Special Projects

Rice accepts 13% of record-setting ED applications

Rice accepted 13.2% of Early Decision applicants in its first round of admissions for the class of 2029, said Yvonne Romero da Silva, vice president for enrollment. With 2,970 total applicants, this year saw yet another record-high; a 3% increase from last year’s previous high of 2,886. An additional 100 students gained admission through the Questbridge National College Match program, an uptick from last year’s 77. 

Students reject divestment proposals

The student body voted to pass S.REF 01, which asks the Rice Management Company to disclose all of its holdings investments, but rejected the remaining divestment proposals. While every ballot measure gained a majority of votes in favor, the remaining three did not achieve the two-thirds majority required to pass.

Student organizations form coalition to support SA referenda

Four Student Association referenda open for the general student body vote today at noon. The referenda call for disclosure of Rice Management Company holdings and divestment from entities that profit off the Israel-Hamas war. The referenda also ask that Rice release a statement condemning genocide and materially support anti-colonial scholarship. Voting will close Dec. 11 at noon and the results will be published the next day. For the referenda to pass, a two-thirds majority with a 20% student body turnout is needed. 

Chaus closes due to water leak, ‘tentatively hoping’ to reopen Dec. 5

Rice Coffeehouse is closed indefinitely due to water leaks in the building that occurred over Thanksgiving break. Chaus announced its closure in a Dec. 1 Instagram post, citing “unseen circumstances.” Although no official date has been announced, Chaus is aiming for a Dec. 5 reopening, said both Alysa Bijl-Spiro, Chaus’ general manager, and Caitlin Lindsay, Director of Student Center Operations.

Jae Kim named Rhodes Scholar, Rice’s first recipient in a decade

Rice senior Jae Kim was named a 2025 Rhodes Scholar, the only recipient from a Texas university and the first Rice student to receive the award since 2015. The Rhodes Scholarship is awarded to 32 American students annually to study at Oxford University for up to three years.

Amy Hobby: from Rice to Oscar nominee

Before its permanent closure in 2021, the Rice Media Center was home to film students at Rice. One particular alumna, Academy Award-nominated producer Amy Hobby ’87, has been one of the most notable people to come out of Rice’s film department, having worked alongside Tim Burton, David Lynch and Steven Soderbergh throughout her three-decade career.

Scott Abell named football head coach

Rice football has hired Scott Abell as the program’s 20th head coach, according to an announcement from director of athletics Tommy McClelland, who led a national search to fill the position. 

Rice launches partnerships with Indian universities

Thirty members of Rice leadership and faculty convened in Bengaluru, India Nov. 18 to launch Rice Global India, an initiative to bolster Rice’s network of academic collaboration abroad. According to Caroline Levander, Rice’s vice president for global affairs, the trip was the largest international delegation in the history of the university.

Gift ideas to save you this season

If you’ve got a white elephant coming up that you’re scratching your head over or a Secret Santa that you can’t seem to crack, consider one of the six options below to perish your present woes.

12-04-2024 Crossword Solutions

12-04-2024 Crossword: "Triply Puzzled"

2025 Rice Parlay

12-04-2024 Owl-American

12-04-2024 Score updates & what’s next

Scores from Nov. 27 to Dec. 3

Dust settles on football’s 2024 season

Rice football concluded its 2024 season Nov. 30 with a 35-28 victory over the University of South Florida, treating home fans to one final win. The Owls finished the season at 4-8 overall (3-5 AAC), failing to win any of their six road games.

Athletics revs up Porsche collaboration

Porsche, the luxury sports car brand, has made appearances in Rice football and women’s basketball social media posts, home football games and even on the court in Tudor Fieldhouse. These promotions are due to a recent partnership between Rice Athletics and Porsche River Oaks, located on Southwest Freeway and Greenbriar. 

Review: “Gladiator 2” is fine

Around the beginning of the semester, I found myself writing about legacy sequels, so it feels fitting, and somewhat indicative of Hollywood’s stagnation, to end the semester doing the same. “Gladiator II” is a direct continuation of the Best Picture award-winning “Gladiator”, with director Ridley Scott returning to his acclaimed film with an almost entirely new cast of characters. 

“Emilia Perez” rings shallow

France’s submission for the 2025 Academy Awards will likely be the country’s thirty-ninth film nominated in Best International Feature. Currently on Netflix, Jacques Audiard’s “Emilia Perez” follows an overworked lawyer in Mexico who helps a trans cartel boss leave her life of crime and start anew. 

What’s in a Rice party theme?

Rice parties are a key part of campus life, bursting with unique traditions like College Night, Beer Bike and Pub Night. From casual events like FITQS and more lively events such as publics, catchy and memorable themes contribute to the overall experience of the event. Themes play a huge role in making sure everyone has an unforgettable time. 

Six ways to spend a very Houston Christmas

The scorching autumn that we have experienced so far this year hasn't exactly invoked the christmas aesthetic, but these holiday activities sure will. In no particular order, here is your Houston Christmas activity guide: