Please find below preliminary information on important dates and fall 2026 Orientation for new students:

Important Dates Before Orientation

Late May
You will receive an email with instructions on how to claim your Bates network account, which permits you to access your Bates email and login to other important platforms, such as Garnet Gateway and Lyceum.

May 29
Health insurance forms due – accessed via Garnet Gateway

Early June
All other New Student Forms open on Garnet Gateway. These forms are mandatory for all Bates students.

June 29
Important forms due – accessed via Garnet Gateway – including Health Forms and Housing and Roommate Preferences Form

July
Course Registration occurs on Garnet Gateway

Early August
Housing and roommate assignments released

August 19
Student Activities and Travel Consent and Waiver Agreement due

Preliminary Orientation Schedule

Thursday, August 27: Arrival Day
Move-in occurs from 8:00am to 12:00pm; events for families occur until 2:45pm. New students are engaged with formal orientation programs through 10:00pm, and may attend optional social events through 1:00am.

Friday, August 28: Orientation Day 2
New students are engaged with formal orientation programs from 7:45am through 5:30pm, and attend AESOP welcome events thereafter. First-years meet with their First-Year Seminar and Pre-Major Academic Advisor from 9:00am to 11:00am. This is also the day new students check out gear for their AESOP trip, as applicable.

Saturday, August 29: AESOP Day 1
New students spend the day on their AESOP trips.

Sunday, August 30: AESOP Day 2
New students spend the day on their AESOP trips.

Monday, August 31: AESOP Day 3
New students return from their AESOP trips, and participate in various activities on campus in the late afternoon and evening.

Tuesday, September 1: Convocation Day
New students attend Convocation, the college’s formal end to Orientation, and kick-off of the academic year. In the evening, they participate in social events. Fall 2026 course schedule adjustment period known as “Add/Drop Period” opens at 7 AM Eastern. Changes can be made via Garnet Gateway.

Wednesday, September 2: First Day of Classes
New students attend their first day of fall classes. The annual Bates Leads Clubs, Orgs, and Jobs Fair occurs in the evening.

Please contact fye@bates.edu if you have any questions. Thank you!