September Updates from Bates
Greetings, Bates Families!
What a week it has been! Your students have moved into their residence halls and houses, completed Orientation, and returned from their AESOP adventures. They are officially Batesies, beginning their own journey here on campus.
Relive Arrival Day with our photo story →
Opening Convocation
The academic year began with Opening Convocation, a Bates tradition, on Tuesday, Sept. 1.
Students heard words of welcome and wisdom from President Garry Jenkins, Bates College Student Government co-presidents Ava Steinberger ’27 and Mohammad Zayd ’27, and Whitehouse Professor of Psychology Amy Bradfield Douglass. Convocation concluded with a Benediction from Multifaith Chaplain Rob Benson.
Clubs, Orgs & Jobs Fair
Remind your student to check out the Bates Leads Clubs, Orgs & Jobs Fair tonight, Sept. 2, from 8–10 p.m. More than 70 clubs, organizations, offices, and departments will be there to help students explore the many ways to get involved at Bates.
Orientation Webinars
Our Family Orientation Webinars are designed to help you support your student as they settle into life at Bates. Join faculty and staff for three virtual conversations this September:
Sept. 15 — Life Outside the Bates Classroom
Sept. 17 — Supporting Your Bates Student’s Well-Being
A recording of each webinar will be shared following the event.
Stay Informed
As you think about your own Bates journey, we encourage you to consider some of these ways to stay engaged:
- Register for Back to Bates: Alumni and Family Weekend (Oct. 2–4) to experience life on campus and visit with your student. Registration is open through Sept. 18, so grab your spot today!
- Submit our volunteer interest form to learn more about roles for families to get involved.
- Follow Bates College on social media.
- Reach out to our team anytime you have questions about supporting your student.
Key Dates & Upcoming Events
Sept. 2: Fall semester classes begin
Oct. 2–4: Back to Bates: Alumni and Family Weekend
Oct. 14–18: Fall recess, residences remain open
Sept. 10–17: Orientation Webinars for Incoming Families
Family Campus Updates
As we wrap up our summer email series for incoming families, we’ll transition to our regular Family Campus Updates. Sent a few times each semester, these messages share campus news, resources, and ways to stay engaged.
Questions? We’re here to help!
Here’s to a wonderful first year for the Class of 2030. We can’t wait to see all that your students will learn, care for, share, and enjoy at Bates.
Best from Bates,
The Bates Parent Team