Dear Bates Families,

We hope you’ve had a wonderful summer! As the fall semester approaches, here are some important dates and reminders to help your students ease back into campus life.

• Arrival for returning students: We welcomed fall student-athletes back to campus earlier this week for pre-season training. All other returning students may move into residences between Sunday, August 31 and Tuesday, September 2, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Students should make their first stop at Commons. View the residential calendar →
• First week of Fall Semester: The first meal on the board plan for returning students will be dinner on Monday, September 1. The Add/Drop Period for Fall 2025 course schedules opens on Tuesday, September 2, and classes begin on Wednesday, September 3. View the academic calendar →
• A Note on Textbooks from the College Store: Textbooks are available to buy online at our partner site via bates.ecampus.com. Books purchased from eCampus can be picked up by students at Post & Print like any other incoming mail or packages, and digital purchases are immediately available for use. Students received additional information on the new process via their Bates email. Visit the College Store resources page →
• Back to Bates: Register now for our annual Alumni and Family Weekend, October 3–4, 2025! It’s a great opportunity to return to campus and enjoy a full schedule of activities with your Bobcat. View details and register →
• Fall recess: Residences and Commons will remain open Wednesday, October 15–Sunday, October 19. See the full residential calendar →
• Student support: This is a great time to remind your student of the many resources available on campus for both academics and well-being. Your encouragement to seek out support early can make a big difference. Explore academic and student support resources →

If you’d like to connect with our team, reach out at parents@bates.edu or 207-786-6242. We’re so excited to welcome your students back to campus for another year filled with learning, growth, and community!

Best from Bates,
The Bates Parent Team