Editorials

Editorial: Rice must increase transparency on int’l student aid

This week, as promised, Rice officials sat down with representatives from the Rice International Student Association (see p. 1). Unfortunately, the administration’s comments described by RISA members are symptomatic of an overall apathy towards meaningful progress in financial support for international students. This is our second editorial of the year on the topic of international student aid because we feel it is important not to let this issue be swept aside in a private meeting. Once again, we are calling for greater transparency, not only through clear financial goals but also through increased and transparent communication with international students on how Rice can better support them.

Editorial: Voter registration closes October 9. Not from Texas? No problem.

Texas is dead last in the nation in voter turnout, according to census data (see “Push to the Polls” in Features), and the problem is even worse among younger Texans — a paltry 27.3 percent of college-age Texans  made it to the polls in the 2016 presidential election. In midterm elections, the problem is even worse. Only 11 percent of Texans aged 18 to 24 reported voting in the 2014 midterms, a stark contrast to the more than half of Texans above 65 who reported voting.

Editorial: Rice should set specific goals for international student aid

The Rice Investment will expand Rice’s tuition and fee grants dramatically. But the it doesn’t offer the same help to international students, who make up 13 percent of this year’s incoming undergraduate class (see p. 1). To address this, the administration should set measurable and actionable goals for providing financial aid to international students. 

Editorial: The right investment: Rice expands access

The Thresher Editorial Board applauds the Board of Trustees and President David Leebron for demonstrating Rice’s dedication to financial accessibility.

Give student artists the space they deserve

Editorial: Rice must publicly oppose proposed sexual assault guidelines

Proposed changes to federal education policy obtained by the New York Times would allow universities to lessen their responsibility in handling cases of sexual assault.

Editorial: Rice must commit to undergraduate teaching

The Thresher editorial board stands with over 400 students who have signed the petition for Julianne Yost to remain at Rice.

Editorial: Princeton Review rankings are no excuse for inaction

Rice is starting this year with numerous high rankings from the Princeton Review, commending the school in categories such as “Lots of Race/Class Interaction” where the university ranked No. 1 and “Best Dorms” where Rice ranked No. 10.

Juandrew's parting words: Journalism, truth-seeking is crucial to building a better Rice

Investigating and combating rumors is part of the Thresher’s job, but also an effort every student should contribute to. 

Editorial: CTIS changes indicate continued progress

We hope the administration will continue to listen to student feedback and be open to discussion, as it did this year with the CTIS student working group. CTIS is a milestone in Rice’s initiative to better the well-being of students on campus, and it is encouraging to witness the progress being made.

Editorial: Increase in IM sports fees introduced too late for engaged student input and voter turnout

The Rice University student body will vote on a proposed increase in intramural sports fees this week (p.

​New dean has potential to be a voice for students

The dean of undergraduates is the primary administrator with the ability to be a voice for the student body. Gorman should actively work with and listen to students rather than act unilaterally as an administrator. 

Editorial: Better financial aid vital to a diverse student body

Rice currently does not conduct need-blind admission for international students, which sets it apart from other prestigious schools that lead in financial aid — and not in a good way. 

From the editor’s desk: Pit safety should be priority for next Beer Bike

Beer Bike is an inherently risky activity that we should constantly strive to make safer. The steps taken by the campuswide Beer Bike coordinators to improve biker certification were much needed in limiting the risk that is ever-present when a pack of 12 bikers takes sharp turns around a track at high speeds.

Editorial: Looking back on 2017-18 Student Association

Overall, the SA under outgoing President Justin Onwenu has certainly brought up important topics that could set up the incoming executive board to further galvanize the Rice student body.

Editorial: Students should more actively voice teaching concerns

A new dean of undergraduates will soon take on the role of overseeing undergraduate academics by working with the faculty on teaching and curriculum. With this in mind, we encourage the search committee and applicants to prioritize teaching as one of the most pressing issues facing the undergraduate community.

Editorial: Health center STI test costs must be lowered

A Student Association task force is examining the cost of health center tests for sexually transmitted infections, with survey results indicating that more than 60 percent of sexually active Rice students have never been tested for STIs (see p.

Editorial: How ranked-choice voting works and what it means

The Student Association uses an election system named “ranked-choice voting” to elect all campus-wide leadership positions. Being an informed voted means not just reading the candidate’s platforms and watching the debate, but also understanding the exact rules of our voting system.

​Ariana Engles for Student Association president

Engles' ability to listen, reflect, ideate and take concrete steps toward implementation make her the candidate who would have the most positive impact in the coming year.

​Grace Wickerson for Student Association internal vice president

We are lucky to have two excellent candidates this year with realistic goals and an emphasis on using feedback to guide the SA. Wickerson’s emphasis on going past the status quo while keeping their ideas realistic and within the scope of the role have earned them our recommendation for SA IVP.