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.
   


5:30pm-7:00pm: Farewell Celebration for Seniors and Faculty

9:30pm-12:30am: Senior Events

Short Term Ends 

10:00am-11:45am: Short Term Showcase

9:30pm-12:30am: Senior Events

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

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

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

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