Art and design thrive through diversity.
We are a community comprised of beliefs and backgrounds from every corner of the world. That’s why we elevate, support, and empower our students, alumni, faculty, staff, and supporters to celebrate their differences in an environment of trust and respect. Art and design exist and thrive through diversity.
Diversity of thought and perspective shapes cultures and conversations. It comprises the foundation on which Ringling College is built. Every community member adds to who we are: a dedicated, curious, quirky, and talented blend of creatives. We are relentless in our pursuit of brilliance and uncompromising in our values of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
And you are welcome here.
“Diversity and inclusion are core principles at Ringling College of Art and Design. As evidence of that belief, we are dedicated to ensuring and fostering expansive thought and creative open-mindedness with respect to the magnificent diversity of our students, faculty, and staff.”
Dr. Larry R. ThompsonPresident, Ringling College of Art and Design
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Resources
Our Mission
The Diversity and Inclusion Committee
Mission
The Committee on Diversity and Inclusion was organized to elevate our welcoming campus climate, which supports the rights of all individuals and reflects respect for diverse cultures, backgrounds, and ideas.
Since the Spring semester of 2024, the Committee has begun identifying ways for Ringling College to further embrace and share our campus culture as one of inclusion and support for the diversity of all people within our campus community. This is done through the support of programming, communication, mentoring, modeling, and education.
Principles that define our community:
- We strive to be a diverse educational environment of inclusive acceptance.
- We celebrate our diversity.
- We are a community that embraces learning from the differences in people, ideas, and opinions.
- We are a campus community of shared responsibility, working together to enable each person to learn, grow, and realize their full potential.
- We care about each other, each other’s feelings, and each other’s successes.
- We value fairness.
- We respect the dignity and humanity of each other and work to treat each other with civility.
- We value kindness.
- We nurture the uniqueness of each individual.
- We value engagement and encourage contribution to this community through leadership and service—through the sharing of the unique creative talents and gifts that each member of the community brings.
- We encourage responsible decisions and actions, ones that will hopefully make you, your family, your friends, and Ringling College proud.
- We care about this special place called Ringling College of Art and Design and all members of our community.
- We strive to be a diverse educational environment of inclusive acceptance.
- We celebrate our diversity.
- We are a community that embraces learning from the differences in people, ideas, and opinions.
- We are a campus community of shared responsibility, working together to enable each person to learn, grow, and realize their full potential.
- We care about each other, each other’s feelings, and each other’s successes.
- We value fairness.
- We respect the dignity and humanity of each other and work to treat each other with civility.
- We value kindness.
- We nurture the uniqueness of each individual.
- We value engagement and encourage contribution to this community through leadership and service—through the sharing of the unique creative talents and gifts that each member of the community brings.
- We encourage responsible decisions and actions, ones that will hopefully make you, your family, your friends, and Ringling College proud.
- We care about this special place called Ringling College of Art and Design and all members of our community.
Fostering a Diverse Student Community
At the heart of our mission is the commitment to enrich our student body by welcoming individuals from historically underrepresented backgrounds and building a vibrant, inclusive environment.
Fall 2024 Student Diversity Highlights:
20.3
of our first-year students are international, marking a 0.4% increase from Fall 2023.
43.5
of our first-year students come from historically underrepresented groups, a notable 10% increase from the previous year.
Our commitment to diversity is also reflected in the broad range of backgrounds our students bring to campus.
These figures highlight our ongoing efforts to build a campus that embraces and celebrates diversity, enhancing the educational experience for everyone.
Students from
47
states across the United States
Students from
58
countries around the world
Land Acknowledgement
Ringling College of Art and Design would like to acknowledge the land each of us uses today is the original homelands of Indigenous and tribal nations. Today, the state of Florida is home to the Seminole, Miccosukee, Muscogee, and Choctaw, and to individuals of many other Native groups. We honor and respect the many diverse Indigenous peoples still connected to this land. We pay respect to the resiliency of their tribal members, past and present, and to all Indigenous peoples.
Bias Incident Reporting
Ringling College of Art and Design is committed to creating and maintaining a community in which students, faculty, and staff can work together in an atmosphere free from all forms of discrimination. For further information on reporting, visit our Title IX page.
Diversity at Ringling
Join us in making Ringling College more inclusive
Learn more about our diversity and inclusion efforts at Ringling College.
Everyone is welcome.
We’re here to support you.
