Since its founding in 1842, Hollins’ mission has been to provide an exceptional undergraduate liberal arts education for women. In furtherance of our mission, tradition, and values as a women’s college, and in recognition of our changing world and evolving understanding of gender identity, Hollins will consider for admission those applicants who consistently live and identify as women, regardless of the gender assigned to them at birth. Enrolled students who transition during their time at Hollins may graduate.
Hollins will continue to use gendered language that reflects our identity as a women’s college in institutional communications and policies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for admission to Hollins?
Hollins accepts applications from individuals who consistently live and identify as women and who seek an outstanding liberal arts education in a unique environment designed and implemented to serve women.
What does it mean to consistently live and identify as a woman?
The applicant must affirmatively identify herself as a woman and her application materials must support this self-identification. If the applicant is concerned about discrepancies in her application materials, she can speak with an admission counselor or address any concerns in the essay or personal statement.
Are trans women eligible for admission?
Yes. Hollins accepts applications from those who consistently live and identify as women.
Are trans men eligible for admission?
No. Hollins accepts applications from those who consistently live and identify as women. Applicants assigned female at birth who now identify as male are not eligible for admission.
Are individuals who identify as non-binary eligible for admission?
No. Hollins accepts applications from those who consistently live and identify as women. To be considered for admission applicants must affirmatively indicate that they consistently live and identify as a woman.
What about Hollins students who transition to male before they complete their degree?
They remain eligible to earn a Hollins degree. If, during a student’s time at Hollins, the student decides that Hollins, as a women’s college, no longer offers the appropriate educational environment, Hollins will offer guidance and resources to assist in making choices that are best for that student.
What does it mean for Hollins’ mission?
Hollins’ mission remains unchanged—to provide an exceptional undergraduate liberal arts education for women. The Board’s decision reaffirms our mission in light of society’s evolving understanding of gender identity.
Updated 10.30.19