{"id":6830,"date":"2026-01-16T14:40:59","date_gmt":"2026-01-16T19:40:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/commencement\/?page_id=6830"},"modified":"2026-03-27T12:09:32","modified_gmt":"2026-03-27T16:09:32","slug":"faqs-what-to-expect-for-commencement-2026","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/commencement\/annual\/commencement-2024\/faqs-what-to-expect-for-commencement-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"What to expect for Commencement 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><em>Last updated: March 10, 2026<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We are looking forward to welcoming Bates families and friends to campus in May to celebrate the Class of 2026. Check out the <strong>Frequently Asked Questions<\/strong> below for Commencement information. We will continue to update this website as more details are confirmed. If you have any questions, email Michelle Lewis at <a href=\"mailto:cschwart@bates.edu\">mlewis2@bates.edu<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h6 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><p style=\"color: #9a2a2a;\">Pre-Commencement Information<\/p><\/h6>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\">\n\t<div class=\"btn-action\" id=\"where-do-students-pick-up-their-caps-and-gowns-for-commencement\">\n\t\t<h3 class=\"btn-title\">Where do students pick up their caps and gowns for Commencement?<\/h3>\n\t\t<div class=\"btn-arrow\"><\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"btn-content\"><\/p>\n<\/p>\n\n\n<\/p>\n<p>Student regalia may be picked up at the Bates College Store during regular store hours on the following dates:<\/p>\n<p>\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\n<li><strong>Thursday, May 28<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong style=\"color: initial;\">Friday, May 29<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong style=\"color: initial;\">Saturday, May 30<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>\n\n<\/p>\n<p>\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n<p>To help make the pickup process as smooth as possible, please note the following:<\/p>\n<p>\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\n<li><strong>No Pre-Orders Needed:<\/strong> Unlike previous years, advance ordering is not required. Simply arrive during store hours on the dates above and provide your name and height.<\/li>\n<li><strong style=\"color: initial;\">Student ID Required:<\/strong><span style=\"color: initial;\"> A valid Bates Student ID must be presented at pickup. Students may only collect their own regalia; picking up items on behalf of others is not permitted.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><strong style=\"color: initial;\">Cost Information:<\/strong><span style=\"color: initial;\">\u00a0Standard regalia (cap, gown, and tassel) is provided at no cost. Additional items\u2014such as stoles, class rings, and diploma frames\u2014are available for purchase at the college store, either in person or online at\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/store.bates.edu\/commencement\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">store.bates.edu\/commencement<\/a><span style=\"color: initial;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>\n\n<\/p>\n<p>\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n<p>If you have any questions, please contact Gail St. Pierre at<a href=\"mailto:gstpierr@bates.edu\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">\u00a0gstpierr@bates.edu<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\">\n\t<div class=\"btn-action\" id=\"what-activities-are-planned-for-students-prior-to-commencement\">\n\t\t<h3 class=\"btn-title\">What activities are planned for students prior to Commencement?<\/h3>\n\t\t<div class=\"btn-arrow\"><\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"btn-content\"><\/p>\n<p>A schedule overview of events for Commencement week can be found on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/commencement\/\">our Commencement website<\/a>. There are a number of events all week for students, as well as events for families toward the end of the week.<\/p>\n<p>Throughout winter semester, seniors will hear from their co-class presidents about how they would like the class to celebrate the culmination of their time at Bates. Please encourage your senior to share their input, participate in decisions regarding programs for Senior Week, and connect with their class leaders about anything special they are interested in proposing so this is a truly class-centered moment.<\/p>\n<p>\n\n\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\">\n\t<div class=\"btn-action\" id=\"if-graduates-have-a-sibling-who-is-a-bates-student-can-the-sibling-stay-in-campus-housing-through-commencement\">\n\t\t<h3 class=\"btn-title\">If graduates have a sibling who is a Bates student, can the sibling stay in campus housing through Commencement?<\/h3>\n\t\t<div class=\"btn-arrow\"><\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"btn-content\"><\/p>\n<p>Siblings of graduating seniors who wish to remain in their campus housing through Commencement should reach out to <a href=\"mailto:housing@bates.edu\">housing@bates.edu<\/a> to request approval. All siblings should note that attendance at senior week events is limited to seniors only.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:post-content --><\/p>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\">\n\t<div class=\"btn-action\" id=\"where-and-when-can-seniors-get-their-senior-portraits-taken\">\n\t\t<h3 class=\"btn-title\">Where and when can seniors get their Senior Portraits taken?<\/h3>\n\t\t<div class=\"btn-arrow\"><\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"btn-content\"><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><strong>CLASS OF 2026 PORTRAITS TO BE TAKEN March 5 &amp; 23, and April 7, 2026<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Professional Senior Portraits for the Bates College Class of 2026<em>\u00a0<\/em>will be taken on March 5, March 23, and April 7, 2026, on the second floor in Commons, by PortraitEFX of Maine, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.maine.portraitefx.com\/\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=http:\/\/www.maine.portraitefx.com\/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1772916150921000&amp;usg=AOvVaw0Um4elaghVwdB_2t0WQWd4\">maine.portraitefx.com<\/a>, a local portrait studio.<\/p>\n<p>This is a great opportunity for a professional portrait that brings out your best features &#8211; perfect for job applications and press releases. Plus, they make\u00a0<em>great<\/em>\u00a0gifts for friends and relatives.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The portrait session is provided at no charge.<\/li>\n<li>It&#8217;s easy and it&#8217;s\u00a0<em>painless<\/em>.<\/li>\n<li>Your portrait session takes about 5 minutes. Wear an outfit to show yourself at your best, and we will add a couple of cap-and-gown poses.<\/li>\n<li>View portraits online, then make your choices.\u00a0<\/li>\n<li>Portraits will be offered for purchase at reasonable prices. There is no obligation to buy..<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Sign up for time slots online at\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/pictime.photos\/\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/pictime.photos\/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1772916150921000&amp;usg=AOvVaw2T3e6Fw1MShRJr5wd0u_Ps\">pictime.photos.<\/a>\u00a0 Use Event Login Code:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><strong>bates2026\u00a0 then create your own Passcode, enter your name, etc, and choose a day and time for your portraits.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Questions? Call the studio at (207) 657-6372, or email\u00a0<a href=\"mailto:ntsukroff@portraitefx.com\">ntsukroff@portraitefx.com<\/a>\u00a0or text PortraitEFX of Maine at (207) 239-2639.<\/p>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<h6 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><p style=\"color: #9a2a2a;\">Commencement Ceremony<\/p><\/h6>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n<p><!-- wp:separator --><\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/><!-- \/wp:separator -->\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\">\n\t<div class=\"btn-action\" id=\"when-is-bates-commencement\">\n\t\t<h3 class=\"btn-title\">When is Bates Commencement?<\/h3>\n\t\t<div class=\"btn-arrow\"><\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"btn-content\"><\/p>\n<p>The 160th Commencement of Bates College will take place on Sunday, May 31, 2026, beginning at 10 a.m. and ending shortly after noon on the Coram Library Terrace on the Historic Quad.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:post-content --><\/p>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\">\n\t<div class=\"btn-action\" id=\"are-tickets-required-for-the-commencement-ceremony-is-there-a-limit-on-how-many-guests-graduating-seniors-may-invite-to-commencement-itself\">\n\t\t<h3 class=\"btn-title\">Are tickets required for the Commencement ceremony? Is there a limit on how many guests graduating seniors may invite to Commencement itself?<\/h3>\n\t\t<div class=\"btn-arrow\"><\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"btn-content\"><\/p>\n<p>Tickets are not required and there is no limit on the number of guests graduating seniors may invite to Commencement.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:post-content --><\/p>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\">\n\t<div class=\"btn-action\" id=\"where-do-families-and-guests-sit-what-time-should-they-arrive\">\n\t\t<h3 class=\"btn-title\">Where do families and guests sit? What time should they arrive?<\/h3>\n\t\t<div class=\"btn-arrow\"><\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"btn-content\"><\/p>\n<p>Families and friends may sit in any areas not marked as reserved. Please ask an usher if you are unsure. Family members can arrive as early as 7:00am to begin selecting seats.<\/p>\n<p>If you wish to hold seats with jackets, etc. a person from your party <em>must<\/em> remain with your held seats. Unattended seats are not considered held, even if you leave items on the chairs.<\/p>\n<p>We ask that all guests arrive and take their seats by 9:15 am to view the Commencement procession.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:post-content --><\/p>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\">\n\t<div class=\"btn-action\" id=\"where-do-graduating-seniors-sit-during-the-ceremony\">\n\t\t<h3 class=\"btn-title\">Where do graduating seniors sit during the ceremony?<\/h3>\n\t\t<div class=\"btn-arrow\"><\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"btn-content\"><\/p>\n<p>Seniors are seated in front of the stage in reserved seating alphabetically according to their last name. Seniors with the last name A-K will sit on the right side and seniors with the last name L-Z will sit on the left as you are facing the stage.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:post-content --><\/p>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\">\n\t<div class=\"btn-action\" id=\"will-there-be-a-professional-photographer-taking-pictures-during-the-ceremony\">\n\t\t<h3 class=\"btn-title\">Will there be a professional photographer taking pictures during the ceremony?<\/h3>\n\t\t<div class=\"btn-arrow\"><\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"btn-content\"><\/p>\n<p>Professional photographers from GradImages will photograph each senior as they receive their diploma and while leaving the stage. Approximately two weeks after Commencement, notification with details on how to access their proofs will be sent directly to each graduate who has provided the college with their post-Bates email address.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:post-content --><\/p>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\">\n\t<div class=\"btn-action\" id=\"what-happens-in-the-case-of-inclement-weather\">\n\t\t<h3 class=\"btn-title\">What happens in the case of inclement weather?<\/h3>\n\t\t<div class=\"btn-arrow\"><\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"btn-content\"><\/p>\n<p>Commencement is outside \u2014 rain or shine \u2014 but in the case of thunder or lightning, the ceremony will be paused. Guests will be directed to the Gray Cage and Alumni Gym, students to Commons, and faculty to the Perry Atrium until the ceremony can be resumed.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:post-content --><\/p>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\">\n\t<div class=\"btn-action\" id=\"can-i-fly-a-drone-over-the-event\">\n\t\t<h3 class=\"btn-title\">Can I fly a drone over the event?<\/h3>\n\t\t<div class=\"btn-arrow\"><\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"btn-content\"><\/p>\n<p>No. Unmanned Aerial Systems, i.e., drones, are prohibited at all times.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:post-content --><\/p>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<p><!-- \/wp:heading --><\/p>\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\">\n\t<div class=\"btn-action\" id=\"what-are-the-public-health-guidelines-for-participants-and-guests-at-commencement-2026\">\n\t\t<h3 class=\"btn-title\">What are the public health guidelines for participants and guests at Commencement 2026?<\/h3>\n\t\t<div class=\"btn-arrow\"><\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"btn-content\"><\/p>\n<p>Bates is a mask-optional campus. If visitors have concerns about their own health risk factors related to attending mask-optional college events, they should seek guidance from their primary care physician.<\/p>\n<p>Members of our community may choose to wear a mask at any time for any reason, including and not limited to their own level of comfort, personal medical status, family medical status, or personal risk. We encourage you to be courteous and respectful with regard to the needs and choices of others about masking.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:post-content --><\/p>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\">\n\t<div class=\"btn-action\" id=\"when-do-i-receive-my-official-diploma\">\n\t\t<h3 class=\"btn-title\">When do I receive my official diploma?<\/h3>\n\t\t<div class=\"btn-arrow\"><\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"btn-content\"><\/p>\n<p>Following the collection of Short Term final grades and confirmation of Latin honors, physical diplomas will be mailed to your address of record no later than June 15th.\nStarting June 5th, access to a certified electronic diploma via Paradigm, Inc. will be accessible to all students who have successfully completed their degree requirements. While this digital version is not printable, it is a Bates-validated credential that can be shared officially with employers and graduate schools.\nFor more details, please visit our Registrar\u2019s Office page, or contact the Registrar\u2019s Office at registrar@bates.edu.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:post-content --><\/p>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<p><!-- wp:heading {\"level\":6} --><\/p>\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":6} -->\n<h6 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><p style=\"color: #9a2a2a;\">Commencement Livestream<\/p><\/h6>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n<p><!-- wp:separator --><\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/><!-- \/wp:separator -->\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\">\n\t<div class=\"btn-action\" id=\"how-can-i-watch-the-livestream\">\n\t\t<h3 class=\"btn-title\">How can I watch the livestream?<\/h3>\n\t\t<div class=\"btn-arrow\"><\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"btn-content\"><\/p>\n<p>The livestream will be publicly available so friends and family members will be able to watch on a wide array of platforms.<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Bates Website: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/commencement\/live\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">bates.edu\/live<\/a>\u00a0<\/li>\n<li>Facebook: <a href=\"http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/batescollege\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">facebook.com\/batescollege<\/a><\/li>\n<li>LinkedIn: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/school\/bates-college\/\">linkedin.com\/school\/bates-college\/<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Instagram: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/batescollege\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">instagram.com\/batescollege<\/a><\/li>\n<li>YouTube: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/batescollege\">youtube.com\/batescollege<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>All platforms, with the exception of Instagram Live, will afford the same viewer experience. With a four-camera setup, the livestream will show everything that takes place!<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:post-content --><\/p>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\">\n\t<div class=\"btn-action\" id=\"will-i-be-able-to-view-the-video-afterward\">\n\t\t<h3 class=\"btn-title\">Will I be able to view the video afterward?<\/h3>\n\t\t<div class=\"btn-arrow\"><\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"btn-content\"><\/p>\n<p>Yes. After the livestream concludes, the video will be available on demand on Facebook, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UC_uHCmlnnjDKADjnhWxezRw\/\">the Bates YouTube channel<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/commencement\/live\/\">bates.edu\/commencement\/live<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:post-content --><\/p>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\">\n\t<div class=\"btn-action\" id=\"what-time-will-the-livestream-begin\">\n\t\t<h3 class=\"btn-title\">What time will the livestream begin?<\/h3>\n\t\t<div class=\"btn-arrow\"><\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"btn-content\"><\/p>\n<p>The livestream will begin at approximately 9:00 a.m. with the procession starting at 9:30 a.m. and the Commencement ceremony starting at 10:00 a.m.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:post-content --><\/p>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\">\n\t<div class=\"btn-action\" id=\"how-can-families-and-loved-ones-participate-in-the-commencement-livestream\">\n\t\t<h3 class=\"btn-title\">How can families and loved ones participate in the Commencement livestream?<\/h3>\n\t\t<div class=\"btn-arrow\"><\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"btn-content\"><\/p>\n<p>Our goal is to use all elements of social media to help a wide range of families and loved ones join this event in the virtual space. The event will be available on the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/batescollege\">Bates College Facebook page<\/a>, allowing audience members to share in real-time their congratulations and shout-outs.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:post-content --><\/p>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\">\n\t<div class=\"btn-action\" id=\"how-can-families-and-loved-ones-participate-in-the-commencement-livestream\">\n\t\t<h3 class=\"btn-title\">How can families and loved ones participate in the Commencement livestream?<\/h3>\n\t\t<div class=\"btn-arrow\"><\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"btn-content\"><\/p>\n<p>Our goal is to use all elements of social media to help a wide range of families and loved ones join this event in the virtual space. The event will be available on the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/batescollege\">Bates College Facebook page<\/a>, allowing audience members to share in real-time their congratulations and shout-outs.<\/p>\n<p>If you wish, friends and family members may post Commencement content to your own personal social media and tag the official @batescollege accounts, which then may be shared to the entire Bates community.<!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>Leading up to Commencement, family members and loved ones can <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/commencement\/well-wishes\/\">contribute a sentiment to the seniors<\/a>, and it will appear on the #Bates2026 aggregation page within the hour.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:post-content --><\/p>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\">\n\t<div class=\"btn-action\" id=\"will-i-experience-connectivity-issues-as-i-do-with-video-conferencing\">\n\t\t<h3 class=\"btn-title\">Will I experience connectivity issues, as I do with video conferencing?<\/h3>\n\t\t<div class=\"btn-arrow\"><\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"btn-content\"><\/p>\n<p>Bates has successfully streamed past Commencements through the Facebook platform and it has proven reliable and accessible. There still could be hiccups based on your local internet speed and signal strength.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:post-content --><\/p>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":6} -->\n<h6 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><p style=\"color: #9a2a2a;\">General Commencement Weekend Information<\/p><\/h6>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n<p><!-- wp:separator --><\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/><!-- \/wp:separator -->\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\">\n\t<div class=\"btn-action\" id=\"will-commencement-weekend-be-accessible-for-people-with-disabilities\">\n\t\t<h3 class=\"btn-title\">Will Commencement Weekend be accessible for people with disabilities?<\/h3>\n\t\t<div class=\"btn-arrow\"><\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"btn-content\"><\/p>\n<p>Yes, Bates strives to make Commencement accessible. There is <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/map\/#\/bonney-science-center\">accessible parking<\/a> behind the Bonney Science Center, and there is a small accessible <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/map\/#\/carnegie-science-hall\">drop-off zone<\/a> on Campus Avenue next to Carnegie Science Hall.<\/p>\n<p>At Baccalaureate on Saturday and at Commencement on Sunday, there will be accessible seating on the Historic Quad. Families who need this seating should look for chairs with blue covers. On Sunday, staff ushers can also help you find accessible seating.<\/p>\n<p>If you anticipate barriers or would like to request an accommodation related to any of the planned programs, activities, or materials, please reach out to Brenda Pelletier, Associate Director of Conferences and Campus Events at\u00a0<a href=\"mailto:bpelleti@bates.edu\">bpelleti@bates.edu<\/a>\u00a0or 207-786-6400.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:post-content --><\/p>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\">\n\t<div class=\"btn-action\" id=\"will-families-be-allowed-in-campus-buildings-during-commencement-weekend\">\n\t\t<h3 class=\"btn-title\">Will families be allowed in campus buildings during Commencement Weekend?<\/h3>\n\t\t<div class=\"btn-arrow\"><\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"btn-content\">\n<p>Families will be allowed to enter the following buildings in order to access bathroom facilities:<br \/><!-- wp:list --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/map\/#\/carnegie-science-hall\">Carnegie Science Building<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/map\/#\/chase-hall\">Chase Hall<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/map\/#\/clifton-daggett-gray-athletic-building\">Clifton Daggett Gray Athletic Building<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/map\/#\/commons\">Commons<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/map\/#\/gomes-chapel\">Gomes Chapel<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/map\/#\/benjamin-mays-center\">Benjamin Mays Center<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/map\/#\/merrill-gymnasium\">Merrill Gym<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>Families will be able to access specific student residences as permitted by the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/housing\/\">Office of Residence Life<\/a> during student move-out hours.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: revert; color: initial;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\">\n\t<div class=\"btn-action\" id=\"when-do-graduating-seniors-need-to-move-out-of-their-dorms\">\n\t\t<h3 class=\"btn-title\">When do graduating seniors need to move out of their dorms?<\/h3>\n\t\t<div class=\"btn-arrow\"><\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"btn-content\"><\/p>\n<p>Graduating seniors should plan to move out of their dorms by 5:00 pm on Sunday, May 31. Please contact the Office of Residence Life at <a href=\"mailto:housing@bates.edu\">housing@bates.edu<\/a> for any questions or concerns regarding the move-out process.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:post-content --><\/p>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\">\n\t<div class=\"btn-action\" id=\"what-dining-options-will-be-available-for-students-and-their-families\">\n\t\t<h3 class=\"btn-title\">What dining options will be available for students and their families?<\/h3>\n\t\t<div class=\"btn-arrow\"><\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"btn-content\"><\/p>\n<p>Dining at the end of Commencement week expands to include options for families who have arrived for the festivities.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Friday, May 29<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:list --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li><strong>8:00 a.m. &#8211; 10:00 a.m.<\/strong>: Breakfast<em> (Commons, open to seniors and underclass students who have approval to remain on campus. Bates ID required.)<\/em><\/li>\n<li><strong>12:00 p.m. &#8211; 2:00 p.m.<\/strong>: Lunch <em>(Commons, open to seniors and underclass students who have approval to remain on campus. Bates ID required.)<\/em><\/li>\n<li><strong>5:00 p.m. &#8211; 7:00 p.m.<\/strong>: Dinner<em> (Commons, open to seniors and underclass students who have approval to remain on campus. Bates ID required.)<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><strong>Saturday, May 30<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:list --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li><strong>8:30 a.m. &#8211; 10:30 a.m.<\/strong>:\u00a0 Continental Breakfast <em>\u00a0(Commons, open to seniors and underclass students who have approval to remain on campus. Bates ID required.)<\/em><\/li>\n<li><strong>10:30 a.m. &#8211; 2:30 p.m.<\/strong>: Lunch <em>(Commons, open to seniors, their families, and underclass students who have approval to remain on campus. Bates ID required for students. Families use one of their senior&#8217;s guest passes or pay with a credit card. The cost for guests is $12 per person.)<\/em><\/li>\n<li><strong>5:30 p.m. &#8211; 7:30 p.m.<\/strong>: Dinner <em>(Commons, open to seniors, their families, and underclass students who have approval to remain on campus. Bates ID required for students. Families can use one of their senior&#8217;s guest passes or pay with a credit card. The dinner cost for guests is $14 per person.)<\/em><\/li>\n<li><strong>12:30 a.m. &#8211; 1:30 a.m.<\/strong>: Senior Breakfast <em>(Commons, open to seniors and underclass students who have approval to remain on campus. Bates ID required.)<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><strong>Sunday, May 31<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:list --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li><strong>7:00 a.m. &#8211; 8:30 a.m.<\/strong>: Breakfast <em>(Commons, open to seniors and underclass students who have approval to remain on campus. Bates ID required.)<\/em><\/li>\n<li><strong>7:00 a.m. &#8211; 8:30 a.m.<\/strong>: Coffee service for families <em>(Library Arcade)<\/em><\/li>\n<li><strong>12:00 p.m. &#8211; 2:00 p.m.<\/strong>:\u00a0 Commencement Lunch <em>(in front of Commons and under the Bardwell field tent, open to seniors and their families)<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:post-content --><\/p>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\">\n\t<div class=\"btn-action\" id=\"will-there-be-water-available-on-campus\">\n\t\t<h3 class=\"btn-title\">Will there be water available on campus?<\/h3>\n\t\t<div class=\"btn-arrow\"><\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"btn-content\"><\/p>\n<p>Water will be available during all events. Look for the canoes under the garnet feather flags along Alumni walk, on the Historic Quad and in other high-visit areas<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:post-content --><\/p>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\">\n\t<div class=\"btn-action\" id=\"what-will-the-weather-be-like-how-should-i-dress\">\n\t\t<h3 class=\"btn-title\">What will the weather be like? How should I dress?<\/h3>\n\t\t<div class=\"btn-arrow\"><\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"btn-content\"><\/p>\n<p>May weather in Maine is quite variable. You should plan to bring clothing that is appropriate for rain and cool temperatures, as well as for warm weather. Please remember the ceremony is outside, so we recommend wearing shoes suitable for walking on wet grass.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:post-content --><\/p>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\">\n\t<div class=\"btn-action\" id=\"where-can-i-purchase-commencement-gifts\">\n\t\t<h3 class=\"btn-title\">Where can I purchase Commencement gifts?<\/h3>\n\t\t<div class=\"btn-arrow\"><\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"btn-content\"><\/p>\n<p>The Bates College Store <a href=\"http:\/\/store.bates.edu\/\">sells Bates Commencement items<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:post-content --><\/p>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"btn-wrap\">\n\t<div class=\"btn-action\" id=\"can-i-bring-my-pet-to-campus\">\n\t\t<h3 class=\"btn-title\">Can I bring my pet to campus?<\/h3>\n\t\t<div class=\"btn-arrow\"><\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"btn-content\"><\/p>\n<p>Pets are prohibited inside all campus buildings and at all dining events. Service animals are welcome.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:post-content --><\/p>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Last updated: March 10, 2026 We are looking forward to welcoming Bates&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":6726,"parent":6330,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_hide_ai_chatbot":false,"_ai_chatbot_style":"","associated_faculty":[],"_Page_Specific_Css":"","_bates_restrict_mod":false,"_dimp_site_id":"","_dimp_override_contact":false,"_table_of_contents_display":false,"_table_of_contents_location":"","_table_of_contents_disableSticky":false,"_is_featured":false,"footnotes":"","_bates_seo_meta_description":"","_bates_seo_block_robots":false,"_bates_seo_sharing_image_id":6458,"_bates_seo_sharing_image_twitter_id":0,"_bates_seo_share_title":"","_bates_seo_canonical_overwrite":"","_bates_seo_twitter_template":""},"class_list":["post-6830","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/commencement\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/6830","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/commencement\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/commencement\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/commencement\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/commencement\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6830"}],"version-history":[{"count":57,"href":"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/commencement\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/6830\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6999,"href":"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/commencement\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/6830\/revisions\/6999"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/commencement\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/6330"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/commencement\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/6726"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/commencement\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6830"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}