NFO Information Sessions

New Families Orientation (NFO) hosts information sessions each year to present information from key offices, departments, schools, and resources across campus. The content of each session is thoughtfully developed by each respective resource, based on the information they know is most crucial to incoming students' transition and success. The sessions aims to provide parents and families with an overview of their services, as well as contact information for your important questions and comments.

See below for a list of Information Sessions coming up at the New Families Orientation on August 17, 2025 hosted by various departments, offices, and resources on campus. Please review our digital program guide for locations for sessions.

Center for Career Development

Center for Career Development | https://ccd.rice.edu/
The Center for Career Development Team will share resources for exploring externships and summer internships, including post graduate options and employment opportunities and graduate school exploration.

The Office of Academic Advising

The Office of Academic Advising | https://oaa.rice.edu

Learn about the unique advising system at Rice, academic rules and regulations, and academic resources. Presented by Christine Martinez, Executive Director of Academic Advising and LaTia McPherson-Sadler, Associate Director of Academic Advising. Peer Academic Advisors will be available for individual questions in the Grand Hall of the RMC.

The Office of Financial Aid

The Office of Financial Aid | https://financialaid.rice.edu/
Sahmeen Ali, Associate Director of Financial Aid, will provide a brief overview of the need-based financial aid award process at Rice University

Wellbeing and Counseling Center

Wellbeing and Counseling Center | https://wellbeing.rice.edu/

Presentation and Q&A about the mental health and wellbeing resources available at Rice University.

Study Abroad

Study Abroad | https://abroad.rice.edu/

Learn about the benefits of study abroad, the different types of opportunities available, and the support the Office of Study Abroad provides from early planning through program completion.

Health Professions

Health Professions | https://oaa.rice.edu/specialized-advising/pre-health-professions
Learn about the preparatory pathway to the health professions, including medical, dental, and other health related professions. Presentation by Laura Schachner, Assistant Director of Academic Advising, with Q&A.

Rice Architecture

Rice Architecture | https://arch.rice.edu/
Parents' welcome reception and orientation to the Undergraduate Architecture Program and Q&A with Dr. Igor Marjanović, William Ward Watkin Dean and Andrew Colopy, Director of Undergraduate Studies & Associate Professor.

School of Engineering

School of Engineering | https://engineering.rice.edu/
Orientation to academics and other educational opportunities in the School of Engineering. Presentation and Q&A session with Dr. Renata Ramos, Senior Associate Dean, Brown School of Engineering

School of Humanities

“Lemonade and Letters”: School of Humanities Info Session and Reception for New Families and Friends

School of Social Sciences

School of Social Sciences | https://socialsciences.rice.edu/
During this welcome session, parents will learn more about the School of Social Sciences and the Gateway Program and are invited to participate in a Q&A session with Dean Rachel Kimbro and Assistant Dean for Student Programs Abbey Godley.

Shepherd School of Music

Shepherd School of Music | https://music.rice.edu/
Welcome reception, brief presentation, and Q&A with Matthew Loden, Dean of the Shepherd School of Music, Emily Wells, Senior Assistant Dean, and Geoffrey Scott, Assistant Dean.

School of Natural Sciences

Join us for a welcome session with Dean Tom Killian and Assistant Dean Lauren Kapcha to learn about the School of Natural Sciences and the enriching academic and educational experiences available to your student. Following the presentation, you’ll have the opportunity to participate in a Q&A session

Virani Undergraduate School of Business

During this information session, parents will learn more about the Virani Undergraduate School of Business curriculum and are invited to participate in a Q&A session Associate Dean Robert Dittmar and Assistant Dean Natalia Piqueira.