Welcome to Owl Access: Your Gateway to Success at Rice University!

 

Overview

Owl Access is a transformative college transition program tailored for students who identify as first-generation and/or limited income (FGLI). Our program gives you a head start on navigating the academic and social life at Rice University, helping you adjust to your new environment with confidence. Owl Access also provides an opportunity for families to explore our beautiful campus, connect with resources, and receive the information they need to actively support their students' success throughout their Rice journey.

This program goes beyond just orientation—it’s a community-driven initiative designed to empower you from day one, providing valuable tools, meaningful connections, and practical strategies to help you excel in every aspect of your college experience.

Origin of Owl Access

Owl Access was born out of a powerful student-led initiative, with guidance from the Office of Student Success Initiatives (SSI) and strong backing from the offices of the President, Provost, and Dean of Undergraduates. Our commitment to supporting FGLI students is rooted in listening to our community. We asked current Rice FGLI students what would have been most helpful during their own transitions to college, and their insights formed the core of this program.

The top areas they identified as critical included:

• Learning about Rice’s campus resources
• Gaining a better understanding of financial aid and student health insurance
• Peer mentorship from upper-level FGLI students
• Financial literacy education
• Panels on overcoming imposter syndrome and navigating Rice’s unique culture
• Demystifying the “hidden curriculum” (the unspoken rules and norms of college life)
• Getting to know the SSI team and how they can help
• Exploring Houston on a student budget
• Mentorship from FGLI faculty and staff

These student insights shaped Owl Access into a program designed to fill those gaps and provide incoming FGLI students with the support and tools they need to thrive from the very beginning.

Program Goals

Owl Access is all about community, empowerment, and support. Our primary goals are:

• To ease the transition for first-generation and/or limited-income students and their families by providing early access to campus resources, peer and faculty mentors, and critical knowledge.
• To build a strong, connected network of support for FGLI students that fosters a sense of belonging and encourages positive self-identification with their FGLI status.
• To ensure students are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed both academically and personally, as they take on the challenges and opportunities of college life.

Whether you’re navigating your first college class, managing finances, or looking for your campus community, Owl Access is designed to set you up for success and empower you every step of the way.

Program Highlights

Here’s what you can expect from Owl Access:

• Peer Mentorship: Connect with upper-level FGLI students who have walked in your shoes and can offer guidance, advice, and support.
• Workshops & Panels: Gain valuable insights on financial literacy, overcoming imposter syndrome, navigating the hidden curriculum, and understanding Rice’s student health insurance and financial aid processes.
• Resource Exploration: Discover the wide range of services available to you on campus, from academic advising to wellness resources, and meet the SSI team who are here to support your success.
• Campus & Houston Exploration: Learn the ins and outs of Rice’s campus, while also exploring the vibrant city of Houston on a student-friendly budget.

Program Duration

Owl Access is a 3-day pre-matriculation program exclusively for FGLI students, complemented by a 1.5-day family transition program to help your loved ones feel connected and informed as they support you in this exciting new chapter.

Owl Access 2025 Information will be added soon! See you there!

2024 Owl Access Student Program Schedule

 

2024 Owl Access Families Program Schedule

We’re Thrilled to Welcome You!

The entire Owl Access team is excited to welcome you and your family to campus and be a part of your journey. This program is designed to give you a strong foundation, meaningful connections, and the tools you need to confidently step into your college experience.

If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to our Director of Owl Access, Chelsea Blake at Chelsea.Blake@rice.edu.

Welcome to the Rice family—we can’t wait to see all that you will accomplish!