Overview of Evergreen State College
The Evergreen State College, located in Olympia, Washington, is a public liberal arts institution known for its innovative and interdisciplinary approach to education. Established in 1967, Evergreen has developed a reputation for its commitment to experiential learning, emphasis on collaboration, and dedication to social justice. The college’s distinctive academic model encourages students to explore topics across disciplines, fostering a dynamic and engaged learning community.
Academic Programs: Evergreen State College offers a unique and interdisciplinary academic model that departs from traditional departmental structures. Instead of a fixed curriculum, students engage in interdisciplinary programs that are organized around themes or topics. These programs, often team-taught by faculty from different disciplines, encourage students to explore complex issues from multiple perspectives.
The academic structure includes full-time faculty, part-time faculty, and academic deans who collaborate to design and implement the curriculum. This collaborative approach reflects Evergreen’s commitment to breaking down disciplinary boundaries and promoting a holistic understanding of subjects.
Interdisciplinary Programs: Evergreen’s interdisciplinary programs are at the core of its educational philosophy. These programs, known as “programs of study,” cover a wide range of topics, from environmental science to social justice to arts and media studies. Students can design their own academic pathways or choose from existing programs that align with their interests.
The emphasis on interdisciplinary learning allows students to see the connections between different fields of study and fosters critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills. The college’s commitment to innovation in education is reflected in its approach to program design and the ever-evolving nature of its academic offerings.
Experiential Learning: Evergreen State College places a strong emphasis on experiential learning, encouraging students to apply their knowledge in real-world contexts. The college believes that hands-on experiences are essential for deepening understanding and developing practical skills.
Field studies, internships, community-based projects, and collaborative research opportunities are integral components of the Evergreen experience. These opportunities allow students to engage with communities, organizations, and industries, bridging the gap between theory and practice.
Narrative Evaluations: Rather than relying solely on traditional grades, Evergreen uses narrative evaluations as a primary mode of assessment. Faculty provide detailed written assessments of students’ work, emphasizing strengths, areas for improvement, and the depth of their engagement with course material.
This approach to evaluation aligns with Evergreen’s commitment to personalized and student-centered education. It provides students with meaningful feedback and encourages a reflective and self-directed approach to learning.
Social Justice and Inclusivity: Evergreen State College has a strong commitment to social justice and inclusivity. The college actively works to create an environment that values diversity and promotes equity. This commitment is reflected in its curricular offerings, campus policies, and support services.
The college’s dedication to inclusivity is evident in initiatives such as the Longhouse Education and Cultural Center, which serves as a hub for Native American and indigenous programming. Evergreen strives to create a campus culture that embraces and celebrates diversity in all its forms.
Student Activism and Civic Engagement: Evergreen has a history of student activism and civic engagement. The college encourages students to be active participants in shaping their educational experience and the broader community. Student organizations, clubs, and activities provide avenues for students to express their voices, organize events, and contribute to social change.
The college’s commitment to civic engagement extends to its curriculum, which often includes opportunities for students to explore social and political issues and develop the skills necessary for effective activism and advocacy.
Environmental Sustainability: Evergreen State College places a strong emphasis on environmental sustainability. The campus is designed with eco-friendly features, and the college actively incorporates sustainability into its curriculum. Students have opportunities to engage in environmental studies, ecological research, and sustainability projects.
The Organic Farm at Evergreen serves as an educational resource and provides hands-on learning opportunities related to sustainable agriculture. The emphasis on environmental consciousness aligns with Evergreen’s commitment to fostering a sense of responsibility for the planet.
Conclusion: Evergreen State College stands as a dynamic and innovative institution that challenges traditional approaches to education. Its commitment to interdisciplinary learning, experiential education, social justice, and inclusivity creates a vibrant and engaged learning community. Evergreen continues to attract students who value a personalized, collaborative, and hands-on educational experience, preparing them to be critical thinkers and active contributors to a diverse and interconnected world.
2700 Evergreen Parkway NW Olympia, WA 98505
Phone: (360) 867-6170
Email: admissions@evergreen.edu
Web site: http://www.evergreen.edu
Rankings: Evergreen State College
Located in Olympia, WA, Evergreen State College is one of the best universities in the state of Washington. On this page, you will find in-depth rankings for Evergreen State College in the following areas: graduation rates, teaching resources, financing opportunities, and alumni donations. Latest acceptance rate is also given to show how competitive is Evergreen State College.
| Rankings, Ratings, and Admissions Statistics | |
| Overall Ranking: | 29 |
| Score: | 41 |
| Peer college rating (out of 5) | 3.1 |
| Graduation and retention ranking: | 28 |
| Average freshman retention rate: | 69.0% |
| 6-year graduation rate: | 58.5% |
| Predicted graduation rate: | N/A |
| Overperformance(+)/Underperformance(-): | N/A |
| Faculty resources ranking: | 88 |
| Classes with under 20 students (2020): | 32.8% |
| Classes with 50 or more students (2020): | 11.6% |
| Student faculty ratio (2020): | 22:1 |
| Percent of faculty who are full-time (2020) | 86.2% |
| Student selectivity ranking: | 69 |
| SAT/ACT 25th-75th percentile (2020) | 1000-1260 |
| 2020 Freshmen in top 10 percent of high school class: | 9% |
| Freshmen in top 25 percent of high school class (2020): | 22% |
| Fall 2020 Acceptance rate: | 94.3% |
| Financial resources rank: | 43 |
| Alumni giving rank: | 46 |
| Average alumni giving rate (2020): | 7.7% |
Essential Facts: Evergreen State College
- The Evergreen State College has earned a national reputation for innovative teaching, academic excellence, environmental leadership, exceptional value, a welcoming campus culture, and more.
- In 2018 the Peace Corps ranked The Evergreen State College as No. 4 among small schools on the agency’s Top Volunteer-Producing Colleges and Universities list.
- Evergreen State College has a total undergraduate enrollment of 3,018, with a gender distribution of 42 percent male students and 58 percent female students.
Rules and regulations Sports Activities
| General Information | |
| Percent of undergraduate students who live in college-owned, operated, or affiliated housing: | 22% |
| Percent of undergraduates who are members of a fraternity: | 0% |
| Percent of student body who are members of a sorority: | 0% |
| Average percentage of students on campus during weekends: | 80% |
| Are all students permitted to have cars on campus? | Yes |
| Percent of students who have cars on campus: | 36% |
| Is alcohol permitted on campus for students of legal age? | Yes |
| Additional policies and regulations: | class attendance policies set by individual instructors, other |
| Collegiate athletic association: | NAIA |
| Men’s scholarship sports: | basketball, cross country, soccer |
| Women’s scholarship sports: | basketball, cross country, soccer, volleyball |
| Student activities: | choral groups, dance, drama/theater, literary magazine, music ensembles, pep band, radio station, student government, student newspaper, student film society |