Families Weekend Events
Scroll below to see the exciting lineup of Families Weekend events.
For additional activities offered by schools and programs, CLICK HERE.
Friday, September 27
9:30-10:30 a.m.
Leadership Symposium: Conversation with the Academic Deans
Lucian and Nancy Morrison Theater, Brockman Hall for Opera
Join Rice University's deans in a thought-provoking conversation about the future of the university in Rice’s stunning opera hall.
Doors open at 8:30 a.m.
10:30 a.m. - noon
Campus Fair
Discover the resources available for your student at Rice, tailored to foster their success and growth both in and out of the classroom.
11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Lunch at the Serveries
Residential College Serveries
Families can join their Owls for lunch in the dining hall of their respective residential colleges. We ask that families help Rice Housing & Dining staff plan ahead by letting us know that they wish to attend when registering.
Students with a meal plan are asked to swipe their card for guests.
Other campus dining options can be found here.
1-2 p.m.
Center for Teaching Excellence Showcase
Lucian and Nancy Morrison Theater, Brockman Hall for Opera
Join the Center for Teaching Excellence as we celebrate teaching and learning at Rice. At this event, you will have the opportunity to hear engaging mini lectures from Faculty Fellows and recipients of the University Teaching Awards representing a range of disciplines and subjects. Parents and families are encouraged to submit questions in advance, as we highlight the classroom and academic experience of a Rice student.
Faculty Speakers:
- Reto Geiser - Associate Professor of Architecture
- Caleb McDaniel - Mary Gibbs Jones Professor of Humanities
- Scott Solomon - Teaching Professor of BioSciences
2-3 p.m.
Popsicles on the Lawn
Connect with Owl families while enjoying tasty frozen treats.
Registration is not required for this event.
3-4 p.m.
A Conversation with Dean of Undergraduates Bridget Gorman
Lucian and Nancy Morrison Theater, Brockman Hall for Opera
Join the Dean of Undergraduates Bridget Gorman for a conversation on the undergraduate student experience at Rice. Parents and families are encouraged to submit questions in advance.
Doors open at 2 p.m.
Saturday, September 28
9-10 a.m.
Pastries with the President
Multipurpose Room, Kraft Hall
Connect with President DesRoches at this casual meet-and-greet event while engaging with other Rice families and enjoying light breakfast items.
9:30-10:30 a.m.
Student Leadership Forum
Hudspeth Auditorium, Anderson-Clarke Center
Hear current student leaders discuss opportunities for students to excel outside of the classroom.
Registration is not required for this event.
4-6 p.m.
Family Tailgate
Meet other Owl families and enjoy pre-game festivities outside Rice Stadium.
Price includes a BBQ plate and unlimited water, tea and lemonade. Sodas, wine and beer will be available for purchase. Vegetarian options are available.
Ticket Cost:
- Family and friends: $20 (pre-registration); $25 walk-up
- Current student: $15 (pre-registration); $20 walk-up
- Child (ages 3-15): $5 (pre-registration); $10 walk-up
- Child (ages 0-2): Free
6 p.m.
Rice Owls Football Game
Cheer on the Rice Owls as they take on the Charlotte 49ers!
Football tickets can be purchased via Families Weekend registration until Sept. 22. (Digital tickets can still be purchased through Rice Athletics up until the game day and at the box office.)
General admission tickets are $20. Current Rice students can get in for free with their Rice ID. Children 2 and under do not need a ticket.
Please note that the deadline for canceling registration and receiving a refund is September 22.
More Campus Events
Schools, organizations and residential colleges will be hosting additional events throughout Families Weekend. Please note that some of these events may require separate registration(s). Additional events and details will be added as they are confirmed.
If you have questions, please call 713-348-6094 or email us at famweek@rice.edu.