As Short Term wraps up and Commencement Weekend approaches, it’s hard to believe we’re already at the end of another remarkable academic year at ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½. As we prepare for summer on campus, we want to share a few updates and reminders.

• Action Required – Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP):ÌýAll returning students must enroll or waive health insurance coverage through Garnet Gateway byÌýWednesday, May 27, 2026. Students who do not complete the process by the deadline will automatically be enrolled in the ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½-sponsored health insurance plan.ÌýLearn more about SHIP requirements and coverage details →

• New ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ ID Cards:ÌýÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ will introduce new student ID cards starting onÌýAugust 14. Returning students will exchange their current ID card when they arrive on campus for the fall semester. Students can check ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½Now for additional information.

• Summer Support & Resources:ÌýDuring the summer months, students continue to have access to a wide range of campus support services. Whether your student is spending the summer on campus, at home, or elsewhere, they can connect with departments includingÌýCampus Safety,ÌýResidence Life and Housing,Ìýand the IT Help Desk.

If you’d like to connect with our team, please reach out at parents@bates.edu or 207-786-6242. Thank you for being part of the ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ community this year and for all the ways you’ve supported your student along the way. We hope you and your Bobcat have a restful and wonderful summer!

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

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

• Winter Carnival: Students recently enjoyed Winter Carnival with activities throughout the week that brought the campus together. The week wrapped up with the beloved Puddle Jump, a 50+ year ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ tradition, as students braved the icy waters of Lake Andrews. 

• Great Day to be a Bobcat: ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½â€™ annual giving day is coming up on March 12. Tune in to the Great Day livestream featuring students, campus personalities, President Jenkins, and the Bobcat as we work to reach 2,026 donors in celebration of all that makes ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ special. Learn more about Great Day →

• Class of 2026 Families: As Commencement approaches, we will be sharing important updates and information in the coming months. In the meantime, you can bookmark the Commencement 2026 schedule →

If you’d like to connect with our team, please reach out at parents@bates.edu or 207-786-6242. We’re grateful for your continued engagement and for the many ways families help strengthen the ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ community.

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

(Photo Credit: Theophil Syslo/ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ College)

We hope your family enjoyed a restful holiday season. As we look ahead to the start of the Winter 2026 semester, we’re sharing a few timely updates to help you stay connected with campus and support your student as they return to ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½.

• Winter Semester Move-In: Residence halls will reopen for students from Sunday, January 11–Tuesday, January 13, with Access Control open on Sunday, January 11 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. to support arrivals. Winter semester classes begin on Wednesday, January 14. View the residential calendar →
• Travel Planning: As students are returning to campus, this resource is helpful for planning transportation to and from campus. Getting to ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ FAQ →
• Add/Drop Period: Students may adjust their Winter 2026 course schedule through Monday, January 27, at 11:59 p.m. Full details are available on the Registrar’s website →
• Stay Connected: ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½News features regular updates on academics, student life, campus events, and community highlights. Explore recent stories anytime, and in case you missed it, check out this recap of the Top 10 Social Media posts of 2025 â†’

If you’d like to connect with our team, please reach out at parents@bates.edu or 207-786-6242. We’re grateful for your continued engagement and for the many ways families help strengthen the ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ community.

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

(Photo Credit: Joe Massa/ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ College)

As students enter a busy stretch of the semester, we’re sharing a few timely updates to help you stay connected with what’s happening on campus.

• Thanksgiving Recess: The upcoming break runs from Saturday, November 22-Sunday, November 30. While residences remain open, please note that the board plan does not cover meals over Recess. View the residential calendar →
• Travel Planning: With Thanksgiving Recess and upcoming winter travel on the horizon, families and students may find this resource helpful for planning transportation to and from campus. Getting to ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ FAQ â†’
• Winter Gathering and Gallery Talk: Families are invited to our Winter Gathering and Gallery Talk on Saturday, December 6, at 11 a.m. at the ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ College Museum of Art. Enjoy the current exhibitions and connect with other families on campus. Learn more and ¸é³§³Õ±Ê&²Ô²ú²õ±è;→
• Safety in Action: This fall, ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ has hosted a series of Campus Safety Awareness events, featuring situational awareness training, bicycle registration, and culminating with a Public Safety Day on Saturday, November 15. This event will bring key emergency response agencies to ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ for demonstrations, networking, and career insights—helping students feel informed, confident, and connected to their community.
• Short Term Spotlight: As students plan for the semester’s end, they can also look ahead to Short Term. ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ will again partner with Dartmouth’s Tuck School of Business to offer the Tuck-ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Business Essentials Course, designed by Tuck faculty and built around a comprehensive business case. Application for enrollment opens December 1. The course, limited to 30 students, is coordinated by the Center for Purposeful Work. If your student has a career interest in business, consulting, or marketing, encourage them to explore this opportunity to develop tangible business skills.

If you’d like to connect with our team, reach out at parents@bates.edu or 207-786-6242.We appreciate your continued engagement and the important role families play in the ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ experience.

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

Winter made its first appearance on campus this week, bringing a light snowfall that settled over the last of the fall leaves. (Photo Credit: Sammy Weidenthal ’27 for ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ College)

We hope you’ve had a wonderful summer! As the fall semester approaches, here are some important dates and reminders to help your students ease back into campus life.

• Arrival for returning students:ÌýWe welcomed fall student-athletes back to campus earlier this week for pre-season training. All other returning students may move into residences betweenÌýSunday, August 31 and Tuesday, September 2, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.ÌýStudents should make their first stop at Commons.ÌýView the residential calendar →
• First week of Fall Semester:ÌýThe first meal on the board plan for returning students will be dinner onÌýMonday, September 1. The Add/Drop Period for Fall 2025 course schedules opens onÌýTuesday, September 2, and classes begin onÌýWednesday, September 3.Ìý
• A Note on Textbooks from the College Store:ÌýTextbooks are available to buy online at our partner site viaÌý. Books purchased from eCampus can be picked up by students at Post & Print like any other incoming mail or packages, and digital purchases are immediately available for use. Students received additional information on the new process via their ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ email.Ìý
• Back to ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½:ÌýRegister now for our annual Alumni and Family Weekend,ÌýOctober 3–4, 2025! It’s a great opportunity to return to campus and enjoy a full schedule of activities with your Bobcat.ÌýView details and register →
• Fall recess:ÌýResidences and Commons will remain openÌýWednesday, October 15–Sunday, October 19.ÌýSee the full residential calendar →
• Student support:ÌýThis is a great time to remind your student of the many resources available on campus for both academics and well-being. Your encouragement to seek out support early can make a big difference.ÌýExplore academic and student support resources →

If you’d like to connect with our team, reach out at parents@bates.edu or 207-786-6242. We’re so excited to welcome your students back to campus for another year filled with learning, growth, and community!

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

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.ÌýForÌýfamily 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

• Arrival day FAQ for families 
• Arrival day schedule 
• Campus map, updated with drop-off day highlights and locations.

For families who will be on campus, we look forward to meeting you at our Parent Team drop-in gathering in the Library Arcade from 12:30-2:30 p.m. Say hello, meet staff and parent volunteers, and pick up some ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ family swag!

Best regards,
The ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Parent Team

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.)

• At ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½, we offer our Family Orientation sessions as webinars after Arrival Day so all families can access this important content. Explore our offerings and sign up now. All orientation webinars are recorded and posted 24-72 hours after the conclusion of the event.

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

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