About the space

The OIE are located in Chase Hall, Suite 140. This space is accessible with an active Bates ID, 24/7.

The OIE is a communal space for students, as well as, a workspace. Thus, it is the expectation that student do their part in helping to maintain the space tidy and keep it accessible to use; this includes washing dishes, returning items to their proper homes, and placing furniture back to their designated locations.  

Several spots in the OIE are reservable for meetings, events and programs. To check if a space is available to reserve for an upcoming program/event, review and submit through the Bates College Events Management System (EMS). If you are affiliated with a student club, you can complete this process on Bates Engage as well! Any questions to challenges accessing the EMS, you can contact us at oie@bates.edu

Front and Back Lounge (149A)

There are two lounges for students to use for multitude of activities, including but not limited to meetings, studying, watching television or simply to hanging out with friends. These two spaces are the most heavily utilized locations in the OIE.

Furniture from our space must NEVER leave the space, under any circumstances.

Gaming options

The OIE has two gaming consoles, a Nintendo Switch and an Xbox Series X. These consoles are for community use, and are available for student use while in the center. Below is a list of some of the games we have available:

Nintendo Switch

  • Pokemon Sword and Shield
  • Mario Kart 8
  • Legend of Zelda, Breath of the Wild
  • Super Smash Bros

Xbox Series X

  • Xbox Game Pass Ultimate
  • Selections can/do change monthly

Any accessories that belong to the consoles should not be removed. Questions about games or access to the consoles, notify a staff person.

Kitchen (149B)

The kitchen has a variety of dishes, cooking utensils, dishwasher, and oven/stove top to use for personal and group cooking needs. There is a fridge to store some food items. Food must be labeled with your name and date.

This is a communal fridge used by students and OIE staff, students are asked to not use as their own personal fridge.

Cleaning of fridge happens weekly.

DCCE has guidelines for communal kitchen use and expectations will be added soon.

Conference Room (148)

Located at the back of the OIE, the Conference Room is a dedicated space for students and staff to hold small meetings.

When the space is not in use, it can be used for study purposes. There is slider on the door to indicate when it is in use.

A weekly events sheet is posted outside the door to indicate any meeting reservations.

Drop-In Space (141)

The Drop-in space is a communal and work space. Peer Mentors through the First Gen programs and SPARQ will utilize this space to meet with their mentees/students needing a more private space to talk about support.

The space is intentionally created to be cozy and inviting. It has several seating options, a desk, and it also houses the Queer Closet for trans and nonbinary students. Students are welcomed to use the space for small meetings, studying and hanging out.

Mindfulness Corner

The mindfulness corner is a space in the OIE that is dedicated for reflection, building positive self-talk, and being intentional about your overall wellness.

In this corner, students will find small water flow fixtures, self-affirmation cards, inspirational books, as well as comfy & cozy seating.

Community Computers (Back Lounge)

Located in the back lounge, there are community computers that students have access to.

Similarly to other campus computers, students can access these computers by using their Bates credentials.