This is Black at Rice

#academics #studentgroups #campuslife

We not only celebrate, but actively seek out broad diversity across our student body as a central and meaningful part of the student experience at Rice University, which includes support for making the transition to campus. Check out these resources we've compiled for Black students coming to Rice.

A picture of Dr. Alexander Byrd speaking to students attending the Black Excellence Gala at Rice University.
Dr. Alexander Byrd, Vice Provost for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Rice, speaks to the students attending the Black Excellence Gala.
A Black student at Rice University smiles with an administrator with a plaque commemorating an award she's just won at the Black Excellence Gala.
The Black Excellence Gala is an opportunity for the Black Student Association (BSA) to recognize Black excellence across campus.

Learning at Rice

How collaborative/competitive are academics?

Rice is far more collaborative than competitive. Each class varies in challenge and intensity, but the professors, teaching assistants, and fellow students that make up the Rice academic community all want to see you succeed. Study groups, review sessions, and free peer academic tutoring are just some of the many ways Rice students support one another and we highly recommend tapping into these opportunities.

How do students balance academics and extracurricular activities/jobs (and for athletes, your athletic schedule)?

Managing your time is a continual process that will depend on your workload each semester. It is important to build other things around your academics because you came to Rice for its academic opportunities. Make sure you're making time for yourself and balancing work and play in the midst of a busy schedule. If you’d like more support, the team at Student Success Initiatives (SSI) engages and supports Rice students’ successful transition to campus as well.

Social events such as this trip to a pumpkin patch are a great way to take a break from studying and just have fun with your friends!
Social events such as this trip to a pumpkin patch are a great way to take a break from studying and just have fun with your friends!
A Black student holding a microphone smiles as she performs at Africayé
Each year, the Rice African Student Association invites students to perform in or attend Africayé, a collection of performances celebrating the African Diaspora.

Social life/Black community

What are some of the Black student organizations on campus?

At Rice, we have multiple groups, including: The Black Student Association, The Rice African Student Association, the National Society of Black Engineers, the Black Male Leadership Initiative, Caribbean Student Society, DAWA Pre-Health Society, Rice Black Women’s Association, and The Impact Movement. Check out information on Black student organizations at the All Black Clubs website.

What events are important to the Black community on campus?

Every year, students love attending events such as Welcome B(l)ack Week, Friendsgiving, BSA General Body Meetings, Soul Night, the Black Excellence Gala, and Africayé. 

A still from the video of the Rice African Student Association performing Africayé 202. a dance
Check out Rice African Student Association's Dance Team perform in Africayé 2021!

How do students typically get involved with clubs for Black students on campus?

All Black incoming students are invited by the Black Student Association (BSA) and Rice African Student Association (RASA) to a Black new student reception before orientation week begins. From there, they host club fairs to expose students to all of the clubs Rice has to offer and oftentimes, returning students are eager to get new students involved in their respective organizations.

Want to get connected with the Black community at Rice?

Rice African Student Association (RASA) is on Instagram, TikTok and Twitter.
Black Student Association (BSA) can be found on Instagram, and you can learn more by visiting their website.

A Black student poses for a picture during the fashion show from Africayé 2022.
The Africayé fashion show is one of the most anticipated events of the program every year.
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