Starting a new job and onboarding a new employee can feel overwhelming—but Owl Launch is changing that for Rice staff. Introduced in late 2024, Owl Launch simplifies the first day through a curated, full-day onboarding experience that ensures that new employees feel welcomed, informed, and confident—right from the start.
Led by Human Resources in collaboration with key campus partners, Owl Launch replaces the previous patchwork approach, often managed by supervisors on their own, with a coordinated experience. By streamlining logistics and creating meaningful moments of connection, the program supports Rice’s commitment to an inclusive, people-first workplace.
What It Is & Who’s Involved
Owl Launch is built around the “Four C’s of Onboarding”: Culture, Connection, Compliance, and Clarification, following a carefully choreographed schedule that helps new employees:
- Handle paperwork with ease: HR guides new employees through I-9 verification, benefits, and payroll in one place.
- Find their way around campus: The Talent Acquisition team leads tours full of fun facts (even Rice alumni say they learn something new).
- Feel the Rice welcome: The Rec Center hands out swag and free passes. Lunch is hosted at the Faculty Club, with transportation and guidance included.
- Skip the multiple stops: RUPD processes Rice IDs, keys, access cards, and parking permits all in one go.
- Get questions answered: Payroll and Benefits staff are on hand to clear up confusion and help avoid missed deadlines.
Before Owl Launch: New employees had to track down multiple offices across campus, sometimes missing key steps like benefit enrollment.
Now: They receive "white glove service" from start to finish—including reserved parking, guided transportation, and face-to-face time with key departments.
The program has already welcomed over 120 new staff members, with feedback that’s overwhelmingly positive.
Why Supervisors Should Take Note
Owl Launch doesn’t just benefit the new employees—supervisors win, too.
Owl Launch relieves supervisors from managing the logistics of the first day, allowing them to focus on what matters most: integrating the employee into the team and preparing them for their role. It reduces the risk of missed deadlines (like benefit enrollment), delays in building access, or administrative issues that can create frustration early on.
More importantly, Owl Launch sets a positive tone that reflects well on the supervisor and the department. When new employees feel like Rice values their arrival, they're more likely to feel loyal, engaged, and ready to contribute.
If you're a supervisor, one of the best ways to set your new hire up for success is to coordinate their start date with an Owl Launch session.
What’s Next: Beyond Day One
Owl Launch is only the beginning. A key part of the program’s vision is to bridge the first-day experience with what comes next—the more detailed onboarding within schools, divisions, and departments. The HR team is actively working on opportunities for enhancements and expansion.
Planning for FY26?
Owl Launch dates for FY26 are now available on the Owl Launch webpage. Departments are encouraged to align their hiring timelines with the program to ensure their new employees can participate.
Want to Learn More?
To learn more about this program or inquire how your department can align with Owl Launch, please contact the Owl Launch team: Michelle Potoczniak (mbp1@rice.edu), Veronica Villasenor (vdv@rice.edu), and Wiley Bennett (wbennett@rice.edu).