The Bates Board of Trustees held its winter meeting virtually on Friday, February 5, 2021. The meeting followed more than a week of virtual meetings of almost every standing committee of the Board.

The COVID-19 pandemic was the primary focus of the February meeting. Trustees heard updates on planning for the winter semester and engaged in readings and discussion related to the long-term strategic implications of the ongoing global health crisis. Trustees also received an update on equity, inclusion, and antiracism work at Bates.

Trustees took a number of important annual actions, including reappointing the college’s auditor, Mayer Hoffman McCann; accepting the conflict of interest report; setting a range for the 2021–22 academic year single fee, which will be finalized this spring; setting the endowment distribution for the 2021–22 academic year; and approving recommendations for faculty promotion and tenure from the Committee on Personnel. The Board also heard updates on the college’s finances, endowment, Bates Campaign, capital projects, and the Class of 2025 applicant pool.

While we regret that the pandemic continues to prevent the in-person, on-campus engagement that is so valuable to the work of the Board, we are pleased that a number of faculty, staff, and students were able to participate in our winter meetings.

The next meeting of the Board of Trustees is currently scheduled for May 7–8, 2021. This meeting will be conducted virtually once again due to COVID-19. 

Clayton Spencer
President

John Gillespie ’80, P’13, P’18
Chair of the Board of Trustees