Special Projects

Take a break with some dead days deeds

With finals soon approaching, study sessions take up most of our day. Need a break from staring at a screen? Need to stand up and stretch before you fall asleep? Find some ways to spend the hours you simply can’t look at your notes anymore.

Buzzwords & belonging: DFs discuss O-Week

Diversity, equity and inclusion are buzzwords that often get thrown around, but at Rice, students and administration work to bring them to life. It shows: Rice was recently rated fifteenth for most diverse colleges in America by Niche.  

Environmental student organizations talk politics, sustainability

Following the 2024 U.S. presidential election, Sunrise Rice co-founder Dyllan Lozano-Lomeli said she worries even more about the future of the Earth’s climate. Originally from Brownsville, Texas, Lozano-Lomeli said her passion for the environment was sparked in 2021 when she saw how the ‘Texas Freeze’ disproportionately impacted poor neighborhoods in her hometown. Now, living in Houston, she said she feels empowered to make a difference, both local and national. 

Rice and grind: the hustle of securing a job offer

Resumes, rejections and pressure can feel like a constant throughout one’s time in university, from sophomores hunting for internships to seniors aiming to secure a full-time offer.

Prioritize functionality, student needs in tech upgrades

Between ESTHER, Degree Works and Navigate, students have a plethora of technological platforms for everything from viewing financial aid to keeping track of graduation requirements. Despite being necessary for students, these platforms often are visually clunky, redundant or just don’t work.

SA approves special ballot, gender resolution

Senate passed the special election ballot about divestment and investment transparency referenda Dec. 2., during its last meeting of the semester. Senate also passed a resolution, formally introduced on Nov. 25, recommending the inclusion of gender diversity statements in professors’ syllabi and a bill to expand student discounts around Houston.

‘Not an easy job’: Student hosts police officer panel

A panel discussion titled ‘Behind the Badge’ was hosted by Kelsea Whiting, a political science student, Nov. 21. The event, according to the Rice University Police Department’s Facebook post, aimed to “humanize law enforcement by providing an honest, inside look into the challenges, experiences and realities faced by officers in their daily lives.”

Students partner with Houston ministry for fall festival

Psychology students at Rice held a fall festival for refugees at Rice’s Welcome Center and Founder’s Court Nov. 23. The event was held in collaboration with the Center for Civic Leadership and Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston, a non-profit organization helping refugee families with their new lives. 

Local Foods launches in newly renovated Brochstein space

Local Foods Market opened at Brochstein Pavilion Nov. 19, replacing comfort food concept Little Kitchen HTX. The opening, previously scheduled for the end of September, also features interior renovations to Brochstein. Local Foods is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends.

Scan, swipe — sorry

Students may need to swipe their Rice IDs through scanners before entering future public parties, said dean of undergraduates Bridget Gorman. This possible policy change is not finalized, but in discussion among student activities and crisis management teams.

Energy summit talks the policy behind power

The 16th annual Rice Energy Finance Summit was held at Jones Business School Nov. 15. Speakers from the energy industry discussed topics including renewable energy, the Texas power grid and the future of energy policy under a second Trump administration.

A latte love: Sip on these Houston brews

Looking to escape campus to study for finals? In search of a caffeine boost, sweet treat or cozy fall vibes? Has your Tetra hit zero? Check out these local Houston spots.

Owls prepare for midseason meet with championship mindset

As the swim team reaches the midpoint of their season, the Owls are focused on refining their approach, embracing a culture of accountability and pushing themselves to excel at the AAC Championships and NCAA competitions, according to senior swimmer Arielle Hayon. 

Lovett College could become overflow housing

Students were asked about their willingness to live in the current Lovett College building if housing is unavailable in their college in the recent Survey of All Students. This question comes soon after news of Lovett’s relocation to one of the newly built residential colleges in fall 2026.

11-20-2024 Crossword Solutions

11-20-2024 Crossword: "I’m Feelin’ 22"

Connections: November 20, 2024

11-20-2024 Owl-American

11-20-2024 Score updates & what’s next

Scores from Nov. 13 to 19

Booster offers $10,000 to break attendance record

On the second day of the 2025 spring semester, Jan. 14, Rice men’s basketball will play their first home game of the semester against the University of Texas at San Antonio. As with most athletics events, there will be prizes given out to entice student attendance, but this time around it is a little different.