Special Projects

Tyler, the Creator, Clipse, Addison and Bieber rule the summer

Whether it’s comeback arcs, dance floor experiments or messy-but-earnest swings, this summer’s crop of albums gave us plenty to talk about. Some were hits, some were misses and all of them sparked conversation. 

Review: Laufey ticks every box in ‘A Matter of Time’

Following months of leaks and singles, Laufey’s third studio album, “A Matter of Time,” aims to meet and exceed the expectations of fans who fell in love with her mix of jazz, pop and bossa nova through viral hits like “From The Start” and “Valentine.” Following up on multiple well-received singles, “A Matter of Time,” Laufey’s most exploratory album, goes beyond any of her previous projects.

Music majors at Rice’s Shepherd School tackle busy schedules, future goals

Cirdan Vonnahme began playing the cello at 4 years old. After winning his first competition at 11 and debuting with an orchestra, he realized he wouldn’t mind playing the cello for life. 

Rice University philosophy professor Tim Schroeder on textbook piracy

The question of the week asks, “Is it ethical to pirate textbooks for my college courses?”

Recent H&D decisions are eroding trust between students and administration

What you read below was intended to be presented at the Housing and Dining Town Hall on September 1, 2 to 4 p.m. Instead of presenting this, students patiently waited in the heavy downpour, expecting their voices to be heard, but a formal cancellation of the Town Hall was not issued until about half an hour afterward via Instagram. 

Make Rice a tailgating school again

What seems to be the last Bayou Bucket Classic is in three days. Will students show up for the crosstown rivalry?

09-03-2025 "Owl-American"

“So you beat them, too?”

10 things to know about UH transfer Dean Connors, former Rice University running back

After last year’s tumultuous 4-8 football season — in which former head coach Mike Bloomgren was fired eight games into the season — running back Dean Connors left Rice, opting to go across town to the University of Houston’s team.

Rice University themed fantasy football team names

The 2025 NFL season starts this week. Several friend groups, clubs and other organizations across campus are hosting fantasy football drafts to gear up for Thursday’s regular season opener between the Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles.

Rice football players on NFL rosters in 2025

As football season gets underway, don’t forget the former Owls representing Rice in the NFL. Check out the Rice products who made their NFL teams’ 53-man rosters. 

Rice University adds club hockey while NHL considers Houston expansion

Is Houston a hockey town? It’s hard to tell.

Dis-O, move-in weekend see increase in alcohol transports from last year

Rice’s first wet weekend of the year saw four times as many calls for intoxication-related transports of students to the hospital compared to the previous three years, according to emails sent out by college presidents and chief justices.

On-campus meal plan changed to unlimited swipes

Housing and Dining recently revealed a new dining plan for the upcoming semester. The required on-campus meal plan now has unlimited meal swipes, compared to 375 meal swipes last year. H&D said the previous on-campus meal plan was for students who intended to eat on campus 15 to 25 meals a week.

Rice Stadium student section relocated

The Rice Stadium student section has been relocated to sections 106 and 107, according to an announcement from Rice Athletics on X. 

Thresher’s guide to arts and entertainment in Houston

New to the city? Unsure how to spend your time procrastinating on homework? You’re in luck — Houston is a playground if you know where to look, and most of it is an easy metro ride or short commute from campus. Here’s a starter pack of spots that deliver fresh air, brain food and the occasional “wait, this is in Houston?” moment.

Rice ditches Adidas, announces apparel deal with Nike

Rice student-athletes, coaches and fans will don new threads starting in 2026.

O-Week speaker gives contentious diversity remarks

Suzanne Nossel, the former CEO of PEN America, a free speech organization, presented during Orientation Week about the importance of open dialogue and expression. During her presentation, several Community Facilitators walked off the stage. 

08-27-2025 Crossword Solution

08-27-2025 Crossword: "Start Small"

Back-to-School Roundup: Here’s What You Missed