{"id":12851,"date":"2024-04-01T10:45:00","date_gmt":"2024-04-01T14:45:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/first-year-experience\/?page_id=12851"},"modified":"2026-05-26T12:08:31","modified_gmt":"2026-05-26T16:08:31","slug":"orientation-schedule","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/first-year-experience\/orientation-schedule\/","title":{"rendered":"Important Dates &amp; Orientation Schedule"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"fye-countdown\">\n  <p class=\"countdown-label\"><u>Countdown to Arrival<\/u><br><\/br>Thursday, August 27, 8:00am to 12:00pm<\/p>\n  <div id=\"countdown-timer\">\n    <span><strong id=\"days\"><\/strong> days<\/span>\n    <span><strong id=\"hours\"><\/strong> hrs<\/span>\n    <span><strong id=\"minutes\"><\/strong> min<\/span>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<script>\n  const targetDate = new Date(\"August 27, 2026 00:08:00\").getTime();\n\n  const timer = setInterval(function () {\n    const now = new Date().getTime();\n    const distance = targetDate - now;\n\n    if (distance < 0) {\n      clearInterval(timer);\n      document.getElementById(\"countdown-timer\").innerHTML = \"Welcome to Bates!\";\n      return;\n    }\n\n    document.getElementById(\"days\").innerHTML = Math.floor(distance \/ (1000 * 60 * 60 * 24));\n    document.getElementById(\"hours\").innerHTML = Math.floor((distance % (1000 * 60 * 60 * 24)) \/ (1000 * 60 * 60));\n    document.getElementById(\"minutes\").innerHTML = Math.floor((distance % (1000 * 60 * 60)) \/ (1000 * 60));\n  }, 1000);\n<\/script>\n\n\n\n<style data-is=\"custom-styles\" class=\"wp-block-bates-page-specific-css-css\">.fye-countdown {\n  text-align: center;\n  padding: 3rem 2rem;\n  border-radius: 20px;\n  background: #fff5f5;\n  border: 2px solid #8b1d1d;\n  max-width: 720px;\n  margin: 3rem auto;\n}\n\n.fye-countdown .countdown-label {\n  font-size: 1.25rem;\n  font-weight: 600;\n  letter-spacing: 0.02em;\n  margin-bottom: 1.5rem;\n  color: #8b1d1d;\n  text-transform: uppercase;\n}\n\n#countdown-timer {\n  display: flex;\n  justify-content: center;\n  gap: 2rem;\n  flex-wrap: wrap;\n}\n\n#countdown-timer span {\n  display: flex;\n  flex-direction: column;\n  align-items: center;\n}\n\n#countdown-timer strong {\n  font-size: 3.5rem;\n  font-weight: 700;\n  line-height: 1;\n  color: #8b1d1d;\n}\n\n#countdown-timer small {\n  margin-top: 0.25rem;\n  font-size: 0.9rem;\n  letter-spacing: 0.08em;\n  text-transform: uppercase;\n  color: #5c1515;\n}\n<\/style>\n\n\n\n<p>Please find below preliminary information on important dates and Orientation for new students:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div data-placeholder=\"Select a tab to display...\" class=\"wp-block-bates-shortcodes-tabs\"><nav class=\"bates-tab-group2\"><\/nav>\n<div class=\"wp-block-bates-shortcodes-tab bates-tab-area2\" data-uid=\"first-years\" id=\"first-years\"><a class=\"bates-tab2 js-initially-open\" href=\"#first-years\" data-tab=\"first-years\" role=\"button\" aria-pressed=\"true\" aria-expanded=\"true\" aria-controls=\"first-years\">First-years<\/a>\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-dark-color has-text-color\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-dark-color has-text-color\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading has-garnet-bright-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-0958ad90a5c48eea7db2bd1728fcf803\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">May 2026<\/span><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Tuesday, May 26<\/strong><br>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 <a href=\"http:\/\/www.bates.edu\/g\">Garnet Gateway<\/a> and your Bates email inbox.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Thursday, May 28<\/strong><br>Start receiving the <strong>First Things First<\/strong> biweekly newsletter, which will give you everything you need to prep for life at Bates.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-style-lightgray-bg has-dark-color has-text-color\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading has-garnet-bright-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-e0412f4b81c1951b98c33466ed5e0b06\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">June 2026<\/span><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Tuesday, June 2<\/strong><br>Check out the June release of <strong>Bates 101<\/strong>, which covers essential information to prep you for arrival at Bates. This release consists of two sections - one on the First-Year Experience program and Bates' history and mission, and one on course registration. Access Bates 101 from the New Student Forms card on <a href=\"http:\/\/bates.edu\/garnet\">Garnet Gateway<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Monday, June 8 @ 8:00pm ET<\/strong><br><em>Course Registration Webinar - From Admitted to Enrolled: Course Registration with a Focus on Social Sciences and Humanities<\/em><br><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/first-year-experience\/academics-at-bates\/course-registration-webinars\/#ssh\">Find out more information and register here.<\/a> Recording will be shared for future viewing after the webinar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Tuesday, June 9<\/strong><br>New Student Forms open on <a href=\"http:\/\/bates.edu\/garnet\">Garnet Gateway<\/a>. These forms are mandatory for all Bates students to complete prior to arrival on campus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Monday, June 15 @ 8:00pm ET<\/strong><br><em>Course Registration Webinar - From Admitted to Enrolled: Course Registration with a Focus on STEM<\/em><br><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/first-year-experience\/academics-at-bates\/course-registration-webinars\/#stem\">Find out more information and register here.<\/a> Recording will be shared for future viewing after the webinar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Wednesday, June 17 at 9:00am ET - Friday, June 26 at 4:00pm ET<br><\/strong>Round one of first-year fall course registration takes place on Garnet Gateway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>First-year students submit ranked preferences to register for one <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/dof\/first-year-seminar\/\">First-Year Seminar<\/a>, and one other course. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>The courses you are registered for are not dependent on the time you submit your preferences<\/strong>. Take your time, rank with care, and do so before the deadline.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Monday, June 29<\/strong><br>Several New Student Forms are due - accessed via <a href=\"http:\/\/bates.edu\/garnet\">Garnet Gateway<\/a> - including Health Forms, AESOP Trip Preferences Form, and the First-Year Housing Application.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-dark-color has-text-color\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading has-garnet-bright-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-e771494c9e2416a6c068363f33f4b534\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">July 2026<\/span><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Tuesday, July 7<\/strong><br>Check out the July release of <strong>Bates 101<\/strong>, which  covers essential information to prep you for arrival at Bates. This release consists of information on community exploration, expectations, and resources. Access Bates 101 from the New Student Forms card on <a href=\"http:\/\/bates.edu\/garnet\">Garnet Gateway<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Friday, July 10 at noon ET<\/strong><br>Round one of fall course registration results is released.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Wednesday, July 15 at 9:00am ET - Friday, July 24 at 4:00pm ET<\/strong><br>Round two of first-year fall course registration takes place on Garnet Gateway. All new students submit ranked preferences to register for two courses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The courses you are registered for are not dependent on the time you submit your preferences<\/strong>. Take your time, rank with care, and do so before the deadline.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-style-lightgray-bg has-dark-color has-text-color\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading has-garnet-bright-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-3c182b70b7ab61d59936b3c2a36fe918\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">August 2026<\/span><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Early August<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Residence and roommate assignments are released.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>AESOP trip assignment is released.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Tuesday, August 4<\/strong><br>Check out the August release of <strong>Bates 101<\/strong>, which covers essential information to prep you for arrival at Bates. This release consists of information on community exploration, expectations, and resources. Access Bates 101 from the New Student Forms card on <a href=\"http:\/\/bates.edu\/garnet\">Garnet Gateway<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Monday, August 17 at noon ET<\/strong><br>Round two of fall course registration results is released.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Wednesday, August 19<br><\/strong>All remaining New Student Forms, including the Student Activities and Travel Consent and Waiver Agreement, are due - submit through <a href=\"http:\/\/bates.edu\/garnet\">Garnet Gateway<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Preliminary Orientation Schedule<\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Thursday, August 27: New Student Arrival Day<\/strong><br><em>Move-in occurs from 8:00am to 12:00pm; events for families occur until 2:45pm.<\/em> <em>If you are engaged with a pre-orientation experience (i.e. in-season fall athletes, Kessler Scholars, Bobcat First students, and international students), your move-in day will be earlier. Consult with your program or coach for your specific arrival day. <em>New students are engaged with formal orientation programs through 10:00pm, and may attend optional social events through 1:00am.<\/em><\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Friday, August 28: Orientation Day 2<\/strong><br><em><em>New students are engaged with formal orientation programs from 7:45am through 5:30pm, and <\/em>attend <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/first-year-experience\/aesop\/\">AESOP<\/a> welcome events thereafter.<\/em> <em>First-years meet with their First-Year Seminar and Pre-Major Academic Advisor from 9:00am to 11:00am.<\/em> <em>This is also the day new students check out gear for their AESOP trip, as applicable.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Saturday, August 29: AESOP Day 1<\/strong><br><em>New students spend the day on their AESOP trips.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Sunday, August 30: AESOP Day 2<\/strong><br><em>New students spend the day on their AESOP trips.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Monday, August 31: AESOP Day 3<\/strong><br><em>New students return from their AESOP trips, and participate in various activities on campus in the late afternoon and evening.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Tuesday, September 1: Convocation Day<\/strong><br><em>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.<\/em> <em>Fall 2026 course schedule adjustment period known as \"Add\/Drop Period\" opens at 7 AM Eastern. Changes can be made via Garnet Gateway.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Wednesday, September 2: First Day of Classes<\/strong><br><em>New students attend their first day of fall classes. The annual Bates Leads Clubs, Orgs, and Jobs Fair occurs in the evening.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Please contact <a href=\"mailto:fye@bates.edu\">fye@bates.edu<\/a> if you have any questions. Thank you!<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-bates-shortcodes-tab bates-tab-area2\" data-uid=\"transfers\" id=\"transfers\"><a class=\"bates-tab2\" href=\"#transfers\" data-tab=\"transfers\" role=\"button\" aria-pressed=\"false\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"transfers\">Transfers<\/a>\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-dark-color has-text-color\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-style-lightgray-bg has-dark-color has-text-color\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading has-garnet-bright-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-e0412f4b81c1951b98c33466ed5e0b06\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">June 2026<\/span><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Early June<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>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 <a href=\"http:\/\/www.bates.edu\/g\">Garnet Gateway<\/a> and your Bates email inbox.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Start receiving the <strong>Destination Bates <\/strong>biweekly newsletter, which will give you everything you need to prep for life at Bates.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Tuesday, June 2<\/strong><br>Check out the June release of <strong>Bates 101<\/strong>, which covers essential information to prep you for arrival at Bates. This release consists of two sections - one on the First-Year Experience program and Bates' history and mission, and one on course registration. Access Bates 101 from the New Student Forms card on <a href=\"http:\/\/bates.edu\/garnet\">Garnet Gateway<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Monday, June 8 <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A Summer Registration Consultant will contact you via email to initiate the course registration process.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>8:00pm ET<\/strong><br><em>Course Registration Webinar - From Admitted to Enrolled: Course Registration with a Focus on Social Sciences and Humanities<\/em><br><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/first-year-experience\/academics-at-bates\/course-registration-webinars\/#ssh\">Find out more information and register here.<\/a> Recording will be shared for future viewing after the webinar.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Tuesday, June 9<\/strong><br>New Student Forms open on <a href=\"http:\/\/bates.edu\/garnet\">Garnet Gateway<\/a>. These forms are mandatory for all Bates students to complete prior to arrival on campus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Monday, June 15 @ 8:00pm ET<\/strong><br><em>Course Registration Webinar - From Admitted to Enrolled: Course Registration with a Focus on STEM<\/em><br><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/first-year-experience\/academics-at-bates\/course-registration-webinars\/#stem\">Find out more information and register here.<\/a> Recording will be shared for future viewing after the webinar.<br><strong><br>Monday, June 29<\/strong><br>Several New Student Forms are due - accessed via <a href=\"http:\/\/bates.edu\/garnet\">Garnet Gateway<\/a> - including Health Forms, AESOP Trip Preferences Form, and the First-Year Housing Application.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-dark-color has-text-color\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading has-garnet-bright-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-e771494c9e2416a6c068363f33f4b534\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">July 2026<\/span><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Tuesday, July 7<\/strong><br>Check out the July release of <strong>Bates 101<\/strong>, which covers essential information to prep you for arrival at Bates. This release consists of information on community exploration, expectations, and resources. Access Bates 101 from the New Student Forms card on <a href=\"http:\/\/bates.edu\/garnet\">Garnet Gateway<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Friday, July 10 at noon ET<\/strong><br>Fall course registration results are released.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-style-lightgray-bg has-dark-color has-text-color\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading has-garnet-bright-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-3c182b70b7ab61d59936b3c2a36fe918\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">August 2026<\/span><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Early August<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Residence and roommate assignments are released.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>AESOP trip assignment is released.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Tuesday, August 4<\/strong><br>Check out the August release of <strong>Bates 101<\/strong>, which covers essential information to prep you for arrival at Bates. This release consists of information on community exploration, expectations, and resources. Access Bates 101 from the New Student Forms card on <a href=\"http:\/\/bates.edu\/garnet\">Garnet Gateway<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Wednesday, August 19<br><\/strong>All remaining New Student Forms, including the Student Activities and Travel Consent and Waiver Agreement, are due - submit through <a href=\"http:\/\/bates.edu\/garnet\">Garnet Gateway<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Preliminary Orientation Schedule<\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Thursday, August 27: New Student Arrival Day<\/strong><br><em>Move-in occurs from 8:00am to 12:00pm; events for families occur until 2:45pm.<\/em> <em>If you are engaged with a pre-orientation experience (i.e. in-season fall athletes, Kessler Scholars, Bobcat First students, and international students), your move-in day will be earlier. Consult with your program or coach for your specific arrival day. <em>New students are engaged with formal orientation programs through 10:00pm, and may attend optional social events through 1:00am.<\/em><\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Friday, August 28: Orientation Day 2<\/strong><br><em><em>New students are engaged with formal orientation programs from 7:45am through 5:30pm, and <\/em>attend <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/first-year-experience\/aesop\/\">AESOP<\/a> welcome events thereafter.<\/em> <em>This is also the day new students check out gear for their AESOP trip, as applicable.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Saturday, August 29: AESOP Day 1<\/strong><br><em>New students spend the day on their AESOP trips.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Sunday, August 30: AESOP Day 2<\/strong><br><em>New students spend the day on their AESOP trips.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Monday, August 31: AESOP Day 3<\/strong><br><em>New students return from their AESOP trips, and participate in various activities on campus in the late afternoon and evening.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Tuesday, September 1: Convocation Day<\/strong><br><em>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.<\/em> <em>Fall 2026 course schedule adjustment period known as \"Add\/Drop Period\" opens at 7 AM Eastern. Changes can be made via Garnet Gateway.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Wednesday, September 2: First Day of Classes<\/strong><br><em>New students attend their first day of fall classes. The annual Bates Leads Clubs, Orgs, and Jobs Fair occurs in the evening.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Please contact <a href=\"mailto:fye@bates.edu\">fye@bates.edu<\/a> if you have any questions. Thank you!<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Countdown to ArrivalThursday, August 27, 8:00am to 12:00pm days hrs min Please&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"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":0,"_bates_seo_sharing_image_twitter_id":0,"_bates_seo_share_title":"","_bates_seo_canonical_overwrite":"","_bates_seo_twitter_template":""},"class_list":["post-12851","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/first-year-experience\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/12851","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/first-year-experience\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/first-year-experience\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/first-year-experience\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/first-year-experience\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=12851"}],"version-history":[{"count":226,"href":"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/first-year-experience\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/12851\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":15109,"href":"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/first-year-experience\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/12851\/revisions\/15109"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/first-year-experience\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=12851"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}