Center for Diversity + Inclusion
Art + Design Exists and Thrives 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 exists and thrives through diversity. Diversity of thought and perspective shapes cultures and conversations. It comprises the foundation on which Ringling College is built.
Every member of our community 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.
WE ARE RINGLING
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 & Design and all members of our community.
Resources
Mission
The purpose of the Committee on Diversity & Inclusion is to elevate our welcoming campus climate, which supports the rights of all individuals and reflects respect for diverse cultures, backgrounds, and ideas.
The Committee will work to identify 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 will be done through support of programming, communication, mentoring, modeling, and education.
Location:
Ulla Searing 2nd Floor in the Student Life Suite
Contact information:
Phone: 941-309-4099
Email: inclusion@ringling.edu
Letter from President Thompson
Dear Members of the Community:
Diversity and inclusion are core principals 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 in respect of the magnificent diversity of our students, faculty, and staff. We firmly believe the exchange of different ideas, experiences, and perspectives are essential ingredients of a world-class education and global citizenship.
We are very proud of our culture and success in supporting our students without discrimination based on their national origin, religious beliefs, physical characteristics, sexual orientation, gender identity, health, or any other factor. Indeed, ALL people are welcome here at Ringling College.
And, all people means all people, without exception.
I encourage you to visit our campus and get acquainted with our extraordinary community of thinkers, makers, and doers. I’m sure you’ll find it an inspiring and collaborative place to live, learn, work, play, grow, and thrive.
Very truly yours,
Dr. Larry R. Thompson
President, Ringling College of Art and Design
D.E.E.P. Program Information
The Diversity & Equality Education Program (D.E.E.P.) is an educational certificate program that strives to educate the campus community on diversity and inclusivity. This program focuses on educating students, faculty, and staff about recognizing and confronting micro-agressions and bias, as well as increasing awareness for underrepresented populations.
D.E.E.P. host a series of “Conversations” each semester that introduces and provides information about specific topics and fosters an environment for safe dialogue and communication. Please see the flyer below for upcoming “Conversations.” Also, check D.E.E.P. out on Ringlink for additional events!
Students of Color Alliance (SOCA)
SOCA is an organization dedicated to providing support and building community for students of color and their allies, as well as raising awareness throughout campus.
Email: soca.ringling@gmail.com
The International Cultures Club
The ICC celebrates and promotes international and cultural diversity and understanding on campus through the organization of diverse cultural and educational events. For more information, please contact ICC’s advisor, Amy Pettengill, at apetteng@ringling.edu
Veteran’s Club
The Veteran’s Club is a student leader organization that allows students who have served in the military to discuss their experiences and how it connects to their art. It also helps connect Veterans with resources available. For more information, please contact Veteran’s Club advisor, Joanne Garibino, at jgarbari@ringling.edu.
