Issue No. 52 — Summer 2026

A Message From David Humphrey

Hello Rice Parents and Families,

As summer arrives and campus grows a bit quieter, I’ve been taking time to reflect on this past year — my own “freshman year” as a Rice staff member. Like many of your students, I came to Rice with a lot of excitement and curiosity about what this experience would hold. Over the course of the year, that curiosity has turned into a deep appreciation for this community and the people who make it so special.

One of the things that has stood out to me most is how connected Rice feels. The residential college system creates a strong sense of belonging from the start, and throughout the year, I’ve seen how these communities become sources of encouragement, friendship and support for students. Beyond the intentionality of the college system, what resonates most are the everyday interactions — faculty who take extra time to connect with students, staff who check in and offer guidance, and alumni who remain meaningfully engaged long after graduation. Rice’s culture of care is truly a way of life on campus, and that care shows up in ways both big and small.

I’ve also come to better understand how intentional Rice is about supporting students. Through our Owl About Rice webinar series and ongoing conversations with campus partners, I’ve had the chance to learn more about the many offices dedicated to student well-being, academic success and personal growth. What has been most meaningful to see is how these resources come together — not as separate services, but as a coordinated network focused on helping students thrive. Whether a student is navigating a challenge or exploring a new opportunity, there are people across campus ready to listen and help them take the next step.

Perhaps one of the most rewarding parts of this year has been getting to know the Rice parent and family community. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting many of you at New Student Send-Offs, during Families Weekend (a shoutout to our Night Owls Social!) and through the stories shared in our Parent to Parent Network Facebook group. In each of these settings, I’ve been inspired by your generosity, thoughtfulness and pride in your students. The way you show up for them and for one another adds something truly special to the broader Rice community. It’s a reminder that the Rice experience extends far beyond campus, supported by a network of families who care deeply.

As I look ahead to my second year, I feel grateful for all that I’ve learned and for the opportunity to continue this work alongside you. Thank you for the many ways you support your students and for the important role you play in this community.

Wishing you and your families a restful, joyful and meaningful summer,

David Humphrey

Assistant Director, Parent and Families Programming

Issue No. 52 — Summer 2026

A Message From Dean Gorman

Dear Rice Parents and Families,

It was a privilege to celebrate Rice’s largest graduating class during the university’s 113th Commencement ceremonies in May, when 3,066 graduates received their degrees. We are incredibly proud of our Rice Owls and look forward to all they will achieve beyond the hedges. They now join the alumni family, where countless opportunities await to stay connected with their alma mater.

As we turn from one milestone, we are already eagerly anticipating our next one this fall when Chao College, Rice’s 12th residential college, welcomes its inaugural class of students. Extensive work has gone into preparing for this moment, not only for first-year students, but also for upper-class students joining from other colleges. The creation of this community has been a true exercise in student leadership and shared governance, hallmarks of the residential college system. Together, these students have begun shaping the traditions and culture that will define Chao College for generations to come.

Residential colleges remain one of the defining features of the Rice experience, fostering deep community and lifelong connections. Chao’s Founding Committee, comprising 16 students, two magisters and a resident associate, has thoughtfully established the foundation for governance, housing and support structures, while intentionally leaving space for the students themselves to shape the college’s identity. With guidance from the founding magisters and RA, the spirit and culture of Chao will ultimately be driven by its residents.

Even further ahead, Families Weekend 2026 will take place October 2-4. I encourage you to save the date for this special weekend, when families reunite with their students and experience firsthand the growth, connections and community they’ve built. It’s also a wonderful opportunity to meet faculty and student leaders, connect with other Owl families, and explore where your student calls home on campus. More details and registration information will be shared soon.

Thank you for being part of the Rice family,

Bridget Gorman

Dean of Undergraduates and Vice Provost for Student Life

Issue No. 51 — Spring 2026

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

Issue No. 51 — Spring 2026

A Message From Dean Gorman

Dear Rice Parents and Families,

As spring break approaches next week, I hope our hard-working students find time to rest, reconnect with friends and family, or explore new opportunities through externships.

At Rice, learning extends far beyond the classroom. Students are encouraged to follow their curiosity — whether through academic exploration, co-curricular experiences or hands-on projects — that build confidence, leadership and a strong sense of community.

One unique example is the Student Taught Course program, supported by the Center for Teaching Excellence. Since 2006, undergraduates have designed and taught their own courses to peers on topics ranging from the serious to the lighthearted: classes like The Sociology of “Harry Potter” and The Art of Origami. Through this program, students share their passions, gain practical skills and engage deeply with subjects they love.

The Rice experience is so special, and we look forward to sharing it with you. Please save the date for Families Weekend 2026, Oct. 2-4. This special weekend offers families the opportunity to experience Rice through their student’s eyes. Connect with faculty and student leaders, meet other Rice families and explore the spaces that make Rice feel like home. Be on the lookout for exciting details and registration coming this summer. We can’t wait to welcome you to campus!

Thank you for being part of the Rice family,

Bridget Gorman

Dean of Undergraduates and Vice Provost for Student Life

Issue No. 50 — Winter 2025

A Message From David Humphrey

Hello Rice Parents and Families,

Happy December! It was a pleasure seeing nearly 2,400 family members and guests at our Families Weekend this past October. I particularly enjoyed seeing the great turnout at the faculty lectures and meeting many of you at our Night Owls: Parent Social. I hope you came away from the weekend with new friends and a meaningful glimpse into your Owl’s life on campus. If you were unable to attend, I hope you will consider joining us for Families Weekend in 2026!

I recently had the chance to host a webinar exclusively for Rice parents with our Rice Counseling Center and Student Wellbeing Office. In addition to sharing the work of their offices, they shed light on some of the feelings and experiences your Owls may be bringing home over winter break. I encourage you to watch the recording of the full conversation, but I also wanted to share a few tips they offered for helping your Owl recharge over the next few weeks.

First, recognize that your student may simply need to reset. After weeks of managing classes, responsibilities and social commitments, it is highly likely your Owl is worn out. It’s natural for them to want to take things off their plate. At the same time, keep an eye out for signs of burnout: changes in sleep or eating habits, illness, quietness or withdrawal, or a disconnect from activities that once brought them joy. Gentle encouragement to maintain healthy routines, like consistent sleep, balanced meals and self-care, can make a big difference.

It is also important to note that breaks require balance. Many Rice students are motivated to use this time for jobs, research and projects, and it's great to stay productive, though we encourage them to strike a balance and find time to reconnect with friends and refill their sleep bank if they can. A healthy mix of productivity and rest will allow them to return to campus refreshed and ready for the next semester.

Finally, it’s important to acknowledge the gap between their college independence and their return to life at home. Students who have been managing their own schedules may find it challenging to adjust to family expectations around chores, curfews or helping siblings. Open conversations and curiosity about how they’d like to balance independence with family responsibilities can ease this transition and strengthen your connection.

Above all else, being there to listen and support your Owl can make a huge difference, whether they show it or not. We in the Rice community are grateful for you all and the role you play in your student’s life, and we hope you find meaningful time for connection with your Owl as the year closes.

Wishing you a peaceful and joyful winter season,

David Humphrey
Assistant Director, Parent and Families Programming

Issue No. 50 — Winter 2025

A Message From Dean Gorman

Dear Rice Parents and Families,

As we near the end of the semester, campus energy remains high as students prepare for final exams and projects. The days between the end of classes and the start of exams, known as “study days,” can be a stressful time, yet there are opportunities for both focus and rejuvenation. The Rice Program Council, student organizations and residential colleges host study breaks filled with fun events and activities that offer stress relief and support mental wellbeing. Encourage your student to visit OwlNest to explore these opportunities and stay connected to what’s happening on campus.

Winter break offers a meaningful pause for students to reflect on their goals — academically, personally and within the Rice community. That reflection sets the stage for early spring, when student election season begins. Starting with residential college leadership elections and followed by student organization elections, students have the chance to turn their ideas into action, engage with peers and take on leadership roles that shape campus life.

This season also gives students a chance to explore careers through Owl Edge externships, immersive experiences that connect them with the Owl community while building professional and networking skills. Students can sign up for spring externships from Jan. 12-Feb. 2, and parents who wish to mentor a student have until Jan. 6 to apply. Hosting offers parents a rewarding opportunity to share their expertise, guide the next generation and see firsthand the impact of their mentorship on a student’s growth.

Wishing your student the best on their upcoming exams, and may you all enjoy a restful holiday season surrounded by loved ones.

Warmest wishes,

Bridget Gorman, Dean of Undergraduates

Issue No. 49 — Fall 2025

A Message From David Humphrey

Hello Rice Parents and Families,

I hope the fall semester is off to a great start for you and your Owls! This summer, I had the pleasure of traveling to our New Student Send-Offs, where I met many incoming students and their families and welcomed more than 500 new members of the Rice family.

While your student’s Rice journey is a valuable time for them to step out in independence and grow as an individual, you still play an important role during their college years. Our team is proud to walk alongside you, offering resources to help you support your student.

One such resource is our revamped Rice Parents website. Over the summer, we identified the questions, resources and events Rice parents are most interested in and created a digital home where you can easily find those answers. We hope you enjoy exploring this site and take advantage of the many ways you can support your Owl.

We also launched our “Owl About Rice” parent webinar series yesterday with a Parent Q&A panel, presented in partnership with the Rice Parent to Parent Network Facebook moderators. Whether your student just started at Rice this fall or you are a seasoned Rice parent, it can be helpful to hear from other parents about their experiences and to ask questions about supporting your own Owl. For those who were unable to attend yesterday’s webinar, we will post a link to the recording in the coming weeks. We also plan to partner with departments across campus to offer additional webinars highlighting the unique resources Rice provides — resources you can share with your student.

We are just a few weeks away from Families Weekend 2025! Returning this year are some of our most popular events, including faculty lectures and the Discussion with the Deans leadership panel, where you can hear valuable insights from Rice faculty and leadership. Residential college gatherings and the Family Tailgate will also be back, along with Night Owls, a new parent social event designed to help you connect with other Rice parents. You can view the full lineup of events and register on the Families Weekend website.

We hope you take advantage of these resources and let us know how we can partner with you to support your Owl. You can email us at parents@rice.edu with any questions or simply to say hello.

I wish you and yours a wonderful fall!

David Humphrey
Assistant Director, Parent and Families Programming

Issue No. 49 — Fall 2025

A Message From Dean Gorman

Dear Rice Parents and Families,

As we begin another exciting year at Rice, I want to share a heartfelt welcome to our Class of 2029 Rice parents. One of the great joys of my role is greeting our newest Owls during matriculation, watching them explore a range of academic opportunities and seeing them form new connections through their residential colleges. The students’ energy and enthusiasm breathe new life into campus and remind us why these residential communities are at the heart of the Rice experience.

Recently, Rice announced an exciting milestone for our residential college system: the naming of our 12th residential college, Chao College. While the college will formally open in fall 2026, we are already in the important first phase of its creation. Over the coming year, we will recruit upperclass students to join its inaugural community, form its first college government and constitution, and begin to shape the traditions and culture that will define Chao College for generations.

Rice’s residential college system is one of the university’s most defining features — a place where students live, learn and form connections that last a lifetime. As our student body continues to grow, Chao College will ensure that we offer the same excellent, personalized experience that defines a Rice education, while enriching our campus culture and honoring the vision and generosity of the Chao family.

Looking ahead, I hope to see many of you at Families Weekend on October 3-4. This well-attended event is always a special opportunity to connect with other Rice parents, hear from Rice leaders and faculty, and socialize on and around campus. This event and several others are highlighted on a new Parents & Families website, which now includes expanded resources, an FAQ and stories. I hope that you’ll bookmark the website and check out the many ways you can stay involved with the Rice community throughout the year.

Sending my best wishes,

Bridget Gorman, Dean of Undergraduates

Issue No. 48 — Summer 2025

A Message From Dean Gorman

Dear Rice Parents and Families,

It’s hard to believe that it’s already been over a month since we watched the Class of 2025 cross the stage, ready to take on new adventures. While saying goodbye to our graduating seniors is always bittersweet, we're excited for their next chapter as alumni and encourage them to stay connected with their alma mater.

We’re equally excited to welcome the Class of 2029 to campus this fall — our largest incoming class ever! More than 36,700 students applied for 1,300 spots in this year’s incoming freshman class, a 13% increase from last year. Even as we increase access to a Rice education as part of our strategic plan, “Momentous,” we remain committed to what sets us apart: a deeply personal educational experience, anchored by a 6-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio and a campus culture rooted in care and connection.

In support of our growing student body, two residential colleges are currently being expanded or newly constructed, helping us move toward a total of 12 colleges on campus. Last month, the university also broke ground on the Moody Center Complex for Student Life, a new hub for student activity and support in the heart of campus. These enhancements are part of our broader goal to increase access while preserving the tight-knit, collaborative spirit that defines life at Rice.

As always, the role you play — as parents and family members — is vital to your student’s success. Thank you for being part of this journey. I hope you’re enjoying a restful, joyful summer, and I can’t wait to see your Owl on campus this fall! Be sure to save the date for Families Weekend, Oct. 3–4, a special opportunity to experience the people, places and traditions that make Rice truly one of a kind.

Sending my best wishes,

Bridget Gorman, Dean of Undergraduates

Issue No. 48 — Summer 2025

A Message From David Humphrey

Dear Rice Parents and Families,

My name is David Humphrey, and I am thrilled to be joining the Rice community as the assistant director of Parents and Families Programming.

To our returning parents, I hope your Owl is enjoying a rewarding and restorative summer break. Whether your student is completing an internship, taking classes, working or simply taking a breather between semesters, I hope this time is both refreshing and energizing as they prepare for the fall.

To our incoming parents of the Class of 2029, welcome to the Rice family! We're thrilled your student is joining the Rice community. As your child steps into their new role as a Rice student, your role as a parent and supporter will evolve as well. Our team is here to help you navigate that transition and connect you with the resources and support available to Rice parents.

One of the best tools for connection is the Rice Parent to Parent Network Facebook group. As the name suggests, it is a parent-led community where you can ask questions, share advice and connect with others. Whether you’re looking for insight on campus life or restaurant recommendations in Houston, this group has you covered. To join, simply search for the group on Facebook and answer a few short questions. Class of 2029 parents will be added in the last two weeks of June.

We’re also looking forward to seeing you on campus at New Family Orientation on Sunday, Aug. 17. Once you’ve said goodbye to your Owl, I hope you’ll plan a return to campus for Families Weekend, Oct. 3–4. This weekend offers a great chance to explore your student’s life at Rice, hear from university leaders and connect with fellow families.

We can’t wait to meet your Owls and to support you all along the way.

Go Owls!

David Humphrey
Assistant Director, Parents and Families Programming