As we move through the final stretch of the semester, we wanted to share a few updates to help you stay connected and support your student in the weeks ahead, including a quick look back at a vibrant March on campus. In case you missed it, check out a few of our favorite highlights in ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½News’ This Month at ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½.

• Short Term Begins: Classes begin on Monday, May 4. During this four-week term, students take one immersive course, often including hands-on learning, research, or travel. Learn more about Short Term → 
• Financial Aid Renewal: A reminder for families who will be applying for renewal of ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ financial aid that required documents must be submitted by May 1. Review the Financial Aid renewal process →
• End-of-Semester Support: As the semester wraps up, students can turn to a wide range of campus resources to help them finish the semester strong, including academic support and support for their well-being.

If you’d like to connect with our team, please reach out at parents@bates.edu or 207-786-6242. We’re cheering your students on as the semester wraps up!

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

Commencement Weekend is just a few short months away! We’re excited to welcome families to campus May 29-31, 2026 for several meaningful traditions – including the Senior/Parent Wine and Cheese Tasting on Friday and Baccalaureate on Saturday – all leading up to the main event on Sunday, May 31, when the Class of 2026 will gather on the Historic Quad to celebrate the 160th Commencement of ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ College.

We’ll share several updates between now and then. In the meantime, here are three things YOU can do to begin planning for the weekend:

• Bookmark the schedule of events for Commencement Weekend. The schedule will continue to be updated throughout the spring.
• Keep an eye on your mailbox! The Class of 2026 Baccalaureate Committee is sending a letter this month inviting families to contribute to the festivities, and printed announcements for Commencement will be mailed in April.
• If you have a co-parent who did not receive this email, they can update their contact information now to receive the most up-to-date information from our team.

We will provide you with additional Commencement updates over the next few months, and we lookforward to celebrating with you and your grads this spring!

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

Congratulations on your student’s acceptance into ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½! We are thrilled to extend a warm welcome to your new Bobcat, and to you as well! Your student will soon join a vibrant campus community that encourages exploration, growth, and excellence. At the same time, you’ll become part of our ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ family community, and valued partners in supporting each student’s success.

While Fall 2026 and Arrival Day may be months away, your journey as a ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ family begins now.

What to expect next:

• From now until early May, your student will continue hearing from the Admission team via their Admission portal. Additional resources for admitted students and their families can be found at the Admitted Students site. This site is also the place to register for ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Beginnings, our admitted student visit days (March 27 and April 17), sign up for the virtual parent panel (April 7), and check out a number of virtual offerings for students.

• In late spring 2026, once the full class is finalized, students will begin receiving regular communication from the First-Year Experience team. ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ College is proud to be a national leader in first-year experience programs, and this team will support students in preparing throughout the summer and in navigating their arrival to campus in the fall.

• As a ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ family, you will also begin hearing from the ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Parent Team this spring. In addition to regular updates throughout the summer, incoming families can look forward to in-person welcome events, virtual information sessions, and other opportunities to connect with the ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ community.

In the meantime:

We invite you to explore our Family Resources to learn more about the ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ student experience. Fill out our Parent Contact Update Form to ensure that we can reach you with all the information you need to support your Bobcat, not just in the months ahead, but throughout their time at ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½. Show your school spirit and gear up in garnet through the .

Most importantly, take a moment to celebrate this exciting accomplishment with your student. We are so excited to welcome the newest Bobcats to ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½, and can’t wait to share the next four years with them—and with you, the families of the Class of 2030. Welcome to ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½!

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

Gina Nordini
Director of Parent Giving and Engagement

Meg Hoppe
Assistant Director of Parent Giving and Engagement

Joe Massa
Assistant Director of Operations for Parent Giving and Engagement

(Updated March 16, 2026)