FEATURED:

Diversity at Ringling

Art and Design 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.

Letter from President
Thompson

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, everyone is welcome here at Ringling College.

And, everyone means everyone, 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

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.

Land Acknowledgment

Land Acknowledgment

Ringling College of Art and Design acknowledges that we are standing on the ancestral, occupied land of the Seminole, Angola Maroon, and Calusa people – land that we now call Sarasota, Florida. We pay respect to the Seminole, Angola and Calusa elders, past and present. Please, take a moment to consider the many legacies of violence, displacement, migration, and settlement that place us together on this land today. Reflect on what your responsibility is to tell historical truths and how you and your organizations, communities, and families support indigenous people of whose land we work, live, and learn.

Diversity and Inclusion
Committee

Diversity and Inclusion Committee

Committee’s 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.

Join us in making Ringling College more inclusive.

Center for Diversity and Inclusion
Ulla Searing 2nd Floor in the Student Life Suite
941-309-4099
inclusion@ringling.edu

Learn how you can support and participate at the Center for Diversity and Inclusion.

LGBTQIA

Ringling has a thriving LGBTQ+ community.  This page celebrates the members of our community who have taken steps to promote equality, understanding, and advancement for the LGBTQ+ community both on the Ringling campus and in society at large. Here, you can find information, resources, and helpful links to connect you with organizations, groups, and individuals doing work within the community and on campus.

Pronouns

You are now able to update your preferred pronouns and gender identity in Self Service. You are not required to declare either of these—they are 100% optional. If you choose preferred pronouns they will be visible to all administrators on campus. More importantly, they will be very prominent to your instructors in the class lists they access every semester. Gender identity will only be visible to select administrators in Advising, Student Life, The Counseling Center, and Housing. This information will be used to enhance student services on campus.

You also have the option to update your displayed first name in the system we use on-campus. Because of the complexity of keeping every system synchronized we ask that you visit the Registrar’s Office in the Ulla Searing Student Center for the form.

Pronouns: A How-To Guide

Subject:   1   registered to vote.

Object: They tried to convince   2   that giraffes could fly.

Possessive:   3   bike is unlocked.

Possessive Pronoun: That notebook is   4  .

Reflexive:   1   spilled tea on   5  .

12345
e/eyemeireirsemself
[name][name][name][name]’s[name]’self
theythemtheirtheirsthemself
sheherherhersherself
siehirhirhirshirself
perperperpersperself
vevervisversverself
hehimhishishimself
ziezirzirzirszirself

Pronouns: A How-To Guide

PFLAG
Founded in 1972 with the simple act of a mother publicly supporting her gay son, PFLAG is the nation’s largest family and ally organization.

Uniting people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) with families, friends, and allies, PFLAG is committed to advancing equality through its mission of support, education, and advocacy. PFLAG has 400 chapters and 200,000 supporters crossing multiple generations of American families in major urban centers, small cities, and rural areas in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. This vast grassroots network is cultivated, resourced, and serviced by PFLAG National, located in Washington, D.C., the National Board of Directors and 13 volunteer Regional Directors.

GLSEN
GLSEN (pronounced “glisten”) was founded in 1990 by a small, but dedicated group of teachers in Massachusetts who came together to improve an education system that too frequently allows its lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning (LGBTQ) students to be bullied, discriminated against, or fall through the cracks. 

Over 25 years later, that small group has grown into the leading national education organization focused on ensuring safe and affirming schools for LGBTQ students.

Trans Student Educational Resources
Trans Student Educational Resources is a youth-led organization dedicated to transforming the educational environment for trans and gender nonconforming students through advocacy and empowerment. In addition to our focus on creating a more trans-friendly education system, our mission is to educate the public and teach trans activists how to be effective organizers. We believe that justice for trans and gender nonconforming youth is contingent on an intersectional framework of activism. Ending oppression is a long-term process that can only be achieved through collaborative action.

Campus Pride
Campus Pride represents the only national nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization for student leaders and campus groups working to create a safer college environment for LGBT students. The organization is a volunteer-driven network “for” and “by” student leaders. The primary objective of Campus Pride is to develop necessary resources, programs and services to support LGBT and ally students on college campuses across the United States.

Transgender Law Center
Transgender Law Center changes law, policy, and attitudes so that all people can live safely, authentically, and free from discrimination regardless of their gender identity or expression. We envision a future where gender self-determination and authentic expression are seen as basic rights and matters of common human dignity.

Equality Florida
Equality Florida consists of two organizations – Equality Florida Institute, Inc., our 501(c)(3) educational charity and Equality Florida Action, Inc., our 501(c)(4) advocacy organization. Together, these organizations form the largest civil rights organization dedicated to securing full equality for Florida’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community. Through education, grassroots organizing, coalition building, and lobbying, we are changing Florida so that no one suffers harassment or discrimination on the basis of their sexual orientation or gender identity. 

ALSO Youth
ALSO Youth was created in 1992 by individuals who were alarmed at the statistics documenting high rates of suicide among gay and lesbian teens.  In cooperation with other local organizations such as Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG); Planned Parenthood; and YMCA Youth and Family Services, volunteers were recruited to conduct a support group for Sarasota area youth. Upon realizing that more comprehensive services were needed throughout the community, ALSO’s founders initiated contact with school officials and implemented a training program for educators. The types of services and numbers of youth and community members served have steadily increased.

Today, ALSO Youth is a Non-Profit Charity that provides peer support services, educational programs, advocacy, and referrals for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, intersex, and questioning youth ages 13 to 21, their families and friends, and the community, thereby enhancing self-esteem, promoting healthy dialogue, and increasing awareness of sexual minority youth issues.  

Lambda legal
Founded in 1973, Lambda Legal is the oldest and largest national legal organization whose mission is to achieve full recognition of the civil rights of lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, transgender people and those with HIV through impact litigation, education and public policy work.

National Gay and Lesbian Task Force
We bolster the strength of local LGBT activism in rural enclaves, small towns and cities nationwide. We build grassroots political muscle at every level by training activists, strengthening the infrastructure of local and state allies and organizing broad-based campaigns creating public support for full equality of LGBT people. Learn more about our Organizing & Training and Movement Building efforts.

Pride at Work
Pride At Work is a nonprofit organization and an officially recognized constituency group of the AFL-CIO (American Federation of Labor & Congress of Industrial Organizations.) We organize mutual support between the organized Labor Movement and the LGBT Community for social and economic justice.

Transgender Law and Policy Institute
Is a non-profit organization dedicated to engaging in effective advocacy for transgender people in our society. The TLPI brings experts and advocates together to work on law and policy initiatives designed to advance transgender equality.

 

Students of Faith

Spiritual Development

Are you looking to join a community that will allow you to explore and embrace your faith? Our Campus Ministry works with students of all religious affiliations to find the support and services they seek for their spiritual lives. Whether you are looking for a place to worship in the community, need resources related to spiritual practices, or simply need a safe and confidential space to talk – our Campus Minister is here to help.

Campus Ministry provides quality programming throughout the academic year to encourage the campus to learn about various cultural and religious traditions – with a spirit of respect and a mindset towards peace & justice. Campus Ministry also supports student-led groups on campus like FOCAS (Fellowship of Christian Artists) to bring in speakers, participate in community outreach, and to do life, together. We are a member of the Hillel Chapter of Manatee County with robust student participation in semi-regular Seders. We also support regular Catholic mass on campus. Campus Ministry also provides leadership\professional development through a paid internship program where students work closely with the Campus Minister throughout the academic year.  Regardless of your faith perspective, we welcome you, we support you, and we’re grateful that you are a part of the diverse landscape of Ringling College. You can contact our Campus Minister, Rev. Melanie Y. Kim by email at mkim1@ringling.edu or by phone at 941-309-0200 (Student Life Office) or 763-443-4668 (Mobile – good for texting).

Judaism

Islam

Buddhism

Hinduism

Kadampa Meditation Center of Florida
Courtesy India  (List of all the Hindu Temples in Florida)

Unitarian Universalist

Christianity

Veterans

New Veterans

Ringling College of Art and Design is proud to welcome veterans and their dependents to participate in the various VA Educational Programs which include the Post 9/11 GI Bill®.  Ringling College offers our Veterans and their Dependents the opportunity to expand their artistic abilities by pursuing the many careers available in the technologically inundated creative fields today.  

Information to considerThe Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020 requires educational institutions to make certain disclosures to students using federal military and/or VA educational benefits. Ringling College of Art and Design emails new incoming students estimated award notices.  Returning students can view award notices in NetPartner when logged into their account.  You can access a personalized VA tuition and yellow ribbon financial plan by contacting your VA Certification and Readmission Specialist. Additional financial information can be found at the NCES College Navigator site. Contact the Ringling College’s VA Certifying Official at vabenefits@ringling.edu for details.

HOW TO APPLY FOR VA EDUCATIONAL BENEFITS

  • Go to va.gov to apply for GI Bill® VA educational benefits: You can find out about your eligibility, original and used entitlement, benefit percentage, delimiting dates on this website, as well. Ultimately, the VA has all of your records so they can determine what benefits you are eligible for. Initial application process can take six to eight weeks. 

  • Once your VA Certificate of Eligibility (COE) is received and student complete a request for certification form with Ringling College Certifying Official, Ringling College will be able to post an anticipated amount for VA funds to your tuition bill based on the appropriate program funding. Contact the Ringling College’s VA Certifying Official at vabenefits@ringling.edu for details.

  • For payment questions or questions of which education benefit you qualify for you may also contact the VA by phone at 1-888-GIBill1 (1-888-442-4551) and a VA Education Case Manager can assist you. 

VETERANS ACTIVITIES ON CAMPUS

  • VETERANS’ CLUB
    Ringling College of Art and Design’s Veteran’s Club serves as an organization for the camaraderie of all former and actively serving veterans from across the world. We aim to share our stories internally and externally through our art and outreach within the campus and local community and its veteran populace highlighting our art, service, and the local heroes that are our veterans.

  • RINGLING COLLEGE’S VETERANS’ ARTWORK EXHIBIT
    Ringling College hosts an annual exhibit showcasing Ringling College’s Veterans’ Artwork.  This exhibit is very popular and runs through the month of November.

  • VETERANS & NON-VETERANS PORTRAIT PAINTINGS OF VETERANS LIVING IN OUR AREA
    Ringling College veterans started a network to paint portraits of veterans that live in the area. Non-military students are welcomed to participate, as well. Every year, an exhibit is held showcasing the portraits of veterans at Ringling College. Each painting identifies the veteran by name, their rank and what branch of the military they served in. It is a personalized exhibit which honors and acknowledges our veterans for their valued service and sacrifices that they have made for our country.

Staff

Co-Interim Director of Library Services

941-359-7582

Pat Mizak

Co-Interim Director of Library Services

941-309-4055

Alexandra Vargas-Minor

Digital Curation and Special Collections Librarian

941-359-7583

Janelle Rebel

Technical Services Librarian

941-359-7586

Janet Thomas

Instructional Design Librarian

Vacant

Instructional Design Librarian

Vacant

Library Technician III (Cataloging and Metadata Assistant)

941-359-7631

Lisa Martinez

Library Technician II (Periodicals and Interlibrary Loan)

Vacant

Library Technician III (Circulation Manager)

941-359-7587

Tim DeForest

Library Technician III (Acquisitions Manager/Office Support)

941-359-7584

Yolanda Coleman

Library Technician II (Assistant Circulation Manager)

941-359-7587

Christina Song

Circulation Assistant

Jean Ferderber

Circulation Assistant Sooyeon Baek
Circulation Assistant James Harrison

Borrowing

Patron Type # of Items Type of Material Borrowing Time
Student 40 Books 3 weeks
CDs and CD-ROMs 3 days
DVDs and Blu-Ray 3 days
Magazines (unbound) 3 day
Magazines/Annuals (bound) 5 days
Videogames* 7 days
Faculty and Staff 40 Books 6 weeks
CDs and CD-ROMs 3 days
DVDs and Blu-Ray 7 days
Magazines (unbound) 3 day
Magazines/Annuals (bound) 5 days
Videogames* 7 days
Trustee, Alumni, Cross College Alliance, and  15 Books 3 weeks
Ringling College LibraryAssociation Members CDs and CD-ROMs 3 days
DVDs and Blu-Ray 3 days
Magazines (unbound) 3 day
Magazines/Annuals (bound) 5 days
Videogames* N/A
PreCollege 5 Books 3 weeks
CDs and CD-ROMs 3 days
DVDs and Blu-Ray 3 days
Magazines (unbound) 3 day
Magazines/Annuals (bound) 5 days
Videogames* N/A
Local Teacher 15 Books 3 weeks
CDs and CD-ROMs 3 days
DVDs and Blu-Ray 3 days
Magazines (unbound) 3 day
Magazines/Annuals (bound) 5 days
Videogames* N/A
Chartwell’s and Follett employees located at Ringling 15 Books 3 weeks
CDs and CD-ROMs 3 days
DVDs and Blu-Ray 3 days
Magazines (unbound) 3 day
Magazines/Annuals (bound) 5 days
Videogames* N/A
*The video game collection supports the research and teaching of the Game Art & Design program. Video games may not be checked out by Alumni, Ringling College Library Association members or Family members.

Spaces

The Alfred R. Goldstein Library features a wide variety of quiet, group study, and work process spaces. Looking for a quiet study area? Make your way up to the 3rd floor to look for a book in the Research Collection or peruse the new art magazines while relaxing in comfortable seating. When the weather is nice, you can take your coffee from Roberta’s Café on the first floor to one of the four terraces to work outside and enjoy the sights and sounds of nature. Looking for meeting space to get together with a group? Check out the group study rooms, which are available on all three floors of the Goldstein Library. The 10 group study rooms are available to students on a first-come first served basis, or available for booking by Ringling College faculty and staff for group and class meetings.

Library Hours

Library Services Hours (when classes are in session):

Sunday: 12:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Monday – Thursday: 8:00 am – 11:00 pm
Friday: 8:00 am – 7:00 pm
Saturday: 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm

Holidays and Breaks:
The Library is closed on holidays, as designated by the institution, and typically operates on a Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm schedule during breaks.

Ringling College ID Access Only

Please note a Ringling College ID is required for access, except from 8:30am – 4:30pm from Monday – Friday.

Hours for the Brizdle-Schoenberg Special Collections Center:

By appointment only from Monday – Friday 9:30 am – 4:30 pm, no drop-ins. Closed Saturday and Sunday.

Contact specialcollections@c.ringling.edu to schedule an appointment.

Visit Us

Ringling College of Art + Design
Alfred R. Goldstein Library
2700 N. Tamiami Trail
Sarasota, FL 34234-5895

Download a campus map

Suggest a Purchase: Library Acquisitions Request

We welcome recommendations for new library materials from the Ringling College community. Librarians will consider all requests bearing in mind their appropriateness for the collections and the current budget.
(*=Required Field)

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Text us: 941-208-4542
Email us: research@ringling.edu
Call us: (941) 359-7587

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