Rice turns out the vote for midterm elections
Rice’s Welcome Center saw a significant increase in voter turnout on Election Day, Nov. 3, with 1,763 ballots cast — a 47% increase over 2025 and a 61% increase over 2024, when 1,198 and 1,096 ballots were cast, respectively.
Historic evening celebrating Jewish life at Rice
Chabad at Rice and Houston Hillel co-hosted a Jewish student reception Oct. 30 at the home of President Reginald and Paula DesRoches.
Rice’s Huff House gets into spooky spirit
Rice’s Huff House received a creepy, kooky, mysterious and spooky makeover as the Office of Alumni Relations hosted “Haunted Huff,” a festive gathering that welcomed students for an evening of Halloween fun, friendly competition and community building.
Why tablet computers took nearly 40 years to catch on
Historian Elizabeth Petrick follows the 1972 idea through decades of failed prototypes to the device in millions of hands today.
Rice hosts third annual Ivy Plus State and Local Affairs Conference
Rice hosted the third annual Ivy Plus State and Local Affairs Conference, bringing together government and community relations professionals from leading private research universities to share strategies for engaging policymakers, strengthening community partnerships and communicating higher education’s public value.
Rice touts Campus Sustainability Month with eco-friendly resources
Rice’s Office of Sustainability has been celebrating Campus Sustainability Month this October. Student organizations, campus departments and community partners that advance sustainability on campus and within Houston recently gathered at Rice Memorial Center’s Grand Hall Oct. 21 to demonstrate the variety of sustainable practices available on campus and to the Rice community.
Rice leaders outline principles for responsible AI adoption across campus
Rice leaders from across campus emphasized the importance of balancing artificial intelligence innovation with privacy, security, accessibility and institutional accountability during an AI Week panel discussion Oct. 22. It was one of more than 30 panels conducted during Rice’s inaugural AI Week that centered on the use of AI technology in academia and bolstered the university’s strategic plan Momentous, which calls for responsible AI.
What prison food reveals about punishment in America
Rice historian Chin Jou traces how hunger, private contracts and unequal diets behind bars reach families, workers and taxpayers.
25 faculty recognized for esteemed accolades in research, academia
Rice's winners of highly prestigious and prestigious awards were recognized Oct. 21 to celebrate Rice faculty who have earned these accolades, demarcated by the Organization of the National Research Council and the Association of American Universities.
‘Accessibility by design’: Rice bolsters efforts to maximize digital experience
With a May 11, 2027 national deadline for digital accessibility compliance approaching, Rice is accelerating efforts to make its digital environment more accessible while continuing a broader institutional commitment to ensuring all members of the Rice community can fully participate in the university experience.
AI fireside chat: Key takeaways on future of AI at Rice
Rice launched AI Week 2026 with a fireside chat focused on how artificial intelligence will shape the university’s future in research, teaching and operations.
REMS’ Basgall earns rare Chief EMS Officer designation
Lisa Basgall, Rice's Emergency Medical Services director, has earned the Chief EMS Officer designation, a professional credential held by fewer than 300 people worldwide.
‘Creates opportunities for people to prosper’: Rice launches annual United Way campaign
The Rice United Way Campaign officially launched this week. Contributions not only support individuals and families in need, but they also help to build a stronger, more resilient Houston for everyone.
Week of Well-Being highlights health and personal growth
Owls gathered at the Grand Hall Oct. 13 for a Well-being Fair as part of Rice’s Week of Well-Being, an initiative focused on promoting health, education and personal growth. The week is sponsored by Rice Employee Health and Well-Being and the Human Resources Benefits Department.
Rice LIVED puts university culture, values into action
There is only one Rice, and as the university enters a new era of growth and ambition, Rice is taking a deliberate look at something that has long helped make the institution distinctive: its culture.
