Issue No. 51 — Spring 2026
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A Message From David Humphrey

Hello Rice Parents and Families,

Whether your student is planning their next summer step or preparing to graduate, this time of year can feel both exciting and overwhelming.

For parents of underclassmen, you may be feeling their stress as they work to secure summer internships or research opportunities. For parents of graduating students, pride and excitement for this milestone may be mixed with anxiety or uncertainty about what the future holds.

No matter where you fall, the Parents and Families Programming office has partnered with several campus units this spring to help guide families through these next steps with our Owl About Rice webinar series.

In January, we hosted a webinar with the Center for Career Development (CCD). I encourage you to watch the recording, which provides a helpful overview of the CCD’s resources and some fascinating statistics on where Rice Owls go after graduation. If your student isn’t already familiar with CCD programming, here are some helpful resources you can share with them:

• The 12twenty Career Platform: The CCD’s central hub for job and internship postings, career counselor appointments, event registrations, career data and student resource guides. Every student already has an account and can update their profile at any time.
• One-on-one counseling: Students can meet individually with a career counselor on a variety of topics. Even if your student “doesn’t know what to ask,” these sessions are a great way to start building a roadmap for success.
• Workshops and events (free food alert!): The CCD hosts regular lunchtime workshops on topics like resume writing, career expo prep, networking and more. These are typically held at Huff House and often include free pizza!
• Ask an Owl: This platform allows students to submit questions directly to a targeted pool of alumni best equipped to help with career goals. It’s a great low-pressure, high-value tool for your Owls to start their networking journey.

These are just a few of the many ways the Center for Career Development supports students, and I encourage you to watch the full webinar for additional information.

We also hosted a joint webinar with representatives from several offices that help plan commencement. Here are some helpful tips from those who have attended in the past:

• Commencement is more than Saturday night: Residential colleges often hold early afternoon receptions, and many schools host events in the days before. Watch for emails and check the commencement website.
• Schedule your family gatherings at a time other than Saturday night: With nearly 1,500 graduates, the ceremony can run late. Consider a Saturday or Sunday brunch or another evening for celebration.
• Check the weather and dress comfortably: May in Texas can be hot! You can also find ceremony accessibility details online for family members that may have limited mobility.
• Have a plan before and after the ceremony: Students must forward guest tickets in advance. Arrive when gates open at 5 p.m. to get a good seat and watch the Sallyport walkthrough via livestream (trying to watch at the Sallyport can be challenging). Pick a post-ceremony meetup spot to navigate crowds easily.

For more tips, watch the full webinar recording online or post a question in the Parent-to-Parent Network Facebook community, where experienced Owl parents share advice and insights.

We're here to support you throughout your Owl's journey. Enjoy these next few months, and please contact our office anytime if we can be of help.

Go Owls!

David Humphrey

Assistant Director, Parent and Families Programming