The Division of Finance and Administration (F&A) is essential to the university's operations. F&A often operates behind the scenes; however, during O-Week, the division plays a crucial role in welcoming the incoming class of Owls to Rice. This year was no different, as careful preparation from a number of F&A departments guaranteed that O-Week was a memorable experience and successful operation.
Facilities & Capital Planning were central to ensuring a successful orientation week by meticulously preparing the grounds, cleaning campus spaces, and maintaining the university's infrastructure. More specifically, custodians worked to prepare and maintain classrooms and communal areas. The maintenance team ensured buildings were in top condition, tackling routine maintenance as necessary. Lastly, campus plant operators worked around the clock to keep the lights on and to maintain all infrastructure systems in optimal condition.
The Office of Information Technology was pivotal in ensuring that students kickstart their academic journey smoothly. Campus Services provided student workers in both Wiess and Duncan Colleges to assist incoming students with computer-related questions. Information Security shared a presentation on phishing during new student sessions. The Infrastructure and Operations readied the networks in all campus buildings and updated the software in all campus computer labs and teaching areas. Finally, Learning Environments managed the registration software and upgraded and deployed new software to the Clear computational Linux cluster students utilize for coursework.
Campus Safety worked tirelessly during O-Week to ensure the community had a safe campus experience. Throughout the week, the Rice University Police Department (RUPD), Rice Emergency Services, and Rice Crisis Management conducted safety presentations, and RUPD collaborated with Information Security to issue IDs to every new undergraduate and graduate student. REMS ensured move-in safety, especially during the week's extreme heat. Environmental Health Safety and Lab Operations provided safety training in chemical, biological, and fire safety to ensure safe lab practices.
Housing and Dining prepared the residential colleges and serveries after a busy summer supporting on-campus conferences and camps. The Dining team of certified American Culinary Federation chefs spent much of the summer developing new concepts to cater to the diversity of dietary and cultural needs. From the initial stages to student move-in, the Housing team contributed extensively. The maintenance teams prepared rooms and college common areas while custodial teams put the final touch on these spaces, focused on student comfort and success.
The commitment to creating a welcoming community for new students is one that all faculty and staff have an opportunity to participate in. Employees can become college associates, hosting O-Week meals and directly interacting with new students. Additionally, divisions can showcase campus resources and opportunities for incoming students during the Welcome Back Fair in the Grand Hall. Lastly, employees can volunteer with campus organizations dedicated to supporting Rice students. There is no shortage of ways in which the campus community can contribute to new students feeling welcomed and supported.