academics

• "One of the best things about Evergreen is if you really show an interest in something, there will be faculty who allow you space and time to develop that and go crazy on it."
  — DJ Cox, student
• "We prepare students to be flexible, to be creative, to operate professionally, to be self-confident, to communicate well—verbally and in writing—to be reliable, and to be good collaborators."
  — Sally Cloninger, Ph.D., Communications/Film faculty
• "Evergreen changed my life. As a student, you're well trained and treated with respect. I always felt at a competitive advantage because of my education."
  — Chris Baggott ’83, founding partner, ExactTarget and Compendium Blogware

Learning at Evergreen

The faculty at Evergreen have transformed traditional education into an unmatched learning experience.

Instead of taking four or five separate, unrelated classes each quarter, you’ll take one program that unifies these classes around a central theme, taught by two or three faculty from different academic disciplines. Since you do all of your academic work in one program, your faculty team will know how much work is being assigned to you, so there’s no possibility of two tests on the same day or having to choose between a field trip and a conflicting class. This interdisciplinary approach sets learning at Evergreen apart from other colleges.

Your learning is more important than a letter grade.

The noncompetitive learning environment fosters collaboration and will allow you to truly reflect on what you have learned. At the end of every quarter you will meet with your faculty member to discuss your progress one-on-one because the narrative evaluation documents your achievements.

Make critical connections between academic subjects and study those subjects in a real-world context.

As you explore areas of study, Evergreen’s interdisciplinary programs will provide you with connections and context. You’ll be encouraged to learn theories and apply what you’ve learned to real-world issues, events or problems. Individual study and research and study abroad opportunities will add depth and enrich your education.

Part time programs and individual courses

offered through Evening and Weekend Studies make learning accessible, affordable and convenient. Evergreen’s Tacoma program and the Reservation-Based Community-Determined program offer two additional study options for college transfer students. Evergreen also offers four graduate studies programs: Education, Environmental Studies, Public Administration and Teaching.

Succeeding at Evergreen

Planning your academic success is taken seriously by professors and staff. You will work with your faculty and an academic advisor to develop an educational plan that fits your needs, interests and future goals. You have the entire curriculum from which you may make your academic selections and you aren’t limited to fulfilling graduation unit requirements. The counselors in Student and Academic Support Services offer academic advising, career development and multicultural services. We also provide support for first-generation college students and access services for students with disabilities.

The Quantitative & Symbolic Reasoning Center (or QuaSR) staff and tutors have created a safe environment where you can learn the analytic skills needed for success in your academic program and in life. The Writing Center staff and peer tutors are dedicated to your growth as a writer. The Writing Center promotes writing as a form of effective communication and a critical foundation for academic and career success.