At Rice, each student takes part in certain shared milestones, from matriculation to graduation, yet each also carves their own path, informed by their unique strengths, challenges and opportunities. No two paths are alike, and change is a constant. For the Office of the Dean of Undergraduates, the goal is to provide a transformative collective experience fueled by great teaching, experiential learning and residential college life, while also providing the individualized support that will help each student adapt, thrive and get the most of their education.
Student Success Initiatives
Research shows that pre-matriculation programs (also called summer-bridge programs) can help facilitate a smoother and more successful transition to the rigors of a university education, particularly for low income, first generation and underserved communities. Programs like the Rice Emerging Scholars Program, Moody Civic Immersion, Owl Access and RISE allow students to spend time on campus, engage with peers and faculty, and receive essential mentorship and resources to get the most out of their education.
Residential College Experience
The residential college experience, which begins with O-Week and continues through graduation and beyond, offers students an unparalleled social experience, guidance from live-in Magisters and Resident Associates, leadership opportunities and self-governance, and even peer-to-peer counseling and tutoring resources. With plans to expand from 11 to 13 colleges, we will continue to enhance and grow this core element of undergraduate student life and learning.
Academic Support
Excellent academics has long been at the heart of a Rice education, fueled by world-class scholars who are as dedicated to teaching as they are to research. Continued investment in the Center for Teaching Excellence, which equips professors and graduate student teachers with innovative pedagogical resources and insights, will sustain the best possible teaching and learning environment for all Rice undergraduates, regardless of their major.
Experiential Learning
Experiential or co-curricular learning is an equally essential part of the Rice experience, and it takes many shapes: team-based engineering design projects, study abroad, research in the Texas Medical Center, collaborations with local artists, participation in student businesses and clubs, residential college theater, and more. By expanding the Access and Opportunity Fund, the Rice community will ensure that all Rice students, regardless of their means, are equally able to benefit from these incredible experiences.
Leadership Development
With programs like the Doerr Institute for New Leaders, the Liu Idea Lab for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, engineering leadership programs, student businesses and clubs, a self-governing residential college system and student-run O-Week teams, there are ample opportunities for students to identify and grow their unique leadership skills. The Dean of Undergraduates Office, through the Access and Opportunity Fund, is dedicated to ensuring that all students have the financial resources to take advantage of these extraordinary co-curricular opportunities.
Health and Wellbeing Support
Mental health and wellness resources are more needed than ever, and they are central to Rice’s reputation for a “culture of care.” The Wellbeing Office and Rice Counseling Center work in tandem to support the student community by providing the educational and preventative programming that helps students find solutions to a variety of conflicts, as well as counseling and therapy services that promote a healthy and functional student experience. As the student body continues to grow, Rice seeks to expand access to these essential services.
Career Support
At Rice, our role as educators doesn’t end at the classroom door. It extends to the myriad ways we support students’ professional development, including helping students find their first job after college, facilitating networking opportunities, connecting students with valuable internships and externships — many of which are provided by supportive alumni, parents and friends — and advising from the Center for Career Development.
Accelerate the Vision
Rice is poised to make big, bold moves with your support. Join us in amplifying our unrivaled student experience and advancing Rice’s culture of care. To explore ways you can support undergraduate and graduate student success, contact our development team.
