MENU SEARCH Academic Year 2021-22 The latest COVID-19 news and information about Bates operations Updates Student Information Employee Information COVID-19 Cases Visitors to Campus Bates CollegeAcademic Year 2021-22Updates Updates Back to Bates: Family Day Reminders and Masking Update September 30, 2021 Dear Students, It has been nice to see so many of you out and about on campus over the past few weeks. I hope your classes are going well and that you are enjoying your co-curricular activities. The weather forecast indicates that we should have a dry and crisp Friday and Saturday, which should make… What to Do if You are Feeling Sick September 15, 2021 Dear Students, With the academic year in full swing, I am writing with a reminder about steps you should take if you’re feeling sick. What should I do if I feel sick? If you are feeling ill or experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, you should not go to classes or other campus activities, and instead call… Compliance with COVID-19 Testing September 13, 2021 Dear Students, We have completed baseline COVID-19 testing, and now all students are participating in scheduled testing on Tuesdays and Thursdays each week until further notice. As you are seeing at colleges around the country, and within the NESCAC, transmission of COVID-19, even among a highly vaccinated population, remains a serious concern. Students who miss… Sept. 10: Important Update about COVID-19 Testing for All Students September 10, 2021 Dear Students, I write today to share the news that next week we will begin testing all students for COVID-19 two times per week until further notice. Why are we doing this? We are fortunate that our campus has achieved a 98% vaccination rate among students, faculty, and staff. However, we know from our public… Sept. 8:COVID-19 Update for Students September 8, 2021 Dear Students, I write today with an update on campus public health policies and important information regarding our COVID-19 testing program. This serves as an update to my August 16 message. The return to the in-person campus experience has gone smoothly thanks to our 98 percent campus community vaccination rate, and your commitment to the… Sept. 8: COVID-19 Update for Employees September 8, 2021 Dear Colleagues, I write today with an update on campus public health policies and important information regarding our COVID-19 testing program. This serves as an update to my August 16 message. The return to the in-person campus experience has gone smoothly thanks to our 98 percent campus community vaccination rate, and your commitment to the… Aug. 16: Important Updated Public Health Policies for Students August 16, 2021 Dear Students, I write to provide an update on campus public health and masking policies given the community transmission of COVID-19 within Androscoggin County and Maine. This serves as an update to the new student message and returning student message I sent to you in July. Our high vaccination rate for the campus community as… Aug. 16: Important Updated Public Health Policies for Employees August 16, 2021 Dear Faculty and Staff, Since the beginning of the pandemic, the college has based its public health policies on recommendations provided by public health and clinical experts and on science and data. We have been consulting our public health experts as we craft comprehensive policies for the start of the academic year. These experts believe… Important Information for New Students July 27, 2021 Dear Members of the Class of 2025, I hope this message finds you healthy and having a good summer. I write today to provide a number of updates related to your arrival to campus in the fall. After the many challenges of the past year, I am optimistic that our COVID-19 vaccine requirement for students… Important Information for Returning Students July 27, 2021 Dear Members of the Classes of 2024, 2023, and 2022, I hope this message finds you healthy and having a good summer. I write today to provide a number of updates related to your return to campus in the fall. After the many challenges of the past year, I am optimistic that our COVID-19 vaccine… July 12: Documents to sign prior to student return to campus July 12, 2021 All students planning to return to campus are required to review and electronically sign a number of documents prior to their arrival to Bates for the fall 2021 semester. What are these documents? There are four documents that all students are required to review and sign. They are: 1. Consent to COVID-19 Testing: As previously… June 30: Updated Employee COVID Policies June 30, 2021 Dear Colleagues, I write to update our policies and practices to keep pace with changes in science, CDC guidance, local and state requirements, and the course of the pandemic. Please note that all pandemic-related policies are subject to change should circumstances warrant. I appreciate the continued commitment of the community to keep ourselves and one… COVID-19 Vaccination Requirements for Fall 2021 Semester May 11, 2021 Dear Students, With a couple of weeks left in the academic year, I write with an update on the college’s expectations regarding COVID-19 vaccinations for students. To help protect our campus and community against the virus, Bates will require that all students be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before coming to campus this fall for the… April 29: Response to New CDC Guidance about Face Coverings April 29, 2021 Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff, We write to clarify campus policy in light of recent changes to both federal CDC and state CDC guidance on the use of face coverings. For the reasons outlined below, all current Bates policies will remain in effect through Commencement on May 27, 2021. Face Coverings Federal CDC Guidance and… April 13: In-Room Restriction Lifted – In-Person Courses and Co-Curricular Programs May Resume on Wednesday April 13, 2021 Dear Students, I want to begin with a thank you. Over the past eleven days, including this past weekend, you have honored our in-room restriction policy and worked hard to adhere to public health protocols. As a result, beginning with last Wednesday’s testing, we have brought down COVID-19 cases to low single digits. Based on… April 8: COVID-19 Campus Update April 8, 2021 Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff, I write this afternoon to provide you with an update about COVID-19 as of 12:00 p.m. today and the need to extend in-room restriction through next Tuesday, April 13. COVID-19 Testing Results and Contact Tracing Early this morning, we received the full set of results of Wednesday’s student PCR tests…. April 6: Academic Year 2021-22 Update April 6, 2021 Dear Members of the Bates Community, I write with important information about plans for next fall. At their meeting this afternoon, the Bates faculty voted to return to the regular semester structure for the academic year 2021–22. Our goal is to welcome our students back to campus and to in-person classes. We also plan to… April 5: COVID-19 Vaccine Update April 5, 2021 Dear Students, Last week, Governor Mills accelerated Maine’s vaccine rollout, and announced that individuals 16 years old and older will be eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine beginning Wednesday, April 7. As a reminder, out-of-state students, including international students, who reside in Maine to attend college will be eligible for a vaccine in Maine. Please… April 5: COVID-19 and In-Room Restriction Update April 5, 2021 Dear Students, I write to provide you with several important updates. Below you will find information about these topics: COVID-19 Transmission and Sources of Infection Extending In-Room Restriction Supporting Each Other Vaccine Information Where to Direct Questions How to Help Please take a few minutes to read this message in its entirety. COVID-19 Transmission and… April 1: FAQs for In-Room Restriction April 1, 2021 April 1: COVID-19 Campus Alert April 1, 2021 Dear Students, I write with an urgent message about actions we need to take to stabilize the spread of COVID-19 on campus. Coming out of last weekend, we have seen a sudden, sharp rise in cases of COVID-19 on campus. As of this writing, we have 34 active COVID-19 student cases who are in isolation… March 26: COVID-19 Vaccine Webpage March 26, 2021 Dear Students, Since sending you my message earlier this week, I have received a number of questions about COVID-19 vaccines. With this in mind, we have created this COVID-19 vaccine FAQs webpage, which we will continue to update as we learn more. Please take a few minutes to read the content on this webpage. Have… March 23: Campus Updates March 23, 2021 Dear Students, I write with a few updates: Co-Curricular Programs Harward Center Multifaith Chaplaincy Social Gatherings Off-Campus Continuing to Follow Face Covering and Physical Distancing Protocols COVID-19 Vaccines Co-Curricular Programs In addition to all of the programs and experiences that I shared with you in my last update on March 9, I want to provide… March 12: Information about Commencement 2021 March 12, 2021 President Clayton Spencer announces plans to hold two in-person Commencement ceremonies on May 27, 2021, each accommodating half the senior class. March 9: Student Experience Update March 9, 2021 This message describes ongoing and new efforts in nine areas to bring back more elements of the traditional student experience in healthy and safe ways. March 3: Academic Calendar Update for Fall 2021 March 3, 2021 Dear Bates Students and Families, I write today to share an update about our planning for the Fall 2021 semester. At our regular monthly meeting on Monday evening, the Bates faculty—which is charged by the college’s bylaws with responsibility for the academic calendar and curriculum—voted to endorse a 2+2 modular structure for instruction in the… Feb. 26: We Need Your Help February 26, 2021 Since returning to campus last fall, students have done an amazing job. But several factors make our situation particularly challenging at the moment. Feb. 22: Important Updates February 22, 2021 Dear Students, As we begin our second week of classes, I write with just a two updates: Dining Outdoor Furniture Dining Dining, Conferences and Campus Events is pleased to introduce “Meet Me at the Mezz,” a new dining option starting Monday, Feb. 22, that provides a communal dining opportunity in Commons Mezzanine. Through a first-come,… Feb. 16: Arrival Quarantine Over — Now What? February 16, 2021 Dear Students, Thank you for all of your hard work prior to arriving on campus to get COVID-19 tests, symptom screen, and self-quarantine. These difficult measures have already resulted in a successful arrival testing and arrival quarantine period. I know that arrival quarantine has felt particularly restrictive. We have now received all of the second… Feb. 12: Arrival Quarantine Reminder and Mask Tips and Guidance February 12, 2021 Dear Students, Welcome back. We are thrilled to have so many of you back on campus, and I hope that you are looking forward to safely spending time with your friends and getting back in class to continue with your coursework. I write with a few reminders and updates. Please read the below details carefully,… Feb. 8: Important Update Regarding Arrival Quarantine February 8, 2021 We look forward to your return to campus later this week. I write with reminders and one significant update regarding arrival quarantine. Feb. 2: New and Updated Details for Winter Semester Arrivals February 1, 2021 I write to provide additional information and reminders related to the winter semester. Importantly, this message includes information about recent changes we have made to COVID-19 testing upon your arrival on campus and actions you must take. Jan. 19: Winter Semester Planning Update January 18, 2021 I write to provide information about a number of important issues as we plan for the winter semester. Please take a few minutes to read this important information. Dec. 7: Winter 2021 announcement December 7, 2020 Dear Members of the Bates Community, I write to share important news about a shift in our calendar for the winter semester in response to developments in the COVID-19 pandemic. Under the new plan, Bates will extend the winter break by approximately one month and invite students to return to campus on Friday, Feb. 12,… Nov. 17: Guidance to mitigate risk while traveling November 17, 2020 As many of you prepare to travel home or other locations, I want to offer some guidance that allows you to enjoy the break while also taking necessary steps to protect yourself, as well as your family. Nov. 11: Public Health Update (addendum) November 11, 2020 Providing additional information to bring the number of COVID-19 positives among students fully up to date as of Nov. 11. Nov. 10: Public Health Update — A Call to Limit Close Contacts November 10, 2020 Beginning this week, students who test positive or are close contacts may well experience disruptions to their November break travel plans and need to remain at Bates. Nov. 5: Public Health Travel Advisory November 5, 2020 Students should remain on campus to the extent possible due to a sharp rise in Maine COVID-19 cases and several recent cases on our campus. Oct. 29: Important Update for Bates Students October 29, 2020 This message addresses eight important topics, including a public health update, improvements to the student experience, and reminders about departing campus in November and return plans for January. Oct. 9: Important Update for Bates Students October 9, 2020 Dear Students, I write today with a few updates and reminders. This message addresses five critical topics: Adhering to public health practices and being good neighbors Gathering and building community Notifying the college if your plans for the winter semester change Where to eat meals Selecting Module B weekday lunch time Adhering to Public Health… Oct. 1: Important Update for Bates Students — Timely Action Required October 1, 2020 Dear Students, I write today with several updates. This blogpost addresses six important topics: Declaring your intentions for the winter semester by Oct. 8 Changes to the COVID-19 Testing Center schedule New access to campus and programming spaces Campus departure in November Winter break information for international students currently in residence Anticipated move-in date for… Sept. 18: Update for Students — Fostering Community and Connection September 18, 2020 Dear Students, As we conclude the third week of classes, I write to provide a brief update on public health measures, as well as opportunities to foster community and connection. Maintaining Public Health Measures Thank you for doing your part to help us to be where we are right now: offering an on-campus experience. You… Aug. 28: COVID-19 testing update August 28, 2020 The college’s COVID-19 testing program has conducted 577 employee tests and 1,168 student tests, Aug. 18–26, 2020. While presenting no COVID-19 symptoms upon arrival at Bates, one student has tested positive for the virus and has moved to isolation housing to receive all necessary care from Bates Health Services. Aug. 27: Timeline for Updating COVID-19 Dashboard August 27, 2020 I write with an update about our dashboard to track key data elements associated with COVID-19. The timeline of testing, notification, and dashboard updates are explained below. Our comprehensive student testing program began this Tuesday, but the results of these tests were just now posted on the dashboard. There will be a lag in posting… Aug. 21: It’s up to you — important reminders before coming to campus August 21, 2020 Your decisions will have a huge impact on whether we are forced to close campus and go to remote learning or instead are able to be successful in continuing the on-campus student experience. Aug. 13: Requirement to watch campus public health videos August 13, 2020 If you plan to return to campus for the fall, you must watch a set of Campus Public Health video modules. You may see some familiar Bates faces along the way. Aug. 12: Move-in update August 12, 2020 Moving in this year will feel like checking your luggage at the airport and saying a quick goodbye when you’re late for a flight. In other words, the process of moving in will be brief. Aug. 12: Dining update August 12, 2020 We continue to encounter operational and evolving state regulatory challenges trying to implement our re-engineered dining program, and thus have reached the conclusion to move completely to a Dash (grab-n-go) dining program. Aug. 12: What to expect when you get tested for COVID-19 at Bates August 12, 2020 “We are positioned very well to test” employees and students for COVID-19, said Nick Cooke, assistant athletic director for athletic performance and director of the Bates Testing Center. See a video for how the test is done. Aug. 5: Fall 2020 social life at Bates August 5, 2020 One of the surest ways to force the college to close down is by hosting or attending parties or other social gatherings where public-health practices are not followed. In other words, social life must take other forms. Aug. 3: What to do when you’re planning to return for the fall semester August 3, 2020 With arrival now on the horizon, here’s information and tips about getting ready to travel to campus, traveling to campus, and your arrival and move-in. Summary of recent fall 2020 information and resources for all Bates students July 24, 2020 A summary of important information about five key issues, plus Bates resources to help you decide if returning to campus is the right for you. July 22: Have your fall attendance plans changed? July 22, 2020 If your attendance plans have changed, please email Faith Hauger, fhauger@bates.edu, to request that you update your Fall Attendance Questionnaire. July 20: Documents to sign prior to student return to campus July 20, 2020 Students planning to return for the fall 2020 semester must sign four documents prior to their arrival. July 17: Facility Services actions to reduce risks of COVID-19 transmission July 17, 2020 July 7: Housing assignments and summer placement FAQs July 16, 2020 July 8: Bates’ response to guidance issued by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement July 8, 2020 Bates is reviewing the new guidance with our counsel while also working directly with our international students to provide support and guidance. June 30: Fall 2020 announcement June 30, 2020 Dear Members of the Bates Community, I write today to share an important update about our plans for the fall semester. We will invite students to come to campus in person to begin or continue their Bates education, so that we can do our best to support their forward momentum. Based on exhaustive consultation and… June 15: Academic calendar information for new students in 2020–21 June 15, 2020 Dear New Bates Students, We know that you are well on your way to joining the Bates community and want to send along a warm welcome from all of our faculty and staff. Through working on your first-year forms, to participating in video chats, to posting on the Facebook group, the Bates faculty and staff… June 11: Academic calendar information for returning students in 2020–21 June 11, 2020 We write to provide an update on fall planning and recent steps taken to better position the college for our goal of having students return to campus in the fall, if we determine that it is safe to do so. Message for Faculty from Committee on Personnel May 20, 2020 We respect the full range of contributions faculty members make, including the effort and creativity required in adjusting to this very complicated time. Planning for Next Academic Year May 8, 2020 It is our fervent hope that it will be safe to welcome new and returning students in person in the fall, and we are actively working toward that goal. April 27: Update on financial impact of COVID-19 April 27, 2020 To preserve our capacity to deliver on our mission now and into the future, we have identified actions aimed at putting ourselves in the strongest possible position to weather the ongoing financial disruptions associated with the pandemic. Faculty-Staff Working Group on Fall Planning and College Finances April 14, 2020 So the college can make critical decisions in response to the COVID-19 pandemic in a timely manner, Bates has formed an ad hoc working group comprising two teams: one focused on Fall Planning and the other on College Finances. Announcement About Reunion Weekend 2020 April 6, 2020 Due to the COVID-19 crisis, we have made the difficult decision to cancel in-person Reunion 2020. Bates will host a number of virtual Reunion events on June 12–13. Our hope is that when we do gather in person, it will be all the sweeter for this period of interruption and isolation. Announcement About Commencement April 6, 2020 I am heartbroken to convey the news that, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Bates will not be able to offer an in-person Commencement on May 31. We plan to mark your graduation with a virtual ceremony, creating an experience that captures, albeit in a different form, the elements that are most meaningful to you. COVID-19 Update on Confirmed Cases March 21, 2020 A second member of the Bates community has tested positive for COVID-19. With this case, there are a total of two confirmed cases within the Bates community. Confirmed Case of COVID-19 March 19, 2020 A member of our community has tested positive for COVID-19. This individual has been at home in self-isolation for a number of days while receiving the necessary care to treat their condition. Important COVID-19 Update for Staff March 17, 2020 Beginning immediately, Bates will transition to a remote working model for any employees whose physical presence on campus is not required to carry out their duties. Urgent Information About Timely Departure from Campus March 14, 2020 We ask students to please respond with a greater sense of urgency to the public health crisis that confronts us and depart campus as soon as possible. With each passing day, we learn more about the extreme contagiousness of the COVID-19 virus and the threat it poses to vulnerable populations. March 13 COVID-19 Announcement March 13, 2020 We are at a pivotal moment with respect to both the spread of the COVID-19 virus and our ability as a college to take proactive, rather than reactive, steps. We will suspend classes at the end of the day, ask our students to return home and our faculty to prepare to teach remotely, and resume remote classes on Monday, March 23. Menu Updates Student Information Employee Information COVID-19 Cases Visitors to Campus Contact 2 Andrews Road Lane Hall Lewiston, Maine 04240 News & Updates November 19, 2021 How’s Bates doing in sustainability? The answer is Gold November 18, 2021 Veterans Day: poetry, taps, and a poignant ritual at Veterans… November 18, 2021 Bates gains national recognition for student voting turnout Bates College 2 Andrews Road Lewiston, Maine 04240 Phone: 1-207-786-6255 Make a Gift In the decades to come, success will go to the institutions that know who they are and how to engage effectively with the forces that are shaping our world. Bates intends to be among the vanguard. The Time is Now Communications Employment Campus Safety Sexual Respect / Title IX Directory A-Z Index Virtual Tour Privacy Policy Questions & Feedback TOP