Special Projects

‘Like no other formal’: Esperanza through the years

Live ice sculptures, ticket-covered bar tabs and university-wide Among Us games — Esperanza, Rice’s annual fall formal, is no stranger to reinvention. 

Cars, novels & swords: Seniors talk capstone projects

Left-handed people are 1.85 times more likely to get injured while driving than right-handed people.

Stand up for true free speech

The recent climate on campus has seen rising tensions around free speech and inclusivity, particularly in discussions concerning Israel and Palestine.

Room for change: understanding residential college transfers

Noisy environments, overwhelming events and interpersonal conflict: Much can go wrong as students first settle into university. Some students find themselves reconsidering their dorms, friends or even residential college. While less than 1% of students transfer colleges each year, according to Dean of Undergraduates Bridget Gorman, those who do say it has transformed their experiences.

Make Election Day a permanent non-instructional day

Back in 2022, as Jones College’s New Student Representatives, we presented one of our first Student Association Senate resolutions to President Reggie DesRoches and other university leaders, asking them to designate Election Day as a non-instructional day. This resolution aimed to eliminate barriers to voting and promote civic engagement, recognizing that the right to vote should not come at the cost of academic performance. 

Students should weigh in on divestment, investment transparency referenda

On Monday, the Senate passed four referenda calling for Rice to divest, be transparent with their investment holdings, condemn “ongoing genocide and scholasticide” and support “anti-colonial scholarship.” These proposals will now go to an undergraduate-wide student body vote as early as next month.

Sunrise Rice pushes for environmental change

A new chapter of the Sunrise Movement started this semester at Rice. With over 100 chapters across the country, the Sunrise Movement is a national activism organization that advocates for political action on climate change.   

​​Historic button collection on display at Baker Institute

A donation of 998 political buttons from collector Julius “Desey” Desenberg dating back to the 1900s is now on display in the Baker Institute for Public Policy at Rice, a project supported by the Fondren Fellows Program. 

2024 Harris County Election Guide

If you’re voting in Harris County for this year’s elections, your ballot will have competitive federal, state and local races, in addition to three propositions. To help you make your choice at the polls, we’ve put together a voting guide detailing the ballot’s candidates and propositions.

Candidates comment on Harris County hot-button issues

Students registered in Harris County this year will vote in dozens of national, state and local races. While races for local and state elected officials see lower turnout than presidential elections, these candidates will be making decisions with local impact on the Rice community. 

Remembering Kathryn Petree

McMurtry College sophomore Kathryn Petree passed away due to cancer complications last Saturday, Oct. 12. Kathryn matriculated a semester late to complete chemotherapy treatments, but those close to her say she left a mark on everyone in her time at Rice. Above all else, she is survived by memories of her incredible generosity and optimism. 

Decision 2024: Rice University Votes

10-23-2024 "Owl-American"

Faith Hutchins makes her mark during final season

Faith Hutchins, Rice soccer’s graduate goalkeeper, said that she has built her success around one key philosophy: Pressure is a privilege. It’s a mindset that has driven her through a standout season for the Owls. 

Bowl status in doubt as football splits competitive games

A win over the University of Texas at San Antonio and a loss to Tulane University have pushed Rice football to 2-5 (1-3 in AAC) heading into the home stretch of the 2024 season. 

Is Rice women’s soccer’s ‘Transfer Forward University’?

On Oct. 3, graduate forward Leah Chancey broke the Temple University defensive line and found herself face-to-face with the goalkeeper. On her first touch, she shot the ball past the keeper, marking her eighth straight game with a goal, breaking the program record and maintaining the longest active goal-scoring streak in the NCAA. 

Meet the ACL artist: Malcolm Todd

“It’s gonna be fun. If you don’t wanna jump, just leave.” 

Review: It’s charli baby: Charli xcx + Troye Sivan Sweat Tour

I might say something stupid: BRAT by Charli xcx is one of contemporary music's most significant pop phenomena. That may seem like a hyperbolic statement, given how vast the world of Western pop music is, but it becomes less ridiculous when looking at the chart success, memes, dances and presidential campaign strategies inspired by the 2024 electronic pop album. The sheer weight of the album in the pop music landscape is emphasized by the excellent, club-inspired “Sweat Tour” accompanying the album.

Review: “We Live in Time” Reinvents Romantic Dramas

There’s nothing quite like emotionally attaching yourself to vivid characters that provide an escape from your imperfect (and love-forsaken) reality. So, for all of the swooners and fans of John Green’s “The Fault in Our Stars,” this film is for you.

ACL fashion centers fun and comfort

While notable for its eclectic artist lineups and Texas weather, the Austin City Limits music festival is also known for its unique festival fashion. This year’s festival-goers balanced comfort in the hot sun, fashion trends, such as mini-shorts and riding boots, and matching the unique style of headliners such as Chappell Roan.