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

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
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)
My #RollinsLife
Get a sneak peek at what your #RollinsLife could look like by exploring the experiences of Tars from a range of backgrounds and identities.
Carley Matthews ’22
“Fitting in was definitely at the forefront of my mind coming into a predominantly white institution. But being a part of the EMBARK program really helped. This program at Rollins helps students from underrepresented backgrounds transition to life in college. We got to meet before classes even started our first year.”
Jaheim Morris ’24
“Recently, I spoke on a panel with the Black Student Union to the Rollins Board of Trustees about diversity, equity, and inclusion, which was a big moment for me. Most of my classes have included giving presentations, and my work study requires me to communicate with campus visitors and faculty on lots of different levels.”
Angelica Rivera ’23
“Even though it’s a small campus, there are people from all different walks of life. I love connecting with new people and being exposed to different ideas and even different kinds of food. The Marketplace in the Campus Center is always serving various regional and global cuisine—the Mardi Gras oxtail is one of my favorites, and the ramen at the international station is delicious.”

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

December 14, 2023
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.

April 19, 2023
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.

January 26, 2023
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.
May 09, 2022
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.

May 05, 2022
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.

March 03, 2022
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.

February 02, 2024
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.

September 30, 2023
Rollins Celebrates LGBT History Month
Rollins honors the lives and contributions of LGBTQ+ people and offers opportunities for education, engagement, and celebration.

September 14, 2023
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.

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.