The Evergreen State College

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Students Say - Academics
The Evergreen State College takes a decidedly different approach to higher education. At this small public school, there are no grades. Collaboration is encouraged, and coursework is entirely interdisciplinary. Each term, Evergreen students sign up for one course or "program," through which a single topic is explored by a team of teachers from a variety of different subject areas. Many students choose Evergreen precisely for this type of academic freedom, saying it's the right school for "students who want to engineer their education instead of being handed a list of requirements and sent on their way." A current student elaborates, "the interdisciplinary programs have allowed me to learn things I would never have expected-like microscopy in an art class or critical theory in a history class. It's allowed me to find what I'm truly passionate about and pursue it." On this "green" campus, the environmental studies program is very strong, and the "forest land is often utilized for learning experiences." In fact, "field trips are common" in many programs, and there is an "emphasis on group projects and on hands-on work here. At Evergreen you learn by doing, not just by reading about it." Usually addressed by their first name, "the professors at Evergreen are more than teachers; they are your partner in education and dedicate themselves to facilitating the students' learning." By the same token, students say it's important to do a little research before signing up for courses because "a personal dispute with a professor can be a big problem."

Students Say - Campus Life
There is no Greek system and no football team, but that doesn't mean the Evergreen campus lacks spirit, pride, or culture. On the contrary, "there is always something going on" at Evergreen, and, for those living on campus, "social life is very vivid." With acres of pristine forest surrounding the school grounds, "many students go walking in the woods to socialize, unwind, and appreciate its almost natural state." In addition, outdoorsy activities like "hiking, kayaking, biking, and snowboarding" are popular pastimes. On campus, "there are clubs and student organizations for pretty much anything you can imagine, from the 'Evergreen Jesus Folk' to the local SDS chapter." A student enthuses, "I've also started trying tons of new activities since I got here. Now I go to yoga twice a week; I go rock climbing all the time; I go swimming a bunch and to the sauna; I go down to the beach and into the woods pretty frequently; [and] I do a lot more bike riding and reading." There is a modest party scene on and off campus, yet Evergreen students tend toward mellower activities. In their free time, "most people take the bus or ride their bikes downtown to see a show or have a meal at a café," and potluck dinner parties are "one of the main social outlets in Olympia." For those who like to boogie, "there are a lot of musicians on campus, and there is a thriving music scene in Olympia."

Students Say - Student Body
Evergreen is a "quirky" college, and, as such, it tends to attract students looking for something other than the classic undergraduate experience. There is "no typical student" at Evergreen, but you'll definitely meet your share of "hipster, coffee-shop types" and "Earth-friendly, artsy types" at this alternative school. A sophomore jokes, "I'm not sure what you would have to wear to not fit in at Evergreen-maybe a suit and tie?" Politically and socially, "the student body definitely swings left, with a large portion of students interested in environmental conservation, organic farming, LGBT rights, and Eastern philosophy and religion." While "hiking boots, sweaters, and bicycles are everywhere," students say there is more diversity at Evergreen than meets the eye. A current student shares, "I have had classes with any type of student one can imagine. I've had seminar with WWII Navy veterans sitting next to radical freshman activists." On that note, Evergreen attracts many returning students, and undergraduates "range from young to old, experienced in life to just out of high school, living with parents to having children of their own."

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