On the second morning of O-Week, Rice University’s Class of 2028 assembled in Tudor Fieldhouse to hear advice from a three-person panel of professors who shared their secrets for success — both at Rice and beyond. The faculty delivered short, TED Talk-style lectures encouraging new students to stay open to the possibilities the university offers.
The address served as a precursor to an academic fair as students embark on their collegiate journeys. The event’s main priority is to acknowledge the next four years will herald change and the university is prepared to help students triumph along the way, Senior Associate Dean of Undergraduates Brian Gibson said during the welcome.
“Your time with us is designed to help develop strong critical thinking skills and your ability to engage and solve problems across the range of circumstances,” Gibson said. “Learning how to collaborate with others, how to work in diverse teams and develop an appreciation for global issues … these are examples of what we hope you’ll gain from your time with us. We aim to help you build a foundation of knowledge and skills for lifelong learning.”
Gibson also encouraged the incoming class of 1,163 new students to take advantage of faculty office hours.
“I promise you, the time spent talking to your faculty outside the classroom about work that they do is invaluable,” he said.
Following suit was the first guest speaker Lisa Balabanlilar, professor of history and director of the Chao Center for Asian Studies, who spoke about her studies of imperial gardens while also dropping a few bits of advice to students. Many freshmen are entering adulthood and are now eligible to vote in elections.
“Sleep whenever you get the opportunity, and also make sure you register to vote,” Balabanlilar said. “This is critical. It might be the most important thing you do this fall. Vote.”
Betul Orcan-Ekmekci, associate teaching professor of mathematics, spoke eloquently about making eye contact, smiling and giving each other high-fives as a way of being present and mindful of time spent in the classroom. She also encouraged students to reach beyond their comfort zone by exploring their curiosity.
“Most of the time when we are sitting in classrooms, you might be thinking that there is a question on your mind, but you are disciplined to not ask,” Orcan-Ekmekci said. “You might feel foolish to ask questions. Do you think that is the case? No! Be kind to yourself and take the courage to ask your question to your instructors. This is your time to learn, and don’t think that your friends are not thinking of the same questions.”
Finishing up the presentations was Andrew J. Schaefer, the Noah Harding Chair and professor of computational applied mathematics and operations research. As an alumnus of Rice, he passed along tidbits that he has learned from his experience as both a student as well as an instructor and his experience going from a small town to a well-recognized university.
“You all belong here,” Schaefer said. “It’s appropriate that it’s going to be a struggle. You want to go to a place where you stretch yourself because that will make you grow. Don’t worry, though. There are huge amounts of resources here to help you along the way.”
He concluded the afternoon’s event with a sentiment of joy and support.
“I want to be the first to say, ‘I know you can do it,’” he said.
Read and watch more O-Week activities here. Rice O-Week participants are encouraged to include #RiceOWeek2024 on their social media posts.