Connecting to the Network
About Network Connections at Evergreen
All college-owned computers at Evergreen are networked. This allows the computers to communicate electronically to other computers and devices, both on the campus and on the Internet.
Computers may connect to the college network in one of two ways: Via a wired network cable plugged into a network port (Ethernet), or via Wi-Fi.
Please remember that connecting to the College's networks is subject to the Appropriate Use of Information Technology Resources policy.
Wired Connections (Ethernet)
Generally speaking, the use of wired connections is reserved for stationary college-owned computers, such as those found in the Library and Computer Labs. Printers and other college-owned devices may have wired connections to the network. While there are some network ports available for general use in common areas, most of those ports are no longer connected to the network.
One exception to this general rule is in the use of the podiums within classrooms, used by presenters. These podiums offer some wired connections for those needing to connect a device to the network as they present.
Wi-Fi (wireless) connections
The Evergreen State College offers free wireless networking inside nearly all buildings on campus, both in Olympia and Tacoma. Users may see a variety of wireless networks available when they attempt to connect, but only two of them are intended for general purpose access.
TESCWireless
The TESCWireless network offers free access to anyone on the campus and does not require a password to connect. This network is intended for use by anyone, including members of the public and other visitors. Network data that is sent and received on TESCWireless is not encrypted while "in flight" so users should be cautious about sharing private information while using this network. (Note that the network encryption is separate from the encryption offered when connecting to secure websites, and those are still considered encrypted even while "in flight".) You can tell whether you are on a secure website by looking for the HTTPS:// at the beginning of the web address and also looking for a lock icon in the address bar of your browser.
Evergreen Secure
In 2024 the college introduced the Evergreen Secure wireless network. This network does encrypt traffic while "in flight" between your device and the network's Wireless Access Points. The encryption is based on your username and password, so it is intended for those who have network accounts with the college, such as Students and Employees. As such, you will be asked to provide your network credentials when connecting. You may also be asked to accept / trust a Certificate when connecting. This is a digital Certificate that asserts the identity of the College's network authentication server. (See Technical Notes, below for additional detail.)
Additionally, the Evergreen Secure wireless network offers privileged access to some college resources, if you are using a college-owned computer when connecting. This includes printers, and network file shares.
Additional Resources
Technical Notes
The Certificate presented by the Evergreen Secure wireless network should show the following details if examined:
- Subject Common Name: oly-clearpass
- Organizational Unit: Network Services
- Organization: The Evergreen State College
- Issuer Common Name: oly-clearpass
- Serial Number: 6C 03 0C C9 CC A0 4C 29 67 DA ED BE 44 BF 2C 5C EE B7 71 5F
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