Hello, Bates Families –

Students have received an update regarding the status of in-room restrictions. Please encourage them to read the full update to understand how the rest of the week will unfold.

Parents of seniors: We will shortly resume our Commencement updates to you. Your contact information update form will arrive via email later this week.

All families: Please watch for an email invitation to our next virtual family networking event. Originally scheduled for this evening, a new date and registration link will be sent out shortly for this postponed event. 

Many thanks to you and your students for your dedication, grace, and commitment as the Bates community has navigated an extremely difficult situation.

Best regards,
The Bates Parent Team

Hello, Bates Families –

As you know, Governor Mills has accelerated Maine’s vaccine roll-out, and individuals 16 years old and older are eligible to register now to receive a COVID-19 vaccine starting on April 7. Out-of-state students, including international students, who reside in Maine to attend college are eligible for a vaccine in Maine 

Please refer to this update for specifics on how Bates will assist in helping students obtain COVID-19 vaccination. 

The Bates vaccine FAQ  is updated regularly and is also a valuable resource on this topic. 

Best regards,
The Bates Parent Team

Hello, Bates Families –

Students have received an important update regarding the situation on campus. Please encourage them to read this information carefully so they understand the seriousness of the current spike in COVID-19 cases as well as the status of in-room restrictions.

We know this is a stressful time for your students. We know you, too, are concerned for their physical and mental well-being, and we hope these resources will help you support them:

• The Bates in-room restriction FAQ  is updated regularly and shares information on student support, after-hours health needs, and more. 
• Bates CAT is offering an expanded daily schedule of activities to help students stay connected during in-room restriction.
• You can browse the overview of daily campus offerings and remind your student to sign up using their edition of Bates Today.

We will keep you updated promptly with further information as we move through this time together.

Best regards,
The Bates Parent Team

Hello, Bates Families –

Students have just received an urgent update about the spread of COVID-19 on campus. Given the number of active cases in isolation, the number of symptomatic cases, and the rising number of students in quarantine, a temporary campus-wide in-room restriction will begin today, Thursday, April 1, and extend through at least the afternoon of Tuesday, April 6.

Please encourage your students to read today’s update in its entirety so they know exactly what to expect. 

If students have questions about how to proceed, they should reach out to studentaffairs@bates.edu. Students concerned about symptoms should contact Bates Health Services without delay.

This decision was not made lightly, but it is necessary to protect our campus and the broader community. Thank you for supporting your students as we navigate this together.

Best regards,
The Bates Parent Team

Hello, Bates Families –

Students have received an update that includes information about additional campus activities, off-campus social gatherings, and Maine’s COVID-19 vaccination outlook. Please read the full update here. 

We hope the following information will also be helpful:

• If your student wishes to travel to their home state to receive a COVID vaccine, please remind them to reach out to Senior Associate Dean of Students Carl Steidel for an exemption to the public health agreement requiring students to remain in Maine through the end of the semester.
• We have received inquiries about drop-off dates for next fall. The college is waiting a little longer than usual to set arrival dates. As soon as the calendar is set, it will be posted to the college website and shared via email with families.
• We have also received questions about Back to Bates – our family and alumni weekend – for Fall 2021. At the moment, this event is scheduled for October 1-3, 2021. However, we need to remain flexible, knowing that the date might shift. No decision has yet been made about whether this event will be virtual or in-person.

With the arrival of warmer weather here in Maine, we have enjoyed seeing so many of your students eating, studying, and socializing outside. We love their energy!

Best regards,

The Bates Parent Team

Hello, Bates Families –

Students have just received an encouraging update about activities on campus. Please read the full update here. 

In addition, these resources may be helpful: 

• We have added an abbreviated Bates Today feed to the parent website. Students can explore campus offerings through their own copy of Bates Today, delivered daily to their Bates email and complete with sign-up links and/or on-campus location details.
• As a follow up to our Feb. 18 family networking event, we’ve posted the video of the remarks made at the start of the evening by our guest from Campus Life. Please contact us at parents@bates.edu for the password.
• Check out this month’s slideshow of campus photos, and make sure you’re following @batescollege on Instagram for your daily dose of Bates.

With more safe options available and warmer weather on the way, we look forward to even more energy on campus. 

Best regards,

The Bates Parent Team

Hello, Bates Families –

As we head into the weekend, students have received an important update about the transmission of COVID-19 on campus – and a request for help as we all stay focused on safe behaviors. 

The college has already found itself in the unfortunate position of having to send a number of students home and switch them to remote learning because they did not adhere to the public health policies that are necessary to mitigate the transmission of COVID-19 on campus. With this in mind, we would be grateful if you could once again speak with your student about the importance of making good decisions to protect the health and wellbeing of members of the Bates community.

On a lighter note, this weekend also brings the launch of late night pick-up or delivery at the Den on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. And in the coming days, the student-run activities committee Bates CAT is sponsoring an array of virtual and in-person activities from Feb. 28 to March 7 for Winter Carnival. It is encouraging to see these activities underway.

We thank you for your ongoing support of your students, and we are so appreciative of their vigilance, flexibility, and commitment to the community.

Best regards,

The Bates Parent Team

Hello, Bates Families –

Following the start of the semester last week, students have received an update regarding dining and additional outdoor furniture. Students are working hard to keep themselves and the campus community healthy, and we thank you for supporting them in these efforts. 

As the semester gets underway, we share these updates on the student experience:

• Maine state guidelines still limit indoor gatherings to 50 people, and our Dining team is working to offer more options within those constraints. Today is the debut of Meet Me at the Mezz, a first-come, first-served reservation option for in-person dining.
• Campus Life has launched First-Year Fridays, a new weekly series to help first-year students build connections.
• With arrival quarantine over, students are able to access more common spaces on campus to study or meet. 

Thank you for your ongoing engagement with Bates. We continue to build our virtual event calendar and hope to see many of you online this spring.

Best regards,

The Bates Parent Team

Hello, Bates Families –

On-campus students have received reminders on continuing arrival quarantine. You can read that update here. If you have not already done so, we encourage you to speak with your student about the importance of following campus health protocols to protect themselves and the campus community. We appreciate their hard work!

Virtual events for all students are planned throughout arrival quarantine. Encourage your student to check BatesToday and Bates Engage.

If your student is feeling sad, anxious, or depressed as they navigate the next few days – or at any time during the semester – please have them reach out to Counseling & Psychological Services at 207-786-6200 or CAPS@bates.edu

We are grateful for all you are doing to support your students as we begin winter semester.

Best regards,

The Bates Parent Team

Hello, Bates Families –

Earlier today, students received an update about additional testing protocols Bates will use when students return to campus on Feb. 11 and 12. This change in student testing requires all students returning to campus to take timely action.  Please read the full update here and remind your student to contact studentaffairs@bates.edu with any questions.

We also share these resources:

• Students returning to campus on Feb. 11 and 12 can sign up for a free shuttle ride from the Portland Jetport or Portland Transportation Center.
• Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) continues to offer support to students during the break and throughout the coming semester, including resources for managing concerns and emotions about the pandemic.
• The Parent Team will offer a fresh slate of events this semester to keep you connected with Bates and with other Bobcat families. Please watch your email!

Best regards,

The Bates Parent Team

Hello, Bates Families – 

Earlier this morning, students received an update about returning to campus for the winter semester. Please read the full update here, and encourage your student to check Garnet Gateway to sign up for arrival testing, select Module C meal times, and access winter semester account statements.

We also share the following resources open to students during the extended break:

• Our colleagues in Purposeful Work have numerous events scheduled throughout break. Please encourage your student to sign up for Handshake, where they can register for Purposeful Work events, apply for internships, set up an appointment with staff, and more. 
• B-Well continues to provide daily virtual wellness and fitness offerings for students throughout break. 
• The LGBTQAIP2+ Advisory Committee in the Office of Equity and Inclusion hosts weekly drop-in hours. If your student is interested in participating, encourage them to connect with equityandinclusion@bates.edu.

We hope you are staying healthy as we begin a new year.

Best regards,
The Bates Parent Team

Hello, Bates Families –

As we approach break, we want to make sure you know about these resources:

• Student Affairs has provided students with guidance on how to safely travel home from campus as case counts rise nationally and internationally. 
• The student group CatsvCOVID hosted another Instagram Live with Josh McIntosh, Vice President for Campus Life. This is a great resource for students with questions about preparing for break, plans for January, campus mental health resources, and more.
• Campus buildings may be closed to visitors, but we didn’t want you to miss the current exhibit at the Bates Museum of Art. Explore the interactive online exhibition of the work of noted painter and illustrator Ashley Bryan.
• Our faculty have worked tirelessly to create remarkable educational experiences for our students this fall . Get to know new Bates professors in tenure-track positions.

We hope your students will have a successful end of the semester and a restful break. They have worked hard to keep the campus community healthy, and we thank you for continuing to support their efforts.

Best regards,

The Bates Parent Team

Hello, Bates Families –

In our efforts to keep you updated on Bates, we have several items to share with you today:

• Students received information today about the ongoing student experience, how to prepare for winter break, and the preliminary outlook for winter term. You can read the full post here.
• The student group CatsvCOVID recently hosted an Instagram Live with Dean of Students Josh McIntosh. This is a great resource to share if your student has questions about dining, short term, or how to socialize safely with friends in other residence halls.
• For students whose winter break travel involves planes, trains, or buses, there are a number of resources in place for travel to Portland and beyond.

Finally, we appreciate your ideas and feedback on how we can create opportunities for Bates families to connect and get to know one another. We look forward to providing you with ways to engage with the wider Bates network without adding to your Zoom fatigue. 

Best regards,
The Bates Parent Team

Hello, Bates Families –

We have a number of significant updates to pass along to you:

• Students were reminded today of the seriousness of observing the Bates public health agreement. We urge you to read the full details here.
• Today’s update reiterated that Bates will remain committed to our layered health precautions. Knowing that this is the reality of the Bates experience for the foreseeable future, thank you for reminding your students about the many resources available for safe, creative campus life experiences for both on- and off-campus students.
• On-campus students have already received preliminary guidance related to preparing for winter break. Our ability to safely operate the college as more activities move inside will shape the final plan, so students can expect more information before the end of this month.
• If you have not yet accessed any of our Back@Bates content, you may find the panel discussion on building community this fall as well as remarks by President Spencer of particular interest. 

Thank you for all you are doing to support and encourage your students as they work toward a successful Bates semester for all.

Best regards,
The Bates Parent Team

Hello, Bates Families –

As fall arrives in earnest in Maine, we have several important items to share with you.

• Students received a key update earlier today on changes to the COVID-19 Testing Center schedule, new access to indoor spaces and programming, guidance for preparing for campus departure in November, and on declaring their intentions for winter semester. Please read this posting for full detail.
• Flu shots will be available to on-campus students the week of Oct. 5. The flu clinic will take place in the testing center, so students can take their scheduled COVID-19 test and get their seasonal flu shot with a single visit.
• There’s still time to complete your free registration for Back@Bates (Oct. 2-3), our virtual family weekend. Content includes a Friday night panel on student life on campus as well as remarks from President Spencer on Saturday morning.
• We recommend the Bates Instagram feed for a look at life on campus this fall (with the bonus of all that beautiful Maine fall foliage).

Many thanks to those who joined our parent networking events this week and to those parent volunteers who helped host these conversations. Our team looks forward to creating more opportunities for families to connect with one another and with Bates. Let us know if this volunteer role is of interest to you!

Best regards,

The Bates Parent Team

Hello, Bates Families –

As students move into the fourth week of classes, we wanted to be sure to share the latest news from campus with you.

• Our testing numbers continue to be very encouraging. Thank you for reminding students to be vigilant about face coverings and campus health protocols. As you can read in this update, Bates has no current plans to reconsider what we know to be effective measures for mitigating the transmission of COVID-19 on campus. 
• For all students – and particularly for first-year students and anyone studying remotely – this year calls for different ways of getting involved in campus life. Please encourage your students to avail themselves of the many creative opportunities to meet fellow Bobcats.
• We hope you will engage with Bates this fall, too! This year, we’re taking our family weekend virtual – please join us Back@Bates (Oct. 2-3) for remarks from President Spencer, lectures and panel discussions, a cooking demonstration, and more.

Finally, here in Maine, we have been following the forest fires on the West Coast with great concern. We are heartbroken for the many who have lost homes and loved ones, and for the devastation to wildlife and the environment. Please know that we are keeping our West Coast Bates families in our thoughts, and we hope that very soon the skies will clear and communities can heal and grow anew.

Best regards,
The Parent Team

Hello, Bates Families –

Thank you for the flexibility, creativity, and good humor that you and your students have shown during the phased return to campus. As we begin community life at Bates this fall, you may find the information below helpful:

• We remind you of the college’s COVID dashboard, which includes the latest statistics on Bates as well as the state of Maine. The dashboard introduction walks you through the process and timing for data updates. 
• On-campus students received an email today about how to select a regular, ongoing bi-weekly testing time. Students were also reminded that if they miss testing times or do not comply with testing requirements, they will have their housing canceled (on-campus students), their access to campus canceled (for off-campus students), and be switched to remote learning for the duration of the semester. Bates certainly does not want to take such action, but frequent testing is an important aspect of the college’s COVID-19 management strategy.
• Our colleagues in Student Affairs have been fielding increased questions about students and face coverings. With very few exceptions, Bates requires face coverings in all indoor and outdoor areas on campus. We appreciate your reminding your students about the critical nature of this campus public health practice.
• We have expanded our hosted archive of parent Q&A webinars. Please contact parents@bates.edu for links and passwords.

Whether your student is on campus or remote, you are part of the Bates community. We are so glad to welcome – and welcome back! – all our Bobcat families this fall.

Best regards,
The Bates Parent Team

Hello, Bates Families –

We share several important updates with you today:

• The college shared this update with students on Wednesday about the realities of socializing this fall. Social life as students have experienced it on campus in the past is no longer possible, so please help your students anticipate healthy ways to build social connection.
• The Harward Center has issued guidance for students on how community engagement will take place this year.
• Families won’t be able to pick up Bobcat gear during drop-off this year, so the Bates College Store will run several specials this month. Remember that they offer online textbook shopping once your student finalizes their schedule.
• We will host a parent Q&A on Monday, August 17 at noon Eastern. Please use our question submission form. (The forum page also includes information on what to do if you did not receive the login information via email.)

A reminder that if your student wishes to change from on-campus to remote study, please have them contact Faith Hauger, studentaffairs@bates.edu, by the end of the day on Friday, August 7, or as soon as possible.

There is a lot to navigate this year, and we appreciate all you are doing to support your students.

Best regards,
The Bates Parent Team

Hello, Bates Families –

A recording of today’s parent forum is now available. Please contact us at parents@bates.edu for the link and password.

Your students received information this morning (Aug. 3) in their Bates email about pre-arrival and drop-off procedures. We urge you to read this update closely to support your student’s safe arrival on campus.

If any of these plans make you or your student uncertain or concerned about returning to campus in the fall, your student should elect to remain home and do remote learning, which will allow them to continue to make academic progress. Please have your student notify Faith Hauger, studentaffairs@bates.edu, by Friday, Aug. 7, if they wish to change from on-campus to remote learning for the fall semester.

Students were directed to complete their public health agreements via Garnet Gateway by Friday, July 31. Please be aware that the Housing team sent a reminder today (Aug. 3) to students who did not meet this deadline and informed students that if they do not complete this step by noon Eastern on Wednesday, August 5, they will be removed from their housing assignment and moved to remote study.

We remind you that the Fall 2020 site, related links, and FAQ are updated regularly. We have also updated the resources available through the Parent site and created an archive of parent email updates.

Best regards,
The Bates Parent Team

Hello, Bates Families –

This week, students received multiple email updates regarding plans for fall. The links below provide detail on many key planning elements:

• Incoming students received their housing assignment and move-in date on Wednesday; returning students received information on Thursday about how to use Garnet Gateway to select their preferred move-in date/time. There is an updated FAQ on housing and Res Life (for all students) and on summer placement for fall housing (for returning students who await housing assignments).
• Schedule of Courses and Teaching Modes – Earlier today, the Schedule of Courses was posted showing all courses for the fall semester with their instructor-designated teaching modes. 
• Class Schedules – Sophomores, juniors, and seniors (returning students) received an email from Mary Meserve, Registrar, providing this information now that courses have been shifted to the 2+2 model. First-year students received their First-Year Seminar assignments on Wednesday and will register for their additional three fall courses next week.
• There is a new FAQ explaining the college’s COVID-19 testing. Bates tests will be processed by the Broad Institute.
• The Student Public Health Agreement and Other Documents can be completed by your student through Garnet Gateway.
• If your student’s plans for the fall have changed since they completed the Fall Attendance Questionnaire, please have them contact Faith Hauger in Student Affairs at fhauger@bates.edu.
• Please remind your student to check their Bates email address about the upcoming July 30 Q&A session for incoming and returning students. 

We know this is a significant amount of information and that, even after reading the updates, families are likely to have questions about logistics for fall. We will host a parent Q&A on Monday, August 3 at noon Eastern. 

Please visit our website for a list of panelists and a submission form for questions. As with past events, we will record this panel and share a link as soon as the recording is posted.

To attend the forum on August 3 at noon Eastern, please contact the Parent Team at parents@bates.edu.

We thank you for your patience and partnership as plans have evolved. Keep your students watching their Bates emails!

Best regards,
The Bates Parent Team

Hello, Bates Families –

We write to share that your students received an update yesterday at their Bates email address letting them know that they will receive information on a number of significant topics this week:

– Move-in Date/Phased Return to Campus
– Course Enrollments and Teaching Modes
– COVID-19 Testing
– Student Public Health Agreement and Other Contracts

Many thanks for your patience as the college has sorted through an extraordinary number of details and intersecting issues, such as the relationship between your student’s move-in date and the college’s COVID-19 testing capacity.

The Bates website will be updated with the release of new information. Our team will also be back in touch with you directly with a round-up of helpful links for families.

Please encourage your student to keep watching their Bates email, as this will be a busy week for information. 

Best regards,
The Bates Parent Team

Dear Class of 2024 Families,

We’ve learned there is a glitch with the recording of the incoming parent Q&A held last Thursday, July 9. Please email us at parents@bates.edu to receive a new link and password to view the recording.

Here are some other updates and resources:

• Please remind your student that an “Ask Me Anything” about First-Year Seminar (FYS) will be held today, July 14, at 5:00 pm EDT. Professors will discuss FYS, registration for which is open through this Friday, July 17. All students received the event link in their Bates email and will receive the recording link after the event. 
• Our colleagues in the Office of Residence Life have put together a helpful FAQ. Now that students have submitted their July 9 Fall Attendance Questionnaire, planning about the phased move-in can proceed quickly, so please have students keep an eye on their Bates email.
• We know our international students face an additional layer of challenges. Please refer to the FAQ prepared in response to the July 6 ICE directives, reach out to the staff listed with questions about your particular situation, and watch for Zoom sessions for international students and families hosted by the Center for Global Education.
• For our student-athletes, we know there are many questions about the fall season. Please keep an eye on regularly updated FAQ for Athletics.

Lastly, while an in-person Back to Bates is not possible this year, please look forward to a virtual experience and to the schedule of Summer Welcome Events just for new parents.

We are glad you are part of the Bobcat family!

Best regards,
The Bates Parent Team

Dear Bates Families,

We know you are working hard to support your students as they look ahead to fall. We share some updates and resources that we hope will help:

• For information on accessing the recording of the July 9 returning parent Q&A, please contact the Parent Team at parents@bates.edu.
• Our colleagues in the Office of Residence Life have put together a helpful FAQ. Now that students have submitted their July 9 Fall Attendance Questionnaire, planning about the phased move-in can proceed quickly, so please have students keep an eye on their Bates email.
• We know our international students face an additional layer of challenges. Please refer to this FAQ, reach out to the staff listed with questions about your particular situation, and watch for Zoom sessions for international students and families hosted by the Center for Global Education.
• For our student-athletes, we know there are many questions about the fall season. Please keep an eye on regularly updated FAQ for Athletics.

Lastly, while an in-person Back to Bates is not possible this year, please look forward to a virtual experience and to increased opportunities for parents to stay connected with Bates and with each other.

We are glad you are part of the Bobcat family!

Best regards,
The Bates Parent Team

Dear Bates Families,

Greetings from Maine! You are an important part of the Bates community, and as we move into summer, we hope you will stay connected with Bates.

Please explore these Bates resources:

• Our colleagues in Purposeful Work are ready to help your student have a purposeful summer, even in the time of Covid-19.
• Is your student missing Commons? Try serving up a taste of Bates, thanks to these cooking videos from the talented folks at Bates Dining.
• Join us for the livestream of this year’s virtual Commencement celebration this Sunday, May 31 at noon Eastern. Encourage your student to submit a message of congratulations for friends in the Class of 2020 – or share well-wishes of your own!
• Has your student checked out the B-Well class calendar? There are several options such as boot camps, yoga, and stretching, and no advance sign up is required. Participants’ screens are muted upon entry, and they can choose whether to have their video on or off (most people choose off).

We wish you a healthy summer, wherever you might be.

Best wishes,

Emily Bray Levine
Director of Parent Giving and Engagement