In the summer of 2025, we began a phased rollout of updated web themes for the Bates website. The project started with academic department and program sites and has since expanded to all areas of the website.

Current Progress

As of February 2026, two-thirds of the 158 websites hosted on www.bates.edu have been migrated to the new theme. The goal is to have all remaining sites transitioned in the coming weeks and months.

Functional Changes

The updated theme replaces legacy templates with full embrace of a block-based framework designed for standard screen resolutions and mobile devices. Key technical changes include:

• More Responsive Layout: Automatic adjustment for mobile and tablet views.
• Revised Typography: Updated styles for improved text legibility.
• New Content Blocks: A library of standardized components for site editors, including announcement and events, featured content, and photo galleries.

Implementation Schedule

Migration will continue through the spring. Offices whose sites have not yet been updated will be contacted as their phase of the rollout begins. No immediate action is required from site editors until they receive a notification from the Web Team.