Emily Levine – Parents and Families /parents Fri, 13 Dec 2024 15:59:36 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0.2 /wp-content/themes/b/bates-framework/styles/images/bates-favicon.png Emily Levine – Parents and Families /parents 32 32 You dropped off your Bobcat. Now what? /parents/2023/09/01/you-dropped-off-your-bobcat-now-what/ Fri, 01 Sep 2023 19:06:36 +0000 /parents/?p=4662 Hello, Class of 2027 families –

We’re so glad to have all your Bobcats on campus! Whether your student arrived last week with a fall team or landed at ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ yesterday, here are some next steps for building your own connections with ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½.

1. Pre-register for our . This series takes place Sept. 12-21 and is designed to help you support your students as they begin life at ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½. Topics include academic supports, life outside the classroom, and supporting student well-being. 

2. Remind your students to check out the Clubs, Orgs & Jobs Fair on Wednesday, Sept. 6 from 8-10 p.m. This is a great chance for first-years to try new activities (or continue with old favorites), meet fellow students, and explore all that ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ has to offer.

3.Ìý¹ó´Ç°ùÌýfamily members of first-generation college students, please consider joining aÌývirtual Family Forum, hosted by the Office of Intercultural Education on Sept. 27 from 5-6pm EST. ContactÌýTonya Bailey-CurryÌýto learn more about this effort to increase the connections first-generation families have to one another, to the OIE, and to the wider ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ community.Ìý

4. Register for  (Oct. 6-7). This is a wonderful opportunity to experience life on campus and visit with your student. This year’s  has something for everyone while ensuring flexibility to enjoy autumn in Maine.

Best from campus,
The ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Parent Team

]]> Resources and events just for new ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ families /parents/2023/08/03/resources-and-events-just-for-new-bates-families-2/ Thu, 03 Aug 2023 16:56:15 +0000 /parents/?p=4515 Hello, ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Class of 2027 families – 

Just four weeks until Arrival Day! As we come into this phase of summer, here are some resources and reminders for you:

  • We’ve created an Arrival Day FAQ just for family members. This resource includes an overview of the schedule on August 31 for families as well as some insider packing tips. We’ll continue to add updates throughout the month. 
  • Our August virtual parent-to-parent events are underway, and it’s not too late to register before the series wraps up on August 8. These are excellent opportunities to hear from current ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ families. (Sorry – these sessions are not recorded.)

Finally, please remind your student to check their ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ email regularly. Registration for the rest of their fall courses opened on August 2 and closes on August 8 at 11:59 pm Eastern, and personal registration consultants are reaching out to all incoming students at their ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ email addresses to answer questions about choosing fall courses. 

Best from campus,
The ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Parent Team

]]> Incoming Families Arrival Day FAQ /parents/2023/08/01/incoming-families-arrival-day-faq/ Tue, 01 Aug 2023 18:57:09 +0000 /parents/?p=4501 We’ve included below some of the most frequently asked questions about arrival on campus, helping your student get ready, and family orientation sessions.

Other helpful resources:

Full arrival schedule for Class of 2027 students
Getting to ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ – FAQÌý
Arrival Day map
Residence Life Calendar for 2023-2023 Academic Year

Arrival on campus

What is the schedule for first-year parents/guardians on Arrival Day?

The arrival window for students is 8 am to noon. Students are not assigned a specific arrival time, so no need to rush in the morning.

There will be a picnic lunch for students and loved ones from 10:30 am to 2 pm in front of Commons.

Families members are invited to meet the Parent Team and other college staff at our drop-in event in the Library Arcade from 12:30-2:30 pm. This is an opportunity to ask last-minute questions, to pick up some swag and meet other families, and to sign up for our orientation webinars – we look forward to meeting you!

At 3 pm, there will be welcome remarks for students and family members on the Historic Quad, and parents/guardians depart campus by 4 pm.

What is the process when we get to campus?

When you get to campus, you will follow these steps:

  • Drop your new student at Commons (136 Central Avenue) where they will check in and receive their residence hall key and campus ID. Students go through this part of the process themselves.
  • While that happens, you will proceed in your vehicle to your student’s residence hall with the student’s belongings.
  • After your student gets their key and ID at Commons, they will walk to their residence to meet you.
  • At the residence, staff and returning student volunteers will help families unpack your vehicle and take student belongings to rooms. You will help by dropping items at the curb.
  • Once your car is unloaded, you will need to immediately head to a nearby parking area to make room for other arriving students. You’ll rejoin your student to help settle them into their room.

You can check out the Arrival Day map in advance, and we will also have campus maps on hand.

These steps help the move-in process go smoothly and quickly for everyone, so thanks for your help!

What about AESOP trips?

AESOP trips take place after first-year Arrival Day, so first-year students with regular arrival plans do not need to arrive on campus prior to August 31.

My student is participating in International Circle. Where do I find our arrival information?

International Circle Orientation runs from August 28-30. Please plan for an arrival on August 28, as formal sessions begin that day at 5 pm. You can read more here, and information will be sent directly to students from Housing and from Associate Dean James Reese.

My student has joined the Kessler Scholars Program for first-generation college students. When should we arrive?

Kessler Scholars are encouraged to participate in the on campus Pre-Orientation Session from August 27-30. Family members and support networks are invited to help their scholars move in on August 27 and participate in sessions on August 28. If your student is planning to attend the Pre-Orientation, they should have completed the registration form which was sent to their ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ College email. If registered, move-in instructions as well as the complete Pre-Orientation schedule will be sent to your Kessler Scholar. If you or your student have any additional questions please contact Assistant Dean & Director of First-Generation Programs Dri Huber. 

My student-athlete is arriving early for preseason. Are there family offerings for us?

Your fall student-athlete should have their early arrival dates as part of their communication from coaches. 

On Monday, August 21, the Parent Team will host a drop-in welcome gathering from 2-4 pm on the first floor of Commons for families of students on the following teams: Volleyball, Men’s Soccer, Women’s Soccer, Men’s and Women’s Cross Country, Field Hockey. 

On Tuesday, August 22, we will host a gathering on the first floor of Commons from 2-4 pm for Football families. 

We look forward to saying hello!

Getting ready

What should my student pack?

The team at Residence Life has a helpful list here. 

During our virtual family events, our team asks current parents for their insider info on what to pack (and what to leave at home). Here are some of their top answers so far: 

“I know lots of folks worry about winter coats and boots, but it’s actually nice to have a fan for the first few weeks.â€

“Our student never had issues getting in to see Health Services, but since this was the first time our student was away for a long period of time, we put together a “hug from home” medical kit with items like Tylenol, allergy or cold medication, saline spray, a thermometer, and anything else they might need while waiting for their appointment.”

“A mattress topper really helped. Depending on your student’s preference, they can also put in a request to have their bed raised.â€

“Surge protectors, extra-long phone chargers, and LED lights are all really great to have on hand.â€

“Most winter boots will work fine for your student, since the college keeps paths clear. We’ve found that the secret isn’t which boots to buy but to get some wool socks. Those have been the real key to keeping feet warm and dry.â€

“We were glad we invested in a water-resistant backpack. With rainy, snowy, or slushy weather, it helped to protect my student’s laptop when they were headed to and from class or the library.â€

“Our student loved having a boot tray so she and her roommate could keep wet or muddy shoes, sneakers, or boots right by the door.â€

“My student started at ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ in the first year of the pandemic. He was told to arrive only with what he would be able to easily pack up and bring home himself if the college needed to pivot. Thank goodness, they didn’t need to come home, but this packing advice meant he had exactly what he needed without any extra. He’s actually packed this same way every time he’s headed to campus.â€

“My student packed way too much – I ended up taking a bunch of her clothes home after Parents Weekend – so my advice is to lay everything out that your student thinks they want to take and then pack half of it. The first six weeks, they don’t need anything super warm, so have them start with a smaller amount and figure out what they’ll really wear for sweaters, coats, etc. You can always ship or bring it to them at Parents Weekend.â€

“If you need to book plane tickets for your student for school breaks, have them check their exam schedule as soon as their class schedule is set. I recently found out that those get posted to Garnet Gateway, and it really helps with planning.â€

We are traveling quite a distance. Is it possible to ship items instead of bringing them with us on a plane or train?

These guidelines from Post & Print will help you plan for shipping of any items. Your student will need their ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ ID to pick up any packages.

Family orientation

After drop-off, what’s next for families? 

Once classes begin, we will hold a series of incoming family orientation webinars designed to help you support your students as they navigate life at ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½. These events feature panelists from across campus who will provide an overview of the many resources in place to support your students in their first year and beyond.

Academics at ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ – Tuesday, Sept. 12 at 8 pm Eastern
Life Outside the ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Classroom – Tuesday, Sept. 19 at 8pm Eastern
Supporting Your Student’s Well-being – Thursday, Sept. 21 at 8 pm Eastern

You will receive invitations to these webinars via email. All sessions will be recorded and shared with all Class of 2027 parents/guardians via email 48-72 hours after each session concludes. 

If you have not been receiving our updates or event invitations, please make sure we have your contact information so you don’t miss out on these resources.

]]> Student portal access, arrival dates, and more /parents/2023/05/18/student-portal-access-arrival-dates-and-more/ Thu, 18 May 2023 12:11:59 +0000 /parents/?p=4069 Hello, ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Class of 2027 families – 

Greetings from campus! We wanted to share some updates with you:

  • Yesterday, all Class of 2027 students received information about how to log into the college’s Garnet Gateway. Please remind your student to check their Admission portal and take this critical step. Going forward, all summer forms, updates, and deadlines will be shared with students via the Garnet Gateway.
  • To view your student’s bill, pay outstanding balances, and access any financial aid information, your student must grant you access to Garnet Gateway using this process. Only your student can provide this access to you.
  • Arrival Day for first-year students is on Thursday, August 31. Fall student-athletes on the soccer, field hockey, cross country, and volleyball teams arrive Monday, August 21, and the football team arrives Tuesday, August 22. For international students, International Circle Orientation will run from August 28-30. First-generation-to-college students who opt in to the Kessler Scholars Program will have pre-orientation activities August 27-30.

We post all our incoming family email updates online, and you can use the translation widget at the top of the page if you’d like to read them in another language. And, please feel free to reach out to us at parents@bates.edu with any questions!

Best from campus,
The ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Parent Team

PS: Do you have a co-parent who didn’t receive this email, but would like to receive future Parent and Family Updates? Make sure we have all your family’s correct contact information by filling out the ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Parent Contact Update form.

]]> Welcome, 2027 Bobcat families! /parents/2023/05/06/welcome-2027-bobcat-families/ Sat, 06 May 2023 15:58:19 +0000 /parents/?p=3998 Hello, ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Class of 2027 families –

We are thrilled to welcome you to the ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ community! Your student is part of a remarkable class. We can’t wait for your Bobcats to join us on campus this fall and are looking forward to getting to know you.

Throughout the years ahead, you can find up-to-date information on the ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Parents and Families page. In addition, our team sends periodic email updates to help keep you in the loop. In this first email, we would like to share the following resources:

  • We will host a number of in-person and virtual summer events for incoming families. Attend a Summer Welcome Reception with your student, or join us for a parents-only Virtual Incoming Families Networking event to hear from current families. You can register for an event in your region, or if you’ll be traveling this summer, for the event that is most convenient for you.
  • Your new ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ student will hear from the First-Year Experience (FYE) team on Monday, May 8 via the Admission portal, and will continue to receive updates from FYE throughout the summer. Please remind them to keep an eye out!
  • Be sure to mark your calendar for Arrival Day for first-year students on Thursday, August 31. Fall student-athletes will hear from coaches over the summer, but please note that soccer, field hockey, cross country, and volleyball teams arrive Monday, August 21, and the football team arrives Tuesday, August 22. For international students, International Circle Orientation will run from August 28-30.
  • Back to ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½: Family Weekend will take place October 6-7. Registration will open in late summer, but we definitely encourage you to make hotel and dining reservations early.

We look forward to meeting you this summer at an in-person event, online at a virtual parent session, or in the privateÌý. Ìý

You can always find our archive ofÌýincoming family email updatesÌýonline, and you can use the translation widgetÌýto read them in another language. Of course, please feel free to reach out to us atÌýparents@bates.eduÌýand stay in touch with any questions.

Best from campus,
The ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Parent Team

PS: Do you have a co-parent who didn’t receive this email, but would like to receive future Parent and Family Updates? Did your co-parent forward this email to you? Make sure we have all your correct contact information by filling out theÌýÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Parent Contact UpdateÌýform.

]]> 2026 Families: Preview of Summer Welcome Events /parents/2022/06/16/preview-summer-welcome-events/ Thu, 16 Jun 2022 18:11:58 +0000 /parents/?p=3198 Hello, Class of 2026 families –

This summer, we will offer a mix of in-person and virtual welcome gatherings to help you feel at home in the wider ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ community and help you start to connect with other families.

We include an overview below and on our Parents & Families site. Please watch for follow-up email invitations for your region, or get a jump on registering for our virtual events using the links below.

Our Summer Welcome Receptions provide an in-person opportunity for incoming families and students to get to know other local Bobcats. We will send area families an email invitation when registration opens for each gathering.

  • Maine – Wednesday, July 6
  • Washington DC metro area – Wednesday, July 20
  • New York City area – Wednesday, August 17
  • Boston – date coming soon!
  • San Francisco – date coming soon!

Our Virtual Welcome Series provides a parent-to-parent perspective on the ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ experience. We included live links in our direct email to all families, and we will continue to push registration emails directly to your inbox. International families are welcome at any session that works for their timezone. 

  • Midwest/Texas – Thursday, July 14 at 6:30pm Central
  • Mid-Atlantic/south – Tuesday, July 26 at 7pm Eastern
  • New England – Tuesday, August 2 at 7pm Eastern
  • New York metro area – Tuesday, August 9 at 7pm Eastern
  • Western US/California – Tuesday, August 16 at 6pm Pacific

Please encourage your students to check their ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ email for a reminder from the First-Year Experience team about some student-only virtual welcome events. Registration closes June 20, and offerings include sessions for students feeling a little nervous about college, plus affinity sessions for students who identify as first-generation-to-college, LGBTQ+, or BIPOC.

We look forward to meeting you!

Best regards,

The ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Parent Team

]]> 2026 Families: First-year forms, dates, and more /parents/2022/06/01/first-year-forms-dates-and-more/ Wed, 01 Jun 2022 23:52:11 +0000 /parents/?p=3180 Hello, Class of 2026 families –

Summer is blooming on the ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ campus, and we have several resources to share today:

  • First-year students have several sets of forms opening shortly: health forms and AESOP applications this week, and housing and advising forms next week. Please encourage students to reach out to the First-Year Experience team with any questions. If your student has not yet activated their Garnet Gateway account, remind them to check their Admission portal for instructions.
  • If you would like access to Garnet Gateway to view your student’s financial aid, billing, or other information, your student must grant you access using this process. If you encounter difficulties, our can assist.
  • First-year student arrival is Wednesday, August 31. International students have received an update from the Global Education Team about their arrival on August 28 and additional pre-orientation activities. Fall student-athletes should consult coaches directly about team arrival dates. 

Best regards,
The ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Parent Team

]]> Commencement honorands announced for 2022 /parents/2022/04/26/commencement-honorands-announced/ Tue, 26 Apr 2022 20:45:15 +0000 /parents/?p=3128 Hello, ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Class of 2022 Families –

We are excited to let you know that ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ has just announced the 2022 honorand class! 

The following individuals will receive honorary degrees from ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ on Sunday, May 29 at the Class of 2022’s Commencement ceremony:

  • ’80, biotechnology leader, ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ alumnus, and longtime ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Trustee
  • , acclaimed poet
  • , director of the Maine Center for Disease Control
  • , author, Episcopal priest, and founder of

Dr. Shah will serve as our Commencement speaker. The Class of 2022 senior speaker has not yet been announced.

We encourage you to read the ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ News piece about this year’s honorands, and we look forward to sharing more details as May 29 approaches. Remember that the Commencement site is an excellent resource that is frequently updated.

With best regards,
The ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Parent Team

]]> Latest on guest numbers, event schedule, and more /parents/2022/04/26/latest-on-guest-numbers-event-schedule-and-more/ Tue, 26 Apr 2022 15:16:00 +0000 /parents/?p=3126 Hello, ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Class of 2022 Families –

We have some Commencement updates for you:

  • It’s official – there is no limit to the number of family members who can attend the outside Commencement 2022 ceremony. (A reminder that all guests must observe campus health protocols.)
  • The Commencement FAQ now includes information about meals and campus accessibility. Make sure you bookmark the site and check for regular updates. 
  • Just for fun, why not celebrate your Bobcat grad with our lawn signs.

Our incredible Facilities Services team is working hard to ensure campus will look its best when the big day arrives. We look forward to welcoming you in May!

With best regards,

The ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Parent Team

]]> Graduation Celebration FAQ for Class of 2020 families /parents/2022/03/02/graduation-celebration-faq-for-class-of-2020-families/ Wed, 02 Mar 2022 20:43:52 +0000 /parents/?p=3022

We’ve included some quick facts below, but please visit the 2020 Graduation Celebration page for complete details.

Q: Is there a charge for families to attend the Class of 2020 graduation celebration?

A: No, just as with a typical Commencement, there is no charge. We are delighted to host families for this celebration.

Q: I see the May 13 registration date has passed. Will you take walk-ins?

A: Unfortunately, we are not able to take walk-ins for this event. However, the ceremony will be livestreamed on the ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ website, and you can watch from wherever you are!

Q: What are the health policies for families for the weekend?

A: Please refer to this summary of health policies for 2020 families and guests for this event.

Q: What are the health policies for my 2020 graduate?

A: It’s important to note that due to the different event tracks for the class and for families, your 2020 graduate has a different set of health protocols. Please remind them to check those here.

Q: What is the schedule for families attending the graduation celebration?

A: Families have their own event special track for the weekend. You can see that schedule here.

Q: How do I get to campus?

A. This resource should help.

Q: We can’t make it to campus for the celebration. Will it be livestreamed?

A: Yes! The event will be livestreamed on the ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ website.

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