Special Projects

Scan, swipe — sorry

Students may need to swipe their Rice IDs through scanners before entering future public parties, said dean of undergraduates Bridget Gorman. This possible policy change is not finalized, but in discussion among student activities and crisis management teams.

Energy summit talks the policy behind power

The 16th annual Rice Energy Finance Summit was held at Jones Business School Nov. 15. Speakers from the energy industry discussed topics including renewable energy, the Texas power grid and the future of energy policy under a second Trump administration.

A latte love: Sip on these Houston brews

Looking to escape campus to study for finals? In search of a caffeine boost, sweet treat or cozy fall vibes? Has your Tetra hit zero? Check out these local Houston spots.

Owls prepare for midseason meet with championship mindset

As the swim team reaches the midpoint of their season, the Owls are focused on refining their approach, embracing a culture of accountability and pushing themselves to excel at the AAC Championships and NCAA competitions, according to senior swimmer Arielle Hayon. 

Lovett College could become overflow housing

Students were asked about their willingness to live in the current Lovett College building if housing is unavailable in their college in the recent Survey of All Students. This question comes soon after news of Lovett’s relocation to one of the newly built residential colleges in fall 2026.

11-20-2024 Crossword Solutions

11-20-2024 Crossword: "I’m Feelin’ 22"

Connections: November 20, 2024

11-20-2024 Owl-American

11-20-2024 Score updates & what’s next

Scores from Nov. 13 to 19

Booster offers $10,000 to break attendance record

On the second day of the 2025 spring semester, Jan. 14, Rice men’s basketball will play their first home game of the semester against the University of Texas at San Antonio. As with most athletics events, there will be prizes given out to entice student attendance, but this time around it is a little different. 

New basketball props amplify student energy

As the basketball season begins, fans may find the student section filled with new chants, signs and a larger-than-life foam cutout of Shrek’s face. Megan Vila, assistant director of marketing for Rice Athletics, has developed new props to raise school spirit and increase the energy at games, she said. 

Kyle Henry brings Rice Cinema to the world stage

Cannes, Sundance and South by Southwest. What do they have in common? They’re all world-renowned film festivals that have exhibited the works of alumnus Kyle Henry ’94. 

4 films to look out for from the 2024 Houston Cinema Arts Festival

The 2024 Houston Cinema Arts Festival, which ran from Nov. 7 to 17, showcased a vibrant array of films with unique storytelling and artistic vision. Here are four of this year’s festival standouts, each offering a distinct and memorable cinematic experience.

Flicks to enjoy with friends and family this Thanksgiving

Many film fans discuss their favorite Christmas movies, Valentine’s Day movies and even Election Day movies, but Thanksgiving cinema is too often forgotten. Here at the Thresher, we want to acknowledge some of the best movies to see while enjoying a potluck, cooking for a Friendsgiving or spending a warm moment with loved ones this Thanksgiving break.

Review: On ‘Shawn,’ Mendes is worth getting lost with

With the release of his self-titled album “Shawn,” Shawn Mendes proves that men with abs can sing folk. The album, Mendes’ fifth, represents a marked shift from his previous work and is well worth a listen. To sell his more mature sound, he’s grown out stubble this time, though the shirt has stayed off (thankfully). 

Fall Chamber Music Festival shines

Serenades and sonatas rang through the hall as the Shepherd School of Music hosted its annual Fall Chamber Music Festival this past weekend. Students took the stage in small groups, performing on clarinet, piano and more.  

Students of conscience should boycott Local Foods

Local Foods has served, for many years, as a casual Houston restaurant option for Houston residents, including Rice students. Folks on campus will notice that this option has become more proximate, as a Local Foods location claims space on campus in the Brochstein Pavilion. 

Insurance options for Ph.D. students are overpriced and insufficient

Doctoral students at Rice are given insufficient health insurance options especially compared to institutions with graduate student unions. Aetna’s graduate student health insurance plan  leaves students with significant costs compared to the minimum annual stipend. Additionally, the available Aetna plan offers insufficient benefits when compared both to medical insurance plans at peer institutions and to the non-subsidized Wellfleet plan – Rice’s alternative option for international students.

Nets Katz on skipping grades and solving problems

Nets Katz has always liked numbers. As a child, he played with numbers in his head and quickly learned to add and multiply. Katz’s elementary school grouped students in classes based on test scores. However, Katz didn’t land on the top track.