Campus Life is excited to welcome you to the CAT Halloween Dance this Saturday, October 26th from 10pm to 1am in the Gray Cage. We’re sharing this message to advise you what to expect at the event. Please take a moment to read through it, and contact us at campuslife@bates.edu if you have any questions.

First, please be mindful of your costume choice – we are a diverse community with individuals from many backgrounds and life experiences. We encourage you to view this video entitled “My Culture is NOT a Costume” to learn about ways that costumes may co-opt from cultures that may not be your own.

When you arrive on site, expect there to be a line outside – there will in fact be multiple lines separated by stanchions. Please attempt to stay in as close to a single-file line as possible, and do not push or crush against others in an effort to get into the venue faster – this can create an unsafe situation, putting fellow attendees and staff at risk of injury.

When you first get in line there will be a security check happening in front of the Gray Cage. You first will be asked to present your Bates ID. Then if you have a purse or small bag, you will be asked to open it for a brief visual search. If you have a liquid container like a water bottle, you will be asked to empty it. If are wearing outerwear, you will be be asked to open it for a brief pat down of the pockets. If you are wearing other clothing with pockets, you will be asked to empty them for inspection. Once these safety checks are finished, you will be directed to continue forward into the Gray Cage – you’re in! A Campus Life Event Staff member will greet you and answer any questions you may have.

There will be a number of staff on site at the venue to help make your experience as enjoyable as possible. This includes Campus Life Event Staff, custodial staff, Taylor Made security staff, Campus Life Event Security, and Campus Safety staff, among others. We encourage you to review the Roles and Responsibilities section of the Campus Life Event Policy to understand what each staff member’s function is at an event. 

Please look out for your friends and fellow Batesies on Saturday. Should you, a friend, or someone nearby need assistance during the event, please locate a staff member. If you are in need of emergency response, please contact Campus Safety at 207.786.6111 immediately. 

That’s it! Our goal in Campus Life is to offer and support events that are safe, inclusive, and fun for the Bates community, and we are thrilled to be able to host the Halloween Dance once again. For easy reference, please see the description of the event below; see you on Saturday!

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Join us at the Gray Cage from 10pm to 1am for our annual Halloween Dance. Wear your costumes and dance along with DJ Hanzo! There will be pizza and water too. Check out @bates_cat for more information 🙂

Please read the following important information.

This event will involve navigating the Gray Cage. When looking to enter the Gray Cage please be aware that there is an accessible entrance located next to the main entrance. While inside the Gray Cage students will be navigating on a floor that is smooth and solid. There will be an accessible seating area next to the stage where the DJ will be performing, and ample seating at tables across from the stage. Food will be served at this event; gluten-free options will be available. The nearest restrooms are located in the Gray Cage. For the duration of this event, all restrooms will be available to all attendees, regardless of gender identity of expression.

Campus Life strives to build a culture of belonging where all members of the community feel valued, and our events are safe, inclusive, and fun. For questions about accessibility or to request accommodations, please contact campuslife@bates.edu, or 207.786.6305 no later than five days prior to the event.

If you wish to bring a guest, please fill out this form by Thursday, October 24th. Bates ID is required at the door. Liquid containers will only be permitted if they are empty. Backpacks are not permitted; small bags and purses will be subject to a visual search. If you are wearing outerwear like a jacket, you will be asked to open it for a patdown of the pockets. All attendees are expected to abide by the Campus Life Event Policy (http://www.bates.edu/campus/policies/campus-life-event-policy/) while at the event.