RESET projects innovative
The RESET blanket tax that is paid by every undergraduate at this university has not gone to waste (see story, page 1). Half of the funds, approximately $15,000, have been allotted to six projects which are aimed at making environmental sustainability improvements. These initiatives are wonderful; they are a testament to the initiative of Rice students and to the commitment of Rice to support its students and its environment. Furthermore, the program is planned to continue each year that RESET is funded by blanket taxes; over time, the number of sustainability projects implemented will make a
serious difference.Nonetheless, it is important for RESET and the administration to elaborate upon these student projects. While many of the ideas are excellent jumping boards, the initiatives need to be implemented campus-wide to make a dramatic impact. The university should seek to weatherize, install solar panels and expand the bike sharing program across campus; improve A/C in other older campus buildings; refit all campus toilets and perhaps instill 20 minutes of turned-off AC on a daily basis campus-wide. Of course, these projects will take time and money to expand, and gratitude is due to the students who are taking the first step. However, over time, as new student projects are implemented and old ones are expanded upon, Rice has the potential to dramatically improve its
environmental sustainability.
More from The Rice Thresher
Founder’s Court goes alt-rock as bôa kicks off U.S. tour at Rice
Founder’s Court morphed into a festival ground Friday night as British alt-rock band bôa launched the U.S. leg of their “Whiplash” tour. The group headlined the third annual Moody X-Fest before what organizers estimate was “a little bit over 2,000 students” — the largest turnout in the event’s three-year history.
Rice launches alternative funding program amid federal research cuts
Rice is launching the Bridge Funding Program for faculty whose federal funding for research projects has been reduced or removed. The program was announced via the Provost’s newsletter April 24.
This moment may be unprecedented — Rice falling short is not
In many ways, the current landscape of American higher education is unprecedented. Sweeping cuts to federal research funding, overt government efforts to control academic departments and censor campus protests and arbitrary arrests and visa revocations have rightly been criticized as ushering in the latest iteration of fascism.
Please note All comments are eligible for publication by The Rice Thresher.