- \n
- Badminton Club<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Bates Robotics Club<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Classics Club<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Club Pool<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Club Table Tennis<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Disc Golf Club<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- DJ Club<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Southeast Asian Society<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Students for Justice in Palestine<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
B is for Belonging<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
The space and programming in Chase Hall dedicated to creating belonging and community now has a name that communicates exactly that. As of yesterday, the former Office of Intercultural Education is now the Student Center for Belonging<\/strong> and Community<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What’s in a name? History, for one. Thirty-one years ago, six student groups came together to push the college to create a multicultural center. On Thursday, at a reception to announce the new name and celebrate the new year, Tonya Bailey-Curry, an associate dean and director of the center, noted how the new name honors all Bates people who have worked to create belonging and community for students over the years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"Moments](\"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/news\/files\/2024\/09\/240905_OIE_WelcomeReception_8444.webp\")
Members of the campus community mingle, chat, listen, nosh, and hug during a welcome reception on Sept. 5, 2024, at the newly renamed Center for Belonging and Community in Chase Hall. (Theophil Syslo\/Bates College)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n “There are people and deep experiences tied to this space, and that was not missed on us during this process. Each iteration of this space and the people before us is important and woven into where we are today,” she said. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
C is for Courses<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
Bates professors are constantly reworking existing courses<\/strong> or developing new ones. For example, Associate Professor of Sociology Heidi Taylor will teach a new course during the winter semester on the sociology of grief and loss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The course draws on research that Taylor presented at a professional conference in 2023, on how \u201cconversation around grief is silenced, and how bereaved people are shunned and socially isolated.\u201d Joining Taylor in the research were sociology graduate Emily DiBartolo \u201923 and artist Mindy Stricke.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
D is for Difficult Discussions<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
With the high tension of the presidential election fast approaching, the Bates Center for Inclusive Teaching and Learning has kicked off a reading group, meeting every two weeks, to support campus educators who are navigating issues of free speech, academic freedom, and political correctness, among others. Readings will include papers on discussing emotionally charged news<\/a> in the classroom, tension between free speech and prejudicial speech<\/a>, and famously banned books, like Fahrenheit 451<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe hope these get-togethers become a place to work through local, national, and international challenges and opportunities in our educational spaces,\u201d says Lindsey Hamilton \u201905, CITL director.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
E is for EVs and EMS<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
Bates has added eight new electric vehicles <\/strong>to the college\u2019s fleet: a new Ford Lightning, two Nissan Leafs, a Ford E-Transit van, a Chevrolet Blazer, and three low-speed vehicles for around campus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thanks goes in part to the Bates Eco Reps who helped with funding sources for the investment. \u201cThe students helped us identify state and federal funding for a total reduction of $62,000,\u201d said Tom Twist, assistant director of sustainability. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Speaking of vehicles, student-run Bates Emergency Medical Services has a new-to-them vehicle: a 2022 Ford <\/strong>SUV, similar to a Ford Explorer, that replaces their 2007 Toyota Highlander, affectionately known as \u201cHeidi the Highlander\u201d by Bates EMS students.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"EMS](\"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/news\/files\/2024\/09\/IMG_7111-1-2.webp\")
The student-run Bates Emergency Medical Services has a new-to-them vehicle: a 2022 Ford <\/strong>SUV, similar to a Ford Explore. (Photograph by Brenna Callahan ’15)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n F is for Faculty<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
This fall, Bates welcomes 13 new tenured or tenure-track faculty<\/strong> members in these programs and departments: art and visual culture, anthropology, chemistry, digital and computational studies, earth and climate sciences (formerly geology), environmental studies, mathematics, music, neuroscience, physics, politics (two hires), and theater and dance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
G is for Generative AI<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
A team from Bates was selected to join an inaugural institute on generative AI and higher education<\/a> sponsored by the American Association of Colleges and Universities. The team will attend five training sessions this semester and receive other support in developing a comprehensive campus plan for addressing the challenges posed by the rise of generative AI.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
H is for Hathorn<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
Since July 30, a new striker mechanism has been tolling the noon hour every day<\/a> on the venerable Hathorn Hall bell. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The new striker whacks the outside of the 167-year-old bell, in contrast to the old-school cable-and-winch system it replaced, which rang the bell by swinging it so that a clapper would strike the inside. The old mechanism posed a risk of dislodging the bell from its mounting, and had fallen into disrepair.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I is for Insights<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
The staff at the Muskie Archives and Special Collections Library is expanding its walking tours <\/a>to provide even more insights into Bates history. Walking tours now include Bates athletics, campus trees, Frye Street\u2019s historic houses, and Bates founders\u2019 graves at Riverside Cemetery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"Theophil](\"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/news\/files\/2023\/05\/230418_Riverside_Cemetery_1544.webp\")
A number of early leaders of Bates College, including influential professors, are buried near campus in Riverside Cemetery. (Theophil Syslo\/Bates College)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n J is for Just Ask <\/h5>\n\n\n\n
When a Bates student or employee needs support from Facility Services \u2014 whether it’s a broken bathroom hand dryer or no hot water \u2014 it\u2019s easier than ever to just ask<\/strong>. A new facilities management system, powered by Brightly, replaces the prior system and features inventory tracking, GIS functionality, and an enhanced mobile app.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
K is for Keys<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
Bates has a new key-tracking system that keeps a detailed inventory of all keys on campus \u2014 all 5,200 keys for 8,500 locks on campus. Driven by the software SimpleK, the system helps track key issuance and return, and can easily identify the owner of each and every lost-then-found key. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the last two decades, Bates used a home-grown system, developed by the college locksmith, for tracking room keys.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
L is for Lights<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n
The transformation of the Russell Street Field into a multipurpose athletic field includes the installation of Musco lights, which will extend the field\u2019s playability into the evening. Similar to how you can program lights at home while at work or elsewhere, these new lights are fully programmable. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/news\/files\/2024\/09\/240905_Crane_FieldWork_8462.webp\")
A construction team uses a crane at Russell Street Field on Sept. 5, 2024, to place four field lights during ongoing work to turn the soccer field into a multipurpose facility. (Theophil Syslo\/Bates College)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n M is for Menus<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
In Commons, menu items offered at the various stations have long been printed on card stock, which means swapping out the display for every meal. This year, Dining Services is implementing a digital system, called Nutrislice, that displays menu items on screens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
N is for Networking<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
For many students, the idea of \u201cnetworking\u201d \u2014 the relational kind \u2014 is vague and intimidating. \u201cMany students don\u2019t know how to take full advantage of the strong Bates alumni network,\u201d explains Allen Delong, who is senior associate dean with the Center for Purposeful Work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So, his team has developed in-person and Zoom training sessions, plus written materials, to teach students the ins and outs of networking. \u201cThe training offers tips on everything from how to talk about yourself and carry a conversation to balancing a small plate and a drink while shaking hands!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
O is for Openings at Olin<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
At the Bates College Museum of Art, located in the Olin Arts Center, the new exhibition Across Common Grounds<\/em> opens on Oct. 24<\/a>. The exhibition of contemporary art presents the idea that \u201cthe most engaging and relevant artwork being made in or about America today relates to places that often exist outside of exclusive urban art centers.\u201d The exhibition promises to confront \u201cassumptions placed on rural living regarding scarcity, authenticity, tradition, or simplicity.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The organizing curator is Samantha Sigmon, assistant curator of the Museum of Art, with support from the museum\u2019s curatorial and exhibition intern, Clara Kennedy \u201925 of Harrison, N.Y.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"\/](\"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/museum\/files\/2024\/08\/Kuo.AnUntamedYetAncestralHowling.webp\")
Yowshien Kuo, An Untamed Yet Ancestral Howling, 2024, acrylic and gold leaf foil on panel, courtesy of the artist.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n P is for Presentation and Pitches<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Ladd Library has three renovated rooms where students, aided by multimedia technology, can practice, review, and record their presentations<\/strong> and pitches<\/strong>. The rooms have a full suite of AV equipment, including a presentation video screen, mics, recording equipment, speakers, and a whiteboard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe spaces help students practice and receive feedback and support on their speaking and presentation assignments and goals,\u201d such as honors thesis defenses and Mount David Summit presentations, says Bridget Fullerton, director of student writing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Q is for Questions<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
Somewhere right now, a Bates student in a Bates classroom is asking a novel question<\/strong>, one never before asked. More of that is always needed, said Convocation speaker Sonja Pieck, Griffith Professor of Environmental Studies. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"Moments](\"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/news\/files\/2024\/09\/240903_Convocation_7366-900x600.webp\")
Sonja Pieck, Griffith Professor of Environmental Studies, was the guest speaker at Opening Convocation on September 3, 2024. (Theophil Syslo \/ Bates College)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n Students should \u201cfoster curiosity about the hows and whys of the world and the hows and whys of the people in this Bates community. In a most immediate sense, this might mean asking lots and lots of questions in your classes and listening with open-mindedness to the responses. Classes at Bates are not one way transfers of information. Classes should be vibrant, challenging, caring, and forgiving learning communities that we all create together.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
R is for Russell Street Field<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
The renovation of Russell Street Field is wrapping up soon. Formerly a grass field mostly for varsity soccer, it\u2019s being transformed into a multipurpose facility with FieldTurf and stadium lights for day and night activity. Bates teams are expected to take the field on the completed project in October.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"Dan](\"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/news\/files\/2024\/08\/240827_Russell_FieldTurf_018_hjb-900x600.webp\")
Dan Gleason, FieldTurf site supervisor, uses a handheld sewing machine to stitch together sections of the new Russell Street Field playing surface. One worker precedes Gleason, blowing compressed air to clear debris. Others support the heavy turf using grippers like the one at left. (Jay Burns\/Bates College)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n S is for Sleep Research<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
Sleep, and interactions between sunlight and air pollution, are two research topics that spurred the creation of specialized lab spaces during the summer. Robotics is a third, as new faculty bring new research to Bates \u2014 and with it the need to create specialized spaces \u2014 in this case, in Carnegie Science Hall and Pettengill Hall \u2014 to support that research.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
T is for Transformation<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
The brick building at 96 Campus Avenu<\/a>e has been transformed<\/strong> into a student residence with 65 student beds. Built in 1977 by the St. Mary\u2019s Health System, the building served a residence for nuns in the Society of the Sisters of Charity order for years. Bates bought the building in 2021 and last year, began converting it into a residence. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/news\/files\/2024\/08\/240821_CCU_96Campus_1872_dlh.webp\")
The student lounge at newly renovated 96 Campus Avenue. (Doug Hubley\/Bates College)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n U is for Upgrades<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
Every summer, Bates implements various upgrades<\/strong>, large and small, visible and behind the scenes. Here are some:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Major upgrade to Garnet Gateway, the employee, student, faculty, and financial aid self-service system that handles everything from employee time sheets to parent tuition payments.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- New Mac Studio computers to replace iMacs in the two main Mac labs on campus in Pettigrew and Roger Williams; <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- New monitors with built-in mics and cameras for language students in Roger Williams;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- New state-of-the-art peripherals for the Digital Media Studios’ audio and video editing suites in Pettigrew Hall;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- New student printers across campus;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- New licenses for Mathematica and Matlab allowing students and faculty to install the computational and data analysis mathematics software on their personal computers;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- New bright white trim on Hathorn Hall, including the Corinthian columns;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Restored bathroom tiles in Rand Hall as pilot for a new type of high-tech acrylic seal coating; <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- New kilns for the pottery studio in Olin Arts Center;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- New upholstery for the classic Thomas Moser furniture in Perry Atrium;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Total floor covering replacement and new furniture for Parker Hall.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/news\/files\/2024\/09\/240906_perry_DSCN0407.webp\")
Tried out by a Bates student on Sept. 6, new upholstery for the classic Thomas Moser furniture in Perry Atrium was among the upgrades over the summer. (Jay Burns\/Bates College)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n V is for Voting<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
Reflecting the college\u2019s commitment to fostering informed civic action are expanded and new initiatives to support student engagement and voting <\/strong><\/a>in the 2024 U.S. elections, whether it\u2019s a new “I Voted” sticker contest or creating spaces to foster conversations about values and to explore political identity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
At Bates, the student voter registration rate (88.4 percent in 2022) is higher than the national average (76.1 percent), but there\u2019s always room and a reason for improvement, says Jenna Dela Cruz Vendil \u201906, associate director of democratic engagement and student activism with the Harward Center for Community Partnerships.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAcross generations and over many elections, our collective experiences may differ about what it means to vote and why.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhile people vote for many different reasons, at the Harward Center we’re leaning into the idea that voting is an act of care for one’s community \u2014 regardless of party, ideology, or candidate. The young adult years are vital for cultivating lifelong civic habits, and we aim to make the most of this opportunity.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
W is for Whiteboards<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
While iconic, traditional blackboards are giving way to whiteboards <\/strong>across campus. Pettengill Hall\u2019s Keck Classroom now sports 84 linear feet of new whiteboard. Keck also has new and more easily moveable tables and chairs, making the college\u2019s largest classroom much more friendly for active learning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
X is for Zerox <\/em>(really)<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
Zerox Machine<\/em>, a history of punk, post-punk and fanzines in Britain from 1976 to 1988, is among the newly acquired books in the Bates library. (In the title, the word is spelled with a Z, like the song by Adam and the Ants.)<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/news\/files\/2024\/09\/9781789148596-700x900.webp\")
Zerox Machine<\/em>, a history of punk, post-punk and fanzines in Britain from 1976 to 1988, is among the newly acquired books in the Bates library.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n In a typical year, Ladd Library acquires about 4,700 books. Titles are typically identified and acquired through the college\u2019s \u201capproval plan\u201d and by the library\u2019s subject liaisons<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A library approval plan is designed so that a library consistently acquires new books that fit specific criteria set by the college. The Bates plan is about 60 pages long and designed around Library of Congress classification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Y is for Yield<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
Bates is getting a bigger vegetable and herbs yield<\/strong> from the Bates Garden thanks to the addition of a new plot, the fourth. The garden has grown by 400 percent since its founding in 2018<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Z is for Zotero<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
Depending on your era, organizing your research might\u2019ve included 3-by-5 cards and lots of composition notebooks. <\/p>\n\n\n\n