The Student Association amended four previously proposed amendments at this semester’s inaugural Senate meeting on Monday. The changes streamline grammar and clarificatory changes, allowing for continuous review of the Initiative Fund and changes clarifying University Court impeachment and Blanket Tax Organization dissolution processes.
Robert “Bob” M. Stein, Rice professor emeritus and prominent political scientist, passed away July 18 of cancer at 75.
The Student Association Senate passed Blanket Tax funding allocations for the coming year, voting 19 to three with four abstaining April 21. The budget included cuts to some Blanket Tax Organizations, including Rice Women’s Resource Center and student media, with the money to be reallocated to the SA’s Initiative Fund.
Rice Students for Justice in Palestine staged a demonstration April 8. Students walked out in protest of various issues including the detainment of international students; diversity, equity and inclusion rollbacks; ongoing “U.S.-backed genocide” in Palestine; transgender rights and federal funding cuts at the Central Quad from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Ian Chen, a biosciences and mathematics major, applied to a computational biology lab through the National Institutes of Health Summer Internship Program. Like many students, Chen was looking for professional experience over the summer. He then heard the program was paused in light of the funding cuts, then entirely axed.
The 2025-26 Student Association held their first Senate March 24 after leadership changeover the week prior. SA President Trevor Tobey made inaugural remarks on campus change and listening to students.
The Student Association gathered for leadership changeover March 10 following the results of the 2025 election. The SA welcomed new elected officials, approved the Spring 2025 Initiative Fund for new clubs and announced open applications for SA appointed positions, which include parliamentarian and director of elections.
Following record donations last month, students will be able to donate meal swipes and Tetra until March 14, according to an Instagram post by the Student Association in collaboration with Student Success Initiatives, the Student Association and Housing and Dining.
Nudge, a social media app created by McMurtry College sophomores Ben Rubin and Yining Zhang, launched Feb. 24. Rubin and Zhang say the platform aims to promote in-person social interaction and authentic sharing. Nudge currently has 300 users.
Winter Storm Enzo, which brought snow to Houston and halted operations at Rice Tuesday Jan. 21, may suggest similar weather events to come in the future. As a result of climate change, students can expect warmer Decembers and sudden frigid weather, Office of Sustainability executive director Richard Johnson said.
