Rice University marked a historic milestone this month as it welcomed the largest incoming class in its history — 1,343 new Owls, including 74 transfer students. With traditions both new and old, O-Week gave first-year students and their families a warm introduction to the campus community.
Even before O-Week began, Rice’s Office of Student Success Initiatives (SSI) hosted Owl Access, a prematriculation program designed for first-generation and limited-income students. The three-day program, held Aug. 14-16, provided early movers and their families with resources, mentorship and community.
In addition to welcoming its largest undergraduate class, Rice also opened its doors to more than 1,400 graduate students. From nearby Texas towns to international cities, students arrived with families, friends and big ambitions, moving into Rice’s graduate housing complexes as they prepared for the semester ahead.
International arrivals added to the excitement, with students from Chile, Albania, India and beyond attending Rice’s Graduate International Orientation, hosted by the Office of International Students and Scholars.
“To go to a place with a different language, a different culture, with friends and family far away, that takes courage,” said Seiichi Matsuda, dean of graduate and postdoctoral studies. “That you are here today really shows you’ve got more moxie than I ever had, and I respect you a great deal for it.”
Student associations embrace new Owls
Student associations hosted welcome events Aug. 16 to introduce new students to campus life and community resources. HACER (Hispanic Association for Cultural Enrichment at Rice) welcomed students and families at Sewall Hall with a reception, Q&A panels with faculty and staff and a club fair featuring student organizations such as the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, the Rice Latin American Medical Association of Houston, Rice First Generation Legal Collective, Mariachi Luna Llena, Rice Salseros, Los Búhos del Norte and more.
The Muslim Student Association held its gathering at the Rice Memorial Center, offering a space of community and inclusion where students could connect, learn about resources and feel supported as they began the new year. Meanwhile, the Black Student Association hosted nearly 100 guests at Duncan Hall for its annual reception, which brought together administrators, students, faculty, staff and alumni to help new students and their families make a smooth transition to Rice and learn about the university’s strong network of support.
Tackling move-in day, kicking off traditions
When O-Week officially kicked off Aug. 17, sidewalks across campus filled with chants, signs and cheers as student advisers greeted incoming students by name — a Rice hallmark that astonished many newcomers.
“It was shocking,” said Sophia Polasek, a political science major from Sugar Land. “They just saw my face and started chanting my name. I thought, ‘How do they even recognize me?’ It was cool, and I was really thankful for the help moving all my stuff in.”
Rice President Reginald DesRoches and his wife, Paula, joined the move-in festivities, helping carry boxes and welcoming families. “It’s my favorite day of the year,” DesRoches said. “We’re like a family here at Rice, and we’re thrilled to have them here.”
Move-in day also featured helping hands from Rice Athletics. Football players hauled minifridges, trunks and boxes into residential colleges, modeling the university’s culture of service.
“There’s nothing more exciting than your freshman move-in day,” Dunlevie Family Head Football Coach Scott Abell said. “Here at Rice, as our first-years really matriculate on the campus, I’m honored that our football team can be here to help.”
Junior linebacker Ty Morris emphasized the impact of those first connections: “It’s important that the freshmen see us not just as athletes but as classmates. The relationships we build now will carry through our time here together.”
In a colorful display of creativity and campus spirit, Rice’s 11 residential colleges collaborated on a unified O-Week T-shirt design — the first of its kind to be showcased during move-in day. Supported by SSI and Rice Public Affairs, the design was hand-drawn by Jasmine Klinkao, a Brown College senior and one of 33 O-Week coordinators.
“The idea isn’t to take away from college pride — that’s a huge part of Rice — but to show that there’s also Rice pride,” said Tamara Davis, assistant director of First Year Programs. “With this shirt, we’re creating a sense of unity while still celebrating where each student comes from.”
Later that same day, the Class of 2029 took part in Rice’s storied Sallyport walk, a century-old tradition marking students’ official entry into the university. Fireworks lit up the Academic Quadrangle as each residential college marched through the arch to cheers from upperclassmen.
“Everyone’s journey is your own, and you may discover your life’s passion where you least expect it,” said Bridget Gorman, dean of undergraduates, as she addressed the freshman class. “Take chances, make friends and allow yourself to grow in surprising ways.”
For freshman Maryam Salman of Pakistan, the walk was unforgettable: “The cheering, the fireworks — I literally felt it in my core … it felt like I’m entering something new.”
TED talks and thunderstorms
The following day included faculty offering advice during an event in Tudor Fieldhouse, where professors delivered TED Talk-style lectures to encourage students to explore their academic potential.
“You are here to do more than select a major in preparation for a career,” Gorman told the class. “Your time with us is designed to help you build strong communication and critical thinking skills … we aim to help you build a foundation of knowledge and skills for lifelong learning.”
Other speakers included Kirsten Ostherr, the Gladys Louise Fox Professor of English and director of the Medical Humanities program, who challenged students to reflect on AI’s role in human care, and James DeNicco, associate teaching professor of economics and director of the Principles of Economics program, who reminded students that “no classmate [should be] left behind.”
That evening, incoming students gathered in the Academic Quad for a catered barbecue dinner and the chance to meet DesRoches. The celebration featured games, Rice swag, performances by the Marching Owl Band, an appearance by the cheer team and a special visit from Sammy the Owl before a giant thunderstorm rolled in and cut the festivities short — giving new students a true “Houston” welcome.
Rice rally ignites O-Week spirit
Later in the week, Tudor Fieldhouse roared again — this time for Rice Rally, the annual pep rally that blends residential college chants with support for Rice athletics.
“Every year that we do this, the crowds get bigger and better and louder — and we need you guys,” said Lindsay Edmonds, head women’s basketball coach. “We need this excitement and this energy to help us create a true home-court advantage this year.”
For student-athletes like freshman cross-country runner Amelia Shoemaker, the night was electric.
“It was really cool coming out of the tunnel and seeing everyone cheering … it was the first time we’ve all been together, and it’s really special,” Shoemaker said.
New faculty join parliament of Rice Owls
Just as new students settled into campus during O-Week, 97 new faculty members also began their Rice journeys with a two-day orientation. Welcomed by DesRoches and Provost Amy Dittmar, the faculty learned about the university’s strategic priorities and commitment to both teaching and research.
“Each of you have already demonstrated exceptional talent, creativity and commitment to your field,” DesRoches said. “By choosing Rice, you’ve chosen to bring that energy to a community that values both individual excellence as well as selective purpose.”
Weeks of Welcome extends excitement
Following O-Week, the Weeks of Welcome (WoW) program Aug. 23-Sept. 6 continues to introduce students to campus life through academic, social and cultural events. Hosted by the Student Center, WoW highlights include Rice Program Council’s Welcome Back Day, the Student Activities Fair and HACER’s Fiesta en la Calle, among other events.
“Weeks of Welcome is an exciting kickoff to the academic year,” said Andrea Herrera, assistant director of marketing and programs for the Student Center. “For new students, it’s a first glimpse of what life at Rice can be. For returning students, it’s a chance to reconnect and jump back into their community.”
From Owl Access and football players hauling boxes to the walk through the Sallyport and a roaring pep rally, Rice’s O-Week traditions emphasized one message: Students belong here. And now with its first week of classes ahead, the Class of 2029 is set to make its mark — united in tradition, supported by community and ready to soar.
Be sure to check out the photos from O-Week by clicking here. Students might find themselves, new friends or special moments captured of their colleges. Photos by Jeff Fitlow and Gustavo Raskosky, video by Gustavo Raskosky.