It’s that time again: Students are arriving on campus for the 2026 fall semester, and everyone is finding their footing and looking forward to the coming academic year.
After opening early for new international students, residence halls began welcoming all new residential students for move-in day on Aug. 12, kicking off a week-long new student orientation. Move-in day for returning students, Friday Aug. 14, included Family Museum Day, with shuttles and free admission to the Sarasota Art Museum.
Incoming new students represent 35 U.S. states and 21 countries; overall, the total student body now represents more than 50 countries and almost every state in America. There are currently 46 Davis United World Colleges scholarship recipients enrolled at Ringling College for the upcoming semester, honoring a 54-year-old program created at the height of the Cold War to bring young people together and build compassion.
The first week of classes, starting Aug. 17, also includes extracurricular events and opportunities. “Wonderful Wednesday” on Aug. 19 welcomes students to participate in a service project with the Ringling Volunteer Opportunities team (RVO) while learning more about their on-campus and community projects.
On Saturday, Aug. 22, all students are invited to the Welcome Back Bash, hosted by the Student Activities Department.
In addition to New Student Orientation events and services, all students have ongoing access to Ringling College’s Student Life Department, which offers a comprehensive array of activities and services to facilitate comfort, wellness, and engagement throughout the Ringling community.
In addition to advisors, health services, and public safety, Student Support Services include:
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- The Center for Student Success, which focuses on multicultural student engagement.
- Student Access Services (SAS), which facilitates access and resources for all students, faculty and staff across academic and campus life.
- The Student Learning Center (SLC), which offers free academic support for all students.
More than 70% of Ringling students live on campus, a significantly higher percentage than at most four-year undergraduate schools. While here, Ringling students can find community and engagement in an extensive list of activities and student-run clubs, with countless opportunities to build enriching, rewarding experiences inside the classroom and out.
