Sustainability office introduces eco-friendly commute challenge
Rice’s Office of Sustainability has launched its “New Year, New Commute” challenge, running through Feb. 16 exclusively for Rice staff and faculty. The goal is to encourage Owls to explore and track sustainable and smart commuting options using the ConnectSmart app, helping the university meet its sustainability goals while making daily travel more efficient and rewarding.
Strengthening service: Rice consolidates safety, security entities
As Rice’s footprint expands into more public-facing environments, the scope of its efforts to maintain safety and security has grown as well. To better reflect this reality, the unit formerly known as Campus Safety and Research Security has been renamed Public Safety and Research Security.
Accreditor recognizes Rice with inaugural Torch Award
Rice was recognized by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges as a recipient of its inaugural Torch Awards, a new recognition program celebrating member institutions for leadership in three areas: affordability, student success and postcollege outcomes. Rice was recognized in the postcollege outcome category.
OF&S kicks off 2026 with a bang
Rice’s Division of Operations, Finance and Support kicked off the new year with a lively mixer that brought colleagues together for an afternoon of connection, conversation and celebration. The event featured food and beverages, branded swag items and ample opportunities for staff to socialize and reconnect after the break.
Rice to commemorate 100 years of Black History Month with series of events
Rice will celebrate Black History Month starting Feb. 1 and lasting into March, observing the month’s 100-year anniversary with a series of discussions, fellowship opportunities and special festivities highlighting the richness of Black culture.
Rice lauds Medina’s 35 years of bridging communities, enriching relationships
Rice is recognizing David Medina for 35 years of service. As the director of multicultural community relations in the Office of Public Affairs, Medina conducts and participates in more than 100 activities annually, which reach more than 10,000 people. These activities include college information sessions, school visits, community dialogue luncheons, lectures, film festivals, media relations, college essay-writing workshops, galas, receptions and community events. Additionally, he oversees a quarterly newsletter that raises awareness of the university’s outreach efforts. His last day with the university will be March 31.
Calling all staff: Nominations open for the Rice Staff Excellence Award
In recognition of the outstanding contributions of Rice staff members, the Rice Staff Council is calling for nominations for the 2026 Rice Staff Excellence Award.
Rice remembers MLK’s legacy during Houston’s annual parade
In celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Rice students, alumni, employees, family and friends joined in Houston’s MLK Unity Parade Jan. 19 while also paying tribute to the lessons he imparted.
‘Reminder to responsibly carry intention’: Rice community honors MLK’s legacy
The Rice Black Men’s Association, multicultural community relations in the university’s Office of Public Affairs and the Office of Access and Institutional Excellence welcomed guests to honor Martin Luther King Jr for the annual vigil held in observance of the civil rights leader.
Rice to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day and his legacy with vigil, parade participation
Rice invites the community to join in celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. Day during two events honoring his life and legacy.
Students fuel up with Rice president on first day of spring classes
Watch President Reginald DesRoches offer students a jolt to get back into the swing of classes during First Day Fuel. He surprised students at Dandelion Cafe in the O’Connor Building for Engineering and Science and Local Foods in Brochstein Pavilion by announcing he would buy everyone a cup of coffee.
Public invited to comment on RUPD as part of national accreditation process
A public portal for community comments about the Rice Police Department will be open between Jan. 13 and March 21 as part of the annual assessment conducted by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies in an effort for RUPD to maintain national accreditation.
