Important Dates & Orientation Schedule
Countdown to Arrival
Thursday, August 27, 8:00am to 12:00pm
Please find below preliminary information on important dates and fall 2026 Orientation for new students:
Important Dates Before Orientation
May 2026
Late May
Receive an email with instructions on how to claim your Bates network account, which permits you to access your Bates email and login to other important platforms, such as Garnet Gateway and Lyceum.
Tuesday, May 26
Start receiving the First Things First biweekly newsletter, which will give you everything you need to prep for life at Bates.
June 2026
Tuesday, June 9
New Student Forms open on Garnet Gateway. These forms are mandatory for all Bates students to complete prior to arrival on campus.
Wednesday, June 17 at 9:00am ET - Friday, June 26 at 4:00pm ET
Round one of new student fall course registration takes place on Garnet Gateway.
- First-year students submit ranked preferences to register for one First-Year Seminar, and one other course.
- The courses you are registered for are not dependent on the time you submit your preferences. Take your time, rank with care, and do so before the deadline.
Monday, June 29
Several New Student Forms are due - accessed via Garnet Gateway - including Health Forms, AESOP Trip Preferences Form, and the First-Year Housing Application.
July 2026
Friday, July 10 at noon ET
Round one of fall course registration results is released.
Wednesday, July 15 at 9:00am ET - Friday, July 24 at 4:00pm ET
Round two of new student fall course registration takes place on Garnet Gateway. All new students submit ranked preferences to register for two courses.
The courses you are ultimately registered for are not dependent on the time you submit your preferences. Take your time, rank with care, and do so before the deadline.
August 2026
Early August
- Residence and roommate assignments are released.
- AESOP trip assignment is released.
Monday, August 17 at noon ET
Round two of fall course registration results is released.
Wednesday, August 19
All remaining New Student Forms, including the Student Activities and Travel Consent and Waiver Agreement, are due - submit through Garnet Gateway.
Preliminary Orientation Schedule
Thursday, August 27: New Student Welcome Day
Move-in occurs from 8:00am to 12:00pm; events for families occur until 2:45pm. New students are engaged with formal orientation programs through 10:00pm, and may attend optional social events through 1:00am.
Friday, August 28: Orientation Day 2
New students are engaged with formal orientation programs from 7:45am through 5:30pm, and attend AESOP welcome events thereafter. First-years meet with their First-Year Seminar and Pre-Major Academic Advisor from 9:00am to 11:00am. This is also the day new students check out gear for their AESOP trip, as applicable.
Saturday, August 29: AESOP Day 1
New students spend the day on their AESOP trips.
Sunday, August 30: AESOP Day 2
New students spend the day on their AESOP trips.
Monday, August 31: AESOP Day 3
New students return from their AESOP trips, and participate in various activities on campus in the late afternoon and evening.
Tuesday, September 1: Convocation Day
New students attend Convocation, the college's formal end to Orientation, and kick-off of the academic year. In the evening, they participate in social events. Fall 2026 course schedule adjustment period known as "Add/Drop Period" opens at 7 AM Eastern. Changes can be made via Garnet Gateway.
Wednesday, September 2: First Day of Classes
New students attend their first day of fall classes. The annual Bates Leads Clubs, Orgs, and Jobs Fair occurs in the evening.
Please contact fye@bates.edu if you have any questions. Thank you!
June 2026
Early June
- Receive an email with instructions on how to claim your Bates network account, which permits you to access your Bates email and login to other important platforms, such as Garnet Gateway and Lyceum.
- Start receiving the Destination Bates biweekly newsletter, which will give you everything you need to prep for life at Bates.
Tuesday, June 9
New Student Forms open on Garnet Gateway. These forms are mandatory for all Bates students to complete prior to arrival on campus.
Mid June
Register for fall courses. More details on the process coming soon!
Monday, June 29
Several New Student Forms are due - accessed via Garnet Gateway - including Health Forms, AESOP Trip Preferences Form, and the First-Year Housing Application.
August 2026
Early August
- Residence and roommate assignments are released.
- AESOP trip assignment is released.
Wednesday, August 19
All remaining New Student Forms, including the Student Activities and Travel Consent and Waiver Agreement, are due - submit through Garnet Gateway.
Preliminary Orientation Schedule
Thursday, August 27: New Student Welcome Day
Move-in occurs from 8:00am to 12:00pm; events for families occur until 2:45pm. New students are engaged with formal orientation programs through 10:00pm, and may attend optional social events through 1:00am.
Friday, August 28: Orientation Day 2
New students are engaged with formal orientation programs from 7:45am through 5:30pm, and attend AESOP welcome events thereafter. This is also the day new students check out gear for their AESOP trip, as applicable.
Saturday, August 29: AESOP Day 1
New students spend the day on their AESOP trips.
Sunday, August 30: AESOP Day 2
New students spend the day on their AESOP trips.
Monday, August 31: AESOP Day 3
New students return from their AESOP trips, and participate in various activities on campus in the late afternoon and evening.
Tuesday, September 1: Convocation Day
New students attend Convocation, the college's formal end to Orientation, and kick-off of the academic year. In the evening, they participate in social events. Fall 2026 course schedule adjustment period known as "Add/Drop Period" opens at 7 AM Eastern. Changes can be made via Garnet Gateway.
Wednesday, September 2: First Day of Classes
New students attend their first day of fall classes. The annual Bates Leads Clubs, Orgs, and Jobs Fair occurs in the evening.
Please contact fye@bates.edu if you have any questions. Thank you!