2025 Orientation Guide

Welcome to

Orientation!

YOU BELONG HERE!

#DigDeep New Student Orientation supports new Evergreen students and their families through the process of becoming successful and lifelong members of the Evergreen community.

Speedy says masks are welcome!

We want all students to have a safe start to their school year.

Find your path at Evergreen and the community and resources you will need to be successful.

evergreen.edu/orientation If you are a student with a disability in need of an accommodation during Orientation, please contact Access Services for Students with Disabilities as soon as possible prior to the events you are attending. Call (360) 867- 6348 or TTY (360) 867-6834.

The Tribal acknowledgement of The Evergreen State College is a living document that will be reviewed annually and may be updated as language and other factors change.

The Squaxin Island Tribe’s habitation of the land on and around the inlets of the Southern Salish Sea, including what is now the City of Olympia and at the Olympia campus of The Evergreen State College spans thousands of years. The ancestral families who lived and thrived here: They named Budd Inlet Steh-Chass, and they named Eld Inlet where the campus is located Squi’Aitle. Today, the Squaxin Island Tribe continues to live on and steward the lands and waters of the Southern Salish Sea. We acknowledge the Squaxin Island Tribe as it continues to live on and steward these lands and waters.

We acknowledge that the Tacoma campus of The Evergreen State College is on the traditional homelands of the Puyallup Tribe.

The Puyallup people have lived on and stewarded these lands since the beginning of time, and continue to do so today. We recognize that this acknowledgment is one small step toward true allyship and we commit to uplifting the voices, experiences, and histories of Indigenous people of this land and beyond.

Learn more about our Tribal Land Acknowledgements

We respect and acknowledge the Squaxin Island and Puyallup Tribes, and other Tribes across the Americas, and their many contributions to The Evergreen State College (in support of education, tribal sovereignty, environmental stewardship). This acknowledgment is one small step towards respect and collaboration with the aim of uplifting voices, cultures and histories of the Tribes of these lands and waters.

Welcome

to Evergreen!

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

Welcome to your

2025

Orientation!

New Student Orientation supports you and your families through finding your path and becoming successful and lifelong members of the Evergreen community. A team of dedicated staff, faculty, and students is here to help you on your journey. Our goal is to support you in navigating Evergreen, thriving in college, thriving in community, and getting a better understanding of the academic experience here.

New Greener Required Session Checklist

Time and location of all required sessions are highlighted in red and can be found on the back of your name tag.

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F Find Your Way: Orientation Starts Here F Greener Welcome Fest F Thriving in Community Session F Faculty-Student Workshops F Academic Address

Accessibility and Accommodation

We strive to host inclusive, accessible Orientation events that enable all individuals, including individuals with disabilities, to engage fully by: 1. providing open captioning for all required sessions 2. asking all attendees to refrain from wearing strong fragrances 3. indicating activities that include:

K prolonged weather exposure 🔊 amplified sound Jf large crowds To request accommodation or inquire about accessibility, please contact Access Services for Students with Disabilities as soon as possible before the events. Call (360) 867-6348 or TTY (360) 867-6834.

Have a question?

Find a person in a green geoduck guide shirt to ask any questions, get connected to resources, and find what you are looking for.

Photography / Videography Notice

College staff will be taking photos and videos of Welcome Week events and activities.

These photos and videos may be shared online and in-print for promotional materials.

If you do not wish to be the primary subject of the photos and videos, you may request an alternative nametag lanyard that will signal your preference to college staff.

Thursday, September 25 • New Student Orientation 10 a.m.–1 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.

10 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Resource Fair (Costantino Recreation Center) Connect with the departments that will be key to your success at Evergreen.

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1–3 p.m. Find Your Way: Orientation Starts Here 3 (Costantino Recreation Center) 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.

1–3 p.m. 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.

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3–4:30 p.m. Greener Welcome Fest 3 (CRC - Amphitheater) 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. Dinner Break

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7– 9 p.m. 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!

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7– 8:30 p.m. 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)

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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

MKL

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.

Friday, September 26 • New Student Orientation 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. Lunch Break

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12:30 – 2:30 p.m. Evergreen Women’s Soccer Game (Geoduck Pitch) Head to the field to support Evergreen’s Women’s Soccer team as they play against Carroll College!

1– 3 p.m. 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.

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3–5 p.m. Evergreen Men’s Soccer Game (Geoduck Pitch)

Head to the field to support Evergreen’s Men’s Soccer team as they play against Carroll College.

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4– 5 p.m. Get to Know Campus Tours (meet at Clock Tower) 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. Dinner Break

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6 –8 p.m. What is Truth?: Journalism, Podcasting, and Nuanced Storytelling in the Pacific Northwest (COM Recital Hall) 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.

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8 –10 p.m. Rocky Horror Picture Show (Purce Hall 1) 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 27 • Saturday Orientation 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.

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8:30 – 9:30 a.m. Resource Fair and Breakfast (Costantino Recreation Center) Connect with the departments that will be key to your success at Evergreen.

10 –11 a.m. Academic Address: “Public Media, Public Good: Aiming for Truth in Audio Storytelling” 3 (Costantino Recreation Center) 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.

11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. 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.

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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.

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12:30 – 2:30 p.m. Evergreen Women’s Soccer Game (Geoduck Pitch) Head to the field to support Evergreen’s Women’s Soccer team as they play against Rocky Mountain College.

12:30 –1 p.m. Lunch Break

1– 3 p.m. 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 – 4 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.

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3 – 5 p.m. Evergreen Men’s Soccer Game (Geoduck Pitch) Head to the field to support Evergreen’s Men’s Soccer team as they play against Rocky Mountain College.

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4 – 5 p.m. Get to Know Campus Tours (meet at Clock Tower) 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.

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4 – 6 p.m. Disco Jumbo Game Night (Red Square) Close out Orientation with giant lawn games, music, and more. Hosted by your student government Geoduck Student Union

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7 – 9 p.m. Film Night: Nausicaa of The Valley of the Wind (Purce Hall 1) Come relax and enjoy the classic Studio Ghibli film hosted by the Center for Climate Action and Sustainability (CCAS) with free popcorn!

Sunday, September 28 • Kick-Back Before Day 1 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.

Learning At Evergreen

After Orientation

Seminar 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.

Get your geoducks in a row: Tips for new students

Interdisciplinary work 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 framing questions.” – Elaine Scarry

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!

Fall 2025 Deadlines To Know

• Tuition Due Date: October 3

• Withdrawal Deadline: October 3

• Registration for Winter Quarter Opens: December 8

Check-In With Yourself – What Support Do You Need?

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.

evergreen.edu/orientation

Beach Trail

Trail

Trail

Stream

Bushhoowah-ahlee Point

Beach Trail

Beach Trail

F-LOT First-year Student Housing

ADA Parking

CENTRAL RECEIVING

FIBER ARTS STUDIO

Housing

EVANS HALL

Library | Admissions 1st Floor

Accessible Housing

CARVING STUDIO Ethnobotanical Garden

Waterwise Pollinator

Maintenance Shops

COSTANTINO RECREATION CENTER

HOUSE OF WELCOME

RED SQUARE PURCE HALL

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ORGANIC FARM

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C-LOT

B-LOT

MAIN ENTRANCE

PARKING AREA

ACCESSIBLE

ACCESSIBLE ROUTE

DIAL-A-RIDE

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

Arts Annex (ARTS)

Arts and Sciences (LAB II)

College Activities Bldg (CAB)

Costantino Recreation Center (CRC)

Library (LIB) House of Welcome (HW)

Housing Community Center (HCC)

Seminar 1 (SEM I)

Children’s Center

Communications Lab (COM)

Student Residences (DORM) Student Residences (MODS) Student Residences (SOUP) Arts and Sciences (LAB I)

Purce Hall (PH)

Organic Farm

Seminar 2 (SEM II)

Athletic & Recreation Fields Parking (B, C, F-LOTS) Red Square

EMERGENCY PHONE

CAMPUS INFORMATION

FOREST AREAS

DESIGNATED SMOKING AREAS