Dear 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. With classes now underway, they are officially Batesies, beginning their own journey here on campus. Relive those first moments with our Arrival Day photo story →

The start of the academic year was also marked by a meaningful tradition: Convocation. President Garry Jenkins welcomed the Class of 2029 with a wonderful address, and we hope your students carry these words with them as they begin their time at Bates. Read more about President Jenkins’ remarks →

As we wrap up our summer series of emails just for Class of 2029 families, we want to remind you that communication from our office doesn’t stop here. Instead, we’ll shift to our regular Family Campus Updates, which share campus news, resources, and ways to stay engaged a few times each semester. Check out past communications →

As you think about your own Bates journey, we encourage you to consider some of these ways to stay engaged:

• Sign up for our Family Orientation Webinar series, which kicks off Wednesday, Sept. 10.
• 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 any time you have questions about supporting your student.

Here’s to a wonderful first year for the Class of 2029. 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

(Phyllis Graber Jensen/Bates College)