Dear colleagues,
Rice’s Momentous strategic vision includes a commitment to responsible artificial intelligence, reflecting the university’s belief that AI will play an important role in the future of research, teaching, and operations. At the same time, many conversations about AI focus on its ethical implications, reliability, and what it may mean for the future of work. It is understandable that these realities can sometimes feel at odds and that people may have a range of reactions to them.
As I reflect on these broader questions, I find myself thinking about our role as stewards in this space. To me, stewardship means approaching AI thoughtfully and intentionally. These tools are only effective when guided by human judgment, context, and care. Our goal should be to explore how AI can augment our work—helping us operate more effectively so that we can focus on the relationships, discretion, and service that make this institution great.
To make thoughtful decisions about these tools, we need to take the time to understand how they work and where they add true value. Many of these tools are best learned through hands-on use, and I encourage you to approach them with curiosity and a willingness to experiment. You often have the clearest view of where your team’s processes become unnecessarily complex or where work slows down, and that perspective will be essential in identifying where AI can genuinely help.
There are broader considerations we must keep in mind as we move forward. AI technologies carry real costs—from natural resource consumption to the infrastructure required to support them—and it is important that we evaluate these investments with a full understanding of their impact. Fortunately, Rice is home to researchers who are actively studying these questions and helping shape the broader conversation around responsible and sustainable AI.
(For those interested in better understanding how experts at Rice are examining these issues, you might consider enrolling in Glasscock's Responsible AI course. Staff Council is also hosting a webinar on the practical and responsible use of AI.)
As this conversation continues to evolve, I encourage you to approach these developments with curiosity, care, and a willingness to learn. Each of you brings valuable perspective to this work, and our commitment is to explore these tools thoughtfully—guided by our mission, our values, and the people who make Rice such a special place to work and learn.
Reminders & Updates
I’d like to close with a few reminders:
- Performance Management – The FY26 performance management cycle is coming to an end. Please be sure to complete your final evaluations, as merit-based salary adjustments will be determined in April. (Read more about how performance impacts pay.)
- Open Enrollment – Begins Friday, April 3, and runs through Friday, April 17. Open enrollment is your one opportunity each year to change or modify your benefits outside of a qualifying life event.
- Rice Fest – Will be held on April 7 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Grand Hall at the Rice Memorial Center. This annual event corresponds with the open enrollment period and provides an opportunity for staff to connect with benefits vendors, speak with the Total Rewards team, and learn more about programs and resources designed to support their well-being and financial health.
- Rice Way Training – All staff members must complete the RICE Way Training by April 17. This training includes five short video modules and one resource module and takes approximately one hour to complete. Managers of non-desk-bound employees should work with their teams to coordinate time to complete the training.
Sincerely,
Kelly Fox,
Executive Vice President, Operations, Finance & Support