New Families Orientation 2024 will be hosted in person Sunday, August 18th, 2024. More updates to come as relates to Information Sessions, resources, and welcome messages from university leadership.
See below for FAQs from our parents and families related to incoming Rice students. Please note this page is subject to be updated. For official Campus Policies related to COVID-19, please visit here.
Your student will receive direct email notification for any major updates from the university, including the Dean of Undergraduates.
What is New Families Orientation?
The New Families Orientation (NFO) program is designed for parents whose students are about to begin their first (freshman or transfer) year at Rice University. The program will acquaint parents with various aspects of the university’s academic, residential, and student life. Emphasis will be on the transitions and adjustments new college students and their parents typically experience. Parents will have an opportunity to hear from members of our faculty, administrative staff, student body, and current Rice parents. It is intended that, as a result of participating in the program, parents will have an enriched sense of sharing in their student’s college life.
NFO consists of 3 major components this year:
1. A newsletter series distributed beginning mid-June until the start of fall semester.
2. An official Rice Welcome from President Reggie DesRoches and Dean Bridget K. Gorman will be delivered Sunday afternoon on August 18th, 2024.
3. Information Sessions and Resources fair from key offices on campus, which will also in person at New Families Orientation, Sunday, August 18th, 2024.
Is New Families Orientation virtual this year?
As a result of the most recent policy update related to COVID-19, NFO will transition to a fully in person program. Introductions to campus resources and departments will still take place on a rolling basis beginning mid-July until the start of fall semester via our Parent Newsletters. Key offices have been selected to provide information to our parents and family members. All of this information will be delivered via email directly to parents and families, as well as published on the NFO website on an ongoing basis. Offices and departments are available to answer your important questions and assist you throughout the summer months and during the academic term.
I have questions and I'm not sure where to go for the answer. Who should I contact?
A good first place to start is by reading about our Campus Resources and directing your question to the relevant office. If you have specific questions following a newsletter, contact information should be provided in each series. You can reach out to respective offices by email or phone and our committed faculty and staff are happy to help you. It is an excellent practice to start to have your students lead the communication chain between your family and the university. This helps students with help-seeking and navigational skills that are essential to their college-going years. As families and loved ones, Rice is committed to helping you feel confident and knowledgeable in your student’s transition. We do encourage students to be included on emails, phone calls, and any correspondence.
I am not receiving emails from New Families Orientation (NFO). What do I do?
To be added to our mailing list, please email oweek@rice.edu and we will reply to confirm. From then forward, you should receive all newsletters directly to your inbox until the start of fall semester. All newsletters can be viewed here. This page is frequently updated as each newsletter is scheduled to be delivered. You can revisit these newsletters throughout the academic year as well.
My student plans to live on campus for the fall. Can families help new students move in?
Yes, familiy members will be able to assist with move-in on Sunday, August 18th, 2024. While new students can have family members or friends with them to help unload their car, they can also enter the residential college building.
When students arrive at their college, they can unload their belongings from the car and proceed with move in. There will be carts available for moving items up to your room, and for new students who arrive for Orientation Week, O-Week Advisors will be there to assist with moving in student belongings.