Campus Life is excited to welcome you to the Afro Gala this Friday, November 15th, from 10:00 PM to 1:00 AM in Memorial Commons. 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.

When you arrive, expect that there may be a line at the entrance. 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. You first will be asked to present your Bates ID/College 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 Memorial Commons – 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, and Campus Life Event Security, 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 Friday. 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. For easy reference, please see the description of the event below; see you on Saturday!

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Afro Gala is back—bigger, bolder, and more vibrant than ever. Join Bates Africana for our annual Afro Gala, honoring the energy and rich cultures of Black and African communities. Afro Gala promises an unforgettable night filled with music, dancing, unity, cultural expression, and vibes. Bring your best moves and prepare for a night to remember. All students welcome!

Please read the following important information.

This event will involve navigating the Chase Hall Memorial Commons. When looking to enter the Memorial Commons please be aware that there is an accessible entrance located on the far right side near the elevator that is in front of the Office of Intercultural Education. While inside the Memorial Commons students will be navigating on a hardwood floor. There will be central accessible seating facing the stage where the models will be posing. An assortment of cheese and crackers will be served at this event along with flat and sparkling water. The nearest restrooms are located on the left side when exiting the main entrance of Memorial Commons towards the Office of Intercultural Education. 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.

Please note that this event is for Bates, Bowdoin, Colby, and USM students only – other guests will need to be accompanied by a Bates Student. College ID is required at the door. 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.