Special Projects

Consider ethics while designing AI major

From a little-known concept among researchers to generating summaries with every Google search, artificial intelligence’s accessibility has skyrocketed over the past decade. However, its innovation comes at a cost. Training ChatGPT-3 was estimated to generate 552 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent, more than the emissions of 559 flights from London to New York. Artificial intelligence can also steal from artists and reproduce racist biases from its data sets.

Rice breaks university records for voter participation

Rice has been recognized by the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge as one of 2024’s most engaged campuses. Harris County precinct data indicates a record number of 1,399 ballots were cast from students and employees living on campus. 

College 12 selects part of staff leadership

Dean of Undergraduates Bridget Gorman announced the magisters and one resident associate Jan. 4. for the upcoming College 12, set to open fall 2026. In the email, Gorman also announced the establishment of a college 12 website and founding committee. 

Report reveals Rice’s lobbying firm’s ties to fossil fuel interests

Rice’s cancer research and sustainability goals are hypocritical to its use of a lobbying firm associated with fossil fuel interests, according to a recent report by environmental group F-Minus.

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.”