As planning for the inauguration activities takes shape, we will add further detail and new questions and answers to this section. Please check back for more information.

When and where is the inauguration ceremony?
The inauguration of Garry W. Jenkins as Bate’s ninth president will take place on Friday, October 27, 2023, at 2:30 p.m. in Merrill Gymnasium at Bates College in Lewiston, Maine. The procession will begin at 2:00 p.m. at Commons and will march from there across Central Avenue to the ceremony.

How long will the ceremony last?
Approximately ninety minutes.

Who is invited?
In addition to delegates, trustees and other guests invited to campus to celebrate the installation of Garry W. Jenkins as the ninth president of Bates College, all faculty, staff and students are welcome to attend the Installation Ceremony and Inaugural Reception as space allows.

Do we need tickets?
Tickets are required. Please register for the event with the link provided in your invitation.

Please allow ample time to make your way to Merrill Gymnasium. Doors will open at 1:30 p.m. and close at 2:15 p.m. When entering Merrill Gym, be prepared to show your Eventbrite QR code on your phone or your receipt.

Will the ceremony be livestreamed?
Yes. The livestream will be public so community members and friends will be able to watch.

Bates Website: bates.edu/inauguration
Facebook: facebook.com/batescollege

The two locations will afford the same viewer experience. With a four-camera setup, the livestream will show everything that takes place!

What is the schedule of events?
On Friday, October 27, at 9:30 a.m., there will be an inaugural panel.

The installation ceremony on Friday afternoon will be followed by a community celebration reception at the Bardwell Field tent. 

There are other events happening on campus during the weekend. As all of these events are finalized, further information will appear here.

The schedule of events can be found here. 

Who is participating in the inaugural panel?
The moderator and participants for the panel will be announced as they are confirmed.

Where do I go for information once I have arrived at Bates?
There will be a Welcome Center located in Chase Hall where guests can get information and materials related to the inauguration activities.

I am a delegate. Where do I go for information about regalia and other details?
We will communicate directly with delegates as they register. The installation ceremony is Friday, October 27, 2023. As a delegate, you will take part in the academic procession that precedes the ceremony.

Delegates should plan to arrive by 1:00 p.m. Please wear or bring your academic regalia. The procession will form at 1:45 p.m. Bates staff will be on hand to assist you in lining up.

The procession begins at 2:00 p.m.. and the ceremony at 2:30 p.m. We invite you to join the reception at the Bardwell Field tent following the ceremony. 

There are other events to be held during the day and you are warmly invited to them all. Please see the schedule of events for more information. When you arrive on campus, please check in at our Welcome Center, located in Chase Hall.

Where can I park?
Parking is available in visitor parking lots and on public streets. The Merrill Gymnasium parking lot located at 141 Russell Street is the largest on campus. Rows will be marked as reserved for Inauguration. Please respect accessible parking signs.

Is there accessible parking on campus?
Bates will strive to make inauguration accessible. Handicap-accessible parking spaces are designated in all parking areas. There is accessible parking near Merrill Gymnasium, and there is an accessible drop-off zone at the entrance.

Individuals with special needs should contact inauguration@bates.edu.

Is there a list of hotels and restaurants in the area available?
Yes, we’ve provided a list of hotels and a list of restaurants near Bates College

I am traveling from out of town. Where can I find directions?
For help getting to the Bates campus, check out our Visitor Information page. Once you arrive at Bates, check out our campus map, labeled with key locations.

Is Wi-Fi available for visiting guests?
Look for the Bates Guest Wi-Fi network and follow directions from there.

Will I be able to view the video afterward?
Yes. After the livestream concludes, the video will be available on demand on Facebook, the Bates YouTube channel, and bates.edu/inauguration.

What time will the livestream begin?
The livestream will begin shortly before 2:00 p.m. with the procession starting at 2:00 p.m. and the installation ceremony starting at 2:30 p.m.

Will the ceremony livestream be accessible to viewers with disabilities?
As with all Bates programming, we are committed to providing an accessible and inclusive installation experience for everyone. While access considerations have been an important part of the planning process, we know that we may not be able to anticipate every potential barrier or need.

Will I experience connectivity issues, as I do with video conferencing?
Bates has successfully streamed past events through the Facebook platform and it has proven reliable and accessible. There still could be hiccups based on internet speed and signal strength.

I have additional questions—is there someone I can contact?
Send additional questions by email to inauguration@bates.edu.