Getting Ready for Fall 2021
With the goal of becoming a fully vaccinated college by fall 2021, Evergreen is preparing to welcome students, staff and faculty in person on its campuses in September.
“We’re excited for fall quarter,” said Evergreen President John Carmichael. “We have a great mix of programs that will offer students as much in person as health and safety conditions permit.”
Evergreen has joined every Washington public four-year college in requiring COVID vaccinations for students, staff and faculty this fall. Under Governor Inslee’s health and safety guidelines for higher education, fully vaccinated colleges will be safe to teach and learn in person.
Even as a fully vaccinated campus, however, masks will be required indoors as recommended by state and local health authorities. Evergreen currently requires masks indoors in public spaces. That requirement may expand if needed. Those who are granted exemptions from the vaccine for medical or religious reasons will be required to mask up in all locations, following state guidelines.
As the summer progresses, Evergreen facilities crews are busy sprucing up the 1000-acre Olympia campus, upgrading HVAC systems and finishing work on a new student health and wellness center.
For those planning to live on campus, move-in for fall quarter is scheduled for Sept. 23 and 24. Prior to check-in on those dates, students can complete the Evergreen COVID-19 vaccine requirement by having proof of vaccine or have an approved exemption. More information on campus living and COVID-19 requirements are available on the college’s housing website.
Geoduck athletes have already made their way back to campus. Evergreen has 60 athletes returning for fall sports like soccer and volleyball.
A Greener favorite that can that doesn’t have to wait until fall is certified organic produce cultivated by Evergreen’s organic farming program. The Farm Stand, located at 2712 Lewis Road Northwest in Olympia, is open to the public from 3 to 6 p.m. every Thursday.
The farm now has the ability for customers to order online starting at noon each Monday and ending at noon that Wednesday for Thursday pickup. The farm also has a community supported agriculture program where produce boxes filled with fresh organic fruits, vegetables, herbs and flowers grown and harvested on campus by students can be purchased weekly, bi-weekly or as regularly as needed. The college is working to reach more of the community with its delicious produce by applying with the federal government to accept Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits. Learn more about Evergreen’s Organic Farm by visiting its webpage.
Since 1971, The Evergreen State College has evolved to meet the changing needs of students who want to create and learn on their own terms. Students continue to drive Evergreen forward by pursuing their passions and making connections that drive all of us towards a brighter future.
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