:30am: Senior Events
Friday, May 28, 2027
8:00am-10:00am: Commons
- Breakfast (Students Only)
8:00am-4:00pm: College Bookstore
- Student Cap and Gown Distribution
9:30am: Garcelon Field – Rain Site Underhill
- Senior Class Photo
10:00am-12:00pm: Historic Quad – Rain Site Gray Cage
- Mandatory Commencement Rehearsal
12:00pm-2:00pm: Commons
- Lunch (Students Only)
4:00pm-5:00pm: Olin Arts Center
- Phi Beta Kappa Induction Ceremony
5:00pm-7:00pm: Commons
- Dinner (Students Only)
5:15pm-6:15pm: Olin Arts Center
- College Key Induction Ceremony
8:00pm-8:30pm: Families of 2027 Senior Parent Gift Celebration
8:30pm-10:30pm: Senior/Parent Wine and Cheese Tasting
- Note: Baccalaureate Blessing tags will be available for parents to create at this event
Saturday, May 29, 2027
8:00am-4:00pm: College Bookstore
- Student Cap and Gown Distribution
8:30am-10:00am: Commons
- Breakfast (Students Only)
8:30am-10:00am: Psychology Departmental Reception
8:30am-11:00am: Historic Quad/Curbcat Food Truck
- Coffee Service for Families
9:30am-10:30am: Sociology Departmental Reception
10:30am: Alumni Walk
- Seniors line up for Baccalaureate: wear cap and gown
11:00am-12:30pm: Historic Quad: rain or shine
- Baccalaureate Service
11:30am-2:00pm: Commons
- Lunch (Families pay; Seniors may use Guest Passes)
5:30pm-7:30pm: Commons
- Dinner (Families pay; Seniors may use Guest Passes)
10:00pm-1:00am: Senior Events
Sunday, May 30, 2027
12:00am-1:30am: Commons
- Senior Late Night Breakfast (Students Only)
7:00am-8:30am: Commons
- Breakfast (Students Only)
7:00am-8:30am: Library Arcade
- Coffee Service for Families
8:30am: Alumni Walk
- Seniors line up for Commencement: wear cap and gown
10:00am-12:00pm: Historic Quad: rain or shine
- Commencement Ceremony
11:30am-2:00pm: Bardwell Field Tent & Library Quad Tent
- Commencement Lunch