Department of Art and Art History

The art studio invites volunteer assistance with several tasks, such as organizing the art room, maintaining computerized records, and running errands for artists. Contact: Suzanne Vaughn, 713-348-4815.

Friends of Fondren Library

The Friends of Fondren Library is an association of individuals, led by a board of directors, interested in increasing and publicizing the resources of the Fondren Library at Rice University. The organization secures gifts and bequests and provides funds for the purchase of books, manuscripts, and other materials, both rare and new, which could not otherwise be acquired by the library. The FOFL board sponsors a biennial book sale and a gala which raise funds, as well as an annual lecture, Homecoming brunch, and reception to honor Rice authors. Volunteers assist with these events, particularly the book sale. Volunteer leadership consists of 30 board members and officers ranging from president to the chairmanship of an event. For more information contact Mary Bixby, 713-348-5157

Medieval Studies Program

Do castles, cathedrals, crusades, and chant stir your imagination? Volunteer with people who are passionate about them! The Medieval Studies Workshop operates within Rice University's Humanities Research Center and is responsible for organizing and funding speakers, special events, and reading groups on topics related to medieval studies. Every three years the Workshop also hosts a thematic conference, the Neil J. O'Brien Symposium on Medieval Studies. Contact: Angela Wall, 713-348-5784.

Volunteer opportunities through the Medieval Studies Program include:
	host an off-campus dinner the weekend of October 18-19 in honor of Icelandic film director Hrafn Gunnlaugsson, who will visit Rice to show one or more of his films, which readapt medieval sagas;
	be a "host family" for a visiting scholar;
	help with registration at an international meeting or conference;
	assemble registration packets to distribute to conference attendees;
	gather local information to include in packets given to conference attendees;
	provide transportation to Houston museums or restaurants during one or more conferences;
	if you are involved in a local museum, serve as a liaison/docent for conference attendees who tour that museum;
	provide pro bono graphic design or printing of publicity posters and brochures for one or more conferences.

Rice Design Alliance

The RDA works to stimulate public awareness and discussion of the urban environment through seminars, a lecture series, design exhibitions, and an annual architectural tour - none of which is possible without the work of committed volunteers. "Entry-level" volunteer opportunities include serving as a volunteer docent at the RDA's annual house tour in the spring; serving on the RDA's gala auction committee; and helping set up the day of the auction. Active committees include the gala underwriting committee, gala auction committee, tour committee, program committee, membership committee and Cite editorial committee (professional writing skills required for the latter). The RDA is governed by a board of directors, also volunteers. Contact: Linda Sylvan, 713-348-4876.

Rice Historical Society (RHS)

The Rice Historical Society is a volunteer organization dedicated to the preservation and promotion of the history of Rice University, and draws on its membership for various tasks. Standing committees are:

	Archives		Hospitality
	Membership		Newsletter
	Program		Publicity
	Student History		Video Oral History

We welcome new memberships into the RHS, where there is opportunity to serve on one or more of the committees. To get involved write to the RHS by email.

Rice Media Center

As the home of film and photography at Rice University, the Rice Media Center seeks to provide a channel through which different peoples of the world could communicate. The Media Center could use assistance throughout the academic year in distributing materials (movie flyers, etc.) around town; contact Rachel Boyle, 713-348-4882, to help out. Volunteers are needed in the spring semester to assist in set-up for the annual student art show. Contact Jeff Fegley, 713-348-3137, for more information.

Rice Players, Friends of the Rice Players

The Rice Players welcomes anyone with an interest in any aspect of theater - experience not required! We need artists, designers, performers, writers, people with muscles, and people with math skills. The time commitment is flexible: you can devote your whole life . . . or just an hour. Please visit our Web site for specific individuals to contact for various volunteer tasks.

The Friends of the Rice Players (FoRP) is a support group consisting primarily, but not exclusively, of former Rice Players interested in supporting the current and future work of the Rice Players. Members are encouraged to attend Rice Players productions and to contribute to the FoRP endowment, which is used to support productions and educational opportunities when regular income isn't enough. Volunteer leadership is needed to help organize fundraising events, allocate funding, organize gatherings of former Rice Players, and to help build audiences for the Players. To get involved in FoRP contact Trish Rigdon, director of theater for the Rice Players.

School of Continuing Studies

Join a Class Act! Each semester Rice's School of Continuing Studies conducts nearly 100 courses, most of them in the evening, for thousands of Houstonians who come to hear the best of Rice faculty and expert community instructors. The School of Continuing Studies needs volunteers to welcome students to the Rice campus and help make their experience an enjoyable one. You can help support lifelong education at Rice and attend interesting classes at the same time. Course fees are waived for Continuing Studies alumni volunteers.

You can attend weekly classes in the arts, history, philosophy, psychology, science, math, and many other subjects and help assure that classes run smoothly. Volunteers agree to attend every class session, typically 1-2 hours, in the evening or on Saturday for six to ten weeks. Most fall classes are scheduled between mid-September and mid-November; most spring classes are held between mid-February and late April. Duties include:

	greeting students at the door
	checking names on the class roll
	distributing instructor materials
	communicating student and instructor feedback to Continuing Studies

Plus, you'll enjoy intellectually challenging classes you have always wanted to take from your favorite professors! This is your opportunity to return to the Rice classroom in a relaxed atmosphere and join other adults interested in the latest research or issues of the day. See the Continuing Studies Web site for a listing of current courses. To volunteer, email Czolgus Evans or call him at 713-348-6109.

Shepherd Society

The Shepherd Society marks its 25th anniversary this year, continuing its
vital mission to support the cause of music at Rice University and in Houston. Each year the 1200+ members of the Shepherd Society provide more than $200,000 in scholarship support for the talented young musicians studying at the Shepherd School of Music. The Shepherd Society is led by a group of officers, a governing council, and advisory board - each consisting of dedicated volunteers. To get involved in the Shepherd Society, contact Stephanie Jones or submit questions via the Shepherd Society's online form.