Greetings, Class of 2030 Families!

We hope you’re enjoying the summer! Incoming students recently received another edition of First Things First from the First-Year Experience (FYE) team, and we’re sharing a few highlights to keep you in the loop.

First Things First

The ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ 101 July resources are now available in Garnet Gateway for all incoming students.

This month’s release focuses on Perspectives, a required online program that students will complete before arriving on campus to develop skills for navigating the conversations, learning, and community they’ll encounter at ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½.

Students are encouraged to complete the Introduction and Lessons 1–3 by August 3, followed by Lessons 4–6 by August 19. Students who meet these recommended milestones will be entered into prize drawings throughout the summer.

Course Registration: Round Two

The second round of course registration opened Wednesday, July 15 at 9 a.m., and will close Friday, July 24 at 4 p.m. ET.

During this round, students rank additional course preferences for the fall semester. Before submitting their rankings, students should review their Round One registration results and connect with their Summer Registration Consultant if they have questions.

Key Dates & Upcoming Events

• July 24: Round Two Course Preference Ranking Closes
• July 26: Seattle Summer Welcome ReceptionÌýÌý
• August 6: Washington, D.C. Summer Welcome Reception
• August 8: Maine Summer Welcome Reception
• August 8: Los Angeles Summer Welcome Reception
• August 17: Round Two Course Registration Results Available
• August 19: Final New Student Forms Deadline
• August 27: Arrival Day
• October 2–4: Back to ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½: Alumni & Family Weekend

Stay Connected

• If you haven’t already, check out , and join the conversation in the Class of 2030 Parents and Families .
• Look back at our archive of summer email updates to families, and check in with your Bobcat about incoming student emails.
• Looking for updates in another language? Look for the translation tool at the top of our site.

Questions? We’re here to help!

You can reach the ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Parent Team at parents@bates.edu or by calling 207-786-6242.

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

We hope you and your Bobcat are enjoying the summer so far. All incoming students have received important updates from the First-Year Experience (FYE) team regarding New Student Forms, course registration, and summer resources. We wanted to share a few highlights, so you know what’s coming up in the weeks ahead.

First Things First

Mandatory New Student Forms are now available through the New Student Forms card in Garnet Gateway. 

These forms are needed before your student’s arrival, and include health information, AESOP trip preferences, and the First-Year Housing Application.

Students have also been reminded that future editions of First Things First and other important communications will be sent only to their ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ email account. If they aren’t already checking their ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ inbox regularly, now is a great time to start.

Course Registration: Round One

Course registration has begun! Incoming students rank their course preferences in two rounds. Round One is open from Wednesday, June 17 at 9 a.m. ET through Friday, June 26 at 4 p.m. ET. The process is not first-come, first-served, so students have the full registration period to thoughtfully submit their preferences.

During Round One, students will:
• Rank their top four First-Year Seminars (FYS)
• Rank six to twelve additional courses
• Receive registration for two fall courses based on their selections

To help prepare, students have access to:
• ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ 101 June resources in Lyceum
• Course registration webinar recordings
• Summer Registration Consultants who can provide guidance throughout the process

Key Dates & Upcoming Events

• June 26: Round One Course Preference Ranking closes at 4 p.m. ET
• June 29: Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) enroll/waive deadline; several New Student Forms due
• July 10: Round One Course Registration Results Available
• July 11: Chicago Summer Welcome Reception
• August 19: Final New Student Forms Deadline
• August 27: Arrival Day
• October 2–4: Back to ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½: Alumni & Family Weekend

Stay Connected

• Catch up on all our summer email updates to families, and check out emails to incoming students as well. We archive all our communications on our website so that you never miss a beat.
• Looking for updates in another language? Look for the translation tool at the top of our site.
• RSVP for a Summer Welcome Reception to meet other Bobcat families and build your local ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ network.

Questions? We’re here to help!

You can always reach the ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Parent Team at parents@bates.edu or by calling 207-786-6242.

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

We’re thrilled to welcome your student to ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½, and to welcome you to the ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ family. As your student begins preparing for the fall, they’ve also started receiving their first official summer communications from the First-Year Experience (FYE) team, outlining important next steps in the months ahead.

First Things First

Your student received instructions earlier this week to claim their ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ account and begin using their ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ email, which will be their primary form of communication with the college.

Claiming their account also gives them access to important ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ systems, including Garnet Gateway and Lyceum. Once your student has accessed the Garnet Gateway portal, they will also be able to to view grades, transcripts, and other student information.

Helpful reminder: Your student will take the lead on these steps, but your encouragement behind the scenes can make a big difference.

On the To-Do List

All ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ students are required to either enroll in or waive the ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Student Health Insurance Plan each year. For entering students, the Enroll–Waive process will be available through Garnet Gateway from June 9–29.

Families wishing to waive the ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ SHIP must provide proof of comparable health insurance coverage through the Wellfleet Insurance Group portal. Students who do not complete the process by the deadline will be automatically enrolled in the ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ SHIP. Questions about the Enroll-Waive process can be directed to Lisa Farrington at Cross Insurance at Lisa.Farrington@crossagency.com.

Key Dates & Upcoming Events

• June 9: New Student Forms become available in Garnet Gateway; several important forms are due June 29, with remaining forms due August 19.
• June 8 & 15: Course registration webinars for incoming students and families
• June 29: Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) enroll/waive deadline
• August 27: Arrival Day
• October 2–4: Back to ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½: Alumni & Family Weekend

Stay Connected

• We’ll send monthly updates throughout the summer so you can stay informed. Have a co-parent who didn’t receive this email? Please share the Parent Contact Update form.
• Join our official .
• RSVP for a Summer Welcome Reception to meet other Bobcat families and build your local ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ network.

Questions? We’re here to help!

You can always reach the ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Parent Team at parents@bates.edu or by calling 207-786-6242.

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

We are so excited to celebrate the Class of 2026 with you in just a few short days. Campus is buzzing as we prepare for this special milestone weekend.

Whether you’ll be joining us on campus or tuning in from afar, we wanted to share a few reminders ahead of this exciting celebration:

Friday, May 29

• Cap & Gown Pickup: Students may pick up their regalia at the ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ College Store ´Ú°ù´Ç³¾ÌýMay 28–30 from 8 a.m.–4 p.m. No pre-order is required; students simply provide their name, height, and ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ ID at pickup. Standard regalia is provided at no cost, and additional Commencement items will be available for purchase.
• Senior/Parent Events: We hope to see you at the Senior Parent Gift Celebration ´Ú°ù´Ç³¾Ìý8–8:30 p.m. in the Fireplace Lounge of Commons. While we’ll offer a special toast to recognize donors to this year’s Senior Parent Gift, all are welcome to attend. Immediately following, head over to the Senior/Parent Wine and Cheese Tasting ´Ú°ù´Ç³¾Ìý8:30–10:30 p.m. in the Bardwell Field Tent.

Saturday, May 30

• Baccalaureate Ceremony: Baccalaureate will take place at 11 a.m. on the Historic Quad. Planned by members of the Class of 2026 and the ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Multifaith Chaplaincy, this reflective ceremony features music, storytelling, and voices from many traditions and backgrounds. 
• ±Ê²¹°ù°ì¾±²Ô²µ:ÌýCampus Avenue will be closed to through traffic throughout the weekend. We recommend parking behind Merrill Gymnasium or in the Bonney Science Center lot for accessible parking. 

Sunday, May 31 — Commencement Day

• Commencement Seating: Seating opens at 7 a.m. on the Historic Quad, and guests are asked to be seated by 9:15 a.m. for the Commencement procession. Families and friends may sit in any non-reserved areas on a first-come, first-served basis. A member of your party must remain with held seats, as unattended seats are not considered held. Families needing accessible seating should look for chairs with blue covers.
• ±Ê³ó´Ç³Ù´Ç²µ°ù²¹±è³ó²â:ÌýProfessional photographers ´Ú°ù´Ç³¾Ìý will photograph each graduate during the ceremony, and graduates who provided a post-ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ email address will receive photo access information approximately two weeks after Commencement. Families are also welcome to take photos throughout the ceremony while keeping aisles, the graduate seating area, and parade path clear. Additionally, please do not move into any of the three main aisles as individual names are being called. We appreciate your help with this!

Inclement Weather: Both Baccalaureate and Commencement take place on the Historic Quad,Ìýrain or shine, so we encourage guests to plan for all types of weather and bring rain jackets, hats, and sunscreen.

As a reminder, the Commencement website remains the best resource for weekend details and updates. We can’t wait to celebrate the Class of 2026 with you and your student in just a few short days!

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

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

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

With just one month to go until Commencement Weekend, we’re looking forward to celebrating this milestone with you and your student. On Sunday, May 31, the Class of 2026 will gather on the Historic Quad for the Commencement ceremony to mark their graduation.

• Diploma Delivery & Access: Graduates will receive their diploma cover at Commencement, with diplomas mailed no later than June 15, after grades and Latin honors are finalized. A certified electronic diploma will also be available starting June 5.
• Accessibility & Accommodations: ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ strives to make Commencement weekend accessible. Families can find information on accessible drop-off, parking, and seating, and can request accommodations.
• Commencement FAQs: Still have questions about what to expect? Bookmark the Commencement FAQs where you’ll find information on all this, and more!

As you begin making plans for Commencement Weekend, you can view the full schedule for the weekend, with a few highlights below of events for families:

Friday, May 29

• 8–8:30±è³¾ Families of 2026 Senior Parent Gift Celebration Fireplace Lounge
• 8:30–10±è³¾ Senior/Parent Wine and Cheese Tasting Bardwell Field Tent

Saturday, May 30

• 8:30–11²¹³¾ Coffee Service for Families Under Library Arcade
• 11²¹³¾â€“12:30±è³¾ Baccalaureate Service Historic Quad

Sunday, May 31 — Commencement Day

• 7–8:30²¹³¾ Seating on the Quad opens; Coffee Service for Families Library Arcade
• 10²¹³¾â€“12±è³¾ Commencement Ceremony Historic Quad
• 11:30²¹³¾â€“2±è³¾ Commencement Lunch Bardwell Field Tent & Library Quad Tent

We’ll continue sharing details as May 31 approaches, and we’re looking forward to celebrating with you and your graduate very soon!

With best regards,
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

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

The following individuals will receive honorary degrees from ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ on Sunday, May 31, at the Class of 2026’s Commencement ceremony:

• , historian and #1 internationally best-selling author of the All Souls series of novels, will receive a Doctor of Letters degree.
• , a leading economist in the study of game theory, president emeritus of Beloit College, and a former member of the ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Board of Trustees, will receive a Doctor of Humane Letters degree.
• , a biologist who has led groundbreaking research efforts in cell biology and drug therapies, will receive a Doctor of Science degree.
• , an investment executive at Morgan Stanley and founder of the nonprofit Girls Who Invest, will receive a Doctor of Humane Letters degree.

Deborah Harkness will deliver the ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ College Commencement address. The Class of 2026 senior speaker has not yet been announced.

We’ll be sharing additional updates in the coming weeks as we look ahead to celebrating this milestone with your family!

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

With two months to go until Commencement, we wanted to share a few helpful reminders and resources for you and your student.

• Senior Portraits: Senior portrait sessions are available to all seniors at no charge, with the option to purchase photos. These portraits are separate from those taken at Commencement. The final opportunity on campus is April 7. Students can check their ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ email for details and sign-up information.
• The “Name Check” Survey: Please remind your senior to complete the graduation survey sent to their ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ email to confirm their name on their diploma and in the ceremony program. This required step must be completed by April 15 in order for students to pick up their cap and gown.
• Getting the Gear: Caps and gowns will be available at the ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ College Store ´Ú°ù´Ç³¾ÌýMay 28–30 during regular business hours. Standard regalia is free, and no pre-order is required. Questions? Contact Gail St. Pierre at gstpierr@bates.edu. For class rings or diploma frames,Ìý

Remember that the Commencement site is an excellent resource and frequently updated. We look forward to sharing more details as Sunday, May 31 approaches, and to celebrating with you and your student!

With best regards,
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