Fostering an inclusive community at Ringling College
Everyone is welcome here!
At Ringling College of Art and Design, we’re all about developing well-rounded students who are not only skilled artists but also ethical and equity-minded. That’s why we opened the Center for Diversity and Inclusion (CDI) in August 2019—to really push forward with our commitment to diversity and inclusion for everyone on our vibrant campus.
Our students explore all aspects of diversity through creativity and self-expression. They practice cultural awareness and tackle challenging conversations and decisions that drive meaningful change.
The CDI is all about helping students make a real difference in the world. We’re here to support a positive cultural shift and celebrate diversity both on campus and in the broader community. From engaging with our diverse campus community to exploring artistic opportunities in the community, we’re dedicated to fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment for all.
What We Do
The Center for Diversity and Inclusion (CDI) is dedicated to enriching the Ringling campus community through a diverse range of intercultural educational programming, events, and social justice and art initiatives. Our efforts aim to advance education and awareness on diversity, equity, and inclusion, while nurturing a welcoming and inclusive campus environment.
The CDI offers valuable resources and dynamic, interactive spaces for support and learning. These safe spaces are designed to foster meaningful discussions and education on topics such as diversity, equity, inclusion, intersectionality, and the arts.
Our Mission:
To cultivate an engaged campus climate built on care and respect, where every member of the college community has access to opportunity, representation, equity, and a strong sense of belonging.
2023- 2024 Progress Report:
This year, the CDI has made significant strides in fostering collaboration and community engagement. We are excited to share our accomplishments:
105
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion events held on campus.
34
Event Collaborators
2951
Event Attendees
Thank you to everyone who has participated and contributed to our success!
2024-2025
Ringling College Diversity Calendar
At Ringling College, we dedicate specific months and weeks throughout the academic year to celebrate the rich heritage, traditions, and identities of our community.We invite all student organizations, faculty, and staff to participate in this wonderful opportunity to honor and celebrate the traditions, cultures, and identities of our students!
Fall 2024
September
Hispanic & Latine Heritage Month
Hispanic & Latine Heritage Month recognizes the contributions and influence of Hispanic and Latine communities to the history, culture, and achievements of the U.S.
October
LGBTQ+ History Month
LGBT+ History Month is an annual month-long observance of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender history, and the history of the gay rights and related civil rights movements.
October 7-13
Out at Ringling Week
October 14-20
Indigenous Culture Week
October 21-27
Gender Diversity Week
November
Native American Heritage Month
Native American Heritage Month is observed in November to call attention to the culture, traditions, and achievements of the nation’s original inhabitants and of their descendants.
November 4-10
First-Gen Celebration Week
November 11-17
Veterans and Military Week
November 13-19
Trans Awareness Week
November 18-22
International Education Week
Use this calendar to plan inclusion efforts and email diversity@ringling.edu for collaboration.
Spring 2025
January
MLK Week
M.L.K Week reflects on the past and supports one another to engage in creating social justice and advocating for the civil rights of all.
January 20-26
MLK Week
February
Black History Month
Black History Month is an annual observance originating in the United States, to recognize the importance of the history and significance of the Black culture.
February 3-9
World Interfaith Harmony Week
March
Women’s History Month
Women’s History Month honors the tireless efforts of women and non-binary people who have fought for equality, justice, and opportunity.
March 17-23
Disability and Accessibility Awareness Week
April
Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month
Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month recognizes the historical and cultural contributions of Asian, Southeast Asian, and Pacific Islander people to the United States.
April 1-7
Autism Appreciation Week
April 14-20
Pride Week
April 21-27
Military Families Week
Use this calendar to plan inclusion efforts and email diversity@ringling.edu for collaboration.
Podcast: Rising Together
Rising Together is a podcast that spotlights the transformative power of art and design in shaping inclusive spaces, communities, and mindsets. Each month, we will feature a special guest, and we will learn from their journeys, personal narratives, and insights on how to create change.
Available to watch on all streaming platforms.
Diversity and Inclusion Events
The Center for Diversity and Inclusion (CDI) hosts a diverse array of intercultural events each year, designed to deepen your understanding, enhance your college experience, and cultivate a welcoming environment for all, particularly for underrepresented students. These events cover cultural celebrations, heritage observances, and discussions on identities and intersectionality, highlighting the achievements of historically marginalized communities.
To keep informed about our events, follow us on Instagram and Facebook. You can also find a list of all our events on Ringlink. Engage in these meaningful opportunities to connect and grow within a supportive community.
Highlighted Programs
Queer Closet
The Queer Closet, managed by the Center for Diversity and Inclusion, is a donation-based resource offering free clothing to Ringling students, staff, and faculty. We accept gently used, undamaged clothing from the Ringling community and redistribute it to ensure everyone has access to appropriate attire. While our primary goal is to provide gender-affirming clothing for non-binary and trans individuals, our services are available to anyone, regardless of gender identity.
Learn More
Remy’s Cupboard
Remy’s Cupboard is a free campus food pantry dedicated to supporting students at Ringling College who are facing food insecurity. Our mission is to alleviate food insecurity and hunger within the College community by providing supplemental food, nutrition education, hygiene items, and resources to students, faculty, and staff in need.
Learn MoreDonate Here
Diversity & Equity Education Program: DEEP Professional Development Certificate
The DEEP (Diversity, Equity, Education, and Professionalism) Certificate Program is designed to enhance the knowledge and awareness of Ringling College faculty, staff, and students on key issues related to diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice. Through a mix of engaging workshops and participation in intercultural events, the program helps develop intercultural competence and enriches our community’s inclusive culture.
Learn More
Past Projects
Violet Stripes
Violet Stripes brought together an intergenerational 2SLGBTQ+ collective of folx, including Ringling students and community residents, to share stories of their individual journeys. These powerful stories range from personal discovery and acceptance to coming out, to facing intolerance and discrimination, to embracing love.
Warriors of Sarasota
Warriors of Sarasota: Powerful Women of Color in Sarasota was CDI’s second multi-part documentary and gallery project. It featured the powerful stories of women of color in Sarasota who are working to better our community and shift systemic oppression and other social injustices within our Sarasota-Manatee communities.
CDI Collection at Goldstein Library
A collaboration between Ringling College’s CDI team and Goldstein librarians to support diversity, equity, and inclusion via Goldstein library materials.
Student Diversity Clubs
Ringling College offers opportunities for student organizations including:
- Hispanic Student Alliance
- Indigenous Cultures Club
- Black Student Union
- International Cultures Club
- Veteran Student Club
- Asian Student Alliance
Have an Idea?
Host an event with us!
Do you have an awesome idea for an intercultural event? The Center for Diversity and Inclusion is here to help bring it to life! We have a budget and a fantastic team ready to support events that celebrate student identities, heritage, and traditions—or anything else you’re passionate about.
If you’ve got an idea and want to make it happen, just shoot us an email at diversity@ringling.edu. We can’t wait to work with you and make your event a reality!
Diversity and Inclusion
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