Special Projects

Rice sees 44% yield for class of 2028

With a 44% yield rate, 1,149 students joined the class of 2028 along with 74 transfer students. Incoming classes continue to increase in size ahead of the construction of two new residential colleges.

Bloomgren, players apologetic after football’s upset loss

Junior quarterback E.J. Warner throws a pass during the Aug. 31 football game against Sam Houston State at Rice Stadium. The game against SHSU was Warner’s first at Rice after transferring from Temple University.

Letter from the editor’s desk: Telling the stories closest to home

Last week, I knew what I was going to write here. I spent the night before the semester began reading and re-reading what old editors-in-chief had to say in their welcome letters, picking up on common themes: building trust with readers, supporting student media, running a paper in unprecedented times. Then last week, one hour before our first staff meeting of the year, we received notice of an immediate shelter-in-place: RUPD was investigating a tragic homicide at Jones. Campus shut down, and everything stilled.

Expand affordable and accessible coffee options

Dear Little Kitchen: it’s only been a week, but we already miss you. Please take us back — this new relationship isn’t working for us. 

Expand affordable and accessible coffee options

Dear Little Kitchen: it’s only been a week, but we already miss you. Please take us back — this new relationship isn’t working for us. 

Local Foods is Coming to Brochstein Pavilion!

09-04-2024 "Owl-American"

Rice Rally Club sparks new wave of school spirit

As the fall semester kicks off, the Rice Rally Club is bringing new energy to campus. Leading this movement are students Priya Armour, Morgan Toran and Hannah Wixom.

Paralympic recap: Ahalya Lettenberger

Former Rice Swimmer Ahalya Lettenberger ‘23 competed in the Paralympic Games this past weekend, placing 5th and 6th in her two events. Lettenberger was born with arthrogryposis amyoplasia, which results in the shortening, tightening or increased wear of muscle tissue, according to Cleveland Clinic. 

Review: ‘Alien: Romulus’ sacrifices subtext. That’s alright.

In 1979, general audiences first bore witness to the grotesque horror of the chest-burster scene in the original “Alien” — and the extraterrestrial thriller genre was never quite the same. Since then, the franchise has birthed eight more films, although the series has significantly evolved in terms of tone, genre and message in ways that have not always been well-received by critics and diehard fans alike. With the recent release of “Alien: Romulus,” however, Fede Álvarez has, for better or worse, returned the franchise to its roots.

Queer aesthetics shine in the summer’s top albums

From splitting apples to comparing yourself to take-out food (hot-to-go), this summer’s top albums were defined by their eclectic lyrics and queer aesthetics. In no particular order, here are the albums of the summer that are well worth a listen.

Review: The twists and turns are all too familiar in “Blink Twice”

It’s hard to say much about “Blink Twice,” Zoë Kravitz’s (“The Batman”) directorial debut, without giving it all away. The film follows a pair of women (Naomi Ackie, Alia Shawkat) invited on an impromptu vacation on a creepy private island by an even creepier tech billionaire (Channing Tatum). The film, a solid debut feature, has quite a bit going for itself, or at least enough juice for me not to spoil the surprises. But what I can say is that if you have seen a thriller, nothing in “Blink Twice” will blow you away.

Houston concerts to check out this semester

This semester’s concert lineup is packed with an eclectic mix of genres and artists that promise to light up the city’s music scene. Whether you’re eager to see alternative hip-hop innovators like Bladee and Joey Valence & Brae, rock legends like Weezer or pop icons like Usher and Mariah Carey, Houston’s stages are set to host unforgettable performances. Don’t miss out on the chance to experience live music at its finest.

Get back into the school spirit with these movies

Coming back to school is always a challenging transition, but don’t fret. The writers here at A&E have chosen a few entertaining movies that will help make your journey back into the school mindset more pleasant.

‘PR for Jesus:’ Across the spectrum of Rice’s Christian student organizations

For those who frequent Rice public parties, there is no sight more beloved at the end of the night than a tent and a whiteboard. Underneath this tent, the intoxicated can indulge in fresh pancakes from the Baptist Student Ministry and attempt to consider the faith-related question on the nearby whiteboard, often encouraging students to vote with a tally mark. Also available —  a fleet of golf carts and sober drivers to chauffeur the more inebriated students safely home.

Unpacking back to school necessities (and absurdities)

Whether you’re a freshman feeling not-so-fresh right out of Orientation Week or a fifth-year senior desperately trying to graduate this semester, there’s no doubt: In your packing frenzy, you have forgotten something. Whether that is all your socks (urgent) or simply packing your collection of emotional support Pokémon cards (to be honest, also pretty urgent), you may be wishing for a helpful guide on how to prepare for your first weeks back to school. What to buy, what to do, what to wear: find your answers here. 

In loco parentis: Don’t baby-proof collegiate life

Academic quad to reopen Sept. 12 with fanfare, celebrations

The academic quad is set to reopen Sept. 12. According to Kelly Fox, the executive vice president for operations, finance and support, the opening will be commemorated with a campus-wide event.

New FSJP chapter emerges on campus

Rice Faculty and Staff for Justice in Palestine established a campus chapter, echoing the mission of the existing undergraduate SJP chapter.

Students speak up about METRO line cancelation

Students from Rice and the University of Houston spoke against the cancellation of the METRORapid University Corridor Project at a city council meeting on July 23, 2024. The project proposed a new bus rapid transit system, where buses operate at high frequency within bus-only lanes. Service would have extended across 25 miles in Houston, connecting areas like Westchase and Fifth Ward to central locations including the University of Houston, Texas Southern University, the University of St. Thomas and Houston Community College.