Hollins’ student population is about 82 percent white. A chunk of these students come from white, wealthy, Protestant families with horse ranches in North Carolina, yachts at Myrtle Beach, summer homes in Florida, and plots of land on the moon. (Okay, maybe not that last one, but you get the idea.) One hundred years ago, this profile would fit almost all of students on campus, but today, Hollins students come from many different backgrounds. There isn't as much ethnic diversity at Hollins as there is at larger schools like Virginia Tech (about 70 percent white), but the Diversity Initiative Advisory Board is working to diversify the campus even further.
Sexual orientations on campus are extremely diverse. Outloud, the gay-straight alliance on campus, is one of the most active clubs on campus, and awareness of LGBT issues on campus is high. Not all first-years come to school prepared for this diversity, and some even transfer because they are uncomfortable with it. Religious life is less prominent on campus, though students do represent a variety of religious backgrounds. The Spiritual and Religious Life Association works hard to ensure that all students, regardless of religion, can find a community to become involved in.
Hollins works hard to promote tolerance on campus. The Early Transition Program (ETP) provides a leadership experience and support system for underrepresented students, and first-years can join it before they even arrive on campus. In addition, the International Student Orientation Program (ISOP) creates a year-round support system for international students that pairs them with host families and helps acclimate them to the campus community. Carvin International House provides a residential space where international and American students can live together and learn from each other, and it works to further promote tolerance toward students of different backgrounds on campus.