Rollins

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

At Rollins, fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community of learners is one of the College’s core values. To get the most out of their Rollins education, our students must feel comfortable and accepted at every step of their journey. As a result, the mission of advancing diverse perspectives and global thinking is baked right into our curriculum and campus culture. Our campus community forms a vibrant tapestry of unique perspectives—bolstered by a robust roster of resources designed to ensure that every student at Rollins feels seen and supported.


You Belong Here

Our inclusive and tight-knit campus community is becoming more and more diverse.

  • 32%

    students of color (fall 2023)

  • 49

    students from 49 U.S. states and territories (fall 2023)

  • 248

    students from 71 different countries (fall 2023)

A Rollins student chats with someone on a computer.

Common Ground

What’s it like to live and learn at Rollins? Just ask one of your future classmates. Get a sneak peek at your Rollins experience by chatting with a student who was right where you are just a couple of years ago.

Start Chatting
Students make tie-dye shirts.

Identity-Based Student Organizations

Rollins has dozens of cultural and identity-based student organizations spanning a wide range of the diversity spectrum, including the Black Student Union, the Latin American Student Association, Spectrum: an LGBTQ+ organization, Voices 4 Women, and more. For a complete overview of student organizations, check out our page on how to get involved. Don’t see what you’re looking for? Any Tar can start a student org in just a few easy steps with support from the Center for Campus Involvement.

Students from EMBARK at a pottery making class, smiling and laughing

EMBARK

Starting college can feel like a huge unknown. Rollins’ EMBARK program is designed to give students from marginalized populations a little more peace of mind. This cohort-based program begins before you even start classes and introduces you to new friends who share unique experiences and social identities. The pre-orientation retreat is led by a student coordinator and several peer mentors, so you’ll learn from others who have been there. But the support doesn’t stop there. Throughout your time at Rollins, you’ll have the opportunity to meet up with your cohort again and again.

A college student delivers a talk at a podium to a small crowd of campus visitors.

Diversity Envoy Program

Diversity Envoys begin their training by taking a class that explores the major groups that fall under the umbrella of diversity. Topics include race, religion, disability, and gender and sexuality. Once Envoys have sufficient training and background knowledge, they work with the Office of Admission to host special presentations and panels. They also lead on-campus tours and are available to answer prospective students’ questions regarding diversity at Rollins.

A collage of portraits of Rollins’ diversity, equity, and inclusion admission counselors.

Here for You

Rollins’ Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Admission Team works together to support prospective students from diverse backgrounds throughout the admission process—whether that’s through candid chats about what it’s like to be a Rollins student or connecting with families who prefer to communicate in Spanish.

Meet the Team
Elizabeth Smith ’22 ’24MPH sits in her wheelchair with Professor Parsloe working on accessibility rights research

Accessibility for All

If you’re differently-abled or non-neurotypical, our Office of Accessibility Services helps ensure your transition to Rollins goes smoothly. The Rollins Disability Alliance provides an avenue for disabled students and allies to build community—there’s even an Access Ally Workshop for students looking to educate themselves about disability culture. Rollins is also one of a select few college campuses that participate in the Collar Scholars program, allowing students to raise and train service animals.

Students are talking and laughing in a dorm room

Gender Inclusivity

At Rollins, students can choose roommates based on compatibility, regardless of sex or gender. So whether you feel more comfortable with someone who shares your gender identity, or you want to room with a friend who doesn’t, you’ve got options when it comes to creating a safe and comfortable living space. And all of our buildings feature gender-inclusive bathrooms, so everyone feels welcome in the facilities.


Champions of Change

See how some of our students and alumni are carrying the Rollins message of diversity, equity, and inclusion beyond the boundaries of campus and into the world.

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority induction ceremony at Rollins.

Historic Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA) Sorority, Incorporated Comes to Rollins

Rollins welcomes to campus Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, the oldest established Greek-letter organization for Black women.

EMBARK students get to know each other while painting pottery at All Fired Up.

Embarking with Purpose

Since 2016, the College’s EMBARK program has supported students from underrepresented backgrounds as they transition to college life and start their journeys at Rollins.

Professor Eric Smaw

Smaw Selected as an ACS Mellon Academic Leadership Fellow

The appointment will enable philosophy professor Eric Smaw to serve as Special Assistant to the Provost for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB), where he will oversee ongoing diversity initiatives for the College.

Be the Light: Elizabeth Bonker’s 2022 Commencement Address

Rollins College valedictorian Elizabeth Bonker ’22, who is affected by non-speaking autism and communicates solely by typing, urges her fellow graduates to use their voices, serve others, and see the value in everyone they meet.

Tars Taking Action

A trio of Tars are putting the “act” in “activist” through educational outreach and the creation of the first-ever Take Action Institute.

The Making of an Advocate

Elizabeth Smith ’22 ’24MPH came to Rollins wanting to embrace a new beginning. That all changed when the world was thrown into chaos. Now, she’s emerged from the pandemic as a fierce advocate for disability rights.

Equality Evangelist

At Rollins, Kalli Joslin ’19 learned to fight inequality through art and advocacy, using a Diversity Infusion Grant to stage the world premiere of an acclaimed play on campus and interning with the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce on Capitol Hill. Now, the theatre and American studies double major is studying civil rights law at Georgetown University, as she continues her journey to take on discrimination in all forms.


Campus Celebrations

Take a closer look at how the Rollins community honors the lives and contributions of historically underrepresented groups.

Black Rollins students celebrating on campus

Rollins Celebrates Black History Month

During the celebration of Black History Month, Rollins pays homage to the rich tapestry of African American history, recognizing the pivotal lives and contributions of Black Americans and providing numerous avenues for education, engagement, and reflection.

Rollins College history students create an LGBTQ exhibition at the Center with Claire Strom.

Rollins Celebrates LGBT History Month

Rollins honors the lives and contributions of LGBTQ+ people and offers opportunities for education, engagement, and celebration.

Spanish professor Patricia Tomé leading a class

Rollins Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month

Rollins honors the lives and contributions of Hispanic Americans through a host of programming meant to engage, educate, and inspire.

A Rollins professor leads a discussion in an outdoor classroom.

See for Yourself

Get a feel for Rollins’ unique brand of engaged learning and personalized attention through one of our virtual or in-person visit experiences.

Take a Closer Look