Hello, Bates Families –

As students move into the fourth week of classes, we wanted to be sure to share the latest news from campus with you.

• Our testing numbers continue to be very encouraging. Thank you for reminding students to be vigilant about face coverings and campus health protocols. As you can read in this update, Bates has no current plans to reconsider what we know to be effective measures for mitigating the transmission of COVID-19 on campus. 
• For all students – and particularly for first-year students and anyone studying remotely – this year calls for different ways of getting involved in campus life. Please encourage your students to avail themselves of the many creative opportunities to meet fellow Bobcats.
• We hope you will engage with Bates this fall, too! This year, we’re taking our family weekend virtual – please join us Back@Bates (Oct. 2-3) for remarks from President Spencer, lectures and panel discussions, a cooking demonstration, and more.

Finally, here in Maine, we have been following the forest fires on the West Coast with great concern. We are heartbroken for the many who have lost homes and loved ones, and for the devastation to wildlife and the environment. Please know that we are keeping our West Coast Bates families in our thoughts, and we hope that very soon the skies will clear and communities can heal and grow anew.

Best regards,
The Parent Team