{"id":173969,"date":"2026-08-28T10:51:43","date_gmt":"2026-08-28T14:51:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/news\/?p=173969"},"modified":"2026-08-28T15:57:08","modified_gmt":"2026-08-28T19:57:08","slug":"move-in-day","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/news\/2026\/08\/28\/move-in-day\/","title":{"rendered":"Picture Story: Arrival day 2026 means new students, same Bates energy"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

On Thursday, Aug. 27, the long-awaited moment was here: arrival day for the Bates Class of 2030 and transfer students.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Overnight, our campus transformed from its quiet summer state to the hustle and bustle of the fall semester as new students and their families explored campus and settled in. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Arrival day at Bates is a well-oiled machine, and that\u2019s thanks to the dedicated team of volunteers \u2014 students , faculty and staff members alike stepping away from their usual responsibilities \u2014 who show up to greet new Batesies and help them acclimate to campus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

From first steps on campus to putting the finishing touches on dorm room decor, here\u2019s a peek inside arrival day at Bates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Campus preparation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Moments
Theophil Syslo\/Bates College<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Timothy Kivus, left, the grounds and maintenance lead with Facility Services, and Adam Wright, a ground and maintenace worker, set up banners, filling campus with garnet as new students and families trickle into Lewiston.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

The first greeting<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Moments
Theophil Syslo\/Bates College<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

When new students step foot on campus for move-in day, the first they see is the sweeping facade of Commons and friendly faces out front, eager to welcome them. In the greeting committee above are, from left, Vice President for Student Affairs Rosanna Ferro and Senior Associate Dean of Students Kim Trauceniek. At right is Vice President for Advancement Eric Foush\u00e9e, and at center is Bates President Garry W. Jenkins, shaking a new student\u2019s hand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBates students are truly special,\u201d Jenkins told new students and families during his Welcome Address later in the day. \u201cThey are smart and accomplished. They are kind and generous, curious and committed. And we recognize all of those qualities in you, and we can’t wait to see the many ways they will reveal themselves over the next four years.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Directions made easy<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Moments
Theophil Syslo\/Bates College<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Vice President for Enrollment and Dean of Admission and Financial Aid Tori Neason Wallace (left) and Director of Admission Darryl Uy greet new students and families arriving along Central Avenue. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Equipped with campus maps, Neason Wallace and Uy were two of many Bates staff members who chipped in to make new community members feel welcome. Kate Potter, a senior accountant with the college, volunteered as a residence hall captain, directing student movers and welcoming families at Chu Hall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe excitement of the day is just contagious,\u201d Potter said. And, she added, the energy level stayed constant all day. \u201cIt’s been fun watching everybody come in and seeing the excitement of the first years. I would highly recommend doing it every year.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Time to unpack<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Moments
Theophil Syslo\/Bates College<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

After picking up their student IDs in commons, first-year students Olivia Arsenault (left) of Falmouth, Mass., and Georgia Gaffney of Lebanon, N.H., head to meet their parents at their residence hall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt was really organized,\u201d Gaffney said of the arrival process. \u201cI was really impressed with all the people who were out and making everything easy-access.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

AESOP leaders for the win<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Moments
Theophil Syslo\/Bates College<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Bates student athletes, leaders, and volunteers play a key role in move-in day, greeting families and helping students carry items into their dorm rooms. Among those smiling faces are a slew of leaders from AESOP \u2014 Annual Entering Student Orientation Program \u2014 who are easy to distinguish by their T-shirts in a range of vibrant colors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI met one of my best friends on AESOP,\u201d Rohini Kandasamy \u201927 (not pictured) said of her motivation for serving as an AESOP leader this year. \u201cIt was super cute, and I wanted to give incoming freshmen the same experience.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Big Welcome to Small House<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Moments
Theophil Syslo\/Bates College<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Folks from across the college come together to welcome students and families to Small House. In beige are OWLs (Orientation Week Leaders), in pink are student athletes, the students in yellow are AESOP leaders, and Bates staff members are in garnet and white.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

OWLs perched to help<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Moments
Theophil Syslo \/Bates College<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Orientation Week Leaders (aka OWLs) carry student belongings into a residence hall, lightening the load for new students and families.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Put \u2019em in, coach<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Moments
Theophil Syslo\/Bates College<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A student athlete carries bags up residence hall stairs. Student athletes, who arrive to campus early to begin practicing, are eager to offer their muscles and motivation during arrival day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cReally great energy out here, such a tight-knit community, really positive vibes,\u201d said Alden Yu \u201929 of Ridgefield, Conn., a soccer player who helped with move-in at Milliken House. “It’s just been such a great experience to meet our new classmates and help them move.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Just right…<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Moments
Theophil Syslo\/Bates College<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A new student carefully lines up their wall decor, kneeling atop their bobcat-themed bedding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Sense of spirit<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Moments
Theophil Syslo\/Bates College<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

With clothes hung up and bags unpacked, there\u2019s one thing left to do to complete the dorm room: hang a garnet Bates flag above the doorway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The \u201chype squad\u201d<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Moments
Theophil Syslo\/Bates College<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Orientation Week Leaders (OWLs) Cathy Shi \u201928 (left) of Sudbury, Mass., and Hazel Glazer \u201928 of Pittsford, N.Y., cheer and direct families on the corner of College Street and Alumni Walk. They\u2019re stoking the energy of the day, reaching the \u201cfever pitch,\u201d Shi said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI actually was an OWL last year as well, and I really loved getting to know the freshmen and help facilitate a good environment for people that are going through one of the biggest transitions of their life,\u201d Glazer said. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cEven the process of moving is just so streamlined. It impresses me every year,\u201d Glazer added. \u201cThe way that there are OWLs and the security officers and the athletes helping out to work together to make sure that this is as easy as possible.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Time to greet first-year students<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Moments
Theophil Syslo\/Bates College<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Ryan Lynskey \u201927 of Cranford, N.J., poses with a copy of the newest Bates Magazine<\/em> outside of Commons. A member of the football team, Lynskey was excited to spend the day welcoming new students and their families, making sure they \u201cfeel the community\u201d at Bates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI enjoy seeing the freshmen get to campus,\u201d Lynskey said. \u201cThey have so much ahead of them, and they’re always so excited, and it reminds me of myself in certain ways.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Unpacking Parker<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Moments
Theophil Syslo\/Bates College<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Next to the birch tree-lined Alumni Walk, the yard in front of Parker Hall fills with bags, boxes, and people. Of all the first-year residence halls, Parker welcomed the most new students \u2014 about 70 \u2014 on arrival day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Athletes on the move<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Moments
Theophil Syslo\/Bates College<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Bates field hockey players cheer as they walk around campus on arrival day, soaking up the excited energy of the day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt’s a good reflection of our community because everybody’s helping,\u201d said Head Women’s Basketball Coach Alison Montgomery as she walked around campus greeting her student athletes and their families with Assistant Women’s Basketball Coach Jackie Luckhardt. \u201cThe high energy and for everyone to feel so welcomed is the trademark of Bates.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Moving parts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Moments
Theophil Syslo\/Bates College<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Crossing Gillespie Hall\u2019s lawn, students and family carry bags inside. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition to the student athletes, OWLs, and AESOP leaders, junior advisors also play a key role in arrival day. JAs are returning students who live in first-year residence halls and serve as peer mentors, aiming to create community among their residents and facilitate a comfortable transition to life at Bates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The energy on arrival day was \u201celectric,” said Lucy Meeker \u201929 of Shepherdstown, W.Va., who was inspired to become a JA by her mom, a residence life professional.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe number one thing about me is that I love my community, and I love giving back to people that support me,\u201d Meeker said. \u201cI’m from West Virginia, and this really tiny, tiny town where of the utmost importance is taking care of your own. These are my people.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Pause for some good food<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Moments
Theophil Syslo\/Bates College<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

New students and families take a break from the grind of moving in to enjoy the arrival day barbecue in a tent outside of Commons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

New friends<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Moments
Theophil Syslo\/Bates College<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Sitting outside of the barbecue tent, students start to get to know the peers they\u2019ll spend the next four years with.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI’m super excited,\u201d Georgia Gaffney \u201930 said. \u201cI’m really excited to meet all the other girls on the rowing team and just meet new people.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Welcome Address<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Moments
Theophil Syslo\/Bates College<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Bates President Garry W. Jenkins addresses new students and families during his Welcome Address on the Historic Quad.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe are so thrilled that you have chosen Bates, so congratulations,\u201d Jenkins said. \u201cAnd I’ll join my colleagues in saying welcome home. It is so wonderful to have you here at last, fully or maybe almost fully moved into your rooms, ready to launch on this new adventure.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Gathering on the Quad<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Moments
Theophil Syslo\/Bates College<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

New students and their families gather on the Historic Quad for the college’s official “welcome.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMost of you will have landed here knowing nobody, but that will change quickly,\u201d President Jenkins said during his address. \u201cAnd I want you to quickly understand and embrace the notion that the people you connect to, connect with in this new chapter of your life may be different in any number of ways from you, maybe from those you have known up until now. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAnd that’s as it should be. Embrace that newness. Find deeper connections with people whose experiences and backgrounds may be different from yours. And I guarantee that you will be enriched by the process.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Almost time to say goodbye<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Moments
Theophil Syslo\/Bates College<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

There is one hard part to the day, when family members have to start saying farewell so that their students can get started on their first orientation sessions, set to begin shortly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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And they’re off!<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Moments
Theophil Syslo \/Bates College<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Just one more goodbye on Alumni Walk, as one of the many golf carts characteristic of arrival day drives past.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI know that whatever particular set of experiences and feelings and dynamics and worries you may be feeling right now, this is a complicated moment,\u201d Jenkins said to families during his Welcome Address. \u201cIt’s filled with complex, incongruent emotions. It can be overwhelming. So I simply advise patience with yourselves, with your student, as you each navigate this new phase of your lives and relationships. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBut it’s exciting. It’s what you’ve worked for. It’s what you dreamed for. I hope that you will take comfort in knowing that we as a college community have the success and wellbeing of each and every student at the center of our work.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Photography by Theophil Syslo. Text by Alexandra DeMarco.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

On Thursday, Aug. 27, the long-awaited moment was here: arrival day for the Bates Class of 2030 and transfer students.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1827,"featured_media":174055,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_hide_ai_chatbot":false,"_ai_chatbot_style":"","associated_faculty":[],"_Page_Specific_Css":"","_bates_restrict_mod":false,"bates_author_byline_override":"","_estimated-read-time":"","_post-template":"\/usr\/local\/webserver\/webpve\/htdocs\/new-www.bates.edu\/wp-content\/themes\/b\/news\/single-big-header-image.php","_header-color":"","_photo-credit":"Theophil Syslo","_header-effect":"parallax","override_related_with_tag":"","_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":""},"categories":[8,1],"tags":[12466,2479,12467,11396],"class_list":["post-173969","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-bates-values","category-batesnews","tag-arrival-day","tag-community","tag-first-year-students","tag-move-in"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/173969","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1827"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=173969"}],"version-history":[{"count":36,"href":"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/173969\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":174166,"href":"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/173969\/revisions\/174166"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/174055"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=173969"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=173969"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=173969"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}