New Student Orientation

Programs that help you become a successful Evergreen student. 

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A large group of students in the CRC amplithearter at new student orientation

Welcome New Geoducks!

We're excited to have you join us at Welcome Week this Fall. It's the perfect time to dive into campus life and kickstart your academic journey.

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, experiencing the community, and getting a better understanding of the academic experience at The Evergreen State College.

Evergreen's Orientation Programs

By the end of the New Student Orientation, students will:

  • Understand academic requirements, set educational goals, and identify resources to support their success
  • Become familiar with college facilities and student success services while connecting with classmates, faculty, and staff
  • Learn about their rights and responsibilities within the college community and explore strategies for personal growth and academic success, gaining confidence to navigate their college experience

Plan for your New Student Orientation

Whether you're a new student, transferring from another institution, or returning to Evergreen; attending the New Student Orientation is essential, as it offers vital information, resources, and connections to support your success. Check your Evergreen student email for an invitation to this important event.

Fall 2025
New Student Orientation Dates

Check your Evergreen student email for an invitations to New Student Preparation and Pre-Orientation.

New Student Preparation

These virtual sessions are designed to help you smoothly navigate your academic journey and learn essential skills and procedures for a successful start at The Evergreen State College.

  • Wednesday, May 7
  • Tuesday, June 24
  • Wednesday, July 23
  • Wednesday, August 13

Pre-Orientation

Meet the Evergreen community, explore our beautiful 1,000-acre Olympia campus, and learn about local resources. For more information visit Pre-Orientation

  • Campus Housing Move: September 20
  • Parents and Family Pre-Orientation: September 20
  • Pre-Orientation: September 20 - 24

New Student Orientation

  • Campus Housing Move-in: September 24
  • Parents and Family Orientation: September 24 & 25
  • College Welcome Fest: September 25
  • Saturday Orientation: September 27

*Dates and times can change due to unforeseen circumstances. Updates will be sent to the your Evergreen student email.

Parents and Families

We understand that students are only part of the equation for a successful transition to college life. You, our new Geoduck families, play a vital role in this journey. To support you, and pick the Parents & Families Orientation dates that best suits your schedule, please visit Parents and Families. Together, we can ensure a smooth and enriching experience for everyone involved.

Parents and Families

Students sitting in a circle outside

New Student Handbook

Whether you're new to Evergreen or returning for another year, we're here to help you make the most of your educational journey.

Our New Student Handbook is packed with resources and tips to guide you every step of the way as you work towards your degree. Dig deep and discover everything you need to succeed at Evergreen.

New Student Handbook

Get Your Geoducks in a Row

Required Steps to Register for Class

  1. Activate your Evergreen Account & Email
    1. Remember to validate your account to complete activation
  2. Apply for Campus Housing
  3. Connect with New Student Advising
  4. Complete your Health Forms with Health and Wellness
  5. Attend the Academic Fair

Steps to Complete Before Orientation

  1. Register for your required New Student Orientation
    1. Check your Evergreen student email and your personal email for an invitation
  2. Register for Class
    1. Learn when you should register: Academic Calendar
    2. Decide which class you want: Academic Catalog
    3. See which classes are open: Enrollment Report
  3. Get your Student ID
  4. Pay for Parking
  5. Accept your Financial Aid Award
  6. Get your books and supplies at The Greener Bookstore
Missing an Email or Invitation?

Check your spam or junk folders for "Evergreen" to locate missing communications.

Advising and Registration
for New First-Year and Transfer Students  

Check the Academic Calendar and your Evergreen student email for all upcoming events for new first-year transfer students. Contact New Student Advising for degree planning and class selections.

Transitioning to academic life
Greener Foundations

Designed for students new to college, register for Greener Foundations to connect with the Evergreen community, learn about campus resources and opportunities, and develop skills essential for academic success while discovering your own purpose and potential at Evergreen.

Greener Foundations

Find Help
Advising, Financial Aid, and Registration
Ways we can assist you

New Student Advising
  • Make plans for your education and beyond
  • Select programs to complete your degree
  • Support with resumes or letters of interest
Financial Aid
  • Learn how to pay for college
  • Complete your FASFA / WASFA
  • See timelines for priority filling
Registration and Records
  • Register for classes
  • Declare your degree
  • Learn about Academic Fairs

Graduate, International, Native Pathways, and Tacoma Students

Once admitted, you will be contacted directly by the Graduate, International, Native Pathways, and Tacoma Student programs. They will provide you with detailed information about New Student Orientation activities, ensuring you have all the support and guidance you need to start your journey.

Graduate Studies

Master in Teaching
mit@evergreen.edu
(360) 867-6559

Master of Public Administration
mpa@evergreen.edu
(360) 338-5771

Master of Environmental Studies
mes@evergreen.edu
(360) 867-6225

Master of Public Administration Tribal Governance and Tacoma Cohort
nihoap@evergreen.edu
(360) 867-6202

International Students

International students receive information directly from International Programs and Services.

Assistant Director of International Programs and Services
Brynn Smith | (360) 867-6421

Tacoma Students

Academic Dean of Evergreen Tacoma
Dr. Marcia Tate Arunga | (253) 680-3000

Native Pathways Program

Director of Native Pathways Program
Dawn Barron |  (360) 867-6286

New Student Programs

Location

Office Hours