Dear Bates Families,

As students enter a busy stretch of the semester, we’re sharing a few timely updates to help you stay connected with what’s happening on campus.

• Thanksgiving Recess: The upcoming break runs from Saturday, November 22-Sunday, November 30. While residences remain open, please note that the board plan does not cover meals over Recess. View the residential calendar →
• Travel Planning: With Thanksgiving Recess and upcoming winter travel on the horizon, families and students may find this resource helpful for planning transportation to and from campus. Getting to Bates FAQ →
• Winter Gathering and Gallery Talk: Families are invited to our Winter Gathering and Gallery Talk on Saturday, December 6, at 11 a.m. at the Bates College Museum of Art. Enjoy the current exhibitions and connect with other families on campus. Learn more and RSVP →
• Safety in Action: This fall, Bates has hosted a series of Campus Safety Awareness events, featuring situational awareness training, bicycle registration, and culminating with a Public Safety Day on Saturday, November 15. This event will bring key emergency response agencies to Bates for demonstrations, networking, and career insights—helping students feel informed, confident, and connected to their community.
• Short Term Spotlight: As students plan for the semester’s end, they can also look ahead to Short Term. Bates will again partner with Dartmouth’s Tuck School of Business to offer the Tuck-Bates Business Essentials Course, designed by Tuck faculty and built around a comprehensive business case. Application for enrollment opens December 1. The course, limited to 30 students, is coordinated by the Center for Purposeful Work. If your student has a career interest in business, consulting, or marketing, encourage them to explore this opportunity to develop tangible business skills.

If you’d like to connect with our team, reach out at parents@bates.edu or 207-786-6242.We appreciate your continued engagement and the important role families play in the Bates experience.

Best from Bates,
The Bates Parent Team

Winter made its first appearance on campus this week, bringing a light snowfall that settled over the last of the fall leaves. (Photo Credit: Sammy Weidenthal ’27 for Bates College)