New Student Orientation supports new Evergreen students and their families through the process of becoming successful and lifelong members of the Evergreen community. Find your path at Evergreen and the community and resources you will need to be successful.
You’re joining a college community dedicated to teaching and learning. At Evergreen, you’ll learn to develop and communicate original ideas while working cooperatively and compassionately with others. Your experience at Evergreen will prepare you for whatever path your life may take – career, advanced study, and civic engagement.
Participating in Orientation activities will help you have a successful start at Evergreen. I encourage you to embrace the opportunity to meet new people, learn about campus, and begin the work of developing a meaningful education that is entirely your own.
Thank you for joining our academic community. Together, we share the responsibility for making Evergreen a welcoming, inclusive place, where we are free to learn from each other.
Our community is not limited by the boundaries of the campus. In a few years when you graduate, you’ll join more than 45,000 alumni who are using their Evergreen education to create meaningful lives and to build the kind of world in which we all want to live.
We’re happy you’re here.
Sincerely,
John Carmichael, Class of 1987 President, The Evergreen State College
10 a.m.–1 p.m. 10 a.m.–12:30 p.m. 1–3 p.m. 1–3 p.m.
3–4:30 p.m.
Orientation Check-in 3 (Costantino Recreation Center)
Get your nametag, swag bag, and Orientation Guide to get a full picture of your required Orientation experience.
Resource Fair (Costantino Recreation Center)
Connect with the departments that will be key to your success at Evergreen.
Find Your Way: Orientation Starts Here 3 (Costantino Recreation Center) K �� Jf
For new students: Welcome to Evergreen Orientation! This required session is to understand your Orientation experience, get to know your Orientation leaders, fellow new students, and the campus with a scavenger hunt. This interactive activity includes movement, music, and being outside.
Parents and Families Orientation (Purce Hall 4)
For family and friends: President John Carmichael and executive leaders warmly welcome you to Evergreen. Learn the ways Evergreen supports new students in their transition to college and how we can work together to ensure student success.
Greener Welcome Fest 3 (CRC - Amphitheater) K �� Jf
A fun and friendly welcome from President John Carmichael and friends as we raise the Dig Deep flag, learn the Geoduck Fight Song, and say farewell to family and friends.
5–7 p.m.
7–9 p.m.
7–8:30 p.m.
Dinner Break Jf
CAB Night (College Activities Building) ��
Come meet some of the student organizations on campus, find your people, get your bike tuned up for Fall, visit the video and board game lounges, and much more!
BIPOC Student Mixer (Student Equity and Arts Lounge – CAB 310) ��
Join BLISS for snacks, games, new friends, and karaoke! Get connected with BIPOC members of the Evergreen community.
7:30 p.m.–Late
Evans After Dark (Library & CCAM) ��
7:30–9 p.m. Explore the Library for an evening of creativity, connection, and Evergreen spirit with live music, archival punk manifesto readings, photo booth fun, free ice cream sundae bar! and more.
9 p.m.–Late: Crank up the volume and ride the vibe with DJ sets in the TV Studio.
BOOK STORE COUPON (20% imprinted items)
Greener Bookstore (CAB 2nd Floor)
Regular Hours: Monday–Thursday 8 a.m.–4 p.m.
Additional Welcome Week Hours:
September 20 • 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
September 26 • 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
September 27 • 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
CAMPUS DINING
Your appetite will meet its match at our dining locations, which serve only the best in variety and value. Scan for locations, menus, and hours.
9 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Thriving in Community Workshop 3 (Costantino Recreation Center)
Learn about how Greeners come together to support our vibrant Evergreen community in an interactive required session with campus leaders in wellness, activities, student support, equity, and belonging.
11 a.m.–noon
Thriving in College: Resource Workshops (C1105 & 1107)
Dive into the topics that will support your journey.
Choose one of the following:
» What’s Advising Got to Do With It? (SEM 2 C1107)
New Student Advising is here to help guide you through everything that is Evergreen. From academics and class selection to campus resources, we got you covered.
» Wellness Essentials for Thriving in College (SEM 2 B 3rd Floor)
Navigating college is all about balance! This workshop will cover essentials of self-care, from better sleep and smarter eating to staying active and substance-free. Learn practical tips to take care of your mind and body so you can feel your best.
» Get What You Need at Basic Needs Center and CCBLA (CAB 135)
Learn about life resources, campus food bank, free clothing for all weather, and get to know how to connect with local community - you can earn credit, work, or volunteer!
» Financial Services for Students (SEM 2 C1105)
Learn more about managing your financial aid award, staying on top of billing, and options for work study employment on campus.
» Get to Know Evergreen’s Learning Resources (Evans Hall, Library Room 2302D)
Curious how the Library, Media Services, and the Learning Centers can help you make the most of your time at Evergreen? This workshop introduces how to access an impressive array of resources and services to help you succeed.
noon–1 p.m.
12:30–2:30 p.m. 1–3 p.m.
Lunch Break
Evergreen Women’s Soccer Game (Geoduck Pitch) K Jf
Head to the field to support Evergreen’s Women’s Soccer team as they play against Carroll College!
Faculty-Student Workshops 3 (see nametag for location)
Engage in Evergreen’s unique models of teaching and learning with a small group of students and faculty. Come prepared for experiential learning indoors and outdoors. This session is required for all new students.
Common Read
Reading and thinking about books is central at Evergreen.
You’ll be reading texts like the ones presented in Common Read and discussing them with fellow students and faculty.
Scan to learn more.
3–4 p.m.
Academics Open House (Red Square)
Meet faculty from different academic areas and learn more about upcoming classes while enjoying tasty treats.
3–5 p.m.
4–5 p.m.
Evergreen Men’s Soccer Game (Geoduck Pitch) K Jf
Head to the field to support Evergreen’s Men’s Soccer team as they play against Carroll College.
Get to Know Campus Tours (meet at Clock Tower) K Jf
Find out more about what makes Evergreen special with a guided tour.
Choose one of the following:
» Organic Farm: Take a 1.5-mile round-trip walk through the woods to learn more about fresh foods and farming here. Sturdy, closed-toed shoes are required on the farm.
» Natural Sciences: Explore the Biodiversity Center collections and learn more about the scientific research conducted here.
» Indigenous Arts Campus: Get a closer look at the Carving Studio, Fiber Arts Studio, and House of Welcome and how it supports education and cultural exchange.
» Student Wellness Services: Come check out all that Student Wellness Services has to offer! Learn about the appointment scheduling process, walk through counseling and medical spaces, and meet some of our counselors and *NEW* peer health educators!
» Media Services: Creatives, this one's for you. Media Services has the gear, skills, and space to bring your ideas to life. Join us for a tour of our labs – Podcast Studio, Lynda Lighting Lab, and Photoland -– plus find out how Media Loan can get you equipped with audio-visual equipment for your classwork.
» Find Your First Class: Nervous about finding your class on the first day? Understandable! Find your way around campus with your program schedule in hand and a helpful guide to make sure you know where you are going!
5–7 p.m.
6–8 p.m.
What is Truth?: Journalism, Podcasting, and Nuanced Storytelling in the Pacific Northwest (COM Recital Hall) �� Jf
Join local public media journalists and podcast producers Maleeha Syed (KUOW) and Sara Bernard (Cascade PBS) for this public lecture on truth, nuance, and the idea of “objectivity” in journalism through the lens of local audio storytelling.
8–10 p.m.
Rocky Horror Picture Show (Purce Hall 1) �� Jf
Get into character for “the last run” of this cult film classic. Enjoy popcorn and a live shadow cast by Evergreen Theatre Club!
Saturday, September
8:30–10 a.m.
Saturday Orientation Check-in 3 (Costantino Recreation Center)
Get your nametag, swag bag, and Orientation Guide to get a full picture of your required Orientation experience.
8:30–9:30 a.m.
10–11 a.m.
11 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Resource Fair and Breakfast (Costantino Recreation Center) �� Jf
Connect with the departments that will be key to your success at Evergreen.
Academic Address: “Public Media, Public Good:
Aiming for Truth in Audio Storytelling” 3 (Costantino Recreation Center) K �� Jf
Local public media journalists and podcast producers Maleeha Syed (KUOW) and Sara Bernard (Cascade PBS) will lead a discussion about facts versus opinions, misinformation and disinformation, and the meaning of public media through the l ens of local audio storytelling in this required Orientation session.
Saturday Orientation Faculty-Student Workshops 3 (See nametag for location)
Engage in Evergreen’s unique models of teaching and learning with a small group of students and faculty. Come prepared for experiential learning indoors and outdoors. This session is required for all Saturday Orientation students.
OR
11 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Continuing Orientation Faculty-Student Seminar 3 (See nametag for location)
Practice the art of seminar with faculty. Learn how to effectively seminar on the morning’s Academics Address and be ready for your first week of classes! This session is required for students who have been attending Orientation throughout the week.
12:30–2:30 p.m.
12:30–1p.m.
1–3 p.m.
Evergreen Women’s Soccer Game (Geoduck Pitch) K Jf
Head to the field to support Evergreen’s Women’s Soccer team as they play against Rocky Mountain College.
Lunch Break
Saturday Orientation Thriving in Community Workshop 3 (SEM 2 C1105)
Learn about how Greeners come together to support our vibrant Evergreen community in an interactive session with campus leaders in wellness, activities, student support, equity, and belonging. This session is required for all Saturday Orientation students.
October 8, 2025
12–2 p.m. • Red Square
All Evergreen students, staff, and faculty are welcome to this celebratory kick off to the academic year for Greeners, by Greeners.
• FREE LUNCH
• STUDENT ACTIVITIES FAIR
• RESOURCE FAIR
3–5 p.m.
Saturday Orientation Thriving in College: Resource Workshops
Dive into the topics that will support your journey.
Choose one of the following:
» Explore the World: Study Abroad as an Evergreen Student (SEM 2 D2109)
Break down the why, where, and how of study abroad at Evergreen. Whether you’re dreaming of East Asia, Latin America, or somewhere in between, this session will help you turn your international goals into reality!
» STEM at Evergreen (Purce Hall 7)
Dig deep into what it looks like to be a STEM student at Evergreen – as a first-time college student or a transfer student. Faculty leading the workshop will cover prerequisites, advising, and planning for your Bachelor of Science degree and career.
» Financial Services for Students (SEM 2 D1105)
Learn more about managing your financial aid award, staying on top of billing, and options for work study employment on campus.
» Resume & Cover Letter Workshop (SEM 2 D2107)
Staff from Academic and Career Advising will give you the tools needed for writing your cover letter and resume so you’re ready to apply for internships and other job opportunities while you’re studying with Evergreen.
Evergreen Men’s Soccer Game (Geoduck Pitch) K Jf
Head to the field to support Evergreen’s Men’s Soccer team as they play against Rocky Mountain College.
4–5 p.m.
Get to Know Campus Tours (meet at Clock Tower) K Jf
Find out more about what makes Evergreen special with a guided tour.
Choose one of the following:
» Find Your First Class: Nervous about finding your class on the first day? Understandable! Find your way around campus with your program schedule in hand and a helpful guide to make sure you know where you are going!
» Evergreen Beach: Join a guided hike to learn more about the forest and beach at Evergreen. Sturdy shoes recommended for this 3-mile round-trip walk.
» Recreation Center: Check out all that the rec center has to offer: 3 full-sized basketball courts, expansive locker rooms, a pool, weight rooms, cardio rooms, racquetball courts, equipment check-out, and more.
4–6 p.m.
Disco Jumbo Game Night (Red Square) �� Jf
Close out Orientation with giant lawn games, music, and more. Hosted by your student government Geoduck Student Union
7–9 p.m.
Film Night: Nausicaa of The Valley of the Wind (Purce Hall 1) �� Jf
Come relax and enjoy the classic Studio Ghibli film hosted by the Center for Climate Action and Sustainability (CCAS) with free popcorn!
noon–3 p.m.
Cultural Arts for All (House of Welcome – Cedar Room)
Join Native Pathways Program for an afternoon of making medicine bags, traditional oil diffusers, and necklaces.
noon–5 p.m.
Photograms in Photoland (Evans Hall 1310)
Step into Photoland’s black and white darkroom and learn to make photograms! Materials will be provided for this fun activity and attendees will get to take home their art piece.
noon–5 p.m.
Library Lounge (Evans Hall Library)
Come lounge in the library with board games, zine-making, brief tours, archives open house, and a movie marathon.
Seminars are integral to most academic programs at Evergreen. Seminars are forums in which issues are raised and explored, but not necessarily resolved; they require you to think, to practice the skills of analysis, and by doing so, possibly leave you with more and better ideas than the ones with which you came. Seminars are the intellectual heart of the college. They serve as a means for groups of students to obtain a set of common experiences, usually based on a text, piece of art, film, etc. and then go beyond the sharing of facts to probe into the depths of the subject matter at hand.
Interdisciplinary work explores multiple areas of study and how they intersect with one another. Drawing connections across different branches of knowledge and knowledge systems helps us understand the complexity of the world and address real world issues more holistically.
“When you are working within one field, none of the large framing questions are usually disputed or in question, whereas when you keep passing back and forth across different fields, you have to keep tripping over the threshold of the assumptions in any one field. You are more likely to see the perils in them or weaknesses in them as well as strengths, and see some of the larger
Get your geoducks in a row: Tips for new students
Get familiar online: Log-in to my.evergreen.edu. Make sure your personal information profile is correct, find your first meeting location on Schedule Evergreen, tour your program Canvas site, and send an email to your faculty via Outlook to introduce yourself.
Be on time: Especially to your first class meeting to secure your spot. If you can’t attend, email your faculty ASAP.
Make a friend: Everyone is nervous! Lean into the awkward get-to-know-you stage to find a classmate to talk to and discuss homework assignments and resources.
Figure out transportation: Did you pay for parking? Get your parking permit during your first week! Riding the bus in Olympia is free!
Email your faculty: Do you know you will be absent at some point in the quarter for athletic games, holidays of faith or conscience observance, or other commitments? Let your faculty know in writing!
• Tuition Due Date: October 3
• Withdrawal Deadline: October 3
There are many departments at Evergreen that are here to support you in your college experience! Below are some offices to help you get connected on campus.
Student Wellness Services (SEM 2 B 3rd Floor)
Student Wellness Services provides basic medical and mental health care services to currently enrolled students. Medical and mental health practitioners are here to support you as you transition into this new stage of life and connect you with community resources.
Student Activities (CAB 313)
The Student Activities Office is here to help you get plugged into campus! This is where you can learn how to start a club, join a governance group, learn about campus meetings, events, and workshops.
Basic Needs Advocacy & Resource Center (CAB 135)
BNARC has a shelf-stable food pantry, gender-affirming clothing closet, hygiene items, and more immediate resources accessible for students.
BIPOC & LGBTQ+ Intersectional Support Services (BLISS) (CAB 227)
BLISS provides support centered around our BIPOC and LGBTQ+ student body to dismantle barriers that have historically impacted underserved students in higher education. Here, they will help you find and build community at Evergreen, connect you with resources on and off campus, and find space for discovering your identity.
Access Services for Students with Disabilities (Evans Hall 2153)
Access Services recognizes disability as an aspect of diversity that is integral to society and to our campus community. Access staff work with admitted Evergreen students to ensure equal access to academic programs and services.
Student Emergency Fund
The Emergency Fund is available to students with an unexpected financial crisis that would cause the student to not complete the quarter or continue their education.
Academic & Career Advising (Evans Hall 2153)
The advisors at Academic & Career Advising are here to help you understand your options, plan your academic path, and succeed as a learner. They’re a great resource for getting started at Evergreen and for making sure you stay on track to achieve your goals!
Scan here to explore our learning approach.
Ready to chart out your degree? Start with our degree planning guide.
Arts Annex (ARTS)
Children’s Center
College Activities Bldg (CAB)
Costantino Recreation Center (CRC)
Communications Lab (COM)
Housing Community Center (HCC)
Student Residences (DORM)
Student Residences (MODS)
Student Residences (SOUP)
Arts and Sciences (LAB I)
Arts and Sciences (LAB II)
Purce Hall (PH)
Library (LIB)
House of Welcome ( HW)
Organic Farm
Seminar 1 (SEM I)
Seminar 2 (SEM II)
Athletic & Recreation Fields
Parking (B, C, F-LOTS)
Red Square
