At Rice University, strategy begins with people. Informed by staff and faculty feedback—Rice is making intentional, data-driven investments in the areas employees value most. From compensation and digital tools to benefits, professional development, and well-being, Rice is building a workplace designed to help its people thrive.
Pay & Benefits: Investing in a Stronger Total Rewards Package
Through the Total Rewards Initiative, Rice is investing $20 million over five years to ensure staff compensation and employee benefits remain competitive.
More Competitive Pay
Rice University has continued to make meaningful strides in enhancing staff compensation. In fiscal years 2025 and 2026, the university invested a total of $24.6 million, including:
- $4.4 million in targeted salary adjustments for over 300 staff, advancing the Total Rewards Initiative to keep pay competitive in today’s job market.
- $20.2 million in merit-based increases to recognize individual performance and contributions.
Benefits Enhancements:
- Medical: Rice now covers between 75% (family) and 87% (employee-only) of medical insurance costs, saving employees as much as $151/month (from FY25 rates) and putting Rice ahead of many peer institutions.
- Dental: Employees earning $40,000 or more now receive a 25% subsidy—an important step toward the goal of offering 50% coverage for all employees. Rice also continues to provide 50% coverage for lower-income employees.
- Paid Parental Leave: Expanded from 6 to 8 weeks.
- Tuition Support: Employee tuition benefits doubled to $5,250/year and dependent tuition benefits were expanded to include tuition support up to 10% of Rice’s tuition for any accredited college or university in the US.
Performance Management: Aligning Contributions with Recognition
Rice’s performance management process has evolved to support meaningful feedback, career development, and linking pay to performance and contributions.
- A 12-month cycle now aligns with the annual merit process.
- Tools in iO support SMART goal-setting, check-ins, and progress tracking.
- Supervisors and staff engage in ongoing, documented performance conversations.
Technology: Tools That Help Us Work Smarter
Rice is modernizing how we work by rolling out digital tools that reduce manual work, improve coordination, and support innovation.
- Gemini: A new digital assistant supporting departments with research, drafting, and task automation.
- NotebookLM: An AI-powered tool to organize, summarize, and extract insights from complex documents.
- Copilot: Built into Microsoft 365, it generates content and streamlines work in Word, Excel, and Outlook.
- Asana: A centralized project management platform helping teams manage priorities, timelines, and collaboration.
- Zoom AI Companion: A built-in AI feature in Zoom that summarizes meetings, identifies action items, and assists with follow-ups.
- Grammarly: A digital assistant that enhances writing by checking grammar, clarity, and tone in real time.
Skill Building & Career Growth: Learning at Every Level
Rice continues to expand access to skill-building and leadership development opportunities across roles.
- AI Workshops: Hands-on workshops offered earlier this year showed staff how to use Microsoft Copilot to streamline work and explore emerging tech. Additionally, trainings for faculty and staff on Gemini, NotebookLM, and other AI tools are available from TT&I and Rice Digital Learning.
- Fondren Library: Workshops on data, coding, research, and media tools are offered regularly by library staff.
- Coursera for Rice: Free online courses in leadership, DEI, finance, and mindfulness.
- Glasscock & Rice Business: Certificate programs and executive education, often with employee discounts and some programs are eligible to pair with Rice’s employee tuition benefits.
- Finance Training: Programs like Dollars Making Sense and STARS support budgeting and grants management.
Well-being: A Culture of Care
Rice supports the whole employee through programs that promote physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
- SupportLinc: New employee assistance program offering 10 free counseling sessions per year.
- Mind Companion & Teladoc: Digital and virtual care options for mental health support.
- Wellness Wednesdays and Well-being Outreach Services offer community-based health activities, yoga, and more.
- Back-up care through Bright Horizons, expanded leave options, and emergency loan access reflect Rice’s commitment to flexibility and care.
- Time Away to relax and recharge through Rice’s generous Paid Time Off and holiday programs.
Bottom Line: Rice is investing where it matters—its people.
Through strategic, sustained efforts informed by employee feedback, the university is building a workplace rooted in care, opportunity, and long-term excellence.