A Green College for Independent Learners
Evergreen State as an Option for Environmentally Conscious Students
Located in the depths of a Washington forest is Evergreen State College. The location is not the only unique feature of this college. The college attracts students who want a different type of learning experience with an emphasis on a green environment.
Programs vs. Classes
At most colleges students take a handful of classes, including generals, electives and major requirements. At Evergreen students take programs which are themes taught in an interdisciplinary manner. Professors from various departments teach a theme from their academic advantage. This style of education assists the students to learn a topic from multiple angles.
The programs are not always taught through lecture. Students integrate learning in multiple forms, including learning communities, seminars, labs, and independent research.
Alternative Form of Grading
Students at Evergreen do not work for tradition grades of A, B, C, or D. Because the main focus of Evergreen is individual learning, the students are evaluated rather than receiving grades. Evergreen students provide their professors with a self evaluation and receive a thorough written evaluation from the professor. The main basis of the evaluation is how students are able to integrate what they have learned, what are their own beliefs, and how to make personal application of the two to apply in a real world application.
Emphasis on the Environment
Evergreen is a green college, meaning that the green concept flows through student learning and living. Many programs will integrate environmental impacts into a program; however, students carry the green concept into their personal lives at Evergreen. Students recently agreed to add a green fee to their tuition bill to fund green power. Additionally, the campus offers an organic farm, sustainable communities, and a bike shop. The shop allows all interested to learn how to repair bikes and learn more about alternative transportation. Interested students may want to check out the composting toilet located near the community gardens, which was a developed through a student project.
Student activities at Evergreen are reflective of the environment. Take for instance the Global Medical Brigade. This student-run club assists with providing clean water to underprivileged countries. Other clubs with a green attitude include Evergreen Students for Sustainable Animal Agriculture, Clean Energy Committee, Sabot Infoshoppe, Students at Evergreen for Ecological Design, and many more.
Evergreen offers students a noncompetitive approach to learning. Students are responsible for their own learning and designing their own programming for a degree. Personal responsibility for the environment is a common theme in learning and living. Students who thrive at Evergreen are independent and environmentally conscious.
Evergreen State College
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