Hello, Bates Class of 2025 Families –

We are just over a week away from cheering on your seniors as they march across the Coram stage! We have a few helpful reminders as you finalize your plans to travel to campus or to tune into the Commencement livestream.

• Be sure to review the Commencement FAQ, and bookmark the campus map and schedule. Events for families kick off Friday evening.
• Seating on the Historic Quad opens to families at 7 a.m. on Sunday, May 25. If you wish to hold seats, a person from your party must remain with your held seats. Unattended seats are not considered held, even if you leave items on the chairs.
• Bates strives to make Commencement accessible. Families can find accessible parking behind the Bonney Science Center, an accessible drop-off zone on Campus Avenue next to Carnegie Hall, and accessible seating on the Historic Quad for Baccalaureate on Saturday and Commencement on Sunday. To request a wheelchair or other accommodation, please contact Brenda Pelletier, Associate Director of Conferences and Campus Events, at bpelleti@bates.edu or 207-786-6400.
• We remind you that students received information in March from the Office of the Registrar regarding a change to how students receive their diplomas. All graduates will receive a Bates diploma cover when they cross the Coram stage. Official diplomas will be mailed to the student’s address of record in early June.

☔ Don’t forget to pack your rain jacket!☔ It’s spring in Maine, and rain is always a possibility. Except in the case of severe weather, Commencement will take place outside, rain or shine.

We look forward to welcoming you to campus!

With best regards,
The Bates Parent Team