ARUBA Weekend Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to register in advance for The Weekend?

Online pre-registration is required for both paid and unpaid events so our support teams can provide each attendee with an unforgettable experience. Online registration ends April 4.

How can I nominate a deserving candidate for the Blueprint for Excellence Awards?

You can review the awards criteria and submit your nomination via this form. Award nominations are due March 9. The following awards will be presented during the gala on April 18, 2026:

Outstanding Achievement in Career
Outstanding Achievement in Civic and Community Service
Outstanding Achievement in Service and Contributions to the University
Legacy Award

Where do I check in for The Weekend?

Check-in will take place on Friday, April 17, from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the R Room of Rice Stadium. At this location, you may ask questions, pick up name badges and receive The Weekend Rice Swag Bag (if ARUBA Weekend ticket package was purchased).

Is parking available on campus during The Weekend?

Paid parking is available in West Lot 4, West Lot 3 and Greenbriar Lot during ARUBA Weekend.

For the Blueprint for Excellence Gala, only valet parking is available at the Westin.

What does The ARUBA Weekend ticket price include?

The ticket price includes The Weekend Rice Swag Bag as well as admission for one person to each of the following events:

President's Town Hall*
Legacy Luncheon
Pathways to Leadership Session*
Alumni Career Panel and Industry Roundtables*
Alumni Networking Mixer*
Blueprint for Excellence Awards Gala

*Offered exclusively through the ticket package.

The welcome reception with President DesRoches on Thursday, April 16, is free with registration.

Tickets for the ARUBA Golf Classic fundraising tournament are not included in the ARUBA Weekend package but may be purchased separately.

Will in-person events be canceled if it rains during The Weekend?

Rain or shine, all in-person events will continue. Please dress appropriately for the weather and event occasion.

Is there a dress code for these events?

The Blueprint for Excellence Gala is black tie optional, and we recommend business casual for Thursday and Friday events.

White (#FFFFFF)

Rice Blue (#00205B)

Forest Green (#359245)

RESOURCES

Lodging

Take advantage of the discounted ARUBA lodging rate and book your stay at the Westin Houston Medical Center / Museum District. Otherwise, please refer to this list of additional Rice University area hotels. Discounted rooms are limited. Book today.

Navigating Campus

If you need help navigating around campus, use Rice's Interactive Map or the Rice Google Map to get you where you need to go. There will also be printed maps available at check-in at the R Room of Rice Stadium from 9 to 2 p.m.

Transportation

Visitors to campus have access to Rice’s shuttle system that circles the university’s inner loop and connects Rice Stadium, the Annex Building, Graduate Apartments on Bissonnet and Rice Village Apartments to the rest of campus. Explore available shuttles and specific routes.