{"id":7135,"date":"2026-10-16T11:24:08","date_gmt":"2026-10-16T15:24:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/commencement\/?page_id=7135"},"modified":"2026-11-03T12:15:27","modified_gmt":"2026-11-03T17:15:27","slug":"what-to-expect-for-commencement-2027","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/commencement\/commencement-2027\/what-to-expect-for-commencement-2027\/","title":{"rendered":"What to expect for Commencement 2027"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<section class=\"wp-block-bates-shortcodes-highlight highlight-box is-style-blue\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Last updated: November 3, 2026<\/em><\/p>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We are looking forward to welcoming Bates families and friends to campus in May to celebrate the Class of 2027. 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<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50)\">Pre-Commencement Information<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-bates-shortcodes-btn btn-wrap\"><div class=\"btn-action\" id=\"where-do-students-pick-up-their-caps-and-gowns-for-commencement\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-controls=\"cd4484b3-faf3-4699-b542-256b8ee8eafc\" aria-pressed=\"false\" aria-expanded=\"false\"><h3 class=\"btn-title\">Where do students pick up their caps and gowns for Commencement?<\/h3><div class=\"btn-arrow\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"btn-content\" id=\"cd4484b3-faf3-4699-b542-256b8ee8eafc\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Student regalia may be picked up at the Bates College Store during regular store hours (8:00am-4:00pm) on the following dates:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Thursday, May 27<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Friday, May 28<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Saturday, May 29<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To help make the pickup process as smooth as possible, please note the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\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\n\n\n<li><strong>Student ID Required:<\/strong> 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.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Cost Information:<\/strong>&nbsp;Standard 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&nbsp;<a href=\"http:\/\/store.bates.edu\/commencement\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">store.bates.edu\/commencement<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you have any questions, please contact Gail St. Pierre at <a href=\"mailto:gstpierr@bates.edu\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">gstpierr@bates.edu<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-bates-shortcodes-btn btn-wrap\"><div class=\"btn-action\" id=\"what-activities-are-planned-for-students-prior-to-commencement\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-controls=\"cd4484b3-faf3-4699-b542-256b8ee8eafc\" aria-pressed=\"false\" aria-expanded=\"false\"><h3 class=\"btn-title\">What activities are planned for students prior to Commencement?<\/h3><div class=\"btn-arrow\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"btn-content\" id=\"cd4484b3-faf3-4699-b542-256b8ee8eafc\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-bates-shortcodes-btn btn-wrap\"><div class=\"btn-action\" id=\"if-graduates-have-a-sibling-who-is-a-bates-student-can-the-sibling-stay-in-campus-housing-through-commencement\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-controls=\"cd4484b3-faf3-4699-b542-256b8ee8eafc\" aria-pressed=\"false\" aria-expanded=\"false\"><h3 class=\"btn-title\">If graduates have a sibling who is a Bates student, can the sibling stay in campus housing through Commencement?<\/h3><div class=\"btn-arrow\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"btn-content\" id=\"cd4484b3-faf3-4699-b542-256b8ee8eafc\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Siblings of graduating seniors who wish to remain in their campus housing through Commencement should reach out to <a href=\"mailto:reslife@bates.edu\">reslife@bates.edu<\/a> to request approval. All siblings should note that attendance at senior week events is limited to seniors only.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-bates-shortcodes-btn btn-wrap\"><div class=\"btn-action\" id=\"where-and-when-can-seniors-get-their-senior-portraits-taken\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-controls=\"cd4484b3-faf3-4699-b542-256b8ee8eafc\" aria-pressed=\"false\" aria-expanded=\"false\"><h3 class=\"btn-title\">Where and when can seniors get their Senior Portraits taken?<\/h3><div class=\"btn-arrow\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"btn-content\" id=\"cd4484b3-faf3-4699-b542-256b8ee8eafc\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">More information to come. Check back soon.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50)\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50)\">Commencement Ceremony<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-bates-shortcodes-btn btn-wrap\"><div class=\"btn-action\" id=\"when-is-bates-commencement\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-controls=\"cd4484b3-faf3-4699-b542-256b8ee8eafc\" aria-pressed=\"false\" aria-expanded=\"false\"><h3 class=\"btn-title\">When is Bates Commencement?<\/h3><div class=\"btn-arrow\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"btn-content\" id=\"cd4484b3-faf3-4699-b542-256b8ee8eafc\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The 161st Commencement of Bates College will take place on Sunday, May 30, 2027, beginning at 10 a.m. and ending shortly after noon on the Coram Library Terrace on the Historic Quad.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-bates-shortcodes-btn btn-wrap\"><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\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-controls=\"cd4484b3-faf3-4699-b542-256b8ee8eafc\" aria-pressed=\"false\" aria-expanded=\"false\"><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><div class=\"btn-arrow\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"btn-content\" id=\"cd4484b3-faf3-4699-b542-256b8ee8eafc\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Tickets are not required and there is no limit on the number of guests graduating seniors may invite to Commencement.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-bates-shortcodes-btn btn-wrap\"><div class=\"btn-action\" id=\"where-do-families-and-guests-sit-what-time-should-they-arrive\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-controls=\"cd4484b3-faf3-4699-b542-256b8ee8eafc\" aria-pressed=\"false\" aria-expanded=\"false\"><h3 class=\"btn-title\">Where do families and guests sit? What time should they arrive?<\/h3><div class=\"btn-arrow\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"btn-content\" id=\"cd4484b3-faf3-4699-b542-256b8ee8eafc\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We ask that all guests arrive and take their seats by 9:15 am to view the Commencement procession.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-bates-shortcodes-btn btn-wrap\"><div class=\"btn-action\" id=\"where-do-graduating-seniors-sit-during-the-ceremony\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-controls=\"cd4484b3-faf3-4699-b542-256b8ee8eafc\" aria-pressed=\"false\" aria-expanded=\"false\"><h3 class=\"btn-title\">Where do graduating seniors sit during the ceremony?<\/h3><div class=\"btn-arrow\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"btn-content\" id=\"cd4484b3-faf3-4699-b542-256b8ee8eafc\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-bates-shortcodes-btn btn-wrap\"><div class=\"btn-action\" id=\"will-there-be-a-professional-photographer-taking-pictures-during-the-ceremony\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-controls=\"cd4484b3-faf3-4699-b542-256b8ee8eafc\" aria-pressed=\"false\" aria-expanded=\"false\"><h3 class=\"btn-title\">Will there be a professional photographer taking pictures during the ceremony?<\/h3><div class=\"btn-arrow\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"btn-content\" id=\"cd4484b3-faf3-4699-b542-256b8ee8eafc\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-bates-shortcodes-btn btn-wrap\"><div class=\"btn-action\" id=\"what-happens-in-the-case-of-inclement-weather\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-controls=\"cd4484b3-faf3-4699-b542-256b8ee8eafc\" aria-pressed=\"false\" aria-expanded=\"false\"><h3 class=\"btn-title\">What happens in the case of inclement weather?<\/h3><div class=\"btn-arrow\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"btn-content\" id=\"cd4484b3-faf3-4699-b542-256b8ee8eafc\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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, students to Commons, and faculty to the Perry Atrium until the ceremony can be resumed.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-bates-shortcodes-btn btn-wrap\"><div class=\"btn-action\" id=\"can-i-fly-a-drone-over-the-event\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-controls=\"cd4484b3-faf3-4699-b542-256b8ee8eafc\" aria-pressed=\"false\" aria-expanded=\"false\"><h3 class=\"btn-title\">Can I fly a drone over the event?<\/h3><div class=\"btn-arrow\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"btn-content\" id=\"cd4484b3-faf3-4699-b542-256b8ee8eafc\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No. Unmanned Aerial Systems, i.e., drones, are prohibited at all times.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-bates-shortcodes-btn btn-wrap\"><div class=\"btn-action\" id=\"what-are-the-public-health-guidelines-for-participants-and-guests-at-commencement-2027\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-controls=\"cd4484b3-faf3-4699-b542-256b8ee8eafc\" aria-pressed=\"false\" aria-expanded=\"false\"><h3 class=\"btn-title\">What are the public health guidelines for participants and guests at Commencement 2027?<\/h3><div class=\"btn-arrow\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"btn-content\" id=\"cd4484b3-faf3-4699-b542-256b8ee8eafc\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-bates-shortcodes-btn btn-wrap\"><div class=\"btn-action\" id=\"when-do-i-receive-my-official-diploma\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-controls=\"cd4484b3-faf3-4699-b542-256b8ee8eafc\" aria-pressed=\"false\" aria-expanded=\"false\"><h3 class=\"btn-title\">When do I receive my official diploma?<\/h3><div class=\"btn-arrow\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"btn-content\" id=\"cd4484b3-faf3-4699-b542-256b8ee8eafc\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Starting 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For more details, please visit our Registrar\u2019s Office page, or contact the Registrar\u2019s Office at <a href=\"mailto:registrar@bates.edu\">registrar@bates.edu<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50)\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50)\">Commencement Livestream<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-bates-shortcodes-btn btn-wrap\"><div class=\"btn-action\" id=\"how-can-i-watch-the-livestream\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-controls=\"cd4484b3-faf3-4699-b542-256b8ee8eafc\" aria-pressed=\"false\" aria-expanded=\"false\"><h3 class=\"btn-title\">How can I watch the livestream?<\/h3><div class=\"btn-arrow\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"btn-content\" id=\"cd4484b3-faf3-4699-b542-256b8ee8eafc\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The livestream will be publicly available so friends and family members will be able to watch on a wide array of platforms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Bates Website:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/commencement\/live\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">bates.edu\/live<\/a>&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Facebook:<\/strong> <a href=\"http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/batescollege\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">facebook.com\/batescollege<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>LinkedIn:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/school\/bates-college\/\">linkedin.com\/school\/bates-college\/<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Instagram:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/batescollege\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">instagram.com\/batescollege<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>YouTube:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/batescollege\">youtube.com\/batescollege<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-bates-shortcodes-btn btn-wrap\"><div class=\"btn-action\" id=\"will-i-be-able-to-view-the-video-afterward\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-controls=\"cd4484b3-faf3-4699-b542-256b8ee8eafc\" aria-pressed=\"false\" aria-expanded=\"false\"><h3 class=\"btn-title\">Will I be able to view the video afterward?<\/h3><div class=\"btn-arrow\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"btn-content\" id=\"cd4484b3-faf3-4699-b542-256b8ee8eafc\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yes. After the livestream concludes, the video will be available on demand on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/batescollege\">Facebook<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UC_uHCmlnnjDKADjnhWxezRw\/\">the Bates YouTube channel<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/live\/\">bates.edu\/live<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-bates-shortcodes-btn btn-wrap\"><div class=\"btn-action\" id=\"what-time-will-the-livestream-begin\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-controls=\"cd4484b3-faf3-4699-b542-256b8ee8eafc\" aria-pressed=\"false\" aria-expanded=\"false\"><h3 class=\"btn-title\">What time will the livestream begin?<\/h3><div class=\"btn-arrow\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"btn-content\" id=\"cd4484b3-faf3-4699-b542-256b8ee8eafc\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-bates-shortcodes-btn btn-wrap\"><div class=\"btn-action\" id=\"how-can-families-and-loved-ones-participate-in-the-commencement-livestream\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-controls=\"cd4484b3-faf3-4699-b542-256b8ee8eafc\" aria-pressed=\"false\" aria-expanded=\"false\"><h3 class=\"btn-title\">How can families and loved ones participate in the Commencement livestream?<\/h3><div class=\"btn-arrow\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"btn-content\" id=\"cd4484b3-faf3-4699-b542-256b8ee8eafc\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50)\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50)\">General Commencement Weekend Information<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-bates-shortcodes-btn btn-wrap\"><div class=\"btn-action\" id=\"will-commencement-weekend-be-accessible-for-people-with-disabilities\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-controls=\"cd4484b3-faf3-4699-b542-256b8ee8eafc\" aria-pressed=\"false\" aria-expanded=\"false\"><h3 class=\"btn-title\">Will Commencement Weekend be accessible for people with disabilities?<\/h3><div class=\"btn-arrow\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"btn-content\" id=\"cd4484b3-faf3-4699-b542-256b8ee8eafc\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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&nbsp;<a href=\"mailto:bpelleti@bates.edu\">bpelleti@bates.edu<\/a>&nbsp;or 207-786-6400.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-bates-shortcodes-btn btn-wrap\"><div class=\"btn-action\" id=\"will-families-be-allowed-in-campus-buildings-during-commencement-weekend\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-controls=\"cd4484b3-faf3-4699-b542-256b8ee8eafc\" aria-pressed=\"false\" aria-expanded=\"false\"><h3 class=\"btn-title\">Will families be allowed in campus buildings during Commencement Weekend?<\/h3><div class=\"btn-arrow\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"btn-content\" id=\"cd4484b3-faf3-4699-b542-256b8ee8eafc\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Families will be allowed to enter the following buildings in order to access bathroom facilities:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/map\/#\/carnegie-science-hall\">Carnegie Science Building<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/map\/#\/chase-hall\">Chase Hall<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/map\/#\/clifton-daggett-gray-athletic-building\">Clifton Daggett Gray Athletic Building<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/map\/#\/commons\">Commons<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/map\/#\/benjamin-mays-center\">Benjamin Mays Center<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/map\/#\/merrill-gymnasium\">Merrill Gym<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-bates-shortcodes-btn btn-wrap\"><div class=\"btn-action\" id=\"when-do-graduating-seniors-need-to-move-out-of-their-dorms\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-controls=\"cd4484b3-faf3-4699-b542-256b8ee8eafc\" aria-pressed=\"false\" aria-expanded=\"false\"><h3 class=\"btn-title\">When do graduating seniors need to move out of their dorms?<\/h3><div class=\"btn-arrow\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"btn-content\" id=\"cd4484b3-faf3-4699-b542-256b8ee8eafc\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Graduating seniors should plan to move out of their dorms by 5:00 pm on Sunday, May 30. Please contact the Office of Residence Life at <a href=\"mailto:reslife@bates.edu\">reslife@bates.edu<\/a> for any questions or concerns regarding the move-out process.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-bates-shortcodes-btn btn-wrap\"><div class=\"btn-action\" id=\"what-dining-options-will-be-available-for-students-and-their-families\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-controls=\"cd4484b3-faf3-4699-b542-256b8ee8eafc\" aria-pressed=\"false\" aria-expanded=\"false\"><h3 class=\"btn-title\">What dining options will be available for students and their families?<\/h3><div class=\"btn-arrow\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"btn-content\" id=\"cd4484b3-faf3-4699-b542-256b8ee8eafc\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Dining at the end of Commencement week expands to include options for families who have arrived for the festivities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Thursday, May 27<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>8:00 a.m. \u2013 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\n\n\n<li><strong>12:00 p.m. \u2013 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\n\n\n<li><strong>5:30 p.m. \u2013 8:00 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\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Friday, May 28<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>8:00 a.m. \u2013 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\n\n\n<li><strong>12:00 p.m. \u2013 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\n\n\n<li><strong>5:00 p.m. \u2013 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\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Saturday, May 29<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>8:30 a.m. \u2013 10:00 a.m.<\/strong>:&nbsp; Continental Breakfast <em>&nbsp;(Commons, open to seniors and underclass students who have approval to remain on campus. Bates ID required.)<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>11:30 a.m. \u2013 2:00 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\u2019s guest passes or pay with a credit card. The cost for guests is $12 per person.)<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>5:30 p.m. \u2013 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\u2019s guest passes or pay with a credit card. The dinner cost for guests is $14 per person.)<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Sunday, May 30<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>12:00 a.m. \u2013 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\n\n\n<li><strong>7:00 a.m. \u2013 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\n\n\n<li><strong>7:00 a.m. \u2013 8:30 a.m.<\/strong>: Coffee service for families <em>(Library Arcade)<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>11:30 a.m. \u2013 2:00 p.m.<\/strong>:&nbsp; Commencement Lunch <em>(in front of Commons and under the Bardwell field tent, open to seniors and their families)<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-bates-shortcodes-btn btn-wrap\"><div class=\"btn-action\" id=\"will-there-be-water-available-on-campus\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-controls=\"cd4484b3-faf3-4699-b542-256b8ee8eafc\" aria-pressed=\"false\" aria-expanded=\"false\"><h3 class=\"btn-title\">Will there be water available on campus?<\/h3><div class=\"btn-arrow\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"btn-content\" id=\"cd4484b3-faf3-4699-b542-256b8ee8eafc\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-bates-shortcodes-btn btn-wrap\"><div class=\"btn-action\" id=\"what-will-the-weather-be-like-how-should-i-dress\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-controls=\"cd4484b3-faf3-4699-b542-256b8ee8eafc\" aria-pressed=\"false\" aria-expanded=\"false\"><h3 class=\"btn-title\">What will the weather be like? How should I dress?<\/h3><div class=\"btn-arrow\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"btn-content\" id=\"cd4484b3-faf3-4699-b542-256b8ee8eafc\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-bates-shortcodes-btn btn-wrap\"><div class=\"btn-action\" id=\"where-can-i-purchase-commencement-gifts\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-controls=\"cd4484b3-faf3-4699-b542-256b8ee8eafc\" aria-pressed=\"false\" aria-expanded=\"false\"><h3 class=\"btn-title\">Where can I purchase Commencement gifts?<\/h3><div class=\"btn-arrow\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"btn-content\" id=\"cd4484b3-faf3-4699-b542-256b8ee8eafc\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Bates College Store <a href=\"http:\/\/store.bates.edu\/\">sells Bates Commencement items<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-bates-shortcodes-btn btn-wrap\"><div class=\"btn-action\" id=\"can-i-bring-my-pet-to-campus\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-controls=\"cd4484b3-faf3-4699-b542-256b8ee8eafc\" aria-pressed=\"false\" aria-expanded=\"false\"><h3 class=\"btn-title\">Can I bring my pet to campus?<\/h3><div class=\"btn-arrow\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"btn-content\" id=\"cd4484b3-faf3-4699-b542-256b8ee8eafc\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Pets are prohibited inside all campus buildings and at all dining events. Service animals are welcome.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>We are looking forward to welcoming Bates families and friends to campus&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":6726,"parent":6824,"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,"bates_author_byline_override":"","_hide_page_title":false,"_header_override":"","_template_width_override":"","_page-specific-tagline":"","_dimp_site_id":"","_dimp_override_contact":false,"_table_of_contents_display":false,"_table_of_contents_location":"","_table_of_contents_disableSticky":false,"_is_featured":false,"_sidebarChoice":"","footnotes":"","_bates_seo_meta_description":"","_bates_seo_block_robots":false,"_bates_seo_sharing_image_id":0,"_bates_seo_sharing_image_twitter_id":0,"_bates_seo_share_title":"","_bates_seo_canonical_overwrite":"","_bates_seo_twitter_template":""},"class_list":["post-7135","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/commencement\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/7135","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=7135"}],"version-history":[{"count":12,"href":"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/commencement\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/7135\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7232,"href":"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/commencement\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/7135\/revisions\/7232"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/commencement\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/6824"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/commencement\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7135"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}