Hello, Bates Class of 2023 Families –

The weather looks good, the chairs are up on the Historic Quad, and your seniors are rehearsing for Baccalaureate and Commencement today. We are almost there!

We wanted to send a quick reminder that seating on the Historic Quad opens to families at 7 a.m. on Sunday, May 28. If you wish to hold seats, a person from your party must remain with your held seats. Unattended seats are not considered held, even if you leave items on the chairs.

In an update to our last information about accessibility for Commencement, there will also be accessible seating on the Historic Quad. Families who need this seating should look for chairs with blue covers. Any staff usher will be happy to help you find them.

Finally, a quick word on photographs for the big day:

1. A professional photographer will take photos of each graduate as they cross the Coram Stage. Those seniors who have provided the college with a post-Bates email address will receive a link 5-10 days after Commencement to view and purchase any photos in which they appear.
2. You are welcome to take photos throughout the event from your seat (standing when your graduate crosses the stage), from the edges of the seating area, or from the barricades near the front.
3. We ask you not to move into the graduate seating area or the parade path once the procession has started. Additionally, please do not move into any of the three main aisles as individual names are being called. We appreciate your help with this.

If you haven’t already, make sure to bookmark the Commencement Weekend schedule as well as the campus map. The easiest parking option will be to use the big lot at Merrill Gymnasium.

See you soon!
The Bates Parent Team

PS: Looking for a past Commencement email update? Find them all here!