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): All returning students must enroll or waive health insurance coverage through Garnet Gateway by Wednesday, 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. Learn more about SHIP requirements and coverage details →

• New ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ ID Cards: ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ will introduce new student ID cards starting on August 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: During 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 including Campus 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)