Staying Connected this Winter: Recess Updates and Campus Highlights
Dear Bates Families,
We hope your students are enjoying the start of February break! As we look ahead to the rest of the winter semester, we’re sharing a few timely updates to help you stay connected with campus and support your students in the weeks ahead.
Upcoming Recesses:
- February Recess: Saturday, February 14 – Sunday, February 22
- March Recess: Wednesday, March 18 – Sunday, March 22
- During both recess periods, residences remain open for students who stay on campus. View the Bates Residential Calendar →
- Winter Carnival: Students recently enjoyed Winter Carnival with activities throughout the week that brought the campus together. The week wrapped up with the beloved Puddle Jump, a 50+ year Bates tradition, as students braved the icy waters of Lake Andrews. Check out photos of this year’s tradition in action →
- Great Day to be a Bobcat: Bates’ annual giving day is coming up on March 12. Tune in to the Great Day livestream featuring students, campus personalities, President Jenkins, and the Bobcat as we work to reach 2,026 donors in celebration of all that makes Bates special. Learn more about Great Day →
- Class of 2026 Families: As Commencement approaches, we will be sharing important updates and information in the coming months. In the meantime, you can bookmark the Commencement 2026 schedule →
If you’d like to connect with our team, please reach out at parents@bates.edu or 207-786-6242. We’re grateful for your continued engagement and for the many ways families help strengthen the Bates community.
Best from Bates,
The Bates Parent Team
(Photo Credit: Theophil Syslo/Bates College)