Dear colleagues,
The start of a new fiscal year is a natural moment to look ahead, and there’s a lot to look forward to for OF&S.
The work we do is constantly evolving alongside the needs of our campus. Over the past several years, we've made important investments in our people, our technology, and our operations to strengthen how we support Rice.
In FY27, we'll continue building on that progress by remaining committed to operational excellence, customer experience, and community of care. Our goal is to make the tools, processes, and services that support your work more intuitive, more connected, and more effective so you can focus your time and energy where it matters most.
In support of this, the OF&S leadership team is concentrating on the following priorities.
Technology Transformation
Technology Solutions & Services will work across campus to modernize enterprise systems, strengthen cybersecurity, and thoughtfully introduce AI.
The Goal: More reliable systems, fewer manual workarounds, and better access to the information you need. Over time, these improvements will reduce repetitive tasks and give you more time to focus on serving the Rice community.
Simplifying How Work Gets Done
Budget & Finance, Human Resources, and Facilities, Planning & Capital Construction are working together to streamline hiring, purchasing, project approvals, and other everyday processes.
The Goal: Clearer workflows, fewer duplicate steps, and faster turnaround times that make it easier to get work done—whether you support students, faculty, research, or campus operations.
Investing in Our People
Human Resources, with campus partners, will introduce new leadership development opportunities and incorporate Rice's values into the performance management program.
The Goal: Clearer opportunities for professional growth, more meaningful coaching, and greater consistency in how Rice's values are reflected in everyday operations.
Enhancing the Campus Experience
Real Estate, Facilities, Planning & Capital Construction, Campus Services & Sustainability, and partners across Rice are advancing campus improvements while continuing Phase 2 of Facilities Reimagined.
The Goal: More coordinated service, improved maintenance operations, modernized campus spaces, and continued investments that strengthen the experience for everyone who studies and works at Rice.
Looking Ahead
Every technology improvement, process redesign, leadership initiative, and campus investment share one purpose: making it easier for the people who keep Rice running to do their best work.
Whether you spend your day maintaining our campus, processing transactions, supporting research, assisting students, or working behind the scenes, none of what’s ahead happens without you.
Thank you for everything you do for Rice and for one another.
Sincerely,
Kelly Fox
Executive Vice President, Operations, Finance & Support
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Upcoming Events & Reminders
OF&S Summer Celebration
Before we officially kick off the academic year, I hope you will join me at the OF&S Summer Celebration on August 11 from 1:30-3:30pm at West Servery. The afternoon promises fun with yard games, tasty snacks, and even a raffle! All members of OF&S are welcome to attend.
Summer AI Challenge
I also want to remind everyone about the Summer AI Challenge. I hope all of you are planning to participate. Any staff member who completes 4 hours of AI training by August 31 will earn a gift card to Dandelion Cafe.