In July, incoming students interested in delving into issues around racial justice, equity and urban life were invited to the Rice campus a month before O-Week to take part in the RISE program (Responsibility, Inclusion and Student Empowerment).
Coordinated by RISE assistant director Chelsea Drake and Alex Byrd, professor of history and vice provost for diversity, equity and inclusion, the two-week program was designed to support new students with an interest in social justice, in particular first-generation students and those from underrepresented minority groups through coursework and group discussions. This summer’s RISE cohort will continue to work together throughout the academic year to further the work they began this summer.