Dear Bates Class of 2023 Students and Families,

I write to share information about the Short Term refund policy with a specific implication for those students in the class of 2023 who began their studies at Bates in the fall of 2019. 

Due to necessary changes to the academic calendar as a result of the pandemic, you are unable to complete Short Terms in 2020 and 2021. While you will be able to meet the two Short Term graduation requirements in May of 2022 and 2023, students who choose to study abroad in the spring of their junior year, next year, logistically would not be able to attend short term in May 2022.

For current sophomores who expect to graduate in May 2023 and elect to study off-campus on a Bates-approved program next spring and are unable to attend their first short term, the college’s Academic Standing Committee will waive the two Short Term graduation requirement, which means you will only have to complete one Short Term, and the college will provide a refund. For many students studying abroad is a key part of their college experience, and Bates wants neither an academic nor a financial disincentive for those who are considering study abroad. You may find more information about study abroad programs and deadlines for next year on the Bates Center for Global Education website.

Refunds will be posted as a credit to your student account in February 2022. The credit will apply first to any outstanding account balance, and any excess credit created by the refund will be available to you on Garnet Gateway. The refund will be equal to the May 2021 Short Term refund, up to $5,682, adjusted for any changes to the single fee in the academic year 2021-22. Students receiving financial aid will receive a refund based on the amount a family has contributed to the single fee, with a minimum of $1,400.

We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work through ongoing adjustments due to the pandemic.

Sincerely,

Geoffrey Swift