2024 Orientation Schedule
We are excited to welcome the Class of 2028 to campus at Arrival Day on Thursday, August 29, 2024. Students, faculty, and staff have been collaborating throughout academic year 2023-24 to put together an Orientation schedule that introduces you to Bates and provides you with opportunities to form meaningful connections in your initial days on campus.
Be sure to engage your Lyceum Summer Resources (which open to you in June 2024) and check your Bates email so you can access necessary information and resources prior to Arrival Day.
+Thursday, August 29 – Opening Day
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
- Understand how to access the health-related offices and resources on campus
- Become familiar with the Well-Being at Bates framework and portal
- 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
- An understanding of your positionality.
- Knowledge of your role in making Bates an inclusive community.
- 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
- Understand how to access the health-related offices and resources on campus
- Become familiar with the Well-Being at Bates framework and portal
- 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
- An understanding of your positionality.
- Knowledge of your role in making Bates an inclusive community.
- 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
5:45 PM – 6:45 PM | Thursday, August 29
First-Year Center (FYC) Dinner With Your Junior Advisor (JA)
Commons
Join your JA and the other residents of your FYC for your first Commons dinner!
5:45 PM – 6:45 PM | Thursday, August 29
Transfer Student Dinner
Commons 211
Join your fellow transfer students for your first Commons dinner. Simply go through the line at Commons and bring your food to the second floor of Commons to room 211.
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
- 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.
- 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
- Recognize Lewiston as a diverse community with many assets/strengths
- 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
- 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.
- 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
- Recognize Lewiston as a diverse community with many assets/strengths
- 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.
+Friday, August 30
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
- Meet your FYS instructor/pre-major academic advisor and your FYS classmates
- Review the syllabus of your FYS course
- Complete the first FYE Workshop together with your classmates
- 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
- Learn strategies to intervene if you see something that could lead to an instance of power-based personal violence.
- 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
- Learn strategies to intervene if you see something that could lead to an instance of power-based personal violence.
- 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
- Consider Bates’ values around interpersonal relationships and how you hope to interact with peers in social settings.
- 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
- Learn strategies to intervene if you see something that could lead to an instance of power-based personal violence.
- 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
- Learn strategies to intervene if you see something that could lead to an instance of power-based personal violence.
- 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
- Consider Bates’ values around interpersonal relationships and how you hope to interact with peers in social settings.
- 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!
+Saturday, August 31
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.
+Sunday, September 1
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.
+Monday, September 2
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
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!
+Wednesday, September 4 – First Day of Classes
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!