6:00 AM – 1:00 PM | Thursday, August 29

Athletics Practice

Various locations

For first-year student athletes.

7:00 AM – 11:00 AM | Thursday, August 29

Coffee & Tea Service

Alumni Walk

Parents and families are invited to enjoy coffee and tea, served directly from our very own Curb Cats Food Truck!

8:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Thursday, August 29

New Student Check-In and Move-In

Commons and various residence halls

Be sure to start your check-in at Commons located at 136 Central Avenue, Lewiston Maine. Families will be advised to drop off their student so that they may check-in to get their ID, residence hall access, and other important information. Families will be directed to the residence hall and meet their student there. Various students and staff will assist in unpacking vehicles.

10:00 AM – 2:00 PM | Thursday, August 29

TD Bank – Open a Bank Account

Patio in front of Commons
Rain location: Commons Fireplace Lounge

For students who wish to have a bank account in the local area, swing on by to open an account.

10:30 AM – 2:30 PM | Thursday, August 29

Arrival Day Barbecue for Families and Students

Green outside of Commons; seating available in Bardwell Field Tent and Library Quad Tent
Rain location: Commons

Stop by for some delicious food prepared by the Dining, Catering, and Campus Events Staff once you have finished moving in to your residence hall!

12:00 PM – 12:50 PM |Thursday, August 29

Transfer Student and Family Welcome

Commons 211

All new transfer students and families are welcome.

12:00 PM – 1:30 PM | Thursday, August 29

Campus Meet & Greet For New Families

Chase Hall 102 (Chase Lounge)

Drop in to connect with staff from a variety of offices to learn more about how families can engage with Bates and about important resources available to students.

The Bates Parent Team from the Office of Parent Giving and Engagement will highlight the many ways families can begin their own Bates journey through college events, volunteer opportunities, and philanthropic support.

The Center for Purposeful Work will share how they help students think about meaning and purpose in their work at Bates and beyond. The Center for Purposeful Work supports students in identifying their strengths and interests; cultivating the skills, knowledge, and confidence to explore and test potential career paths; and connecting with the Bates alumni network. Students are encouraged and equipped to find their unique voice, explore professional pathways, and tell their personal story.

Campus partners from Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) and Health Services will be available to answer questions about the resources available to support your student’s health and well-being.

The Dean of Faculty’s Office will also be on hand to answer questions about the curriculum and academic advising from 12:45-1:30.

Coffee and water will be provided. We hope you stop by!

1:00 PM – 1:50 PM | Thursday, August 29

International Student and Family Greeting

Whelan Balcony (2nd floor of the Fireplace Lounge) – Commons

All new international students and families are welcome.

2:00 PM – 2:45 PM | Thursday, August 29

President’s Welcome Address

Historic Quad

Please join your fellow students in the Class of 2028 and new transfer students for a welcome address that will include in the following order of appearance:

Leigh A. Weisenburger, Vice President for Enrollment & Dean of Admission and Financial Aid and Interim Vice President for Communications and Marketing

Erin Foster Zsiga, Interim Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students

Garry W. Jenkins, President of Bates College

2:00 PM – 6:00 PM | Thursday, August 29

Athletics Practice

Various locations

For first-year student athletes.

2:45 PM – 3:00 PM | Thursday, August 29

Family Departure and “Cookie Grab”

Historic Quad
Rain location: Library Arcade

Immediately following the President’s Welcome, we ask that families say goodbye for now to their students. Before you all depart, come grab a cookie for the road. After saying goodbye, students will make their way to their Junior Advisors (JAs) and Orientation Week Leaders (OWLS) where they will be escorted to their first orientation session. JAs and OWLs will be stationed on the Historic Quad to assist students with this transition.

3:00 PM – 3:40 PM | Thursday, August 29

Meet Junior Advisors (JAs) and Orientation Week Leaders (OWLs)

Meet at Historic Quad.
Rain location: Library Arcade

Students will then travel to the Bardwell Field Tent or the Library Quad Tent with JAs and OWLs.

Bardwell Field Tent includes: Adams, Gillespie, Page, and Rand

Library Quad Tent includes: Chu, Clason, Frye House, Kalperis, Milliken & Parker.

Immediately following Family Departure and Cookie Grab, first-year students will meet Junior Advisors (JAs) and Orientation Week Leaders (OWLs) connect with them and fellow residents. JAs and OWLs will then escort students to their first orientation program that will take place in the Bardwell Field and Library Quad tents.

3:00 PM – 5:00 PM | Thursday, August 29

OWLs Nest

In front of Commons

Have questions about the schedule, locations, or Bates in general? Stop by the OWL’s nest to chat!

3:40 PM – 4:30 PM | Thursday, August 29

Well-Being @ Bates: Charting Your Path

Session for: Adams, Gillespie, Page, and Rand

Bardwell Field Tent

As a student at Bates, you’ll make choices over the next four years that affect your well-being, from sleeping and eating, to setting boundaries in relationships, and to planning for your future. In this workshop, you’ll be introduced to many well-being resources at Bates and the ways students utilize these resources to support them during their time here. In turn, you’ll create your own well-being goals to support your success and belonging while at Bates.

Learning Goals

1. Understand how to access the health-related offices and resources on campus
2. Become familiar with the Well-Being at Bates framework and portal
3. Set well-being goals for the year

FYE Values

PROMOTING HEALTH AND WELL-BEING

3:40 PM – 4:30 PM | Thursday, August 29

Beyond Belonging: It’s Up to Us

Session for: Chu, Clason, Frye House, Kalperis, Milliken & Parker

Library Quad Tent

Join us for an interactive session in which you’ll meet a variety of staff and fellow first-years as we think about what it means for Bates to be an inclusive community, and how we all have a part in growing a sense of belonging for everyone. This session is part panel, part scenarios and brainstorming – come ready to engage!

Learning Goals

1. An understanding of your positionality.
2. Knowledge of your role in making Bates an inclusive community.
3. A call to action to impact your communities in ways that make them more inclusive.

FYE Values

FOSTERING EQUITY, INCLUSION, ACCESS, AND ANTI-RACISM

BUILDING A WELCOMING COMMUNITY

CULTIVATING PURPOSE AND IDENTITY

PROMOTING HEALTH AND WELL-BEING

4:40 PM – 5:30 PM | Thursday, August 29

Well-Being @ Bates: Charting Your Path

Session for: Chu, Clason, Frye House, Kalperis, Milliken & Parker

Library Quad Tent

As a student at Bates, you’ll make choices over the next four years that affect your well-being, from sleeping and eating, to setting boundaries in relationships, and to planning for your future. In this workshop, you’ll be introduced to many well-being resources at Bates and the ways students utilize these resources to support them during their time here. In turn, you’ll create your own well-being goals to support your success and belonging while at Bates.

Learning Goals

1. Understand how to access the health-related offices and resources on campus
2. Become familiar with the Well-Being at Bates framework and portal
3. Set well-being goals for the year

FYE Values

PROMOTING HEALTH AND WELL-BEING

4:40 PM – 5:30 PM | Thursday, August 29

Beyond Belonging: It’s Up to Us

Session for: Adams, Gillespie, Page, and Rand

Bardwell Field Tent

Join us for an interactive session in which you’ll meet a variety of staff and fellow first-years as we think about what it means for Bates to be an inclusive community, and how we all have a part in growing a sense of belonging for everyone. This session is part panel, part scenarios and brainstorming – come ready to engage!

Learning Goals

1. An understanding of your positionality.
2. Knowledge of your role in making Bates an inclusive community.
3. A call to action to impact your communities in ways that make them more inclusive.

FYE Values

FOSTERING EQUITY, INCLUSION, ACCESS, AND ANTI-RACISM

BUILDING A WELCOMING COMMUNITY

CULTIVATING PURPOSE AND IDENTITY

PROMOTING HEALTH AND WELL-BEING

7:00 PM – 7:50 PM | Thursday, August 29

Meet Campus Safety and the Residence Life Coordinators

Session for: Adams, Gillespie, Page, and Rand

Bardwell Field Tent

This program allows the incoming class to familiarize themselves with the individuals responsible for their safety and residential experience on campus. Students are introduced to Campus Safety Officers and Residence Life Coordinators in hopes of fostering a sense of trust and security as they begin their college journey. Through an interactive session, first-years gain valuable knowledge about safety procedures, resources, and support systems available to them throughout their time at Bates.

Learning Goals

1. Safety Awareness: Incoming college students will develop an awareness of Campus Safety policies and procedures, including emergency protocols and the importance of personal safety measures.
2. Role of Coordinators: Students will learn about the resources provided by Residence Life Coordinators, who are a support system available 24/7.

FYE Values

BUILDING A WELCOMING COMMUNITY

CREATING A SENSE OF PLACE

7:00 PM – 7:50 PM | Thursday, August 29

Welcome to Your New Hometown

Session for: Chu, Clason, Frye House, Kalperis, Milliken & Parker

Library Quad Tent

Learn about the one and only Lewiston, Maine — your new home away from home — and how you can learn from and work with the off-campus community during your four years at Bates, including volunteer, leadership, and academic opportunities, as well as paid positions.

Learning Goals

1. Recognize Lewiston as a diverse community with many assets/strengths
2. Recognize off-campus community engagement as a potential space of belonging, purpose, and growth while at Bates

FYE Values

FOSTERING EQUITY, INCLUSION, ACCESS, AND ANTI-RACISM

BUILDING A WELCOMING COMMUNITY

ENCOURAGING ACADEMIC INQUIRY AND EXPLORATION

CULTIVATING PURPOSE AND IDENTITY

CREATING A SENSE OF PLACE

8:00 PM – 8:50 PM | Thursday, August 29

Meet Campus Safety and the Residence Life Coordinators

Session for: Chu, Clason, Frye House, Kalperis, Milliken & Parker

Library Quad Tent

This program allows the incoming class to familiarize themselves with the individuals responsible for their safety and residential experience on campus. Students are introduced to Campus Safety Officers and Residence Life Coordinators in hopes of fostering a sense of trust and security as they begin their college journey. Through an interactive session, first-years gain valuable knowledge about safety procedures, resources, and support systems available to them throughout their time at Bates.

Learning Goals

1. Safety Awareness: Incoming college students will develop an awareness of Campus Safety policies and procedures, including emergency protocols and the importance of personal safety measures.
2. Role of Coordinators: Students will learn about the resources provided by Residence Life Coordinators, who are a support system available 24/7.

FYE Values

BUILDING A WELCOMING COMMUNITY

CREATING A SENSE OF PLACE

8:00 PM – 8:50 PM | Thursday, August 29

Welcome to Your New Hometown

Session for: Adams, Gillespie, Page, and Rand

Bardwell Field Tent

Learn about the one and only Lewiston, Maine — your new home away from home — and how you can learn from and work with the off-campus community during your four years at Bates, including volunteer, leadership, and academic opportunities, as well as paid positions.

Learning Goals

1. Recognize Lewiston as a diverse community with many assets/strengths
2. Recognize off-campus community engagement as a potential space of belonging, purpose, and growth while at Bates

FYE Values

FOSTERING EQUITY, INCLUSION, ACCESS, AND ANTI-RACISM

BUILDING A WELCOMING COMMUNITY

ENCOURAGING ACADEMIC INQUIRY AND EXPLORATION

CULTIVATING PURPOSE AND IDENTITY

CREATING A SENSE OF PLACE

9:05 pm – 9:50 pm | Thursday, August 29

First Floor Meeting with Junior Advisor (JA)

First-Year Centers (FYCs)

Join your fellow FYC residents for a floor meeting with your JA to discuss guidelines for living in community.

10:00 PM – 11:00 PM | Thursday, August 29

Field Games

Garcelon Field
Rain location: Gray Cage

Join the Orientation Week Leaders (OWLs) for some field games and group activities!

10:30 PM – 1:00 AM | Thursday, August 29

Tie Dye

Behind Bardwell Field Tent
Rain location: Bardwell Field Tent

Join the Orientation Week Leaders (OWLs) for a night of tie dyeing! Bring your own items to tie dye or use some of the provided shirts and bags.

10:35 PM – 11:45 PM | Thursday, August 29

Keeping It Real With the OWLs

Bardwell Field Tent

Have questions about life at Bates? Join the Orientation Week Leader (OWL) directors for a Q&A where they will answer your questions.

5:00 AM – 8:30 AM | Friday, August 30

Athletics Practice

Various locations

For first-year student athletes.

7:00 AM – 7:45 AM | Friday, August 30

OWLs Get Up & Move Event: Neighborhood Walk With a Stop at Dunkin’!

Meet in front of Hathorn Hall

Join the Orientation Week Leaders (OWLs) for a walk around the neighborhood near Bates, ending with a chance to order some Dunkin’! Please bring your own way to pay if you plan on ordering.

7:45 AM – 8:45 AM | Friday, August 30

Breakfast With Your JA & FYC

Commons

Join your JA and fellow FYC residents for breakfast before you head to your first meeting of your First-Year Seminar. Please remember to bring a laptop, tablet, or smartphone to your FYS as you will need it to do some of the workshops. If you are not sure where your FYS is meeting, please go here to find the classroom location for today (your classroom location for your FYS will be different once all classes begin on Wednesday, September 4).

9:00 AM – 11:00 AM | Friday, August 30

First-Year Seminar Meeting and Advising

Various classrooms. Visit this link for your classroom assignment.

This is the first gathering of your FYS classmates with your instructor and pre-major academic advisor. Time will be spent at this session meeting your FYS instructor (who is also your pre-major academic advisor), meeting your classmates, reviewing the seminar’s syllabus, and working through the first FYE Workshop, which provides an overview of various technology resources you have access to at Bates such as Google suite, Degree Audit, the Student Advising Portal, and Bates Reach. You will also have time to discuss your course schedule with your FYS instructor.

Learning Goals

1. Meet your FYS instructor/pre-major academic advisor and your FYS classmates
2. Review the syllabus of your FYS course
3. Complete the first FYE Workshop together with your classmates
4. Talk with your FYS instructor/pre-major academic advisor about your course schedule

FYE Values

ENCOURAGING ACADEMIC INQUIRY AND EXPLORATION

BUILDING A WELCOMING COMMUNITY

9:30 AM – 11:00 AM | Friday, August 30

Transfer Student Group Advising

Commons 211

Please join your academic advisor, Professor of Politics and Associate Dean of the Faculty, Stephen Engel, and representatives from the Registrar’s office to discuss your plans for the Fall 2024 semester and beyond. Please bring a laptop, tablet, or smartphone to this session so we can review with you your academic records.

11:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Friday, August 30

First-Year Gear Check Out for AESOP (Last Names A through M)

Memorial Commons in Chase Hall

First-year students can check out the gear they need for their AESOP trip.

11:00 AM – 1:00 PM | Friday, August 30

Voter Registration Table

Patio in front of Commons
Rain location: Commons Fireplace Lounge

Stop by register to vote or just learn more about voter registration.

11:10 AM – 12:25 PM | Friday, August 30

Academic & Resource Fair

Perry Atrium in Pettengill Hall

This is a great opportunity to meet faculty from all of the academic departments and programs at Bates as well as staff leaders of many of the resource offices at Bates. If you have questions about particular courses, exploring different major or minors, or learning about opportunities through the Center of Global Education, the Harward Center for Community Partnerships, the Student Writing and Language Center, the Student Academic Support Center, the Center for Purposeful Work and more, please be sure to stop by the Fair!

12:00 PM – 1:00 PM | Friday, August 30

First-Year Gear Check Out for AESOP (Last Names N through Z)

Memorial Commons in Chase Hall

First-year students can check out the gear they need for their AESOP trip.

12:30 PM – 1:30 PM | Friday, August 30

Lunch With Your JA & FYC

Commons

After your visit to the Academic & Resource Fair, join your JA and other residents of your FYC for lunch before you have a full afternoon of Orientation programs! If you go get your AESOP gear during this lunch hour, be sure to come back to Commons so that you can travel with your JA and FYC to your next Orientation session once lunch is finished.

1:00 PM – 4:00 PM | Friday, August 30

OWLs Nest

In front of Commons

Have questions about the schedule, locations, or Bates in general? Stop by the OWLs nest to chat!

1:45 PM – 3:00 PM | Friday, August 30

Green Dot Group 1

Session for: Gillespie and Page

Library Quad Tent

Green Dot is our community approach to bystander intervention and preventing interpersonal violence on campus. We all have a collective responsibility to ensure that forms of violence like sexual assault, stalking, and dating violence are not tolerated at Bates, and Green Dot will give you tools to intervene in a potentially harmful situation.

Learning Goals

1. Learn strategies to intervene if you see something that could lead to an instance of power-based personal violence.
2. Consider your own part in helping to shape the Bates College student culture around preventing interpersonal violence.

FYE Values

BUILDING A WELCOMING COMMUNITY

CREATING A SENSE OF PLACE

1:45 PM – 3:00 PM | Friday, August 30

Green Dot Group 2

Session for: Adams & Rand

Bardwell Field Tent

Green Dot is our community approach to bystander intervention and preventing interpersonal violence on campus. We all have a collective responsibility to ensure that forms of violence like sexual assault, stalking, and dating violence are not tolerated at Bates, and Green Dot will give you tools to intervene in a potentially harmful situation.

Learning Goals

1. Learn strategies to intervene if you see something that could lead to an instance of power-based personal violence.
2. Consider your own part in helping to shape the Bates College student culture around preventing interpersonal violence.

FYE Values

BUILDING A WELCOMING COMMUNITY

CREATING A SENSE OF PLACE

1:45 PM – 2:35 PM | Friday, August 30

Navigating Community, Relationships, & Consent

Session for: Chu, Clason, Frye House, Kalperis, Milliken, & Parker

Olin Concert Hall in Olin Arts Center

In this session, you will be introduced to Bates community values around interpersonal relationships. We will discuss ways of keeping ourselves and each other safe, and how you can help create a supportive student culture. We will also discuss resources and responses for when individuals experience conflict or harm.

Learning Goals

1. Consider Bates’ values around interpersonal relationships and how you hope to interact with peers in social settings.
2. Learn who at Bates can provide support if you or a friend has experienced conflict or harm related to bias, harassment, or discrimination, including sexual violence.

FYE Values

FOSTERING EQUITY, INCLUSION, ACCESS, AND ANTI-RACISM

BUILDING A WELCOMING COMMUNITY

CULTIVATING PURPOSE AND IDENTITY

PROMOTING HEALTH AND WELL-BEING

2:35 PM – 3:00 PM | Friday, August 30

Dining and Sustainability

Session for: Chu, Clason, Frye House, Kalperis, Milliken, & Parker

Olin Concert Hall in Olin Arts Center

In this session we will learn more about dining at Bates and the college’s longstanding commitments to sustainable practices and environmental stewardship.

3:15 PM – 4:30 PM | Friday, August 30

Green Dot Group 3

Session for: Kalperis, Clason, Frye House, & Milliken

Library Quad Tent

Green Dot is our community approach to bystander intervention and preventing interpersonal violence on campus. We all have a collective responsibility to ensure that forms of violence like sexual assault, stalking, and dating violence are not tolerated at Bates, and Green Dot will give you tools to intervene in a potentially harmful situation.

Learning Goals

1. Learn strategies to intervene if you see something that could lead to an instance of power-based personal violence.
2. Consider your own part in helping to shape the Bates College student culture around preventing interpersonal violence.

FYE Values

BUILDING A WELCOMING COMMUNITY

CREATING A SENSE OF PLACE

3:15 PM – 4:30 PM | Friday, August 30

Green Dot Group 4

Session for: Chu & Parker

Bardwell Field Tent

Green Dot is our community approach to bystander intervention and preventing interpersonal violence on campus. We all have a collective responsibility to ensure that forms of violence like sexual assault, stalking, and dating violence are not tolerated at Bates, and Green Dot will give you tools to intervene in a potentially harmful situation.

Learning Goals

1. Learn strategies to intervene if you see something that could lead to an instance of power-based personal violence.
2. Consider your own part in helping to shape the Bates College student culture around preventing interpersonal violence.

FYE Values

BUILDING A WELCOMING COMMUNITY

CREATING A SENSE OF PLACE

3:15 PM – 4:05 PM | Friday, August 30

Navigating Community, Relationships, & Consent

Session for: Adams, Gillespie, Page, and Rand

Olin Concert Hall in Olin Arts Center

In this session, you will be introduced to Bates community values around interpersonal relationships. We will discuss ways of keeping ourselves and each other safe, and how you can help create a supportive student culture. We will also discuss resources and responses for when individuals experience conflict or harm.

Learning Goals

1. Consider Bates’ values around interpersonal relationships and how you hope to interact with peers in social settings.
2. Learn who at Bates can provide support if you or a friend has experienced conflict or harm related to bias, harassment, or discrimination, including sexual violence.

FYE Values

FOSTERING EQUITY, INCLUSION, ACCESS, AND ANTI-RACISM

BUILDING A WELCOMING COMMUNITY

CULTIVATING PURPOSE AND IDENTITY

PROMOTING HEALTH AND WELL-BEING

4:00 PM – 9:00 PM | Friday, August 30

Athletics Practice

Various locations

For first-year student athletes.

4:05 PM – 4:30 PM | Friday, August 30

Dining and Sustainability

Session for: Adams, Gillespie, Page, and Rand

Olin Concert Hall in Olin Arts Center

In this session we will learn more about dining at Bates and the college’s longstanding commitments to sustainable practices and environmental stewardship.

5:30 PM – 6:30 PM | Friday, August 30

AESOP Welcome

Keigwin Amphitheater (Outside Olin Arts Center near The Puddle)

At this annual lively tradition, you will meet your AESOP leaders and the other students on your AESOP trip. Be sure to get here early and get a good seat. 

6:30 PM – 7:30 PM | Friday, August 30

Dinner with AESOP Leaders

Barbecue outside Commons
Rain location: Commons

Join your AESOP leaders and the other students on your AESOP trip for dinner.

7:30 PM – 9:00 PM | Friday, August 30

Volleyball First Serve Match

Alumni Gym

Intersquad scrimmage: Garnet vs White! Come to Alumni Gym to watch the Bates volleyball team scrimmage against each other before they start their competitive season! Stay for a fan serving contest between sets 2 and 3.

9:00 PM – 11:00 PM | Friday, August 30

AESOP Leader Event: The Toothpick Game

Meet at Library Quad Tent

One of your AESOP leaders will take you and your fellow AESOPers to various stations on campus, where you’ll do various activities to earn toothpicks! Some examples are “tell me your best joke,” or reenacting a scene from a movie. The group with the most toothpicks wins!

All Day | Saturday, August 31

AESOP Trips

Follow the schedule set by your AESOP Leaders.

All Day | Saturday, August 31

Athletics Practice

For first-year student athletes.

All Day | Sunday, September 1

AESOP Trips

Follow the schedule set by your AESOP Leaders.

All Day | Sunday, September 1

Athletics Practice

For first-year student athletes.

Various Times | Monday, September 2

Return from AESOP Trips

6:00 AM – 5:30 PM | Monday, September 2

Athletics Practice

For first-year student athletes.

3:00 PM – 5:30 PM | Monday, September 2

Ice Cream Truck!

In front of Alumni Gym

Come and grab a sweet treat with new friends or reconnect with others after you return from AESOP!

4:00 PM – 5:30 PM | Monday, September 2

Voter Registration Table

Patio in front of Commons
Rain location: Commons Fireplace Lounge

Stop by register to vote or just learn more about voter registration.

5:45 PM – 6:45 PM | Monday, September 2

Letter to My Future Self Dinner With Your JA

Commons

Take some time to write a letter to your future self! Our College Advancement Team will mail this letter to you after you graduate from Bates. All supplies will be provided by your JA.

7:00 PM – 8:30 PM | Monday, September 2

Mount David Sunset Walk

Meet in front of Hathorn Hall

Join the OWLs for a short hike up Mount David to view the sunset!

8:00 PM – 9:00 PM | Monday, September 2

Multifaith Warm Welcome

Multifaith Chaplaincy (163 Wood St.)

Join the Multifaith Chaplains & Fellows for fancy s’mores, a cozy fire with the new friends, and set intentions for the beginning of the year.

8:30 PM – 11:00 PM | Monday, September 2

Cooking Decorating With the OWLs

Library Quad Tent

Come decorate cookies with the OWLs and relax after an exciting weekend of AESOP!

Tuesday, September 3

Add / Drop Period Opens

The schedule adjustment period known as add/drop opens today at 7 AM. Students can add courses that have available seats. Please speak with your academic advisor for more information or go to the Student Advising Portal for more information. Associate Dean of Faculty Steve Engel sent an email to all students with more information.

6:00 AM – 8:45 AM | Tuesday, September 3

Athletics Practice

For first-year student athletes.

8:00 AM – 9:00 AM | Tuesday, September 3

OWLs Get Up and Move Event: Sunrise Hike Up Mt. David

Meet between Rand Hall and Gillespie Hall

Start the morning with the OWLs and hike Bates’ own Mt. David!

9:00 AM – 10:00 AM | Tuesday, September 3

Breakfast With Your JA

Commons

Join your JA and other residents in your First-Year Center (FYC) for breakfast before you participate in Convocation, the annual ceremony marking the start of the academic year.

10:15 AM – 10:45 AM |Tuesday, September 3

Convocation Line-Up

Alumni Walk

All first-year students are asked to line up to participate in the annual Convocation ceremony. Your JA and Student Affairs staff will be available to help with lining up for the ceremony.

11:00 AM | Tuesday, September 3

Convocation

Historic Quad in front of Coram Library

Please join faculty, staff, and your fellow students in this annual ceremony that marks the official start of the academic year. Once the ceremony concludes, the entire Bates community is invited to lunch at the campus barbecue outside of Commons.

11:45 AM – 1:00 PM | Tuesday, September 3

Campus Barbecue

Commons Tent
Rain location: Commons – for students only

Once the Convocation ceremony has concluded, have lunch with other members of the Bates community.

12:45 PM – 2:00 PM | Tuesday, September 3

Bates College Student Government (BCSG) Meet-and-Greet

Library Arcade (outdoor area under Ladd Library facing the Library Quad)

After the campus barbecue, come meet elected representatives from student government, and learn how you can get involved – including information on the upcoming First-Year Representative Election!

1:00 PM – 4:00 PM | Tuesday, September 3

Athletics Practice

For first-year student athletes.

1:30 PM – 3:30 PM | Tuesday, September 3

Crafts and DIY Dorm Decoration With the OWLs

Library Arcade (outdoor area under Ladd Library facing the Library Quad)

Join the OWLS for some crafts to help bring your dorm room to life!

1:30 PM – 3:45 PM | Tuesday, September 3

OWLs Nest

In front of Commons

Have questions about the schedule, locations, or Bates in general? Stop by the OWL’s nest to chat!

2:15 PM – 3:45 PM | Tuesday, September 3

Theater and Dance Open House

Gannett Theater, Pettigrew Hall

Come meet the faculty and students from the Theater and Dance department!

5:00 PM – 8:00 PM | Tuesday, September 3

Dinner

Commons

Enjoy dinner at Commons!

5:00 PM – 7:30 PM | Tuesday, September 3

Women’s Soccer Game vs. Husson

Garcelon Field

Join us to root on the Bobcats at the first athletic home game of the fall season!

6:00 PM – 7:00 PM | Tuesday, September 3

International Circle Student Dinner

Commons 221/222

Students who participated in International Circle are invited to dinner in Commons 221/222.

7:00 PM – 9:00 PM | Tuesday, September 3

Moonlight A Cappella Concert

Keigwin Amphitheater (outside Olin Arts Center near The Puddle)

Come hang out at the Keigwin Amphitheater at the edge of the “puddle” (also known as Lake Andrews) and see your fellow students perform in various a cappella groups as part of this annual Bates tradition.

9:00 PM – 11:30 PM | Tuesday, September 3

Big Prize Game Night

Bardwell Field Tent

Join the OWLs for one of Batesies’ favorite events, Big Prize Bingo and Trivia!

8:00 PM – 10:00 PM | Wednesday, September 4

Bates Leads Clubs, Orgs & Jobs Fair

Tents on campus

Calling all first-years! The fall 2024 Bates Leads Clubs, Orgs & Jobs Fair is taking place at the tents on Bardwell Field (between Garcelon Field and Smith Hall), the Library Quad, and in front of Commons! Over 70 clubs, organizations, offices, and departments are excited to welcome you to Bates and their communities!