Special Projects

H&D rolls out new spring dining schedule

Housing and Dining unveiled a restructured dining schedule for the spring semester, introducing extended meal times and continuous weekday dining. Lunch and dinner times are staggered at different serveries — for example, Baker offers lunch from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., while Seibel offers lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Under the new plan, at least one servery will be open at any given time between 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. on weekdays.

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, 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. 

Student ID swiping system will not be used at Risky Business

The proposed student ID swiping system will not be implemented at Will Rice College’s upcoming public party, Risky Business Saturday, Jan. 18. The proposal required swiping student IDs at scanners before entering publics to shorten attendee verification times and long lines. 

Rice invests in Scholars at Risk, Welcome Corps following student divestment vote

Rice is joining the Scholars at Risk network as well as the Welcome Corps, planning to host threatened scholars and refugees seeking resettlement into the U.S.

Student Association considers raising Blanket Tax

The first Student Association meeting of the semester, held Jan. 13, introduced several action items for the upcoming semester, including increasing meal swipe donations and planning for the new student center set to replace the Rice Memorial Center. A report on the results of December’s special election regarding divestment and university spending was also on the agenda, however was tabled as student elections director Natalie Wang was unable to attend.

Sarofim Hall on track for August 2025 opening

The construction of Sarofim Hall, the art department’s new building, remains on schedule for an expected opening in August 2025. The project is moving forward as planned while construction crews continue to work at the site, said John Sparagana, art department chair.

Sports Mini #8 Solution

Sports Mini #8

01-14-2025 Crossword Solution

01-14-2025 Crossword: "Let It Snow"

Rice 2025 Ins and Outs

Q&A: Meeting Mia Nagle

Mia Nagle, a junior at Baker College, competes for Rice’s swim team in the 100 and 200 breaststroke and the 200 individual medley. She is double-majoring in business and sport management and minoring in sociology.

01-14-2025 Score updates & what’s next

Scores from Jan. 8 to 14

01-14-2025 Score updates & what’s next

Scores from Jan. 8 to 14

Football players enter the transfer portal

01-14-2025 "Owl-American"

“Even the private jet is entering the transfer portal.”

Review: “The Book of Mormon” involves no reading

“The Book of Mormon”, a flashy musical that is not at all biblically accurate, came to the Houston Hobby Center January 7-12. The musical makes a mockery of the typical mission work expected from Mormons, covering everything from their racism, attempts at forced conversion and inner-religious conflicts, all while tap-dancing and singing away. 

Bad Bunny's "Debí Tirar Más Fotos" is a love letter to Puerto Rico

With “Debí Tirar Más Fotos,” Bad Bunny kicks off 2025 with an electrifying return to his roots, creating an album that is equal parts tribute, reinvention and celebration of Puerto Rican identity. Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio doesn’t just deliver 17 tracks; he crafts a vibrant journey that honors the traditions of his homeland while fearlessly reshaping the landscape of Latin music. It’s a bold, deeply personal statement that reaffirms his place not only as a global superstar but also as a cultural ambassador for Puerto Rico.

Stop-motion and scares: A&E’s best movies of 2024

From record-breaking blockbusters to subtle indie gems, 2024 proved that the cinematic landscape is more vibrant than ever. Directors took bold creative risks, reviving classic stories and exploring new genres with stunning ambition. Blockbuster epics returned in force and packed theaters, but smaller films also found their moments to shine, offering compelling narratives, unforgettable performances and daring visuals. With so many exceptional releases, The Thresher’s A&E writers faced a tough task in selecting the top ten — these are the films that defined the year in cinema.

Stop-motion and scares: A&E’s best movies of 2024

From record-breaking blockbusters to subtle indie gems, 2024 proved that the cinematic landscape is more vibrant than ever. Directors took bold creative risks, reviving classic stories and exploring new genres with stunning ambition. Blockbuster epics returned in force and packed theaters, but smaller films also found their moments to shine, offering compelling narratives, unforgettable performances and daring visuals. With so many exceptional releases, The Thresher’s A&E writers faced a tough task in selecting the top ten — these are the films that defined the year in cinema.