Diversity in the Community

Skidmore students, faculty, staff, and visitors create and engage in an enlightened community that values human differences, intellectual exchange, social freedom, civic responsibility and global vision. Such a community promotes personal growth and interpersonal success and prepares students for citizenship in the pluralistic society of the 21st century. We all share a responsibility to make Skidmore a welcoming environment for all people and all points of view.

In Admissions
Committed to achieving a balanced and heterogeneous campus, the college proactively recruits students who represent a cross-section of groups and societies within the United States and around the world. By drawing from the most broadly defined community, the college fosters intra- and cross-cultural communication, understanding and good faith, valuing equally the unique talents and approaches of individuals and the strong bonds they form around shared interests.

Skidmore's total on-campus undergraduate enrollment in the 2022-2023 academic year is 2,651. The diversity of our student body can be seen in the following ways:

• Ethnicity: Students of color account for 26% of Skidmore’s student body, breaking out as follows: Asian, 5.7%; Hispanic, 10%; Black, 4.5%; and two or more races, 5.7%.
• Nationality: Students have come to Skidmore from 65 countries outside the U.S., with the following making up the top six: China (116), India (19), Canada (16), Vietnam (11), Hong Kong (8), and the United Kingdom (8).
• Geographically within the U.S.: Students come to Skidmore from 44 states and one territory, with the following making up the top five: New York (808), Massachusetts (422), New Jersey (221), Connecticut (179) and California (110).
• Gender: 59% of Skidmore students identify as women; 41% identify as men; 3% identify as nonbinary. (Although federal reporting requires us to operate in gender binaries, we recognize our students' idenitities, which are reflected in the these three percentages).

In Cocurricular Programs
Skidmore College integrates cocurricular activities with traditional academics to create a holistic experience of diversity, both as an intellectual ideal and as daily practice. Students may join numerous clubs and organizations or attend a full calendar of events such as festivals or retreats that support a diversity focus, from arts to politics, celebrating differences that range from race to gender identity. Students are encouraged to become informed, responsible citizens through student diversity programs, community service and engagement, and leadership activities.

In the Workplace
Skidmore’s community of scholars, professionals and staff is intended to be inclusive of individuals of every race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, gender/gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, disability or place of origin, providing equitable employment opportunities on a campus committed to ideals of diversity in the workplace and the classroom. A work culture in which employees believe they are respected is more productive and effective at achieving the goals and desired outcomes of the organization.