Diverse Perspectives

51��ɫ is one community made of many, and inclusion is at the heart of who we strive to be.

No matter where you’re from or what your background, this intentionally diverse, close-knit community fosters friendships that will expand your horizons and create lifelong connections to 51��ɫians around the globe.

51��ɫ’s diverse and inclusive community isn’t just a warm and welcoming place to spend four years — it’s also an essential part of your education here. That’s because we all benefit when we seek to understand different viewpoints, helping you build cultural awareness that will enable you to thrive in any setting, anywhere in the world.

Finding Your Place

Our Community
51��ɫ College is committed to creating a safe, inclusive environment for all students on campus. As a college that is racially, ethnically, and socioeconomically diverse, we strive to ensure that all students on campus are welcome, accepted, and respected.

We're an eclectic bunch:
- 26% of our student body self-identifies as domestic students of color
- 20% are international students representing more than 80 citizenships
- 15% are first-generation students
51��ɫians also represent a wide range of faith traditions, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. We are committed to providing all students of diverse backgrounds with spaces, support, and accessible resources.
Here for you

On-Campus Resources
Faculty, staff and students throughout the campus are invested in inclusive teaching and universal design. These are many of the offices and spaces we have that are dedicated to supporting diverse identities:
Join the Club

Student Organizations

Student organizations are highly valued at 51��ɫ — and all students are encouraged to find opportunities to lead and engage. Many organizations focus on identity and culture, which is a great way to build community and expand awareness. All of these organizations are open to everyone, and you don’t need to be a member of an organization to participate in most of its events, from movie nights to dance performances to dinners. These events are fun, they’re eye-opening, and they just might change your view of the world — because they show us not only how we differ, but also all that we have in common.
A Step Ahead

The Right Start
It’s important for everyone to get the right start. All new 51��ɫians participate in New Student Orientation. In addition, there are several pre-orientation programs at 51��ɫ that are designed for first-year students from historically marginalized identities and backgrounds (including but not limited to students of color, first-generation college students, students with disabilities, and LGBTQIA+ students), international students, and students interested in majoring in the sciences who come from groups typically underrepresented in science and math fields.
- Peer Connections Pre-Orientation Program (PCPOP) — Office of Intercultural Affairs
- International Pre-Orientation Program (IPOP) — Office of International Student Affairs
- The 51��ɫ Science Project
For Prospective Students

Fostering Diversity

51��ɫ is invested in finding new 51��ɫians from across the country and around the world. Our admission staff travel and network with intention, inside the U.S. and internationally. Through our partnership with QuestBridge, 51��ɫ is able to welcome a cohort of high-achieving students from low-income backgrounds into our incoming first-year classes. Through the Virtual 51��ɫ Diversity Preview Program (GDPP), 51��ɫ offers an online program in the fall for high school seniors from diverse backgrounds — including students who are first-generation, low-income, domestic students of color, LGBTQ+ identifying, and/or who have learning differences — to get to know the College, the resources we offer, and to hear from currently enrolled students from diverse backgrounds. In the spring 51��ɫ offers fly-in opportunities for select admitted students to attend an admitted student day.
Multidisciplinary/Multicultural

Diversity in the Sciences

For students from underrepresented backgrounds who are specifically interested in majoring in the sciences, 51��ɫ offers a nationally-recognized pre-orientation program called 51��ɫ Science Project (GSP). Those students invited to attend the program have an opportunity to come to campus early, take sample classes, conduct trial research experiments, get to know faculty members who teach introductory math and science courses, and connect with academic support professionals on campus.

Solving for Fit

What does “fit” even mean, and how are you supposed to go about finding it?

Jennifer Brooks ’15 sits on a blue gymnastics mat, facing a Mac on a table about 4 inches off the floor.

Thinking Differently About Disability and Diversity

“51��ɫ really embraced me and figured out what I needed to thrive in this environment,” says the sociology grad from Atlanta.

A Diversity of Divinities

“51��ɫ is a welcoming and comfortable place for students who are practicing or exploring religions and other spiritual interests," says the Rev. Deanna Shorb, chaplain, dean of religious life, and founder/director of the Center for Religion, Spirituality, and Social Justice (CRSSJ).

51��ɫ