As summer starts its eventual drift into fall, a new academic year is on the verge of starting at Rice University. To help incoming students adjust to their new life at the university, Rice will hold its annual Orientation Week — lovingly dubbed O-Week — to become acquainted with the university and the new parliament of Owls.
“Rice’s campus is coming alive as we prepare for the fall semester,” said President Reginald DesRoches. “We are getting ready to welcome the Class of 2030. Soon, our newest Owls will settle into their residential colleges and begin an exciting, new chapter filled with discovery, friendship and opportunity. We can’t wait to welcome them!”
O-Week is a Rice tradition that blends practical support, quirky customs and a deep culture of care. The week is filled with academic planning sessions, get-to-know featurettes with Rice’s college system, meet and greets with select departments that will become influential to student success, plus plenty of time for the incoming class to familiarize themselves with fellow Owls and campus amenities.
Highlights of O-Week include the following:
Sunday, Aug. 16
7–11 a.m. — New Student Move-in
Every college has a distinct move in time and process. O-Week advisers and current Rice students will greet new students, help them unpack and get them ready for the exciting week ahead.
11 a.m.–12:45 p.m. — Families gather in college commons
Families, some traveling from across the globe, will begin their “goodbyes” as new students embark on their academic journey.
7:30–9:30 p.m. — Matriculation
One of Rice’s oldest and most exciting traditions, matriculation is every student’s official welcome to the university. Each new student passes through Lovett Hall’s iconic Sallyport. After that, it’stradition that students do not cross back through until graduation.
Monday, Aug. 17
11 a.m.–Noon — Faculty Address
Faculty will address students about the academic achievements and expectations of the university as well as tips related to guaranteeing success.
7–10 p.m. – President’s new student welcome party
During O-Week, new Owls get a chance to meet the university president in the Quad, located in the heart of campus. The evening will be replete with dessert, music and a fun in a relaxed party atmosphere. President DesRoches will mingle, take pictures and share a few words about what makes the Rice community so special.
Tuesday, Aug. 18
6:15–8:15 p.m. — Rice Rally
Supporting Rice Athletics is an excellent way to show school spirit and to cheer the Owls to victory. At the rally, students will get to know some of Rice’s traditions, hear from coaches and the MOB, the Marching Owl Band, and enjoy some O-Week-style fun and games.
Wednesday, Aug. 19
2–3 p.m.— UIO Student Connections
This will serve as a time for all international students to check in with the Office of International Students and Scholars about their week as well as to have any questions answered before classes begin.
5–7:30 p.m. — Associates’ Program
College associates are members of the faculty and staff that provide additional support for students and have a vested interest in the happenings of a particular college. During O-Week, associates will meet with new students and advisers.
Thursday, Aug. 20
1:30–2:30 p.m. — FGLI Student Connections
Student Success Initiatives will host a session for first-generation students and low-income students.
5–8 p.m. — Course Registration
Throughout the week, new students will have the opportunity to insert potential courses into their course planner. During this time, students will be able to view the results of the ESTHER course registration planning process. Adding and dropping of courses will continue throughout the day as needed with various exceptions for specific types of courses such as Freshman Writing Intensive Seminars.
Friday, Aug. 21
9:30 a.m.–12:15 p.m. –— Center for Career Development, the Doerr Institute for New Leaders and LILIE Center for Entrepreneurship Information Sessions
New students will hear from three campus support services offices.
Saturday, Aug. 22
2–4 p.m. — Welcome Back Day Festival
This campuswide celebration marks the conclusion of O-Week and welcomes returning and new students back to campus at the Central Quad and Rice Memorial Center.
For more information about O-Week, visit success.rice.edu/first-year-programs/o-week. To see updates and photos as O-Week progresses, follow #OWeek2026 on social media.