Welcome to the 35th edition of Rice University's Graduate Student Yellow Pages. Information contained in this book is primarily aimed at incoming and returning graduate students, though we are pleased that these pages also benefit Rice undergraduates, faculty and staff, and others in the surrounding community. We aim to provide the most up-to-date and useful information possible to make graduate life here at Rice just a little easier.
These Yellow Pages have been one of the largest and most popular services the GSA has provided every year since 1970. This project would be untenable without the assistance and support of our advertisers. An index of advertisers is located at the back of the Yellow Pages to allow easier access to the advertisers' services. Please think of their support of these Yellow Pages when you consider your consumer needs and be sure to tell the advertisers that you saw their ads here!
We hope that the following information helps you. For advertising or content information, please contact the Head Editor or the GSA.
Head Editor: Molly Slattery (ENG) -
slattery(at)rice.edu
Assistant Editor: Priya Gupta (PHYS) -
priyag(at)rice.edu
Advertising Staff: Faisal Amlani (CAAM) - faisal(at)rice.edu,
Gregory Larsen (PHYS) - gregl(at)rice.edu
Web editor: Fernando González del Cueto (CAAM)
fcueto(at)rice.edu
The Graduate Student Association is "the incorporation of the general graduate student body at Rice University," as stated in the GSA Constitution, which was ratified in February 1996. The previous constitution was adopted in 1969 when the GSA was first formed. All full-time, on-campus graduate students are automatically GSA members and pay a $10 per semester fee to support the organization.
Each department with a graduate program has a representative on the GSA Council, which represents "the association and its members to the university administration, trustees, faculty, staff, alumni, undergraduates, or other bodies." Held at 6 pm on the third Tuesday of each month in Farnsworth Pavilion (RMC), GSA Regular Council meetings are open to the public.
As a GSA member, you can make your opinions, requests, and concerns known at the GSA Office (x4099) on the 2nd floor of the Ley Student Center or leave a message with the Student Activities Office (x4097).
GSA Executive Officers for 2005-2006:
For more information on the GSA and on your department reps, please visit the GSA web page at http://www.ruf.rice.edu/~gsa. New representatives to the GSA Council are selected in early March. Grads also have representatives on most university standing committees, serving on behalf of the graduate student body. If you're interested in being on one of these committees next year, contact the GSA Secretary to get information on available positions.
Car break down? Payroll mix-up? Living on mac and cheese this month? The GSA Loan Fund is here for you in your time of need! This loan service--operated by the Graduate Student Association--can make a short term loan to any Rice graduate student, provided that the student is currently registered (and does not already have an outstanding GSA loan).
Any such qualified graduate student can borrow up to $250. There is a flat user fee of $5 per loan, regardless of how much is borrowed. The loan must be repaid within three months, and the GSA retains the right to place your academic record on hold--so be sure to repay your loan in a timely manner.
Casey Bonfield is the 05-06 Loan Fund Officer. Anyone needing a loan should contact Casey by sending an e-mail to gsaloan@rice.edu to set up an appointment on a loan-by-loan basis.
In days of yore, graduate students used to buy a keg of beer on Friday afternoons, meet at a designated location on campus, and drink it. For many years, they dreamed of a permanent lounge where they could meet, but it wasn't until the GSA was founded that an organized effort was made. After some resistance, the administration gave in and the construction of Valhalla began in the summer of 1970. Much of the interior was designed by the architecture grad, Victor Gelsomino. Formerly an old storage area for paint and other explosives beneath the steps of the chemistry building, the graduate lounge officially opened its doors in the spring of 1971 and quickly became an established Rice institution. Except for an initial investment by the university, much of the construction was pursued on a volunteer basis by students and physical plant employees. The wooden chairs at each end of Valhalla and the bar itself were constructed from scavenged materials left over from when the Founder's Room in Lovett Hall was refurnished.
Valhalla is a not-for-profit student-run cooperative operated by and for thegraduate students of Rice University. It is managed by student managers whoare responsible for overseeing the bar's operation. Bartenders are graduatestudents and other Rice community members who volunteer one hour per weekbehind the bar. The lounge may be small and subterranean, but it is one of the few places on campus where graduate students can meet and socialize with students and faculty from other departments. For this reason, new graduate students are encouraged to drop by and consider becoming bartenders, not only for the benefit of the lounge, but also to meet some faces outside of their own department.
Valhalla serves Shiner Bock, Lonestar and St. Arnold's beers on tap. Besides cheap draft and bottled beer, the pub offers sandwiches for lunch, candy, potato chips, soft drinks, a selection of wines, microwaveable delicacies such as Hot Pockets and chimichangas, and other snacks and drinkables. As Valhalla is not just a bar, but the grad student lounge, wireless internet is available through the Rice campus network. The bar is open for lunch from 11:30 am to pm on all weekdays except holidays. Evening hours are 4 pm to 2 am
Monday through Friday and 7 pm to 2 am on Sunday. Valhalla is generally closed on Saturday; students may reserve the lounge on Saturday for private parties. Keg sales are also available - just email the managers at least a week in advance to order the keg(s) you need. The current managers are Darren Roblyer (dmr2@rice.edu) and Nikhil Gheewala (nikhil@rice.edu).
Rice provides three shuttle bus routes every day during the week that circle on or near the campus. The Inner Loop shuttle runs Monday-Friday, 6 am to 10:40 pm. The Rice Graduate Apartments (RGA) shuttle runs Monday-Friday, 7:30 am to 10:45 pm. Finally, the Greenbriar shuttle runs Monday-Friday, 8:30 am to 4 pm. A special weekend shuttle runs between the RGA and the Fiesta and Target shopping centers at Kirby and Main every Saturday, 10 am to 1 pm every half hour (year long including holidays). A night-time safety escort service operates Monday-Thursday by request from 10:30 pm to 6:30 am (Sunday from 10 pm to 6:30 am), providing service to any area on campus. On Friday and Saturday, the campus police provide this service on request. Call the police for an escort at x6000. For more information on shuttle schedules, as they are different during the summer and holidays, refer to the web site: http://www.ruf.rice.edu/~enroute/getting_around_campus/.
The following is a list of the administrative offices at Rice. Before contacting an administrative office, remember that your GSA officers are here to help with your questions and concerns--so don't hesitate to contact the GSA. The information below may change periodically.
Academic Advising (132 Ley Center, x4060) provides information and resources for students to achieve their academic goals. Resources that may be of interest are the MCAT and LSAT application packets.
Association of Rice Alumni/Alumni Affairs (202C Rice Memorial Center, x4057) provides a link between the university and its former students. All students who complete a year or more of study at Rice are members; no dues are required. Directed by an alumni board and professional office staff, the association sponsors intellectual programs, lectures, awards, homecoming events, and career networking programs. Grads looking for alumni in their field should visit the office to utilize the alumni contact service. Visit http://alumni.rice.edu.
Career Services Center (208 Rice Memorial Center, x4055, http://www.careers.rice.edu) provides career information and keeps students apprised of upcoming workshops (some targeting graduate students) while offering testing services, recruiting events, and internship opportunities. Students may register at CSC to schedule interviews prior to a recruiting event at Rice and may post their resumes via RiceLink. The Center has a counselor devoted to graduate student career services. For a small fee, Career Services maintains a very useful credential file service called "dossiers" (e.g., letters of recommendation, transcripts, curriculum vitae, etc.) for academic positions.
Continuing Studies (School of Continuing Studies, x4803) offers non-credit courses (offered primarily during the summer) in the arts, humanities, sciences, communication skills, and photography. Language programs (x4019) are available for ESL (English as a second language), Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, German, French, Italian, Spanish, and Russian. Discounts are often available to Rice students and their spouses. This is also a good place to get teaching experience. Visit http://www.scs.rice.edu.
Finance and Administration (411 Allen Center, x2509) maintains the nuts and bolts of the university machine.
Food and Housing (x5441) oversees all campus food preparation and student residences. In other words, this is the place to call if the management at Sammy's doesn't seem to be listening to you. F&H also maintains the university's limited selection of off-campus rental properties. Visit http://dacnet.rice.edu/depts/vpfa/fh.cfm.
International Programs (322 Anderson Hall, x5836) assists students and faculty in achieving Rice's international goals, particularly those involving study abroad and exchange programs. Visit http://www.abroad.rice.edu.
International Students and Scholars (Lovett Hall, Entrance A , Second Floor, x6095) helps students and visiting scholars at Rice maintain their legal status in the US. This department functions as university representative to the Department of Homeland Security, US Immigration, USCIS, and the Department of State. International students who make changes in dependent status or degree program should immediately consult OISS about its effect on immigration status. The department is also involved in cross-cultural programs and activities such as the host family program. Visit http://www.ruf.rice.edu/~ois/.
Judicial Affairs (Ley Student Center, x4786) is generally responsible for maintaining student discipline. This includes enforcement of the Honor Code, the Code of Student Conduct, and mediation services for students. Visit http://www.ruf.rice.edu/~bass/JudicialAffairs/judaffbroc.html.
Multicultural Affairs (RMC Cloisters, x5124) serves the entire Rice community, although the primary constituents are ethnic minority students. Through cross-cultural programs, OMA strives to educate the university community on racial and ethnic issues and to celebrate campus diversity. Services include a reference/resource center, a referral network, and a myriad of academic, social, and recreational activities.
Provost's Office (Allen Center Suite 430, x4002) oversees several major university functions important to grad students focusing on academic affairs.
Research and Graduate Studies (315 Allen Center, x4002) advocates and supports graduate programs at Rice. RGS monitors degree candidacy certification and approves leave of absence requests. It also maintains demographic information about the grad student body and administers many grad fellowships. RGS administers the Adams/Moseley Graduate Student Loan Fund, providing loans up to $2,000 to graduate students. Academic grievances that have not been settled through your department or academic school can be addressed ultimately by the Graduate Council through the RGS. The Office of Graduate Studies (x2635) advises and assists the Vice Provost in matters relating to graduate education and the quality of graduate life at Rice.
Rice University Police Department (Entrance 8, x6000) is a pro-active, community-oriented police department. RUPD officers are trained to handle the same problems that any municipal police department might face and take a preventive approach in dealing with potential campus crime. Services that students may wish to take advantage of include escort services, crime prevention programs, and personal safety programs. The RUPD can also provide information concerning municipal courts and locations as well as information for local police and government services.
Student Activities (RMC Cloisters, x4097) advises student organizations such as the GSA, maintains a register of all student clubs, and coordinates facilities use and registration of events with alcohol. Anyone planning an on-campus event should make this office their first stop. Student Activities also handles inquiries about class rings, legal aid, and sponsors an annual leadership retreat.
Student Financial Aid (116 Allen Center, x4958) offers financial aid to grad students in the form of Federal Stafford Loans, Perkins Loans, and private loans. Work-study opportunities are subject to the availability of funding. For these programs, a general application, "FAFSA" (the Free Application for Federal Student Aid), must be filed with the US Department of Education to determine eligibility of the applicant. Students interested in long-term aid should start on the paperwork the spring before the academic year for which they need assistance. Short-term, limited emergency loans are also available and must be repaid the same semester.
Student Health Services (Morton L. Rich Health and Wellness Center, x5194) provides confidential, on-campus health care for illness and injury, physical examinations, contraceptive counseling, pap smears, allergy shots, etc. Health Services also maintains students' health records as well as performing related services. Be sure to bring your Rice ID to your appointment. Visit http://www.rice.edu/health.
Wellness Center (Morton L. Rich Health and Wellness Center, x5194) works with students to encourage behaviors which serve to promote better overall personal health standards. Programs are consistent with the American College Health Association and address alcohol/drug abuse, stress management, sexual health, fitness, and nutrition. There is a reference room containing health related literature. Affordable massage therapy and acupuncture sessions as well as nutrition sessions (often free) are available by appointment. Visit http://www.ruf.rice.edu/~wellness.
The Fondren Library (x5698) is an essential campus resource for the support of study and research activity at Rice. Rare books, manuscripts, and university archives are in the Woodson Research Center (x2586). The library provides a fine selection of electronic texts and online journals available to the Rice community as well. Exhibits from the Electronic Resource Center and the Woodson Research Center are offered throughout the year. Remote renewal and request of material is available via Webcat. Interlibrary Loan (x2284) provides access to material that is not available, missing, or difficult to find from other libraries around the world. Always feel free to contact the Reference Desk (x5113) with even the most mundane requests or questions. Visit http://www.rice.edu/fondren.
Everyone has access to RiceInfo, a campus-wide system that allows easy electronic access to information about Rice. Vsit http://www.rice.edu.
A range of resources are available including accounts for e-mail and Internet access, free training classes, and computing labs with software and printers. For complete information about available campus computing resources, look on Information Technology's web site (http://www.rice.edu/it). If you have questions or need computing assistance, contact the Help Desk (http://helpdesk.rice.edu/, helpdesk@rice.edu, 713.348.HELP [x4357], Mudd 103). Help Desk hours during the academic year are 8 am - 8 pm, Monday - Friday, and 2 - 5 pm, Sunday. Computing labs with Macintosh, PC, and, Unix workstations are available across campus. Some of the larger labs are located in Fondren Library, Mudd, and Ryon. Many labs have laser/specialty printers (color, poster, transparencies, theses, and resume) that you can use for a small fee. Access to the Rice campus network is available from offices and the Graduate Student Apartments via ethernet connections, wireless zones on campus, and off-campus dial-up accounts. Check http://www.rice.edu/it/network/ for more information.
Rice University Graduate Apartments (1515 Bissonnet, x4723) is a garden-style community located just north of campus. The apartment complex is located in the Southhampton residential neighborhood with museums, boutique shopping, grocery stores, pharmacies, and the Texas Medical Center within a one and one-half mile radius.
Apartment amenities include electric central heating and air conditioning, fiber optic internet connection, built-in dining/study area, refrigerator, garbage disposal, and dishwasher. Floor plans include a comfortable balance between community and private areas, sound proofing materials to maintain a quiet study environment, separate apartment electric meters, and individual water heaters. Visit http://gradapts.rice.edu/.
Besides the GSA, there are several other prominent Rice student organizations:
KTRU 91.7 FM (Ley Student Center, x4098) is the student-run radio station, and DJs usually play from a play list and according to the current disc jockey's preferences. Consequently, the music is all over the map. If you'd like to hear something they're not playing, you can send in a request. You may want to become a DJ yourself--they always need more help.The request line is xKTRU.
Marching Owl Band (Central Kitchen Basement, x2346), or the MOB, for short, has, in certain circles, a reputation greater than that of the football team. The MOB's provocative half-time performances usually lampoon one group or another, and, on one occasion, have resulted in the band being trapped in our own stadium by enraged Aggie fans. They have several times achieved notoriety and infamy in national publications. If you're interested in joining this lofty fellowship, break into a rehearsal at the first of the school year. They meet in the newly renovated basement of the Central Kitchen (CK). Listen for the sound of the brass section wailing out their favorite tune, "Louie, Louie."
Pride@RICE is an organization that provides a place for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered, questioning, and gay-friendly graduate students to meet and exchange ideas while encouraging social and personal ties between GLBTQ members and others in the community. Pride meets biweekly on Thursday evenings at the Student Center. Visit http://www.ruf.rice.edu/~pride.
Rice Coffee House, located outside of Sammy's (the cafeteria), is entirely student-run; it serves tea and various forms of coffee (from basic java to cappuccino) and also cookies and muffins.
Rice Memorial Center, also known as the Ley Student Center, is a place on campus where you can go to hang out between classes, meet friends, study, or buy a great cup of coffee. There are also interesting programs and activities that are offered as a break from your rigorous academic schedule. The Student Center has several lounges and conference rooms that you may reserve for meetings or events by calling x3778. The staff is always looking for new programming ideas from selecting a movie series to starting a chess tournament to planning a controversial lecture. Stop by the Student Center and let them know your ideas! Rice Program Council (Ley Student Center, x4839) is the undergraduaterun campus entertainment organization. There is almost always an undergraduate party every weekend co-sponsored by the RPC; but be forewarned--there appears to be somewhat of a stigma concerning graduate students. The RPC also sponsors Beer-Bike and some formal dances while subsidizing tickets to some of Houston's cultural events.
Rice Student Volunteer Program (RMC Cloisters, x4970) is an umbrella organization associated with the Community Involvement Center and covers the various volunteer organizations and outreach programs in which students lend a hand. The good works of the RSVP are too numerous to mention here, but one close to the hearts of graduate students is Habitat for Humanity, a partnership which was established at Rice by grads. If you've a bit of a social conscience and want to put it to use, we urge you to drop by their office. Their website is http://www.ruf.rice.edu/~rsvp.
Rice Thresher (Ley Student Center, x4801) is Rice's campus newspaper, published on the Friday of any academic week in which a holiday does not occur. The paper tends to focus on undergraduates, primarily because few (if any) graduate students are on the staff. If there is news that you think should be printed, please call one of their editors. Better yet, think about becoming a member of their reporting staff. They always seem to be looking for responsible reporters, and a graduate student perspective would help.
Student Association (Ley Student Center, x4070) is the undergraduate student government. The undergraduates tend to be more vocal about their complaints than their graduate counterparts. The name of the organization is very general, so many people think that the SA also represents the graduate student body; it does not, however.
The Thresher, KTRU, and RPC are primarily funded by fees paid by the undergraduate student body. The GSA occasionally donates to their budgets, but its contribution is small relative to that of the undergrads. This and minimal grad participation are the prime reasons why the services provided by these organizations cater to and are run by undergraduates. However, graduate student participation is always welcome in student activities, and you are encouraged to get involved.
The Rice Recreation Center (x4058) All full-time students are entitled to use the university gym facilities and athletic equipment. Facilities include an indoor 25 yard swimming pool; handball, racquetball, squash, tennis, and basketball courts plus fencing facilities; cardio, fitness and weight rooms; and track, ping-pong tables, and locker rooms. Equipment includes racquets, balls, bats, gloves, etc. Courts may be reserved in person or by calling x4058. Spouses of students may use the gym by paying $10 to the campus police for an ID.
Intramurals Rice has a phenomenally high rate of participation in intramural sports (open to all students and staff). They are organized by colleges, departments, and other interested groups through the Sports Office (x5398). A list of upcoming events, schedules, and organizational information is available in the gym. A note of warning: some leagues take themselves fairly seriously and can be unnecessarily competitive. The freshmen PE classes are more than happy to accept graduate students as auditors.
Walking/Running The perimeter of Rice is popular with locals as well as students, despite the lack of sidewalks. Other nice locations are the Buffalo Bayou, Braes Bayou, and Memorial Park. If you need T-shirts, you're bound to trip over some of the thousands of local fun runs, of which the biggest is probably the Jingle Bell Run (http://www.jinglebellrun.org), a costume race to Downtown in early December.
Biking You'll often find company any time of year at the track on the west side of Rice Stadium. Other popular training loops are on Rice and Sunset and in Hermann Park. Both Braes and Buffalo Bayous have paved trails, but only Braes has the amazing sign "Warning, Steep Slope and Sharp Curve."
Golf Public golf course locations are in the phone book under "Parks and Recreation." The closest one is in Hermann Park (713-526-0077) and costs about $25 on weekdays and $30 on weekends.
Soccer Two soccer associations in Houston are the Houston Women's Soccer Association (713-267-1517, http://www.hwsa.org) and the Houston Football Association, for men (281-531-0320, http://www.hfasoccer.com). You can sign up to play in a league or just go to cheer others on.
In 2000, Jordan Konisky, Vice Provost for Research and Graduate Studies, elected to extend the opportunities offered by the Envision Grant Program founded for undergraduate students by Maryana Iskander, president of the Student Association (199597). Envision now provides both undergraduate
and graduate students with funding for projects that promote leadership, creativity, and/or service. The grants are administered by Leadership Rice, and recipients are chosen by a committee composed of faculty, staff, and students. Additional information about the Envision Grant Program may be found at http://www.rice.edu/~leading or by calling the Leadership Rice Office at x4717.
Real estate ads for apartments can be found in the Houston Chronicle, Houston Press, and the Greensheet. The Student Center maintains an online Off-campus Housing Guide at http://sturec.rice.edu/stucent/housing/ which is worth checking out.
The Consumer Guide portion of this publication has great feedback and honest comments on apartment complexes grad students have lived in. A good rule of thumb is that if a place looks dangerous in the light of day, it only gets worse at night. Ask other grads if you are unsure about a location. You will have enough to worry about without wondering if your possessions or your person will be safe.
The Astrodome/Reliant Park area has many condos, townhouses, and apartment complexes east and west of the Astrodome. Some are more run-down than others are--and some are extremely pricey. Outside of the Kirby/Main area, street life can get a bit unpalatable; whenever HPD's vice squad wants to round up a few prostitutes, they usually start looking along South Main. Be especially sure to get a feel for what a given neighborhood is like both during the day and at night. Apartments in the South Main area (south of Old Spanish Trail) have the often-deserved reputation for being dangerous, although there are also peaceful areas dotted with single-family houses in this area. Additionally, traffic jams occur before and after a well-attended event at the Reliant Park Stadium. If you do find a place here, be sure to map out an escape route in case an Astrojam strikes.
Bellaire is the nice community four miles west of campus, on the far side of West U, and much more middle class. Safe and pleasant, the area is known for its comfortable homes. But beware: as in West U, many homeowners are selling their houses to yuppies who raze the structure to build tract mansions; you might find yourself booted out when your lease expires.
The Galleria is the area near the mall of the same name, around the intersection of West Loop and Westheimer, and is littered with many upscale and expensive places. To live in this area, you'd better love rush-hour traffic.
Greenway is the located around the Greenway Plaza, near the intersection of SW Freeway and Buffalo Speedway. There are some affordable large complexes in this part of town, but it is generally plagued by heavy traffic during rush hour.
The Heights is an older neighborhood inside the loop, northwest of Downtown and north of Montrose. There are many restored wooden frame houses. The neighborhood is mostly blue-collar with an increasingly large arty population. Its southern edge is Memorial Drive, about four miles north of campus. This is a pleasant, little neighborhood with relatively low rents for small houses and apartments. Houses with one bedroom start at approximately $900 per month.
River Oaks is Houston's home of the rich and famous and lies west of Montrose, north of Greenway, and east of the Galleria. There are some very pricey apartments available around the fringes.
Westbury, Braeswood, and Meyerland lie along Braes Bayou, inside the southwest corner of the loop, and extend southwesterly beyond the loop. It's a comfortable, middle to upper-middle class neighborhood, with many Rice faculty in the area. Some affordable houses can be found.
Administered by the Faculty Women's Club and located on Room 149 at the Graduate Apartments, the Loan Closet lends out household items such as linens, lamps, pans, dishes, and small furniture. Rice graduate students may register annually for a small fee. Schedules for times of operation are posted in the Office for International Services/Academic Advising and are also found on the GSA bulletin board in the Student Center, at Valhalla, and in the lobby of the Graduate Apartments. For details, contact Mary Lou Margrave at 713-667-9887.
Cars and motorcycles must be registered with the state and with Rice University. Registering vehicles with Rice is easy and can be taken care of at the Rice Police Station in the Stadium Lot. The parking fee for 2005 in the Commuting and Residential sections of the West Lot for students is $130 per year and $60 at the Greenbriar Lot. These rates are susceptible to price hikes. For more information on different lots and their fees, visit http://www.rupd.rice.edu/parking/. Be sure to learn Rice parking regulations; illegal parkers are ticketed, and the fines are steep. You can get a parking handbook from the Rice Police Station or download the file (refer to the RUPD url).
Vehicles already registered with other states may keep their license plates under a Texas license plate reciprocity agreement. Concerned readers are referred to the Texas Department of Transportation (http://www.dot.state.tx.us, 512-465-7611) for more details. First time state registration starts by getting a vehicle safety inspection and a verification of the vehicle identification number (VIN). The inspection is performed at any state-approved Safety Inspection Station. Finding one is no challenge; many gas stations and tune-up shops garishly display these advertisements. Be careful, as there are some unscrupulous operators about. Your best bet is to ask friends who have lived in Houston for a while; at the very least they can tell you the places to avoid. The fee for inspection service varies from station to station (appr. $45). They check the lights, horn, tires, brakes, and exhaust system. Be sure to tell the inspector that you need an identification certificate. See our Consumer Guide for more tips.
Take the identification certificate and title to the County Tax Collector's Office. The tax collector's office for Harris County is located in 1001 Preston (713-368-2000, 8 am to 5 pm, MondayFriday). Call to ask what forms of payment are accepted. The cost will be as much as $100, depending on the age of your vehicle. You must bring proof of liability insurance issued in your name. The insurance needn't be issued in Texas, but, if it is out of state, you must bring a copy of the policy showing that it meets the minimum Texas requirements. Title transfer can be done at the same time as registration. Once you get your license plates, vehicle registration must be renewed every year (they send a friendly reminder in the mail each year). You may pay by check or money order (via mail), online (Texas Department of Public Safety web site http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/), at some area grocery store courtesy booths, or you may go to the registration office that sends you the renewal letter (the cheapest option). Your car must also be re-inspected at least once a year. If your vehicle doesn't pass inspection, you can have the problem fixed at the inspection station. If you think their price is out of line or if the repair is major and requires a specialist, there is a form that the inspector can issue to certify that your car passed inspection with the noted exceptions. This document entitles you to take your car elsewhere to have the problem fixed. After the vehicle is repaired, you can then return to the station that performed the inspection within two weeks and present the form. They are obliged to complete the inspection and issue a sticker without additional payment.
If you are buying or selling a car privately, you should get a Seller-Trader Affidavit from any dealer or from the Harris County Assessor and Collector of Taxes. This form plus executed title and tag receipt as well as proof of insurance should be submitted by the purchaser to the tax collector. There is a small fee for handling these papers and transferring the title. Sales tax must be paid at the time of the title transfer.
According to the Texas Department of Public Safety (http://txdps.state.tx.us, 512-424-2600/2000 or http://www.texas.dmv.org), full-time students are not required to get a Texas driver's license (TDL) if they maintain a valid out-ofstate license. If you work part-time or are only a part-time student, you have 30 days to get a TDL. Be warned, however, that many law enforcement officers, particularly in small towns in and around Houston (Southside Place, for example) will try to cite you anyway because they assume that you won't want to waste time fighting the fine in court.
You cannot get a TDL if you have a car registered in your name in another state. After completing the process to get the TDL, it takes 4-6 weeks for it to get to you on the mail. You forfeit your driver's license from another state of residence (if any), but you do get a receipt that entitles you to drive in the meantime. Most banks will require your driver's license or your passport to open a bank account on your name. A TDL also makes writing checks in stores much more convenient. Fortunately, most stores will accept a check with your temporary TDL and your Rice ID card.
To get a TDL, you need proof of identity (typical documents are a current TDL or US passport), your social security card, and about $30 cash. If your out-ofstate license is current, no tests are needed. You may even avoid standing in line, as most people there will be waiting to take written and driving tests.If you have no driver's license, have allowed your old license to expire, or are in need of a motorcycle license, you will have to take the written and driving tests. The written test is fairly easy, although people do fail it. You can trot up to the window and get a driver's handbook (also available online) to study while you wait in line. Once you pass the written test, you will be given an appointment for a driving test on the same day. If you get to the window after 11 am, you may not be able to take the driving test that day. Your best bet is to get in line early (office opens at 8 am) and expect a one or two hour wait. The car that you bring to the driving test must be street legal (e.g., with valid inspection and registration), and you must have proof of liability insurance. They will inspect the car on the spot; if anything is out of order, you will be told to get it fixed, and (you guessed it) you will probably have to wait in line again.
If you ride a motorcycle or moped, you must have a special license. You get this at the same place and will have to take a written and driving (on the bike) test. There is a separate book (also available online) that will prepare you for the motorcycle/moped test. This test is somewhat more difficult than the general test, but it is easy to pass after reading the book. If you are getting a regular license too, you will be given one license valid for a car and a motorbike. Both the car and the motorcycle must have the required inspection stickers, registration, insurance, lights, etc.
Lines can be very time consuming, but there are ways to minimize your wait! First, going on Saturday may not be a good choice. Second, be aware that most people in line will be taking both the driving and the written tests. If you do not need to take a road test, your best bet is to go after lunch. By this time most
road test people will have made their appointments. TDL renewal and changes of address on the TDL can be processed online (http://www.txdps.state.tx.us).
If you do not want a driver's license, you will still need a picture ID for purposes of cashing checks, getting into bars and clubs, and things of this nature. The DPS also issues a Texas ID card for $15. This will also take six weeks to arrive by mail, but they won't take your old driver's license if you have one.
The bus and Metro (rail) are the only mass transit options in Houston. The cost is $1 (if you travel inside the Loop) with free transfers. You may want to purchase a day pass ($2) if you plan on making multiple (round-trip) rides during the day. You can also purchase a monthly pass for $35 or a weekly pass for $9. The Metropolitan Transit Authority (METRO) is adding routes that offer more complete and convenient crosstown service. For more information on routes, schedules, and fares, contact METRO (http://www.ridemetro.org, 713-635-4000). Ask them to mail you a general route map and schedules for routes of specific interest. Some route maps are also available outside the Cashier's Office in the Allen Center.
Houston has two major airports. George Bush Houston Intercontinental Airport (IAH) handles many national and all international flights (45 minutes or more from Rice), and Hobby Airport (HOU), about 25 minutes from Rice, is served by many regional airlines. Shuttle service to both airports is provided by Express Shuttle USA (http://www.airportexpresshouston.com, 713-523-8888). You can catch either service out of the Renaissance Greenway (Buffalo Speedway @ SW Fwy), at the Hilton Plaza, and at many other locations. Some locations require reservations. Roughly speaking, the service operates from 5 am to 11 pm, seven days a week to IAH and to HOU with departures every half-hour to 45 min. Call for exact times and locations. From the Medical Center, fares are $20 to IAH and $15 to HOU one-way (cabs offer similar prices). Balance this price against parking fees. Remote parking (with free shuttles to the airport) ranges from $4 to $30 per day--sometimes a lot more near high travel times such as the holidays. Allow at least one hour for the trip to Intercontinental and 30 minutes for the trip to Hobby from Rice (allow more time if the journey is during rush hour).
Greyhound Bus Lines (http://www.greyhound.com, 713-759-6565) operates major intercity bus transportation, and Amtrak (http://amtrak.com, 1-800872-7245) has passenger rail service out of Houston.
Bicycling is a very practical means of transportation around the Rice area; yet the main drawback is the condition of the roads. Potholes, overhanging trees, and pea-brained people can make it a dodge and bump affair. Many automobile drivers feel that bikers don't really have any legitimate right to the road, especially the busy ones. As a wise grad said many years ago: "Get a helmet. Get a light if you are out at night. Stay the hell off the wrong side of the road." The city of Houston has plans to create an extensive network of bike lanes all around town, but whether these plans actually blossom into full reality is not yet certain. This seems to be a case in which citizen input can make a real difference. If the issue is important to you, contact local bike clubs to find out how you can get involved.
Bicycles must be registered with the City of Houston and Rice University. For city registration, just take your bike to any Houston Fire Department Station (there is #3 at 3735 W Alabama and #51 at 6902 Bellaire Blvd), and they will record its serial number and put a sticker on it for $1. For further information, call 713-495-7900. Registration with Rice can be performed at the Campus Police Office or online at http://www.rupd.rice.edu/bicycle. This service is recommended. In the event that your bicycle is stolen, its serial number will be on record in case of future recovery. RUPD can even engrave your name and driver's license number on your bicycle.
If you are really into biking, Houston has several clubs for you, among them the Houston Area Bicyclist Alliance (http://www.bikehouston.org, 713-7299333) and the Houston Bicycle Club (http://www.hbc.stevens.com). Racers should check in with the Rice University Cycling Team through the Student Activities Office (x5115).
For basic medical care, the Rice Student Health Service Office is the only way to fly, especially since you have already paid for it in your fees. For an appointment, call x4966. The office is located in the Morton L.Rich Health and Wellness Center alongside the Brown Master's House (off entrance 19). It is open Monday-Friday from 8:30 am to 5 pm during the semester. During the summer it is open from 9 am to 4 pm on Monday - Tuesday and 9 am to 3 pm on Wednesday (closed 12:30 to 1 pm for lunch). Among services offered are primary care for illness and injury, specialist referral, health record maintenance, standard immunizations (students who received a measles immunization during the 60s should inquire whether immunization is necessary), contraceptive counseling, inexpensive pap smears, and physical exams.
Unfortunately, the Health Service does have its drawbacks. No X-ray, laboratory, or ambulance services are included in the mandatory fee, and currently it's only open full-time during the regular academic year. It is closed during scheduled holidays, though it is open part-time in the summer. Any medical expense incurred by a student outside the Health Service is not included in the health service fee, and the student is responsible for payment. For summer or afterhours services that you would otherwise receive at the Health Service Office, particularly emergency treatments, you can report to any hospital. The Memorial Hermann Hospital ER (6411 Fannin, 713-704-4000) has a fast track program for Rice students. Report to the emergency room if you don't know where to go. Be sure to bring your insurance card and Rice ID. If it's not a situation requiring immediate treatment, Rice Health Services recommends St. Luke's Urgent Care Center (2727 W.Holcombe, 713-442-0249), open 24 hours a day/ 7 days a week for off-campus health care.
Emergency Contact Number: x6000 Web: http://www.ruf.rice.edu/~rems.
Rice University Emergency Medical Services (x5785) is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to provide the Rice University community with rapid, professional emergency medical care. Rice EMS is staffed by student, staff, and faculty volunteers who are all trained to the minimum level of Emergency Medical Technician-Basic and are all capable of performing life-saving interventions. No emergency is too trivial or too serious for Rice EMS to respond. If necessary, Rice EMS will arrange for transportation to a medical facility either by a police officer escort or ambulance, depending upon the nature of the illness or injury. The service is free to all patients.
In case of emergency, pick up one of the blue-light phones located on campus or call x6000. You will be connected to the Rice University Police Department dispatch desk. Be prepared to provide the following information:
For off-campus medical emergencies, if an ambulance is needed immediately, dial 911 and request an ambulance. For life and death emergencies, the patient should be taken to the nearest emergency room.
The Rice Counseling Center is in 303 Lovett, 713-348-4867. Hours are 8:30 am to 5 pm, MondayFriday, with a lunch break from noon to 1 pm. The Rice Counseling Center aims to assist students with a variety of concerns including low self-esteem, family problems, anxiety, depression, substance abuse, relationship problems, etc. There are no direct costs for services. The center is open throughout the year except for scheduled holidays. It does not close for the summer.
For a psychological or psychiatric crisis, call the Counseling Center at 713-348-4867. If you are calling after hours, an answering service will respond and put you in contact with a clinician. In the unlikely event you cannot reach the Counseling Center (especially during winter break), call the campus police (x3333 or x6000 from campus extensions or pick up one of the Blue Light phones; 713-348-6000 or 713-348-6194 from the colleges or off-campus).
In case of psychiatric crisis, students are often referred to Intracare Hospital, 7601 Fannin (713-790-0949). If emergency medical and psychiatric care are needed (e.g., for injuries associated with the psychiatric emergency), students are referred to Hermann Hospital, 6411 Fannin (713-704-4060), Methodist Hospital, 6565 Fannin (713-790-2245), Ben Taub Hospital, 1504 Taub Loop (713-793-2600), and others in the area.
Besides the mandatory health service fee, Rice also requires that all students carry some form of health insurance. Proof of coverage must be presented along with the fee payment for fall semester, either by paying for the group policy available through the university or by submitting a form indicating that you have obtained insurance elsewhere. Each year, the University Student Health Insurance Committee designs a health insurance plan specifically for Rice students. The purpose of this plan is to provide students an option that provides basic coverage while maintaining a plan affordable in terms of a student budget. This year, the Committee chose a plan offered by The Chickering Group--an Aetna Company. There have been several improvements to the plan this year: a $3000 out-of-pocket maximum, optional dental coverage, a vision discount program, a 24-hour nurse hotline, and a prescription discount. The annual deductible is $250 (in-network) and most benefits are covered at 70% after a $20 co-pay for most physician office visits. The annual premium for this plan is $1936 for an individual student. The costs to add a spouse/domestic partner or dependent child are $2808 and $2062, respectively. For full-time doctoral candidates in their first six years of study, the University will provide a partial subsidy to help cover the cost of the premium; this year the subsidy will cover 70% ($1355) for an individual and up to $1000 for spouse/domestic partner and dependent child coverage. The premium is administered through the Cashier's Office and can either be paid in full at the beginning of the fall semester, or through payroll deductions in installments throughout the academic year. For details about the plan and to learn how to enroll, please see the health insurance web site, http://www.studenthealthinsurance.rice.edu/. If you have any additional questions, please contact Dr. Lindley Doran (doran@rice.edu), Assistant Dean for Student Health Programs or The Chickering Group helpline (877-375-7908).
A first step for anyone concerned about prevention of HIV transmission should be to contact the Rice Wellness Center (x5196) or Health Services (x4966). Note: The appearance of a service or clinic in these pages shouldn't be construed as an endorsement of their services by GSA or Rice University. Information is subject to change. You are encouraged to check these places for yourself before using their services.
This information is updated to the best of our knowledge. Please call to confirm details first. All of these sites offer ELISA tests. A positive result on an ELISA test should be confirmed by a Western Blot or IFA test. All sites offer one of these two confirming tests. Tests at these sites are anonymous, which means that you are assigned a number to which you can attach a pseudonym if you so choose.
Montrose Clinic (http://www.montrose-clinic.org, 215 Westheimer, 713830-3000) Free (donations welcome). Results are available in two weeks. Hours are Monday-Thursday 1 pm to 7 pm and Friday, 1 pm to 5 pm. Appointments are not necessary. The clinic provides testing for other sexually transmitted diseases as well and acts as a referral source for HIV and drug rehabilitation treatment.
Planned Parenthood (http://www.pphouston.org, 3601 Fannin, 713-5223976) Administers Ora-Quick Rapid Test. Results in 45 minutes. Hours are Monday 8 am to 8 pm, Tuesday and Wednesday, 8 am to 5 pm, Thursday 7 am to 6 pm, Friday 7 am to 4 pm, and Saturday 8 am to 1 pm. Appointments are required.
Rice Student Health Services (Morton L.Rich Health and Wellness Center, x4966) Results are available the next day; a follow-up appointment is needed.
The above centers are also starting points for finding out about HIV and AIDS treatment. Also, the Texas HIV Medication Program provides certain drugs for low-income, HIV-infected individuals as prescribed by their doctor. To find out if you qualify, call 1-800-255-1090.
Access to the Lawyer Advisory Group is available through the Student Activities Office (x4097). The group consists of attorneys who have volunteered their services to advise students who may have legal problems of civil or criminal
nature. This service is available free of charge and is confidential; however, if the matter at hand involves repeated or more complex communication, you will be referred to attorneys that work on a fee basis. The Houston Bar Association
(http://www.hba.org) also provides free legal advice over the phone through the bi-monthly LegalLine program, on the first and third Wednesday of each month from 5 to 9 pm. The number is 713-759-1133. They also offer Spanish and Vietnamese hotlines. For most matters, though, it is better to consult a private attorney.
Limited, short-term loans are available through the GSA Loan Fund and through the Financial Aid Office. The latter administers the Adams/Moseley Graduate Student Loan Fund, which provides a year-loan for the amount up to $2,000 (x4153). Financial aid procedures generally take time, so contact them early and plan in advance as much as possible.
Campus work-study jobs (availability depends on funding) and federal student loans are also available to graduate students. If you are thinking about taking out a loan, contact the Financial Aid Office (x4958); be sure to ask them whether doing so will affect your eligibility for work-study. It is also worth checking with your department first to see if there are extra funds that they can make available. No matter how bleak your financial situation seems, be wary of finance company loans: interest rates can be outrageous and the damage to your credit status permanent.
These discount cards can be used by students and staff at participating stores in the community, and they are usually distributed in mid-September. Visit http://www.ruf.rice.edu/~stafadv/helpful_information/benefits.shtml for more information.
The American with Disabilities Act mandates that all places of business, government offices, and educational institutions make reasonable accommodations for disabled people in both employment and education. Rice University's point person for disability issues and compliance with the ADA is Jean Ashmore (Academic Advising, x5841, ADA@rice.edu). She will be able to tell you what support Rice can give you and what other organizations (on or off campus) might be in a position to help cope with documented disabilities. Another good resource is the Texas Rehabilitation Commission (1-866-281-1804), which may be in position to provide transportation help, financial assistance, medical help not covered by insurance (ex: hearing aids), and employment assistance. You do not have to be a permanent Texas resident to seek the TRC's help.
You can request forms to register to vote at the voter registration web site (http://www.sos.state.tx.us). Voter registration forms should also be available at any post office and at the Student Activities Office (x4097).
Houston has a large homosexual population. This welcoming and vital gay community thrives in the Montrose District, which is not far from Rice. Rice and Houston are generally felt to have a tolerant atmosphere for gays and lesbians. A comprehensive listing of gay-friendly organizations, clubs, bars, and restaurants can be found in the Houston Gay Yellow Pages (713-942-0084) which can be obtained from places such as Toopees Coffeehouse (on 1830 W. Alabama, 713-522-7662) and Crossroads Bookstore and Cafe (on 1111 Westheimer, 713-942-0147). Another starting point is the Houston Gay and Lesbian Switch-
board (713-529-3211). Many area restaurants and stores have the free publication, OutSmart, available, and you can call 713-521-5822 to find out about the Texas Triangle, which bills itself as "the state's award-winning gay news source." Pride@Rice (http://www.ruf.rice.edu/~pride), the on-campus group for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered, questioning and gay-friendly graduate students, is a good place to start for information as well.
Campus Safety A key factor to keep in mind about campus safety is that Rice is not a closed campus. Despite the serene appearance, anyone can walk in, and there have been sexual assaults in the last few years. Use your head and stay on guard. The police department on campus is not just campus security. They do all the things other police departments do, including their own investigations. In case of an emergency, call x3333 or x6000 from campus extensions or pick up one of the Blue Light phones. Night Escort You will sometimes see a white escort cart sitting outside of Fondren Library late at night for these purposes. If you don't and it's too late for the shuttle bus to take you where you're going, you do not need to walk--an escort will be provided upon request if you call x6000. If you live off-campus and are not able to drive home after dark, campus police may provide a ride.
Emergency "Blue Light" Phones These are the eight-foot poles with blue lights on top with a red phone box located at about arm level. There are 14 of these "e-phones" on campus--a few are found on the sides of buildings rather than on poles. The phones immediately connect you to RUPD. RUPD knows which phone you are speaking from and will send an officer out right away even if you hang up and do not speak. Take the time to locate them on your usual travel routes around campus. Additionally, most elevators have phones, which are all direct lines to RUPD.
Rape Aggression Defense (RAD) RUPD offers RAD courses throughout the year to teach women realistic self-defense tactics. The program centers on awareness, prevention, risk reduction and avoidance, and basic self-defense training. The courses are offered free of charge to all female students, faculty, staff, and female dependants. For more information, visit http://www.rupd.rice.edu/rad/.
Rice Student Health Services (Morton L. Rich Health and Wellness Center, x4966) See the Rice Health Services section in this Survival Guide. Planned Parenthood (3601 Fannin, 713-522-6363 or 1-800-230-PLAN): These clinics provide confidential physical examinations, birth control supplies and instruction, annual gynecological examinations, and screening and treatment for STDs. Fees for services are determined on a sliding scale based upon income. Visit http://www.pphouston.org.
Village Women's Clinic (2240 Bissonnet, 713-528-6162) Provides pregnancy testing, complete exams, and office visits. They have a nurse practitioner and a counselor on staff.
Child Care: Rice pays Initiatives For Children, Inc. for its childcare consultation and referral service. Full-time graduate students may use their services for free. Call 713-840-0948 or visit http://www.twc.state.tx.us/svcs/workfamch.hands/html. Also see the Consumer Guide section of this publication for reviews of day care centers.
Houston Gay and Lesbian Political Caucus (803 Hawthorne, 713-5211000, http://www.hglbtpc.org/) Check out their web page for information and meeting locations.
The National Organization for Women at UH (NOW) (713-529-8697) Meets the first three Tuesdays of every month to address women's equality issues. Dues are about $35/year. Reduced fees are available if needed. Non-UH students welcome.
Houston Area Women's Center (http://www.hawc.org, 1010 Waugh, 713528-6798) Programs include:
Feminist Reading Group (Dr. Michie, x2823) Supported by the Center for the Study of Cultures. This group meets to discuss various works related to feminist studies. They also sponsor speakers, a symposium, and an annual conference. For more information, contact FRG through Professor Helena Michie.
Students Organized Against Rape (Women's Resource Center, x2813) SOAR holds discussions and distributes information to educate students on issues of sexual assault and date rape.
Wellness Center (Morton L. Rich Health and Wellness Center, x5194) See the Administration section in the Guide to Rice University.
Women's Commission was founded in 1986 and is composed of university faculty, staff, and students, the commission reviews the status of women at Rice and makes recommendations for improvements in administration and the physical environment.
Women's Resource Center (Ley Student Center, x2813) serves as a central location for groups and individuals on campus who hold an interest in women's issues. The Center provides a setting for women at Rice to develop their leadership skills, as well as their personal, interpersonal, academic, and professional development by providing a forum for individuals to meet, share ideas, engage in dialogue, and collaborate on programs. A few words on sexual harassment: Unfortunately, it happens. The University has a pretty standard policy in place (refer to the Student Handbook for details). If you experience an incident of discrimination or harassment, you can report sexual misconduct to Donald Ostdiek, Assistant Dean of Student Judicial Programs, at 713-348-4786. Additional support can be found at the Rice Counseling Center (x4867).
Graduate Certificate in the Study of Women, Gender, and Sexuality The Graduate Certificate Program is designed to give students in Ph. D. programs around the university experience with and expertise in the study of gender as it pertains to work in their own fields. Consisting of two interdisciplinary core courses, the program emphasizes both scholarship and teaching, preparing students to teach in women's/gender studies departments and adding an interdisciplinary dimension to research. The program offers financial support and opportunities for paid teaching for advanced students, as well as a lively interdisciplinary community of graduate students and faculty. If interested, please contact Program Director, Dr. Helena Michie (michie@rice.edu), or Program Administrator, Angela Wren Wall (awall@rice.edu; 713-348-5784). Please visit http://swg.rice.edu for departmental information.
To find out what's happening in Houston, check the entertainment listings in the Houston Chronicle and the Houston Press. You can look forward to the following:
September: Fiestas Patrias, a week-long celebration of Mexican independence from Spain (713-926-2636); Houston Hot Sauce Festival, 9/17-9/18 (http://www.houstonhotsauce.com, 281-558-3518).
October: Italian Festival, 10/0810/09 (http://www.houstonitaliancenter.com, 713-524-4222); Greek Festival, first weekend in October (3511 Yoakum, http://www.greekfest.org); Renaissance Festival, wandering minstrels, jugglers, magicians, puppets, etc. make this an intriguing (if expensive) adventure located in Plantersville (http://www.texrenfest.com, 1-800-458-3435); Oktoberfest, numerous places, especially the Garden in the Heights. Moonlight Bicycle Ramble (http://www.bikehouston.org); Bayou City Memorial Park Arts Festival (http://bayoucityartfestival.com).
November: WAMU's Thanksgiving Day Parade (Downtown); "Home for the Holidays" (Spring TX, 281-353-9310).
December: Dickens Evening on the Strand, scenes from Christmas past recreated on the Strand (Galveston); "Nutcracker," Houston Ballet's annual performance at the Wortham Center (http://www.houstonballet.org).
January: Houston International Boat, Sport, and Travel Show (Reliant Park, http://houstonboatshow.com); Houston Marathon (713-957-3453).
February: Chinese New Year, food and fireworks (713-432-7453); Owlcon, gaming convention sponsored by the Rice science fiction and gaming clubs.
March: Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo (Astrodome/Reliant Park) with the usual 4-H and rodeo events plus two weeks of big-name country/western musicians, and great BBQ (http://www.hlsr.com, 832-667-1000); Azalea Trail, spectacular flowering shrubs that bloom each spring in Houston (713-523-2483); Shell Houston Open Golf Tournament (the Woodlands); St. Patrick's Day Parade (Downtown); Beer-Bike.
April: San Jacinto Day, commemoration of Sam Houston's defeat of the Mexican army in 1836; MS 150 Bike Tour (http://www.ms150.org); Houston International Festival, featuring a different country each year (http://www.ifest.org, 713-654-8808); Houston International Film Festival (http://www.worldfest.org, 713-965-9955).
May: Heights Historical Home Tour (http://www.houstonheights.org, 713861-4002); Cinco de Mayo; Czech Fest, 3rd Sunday; Jewish Festival (713-729-7000); Art Car Parade (713-926-6368).
June: Pin Oak Charity Horse Show, prestigious horse show (713-621-6290); Juneteenth Blues Festival.
July: Independence Day, parade Downtown, fireworks displays at Sharpstown, Buffalo Bayou and Miller Theater; Slavic Heritage Days, Knights of Columbus Fairgrounds; Shakespeare Festival at Miller Theater.
A more thorough list of happenings can be obtained at the Chamber of Commerce (http://www.houston-spacecity.com, 1200 Smith, 713-844-3600).
KUHF 88.7 FM, the public radio station of the University of Houston, provides a daily arts and performance calendar on the air.
Alley Theater (http://www.alleytheatre.org, 615 Texas, 713-228-8421) Considered one of the finest resident professional theaters in the U.S. It recently won a major national award. Fall and winter schedule of plays. Call for more information.
Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion (http://pavilion.woodlandscenter.org, the Woodlands, 281-363-3300) Outdoor place, covered and non-covered sections. Many free events.
Houston Ballet (http://www.houstonballet.org,
Wortham Center, 713523-6300) "Good to excellent." $11.50 rush
tickets for students go on sale 90 minutes before selected
performances. Season subscription rates are considerably less
than they are in other big cities and may actually fall within
your budget. Group rates (10 or more) available.
Houston Grand Opera (http://www.houstongrandopera.org, Wortham Center, 713-228-OPERA or 1-800-62-OPERA) $30 rush tickets for students go on sale 90 minutes before curtain, day of show. Season subscription rates are also considerably less than they are in other big cities. Group rates (10 or more) available.
Houston Symphony (http://www.houstonsymphony.org, J.H.Jones Hall, 713-224-4240) Student discount on subscription series; some performances at Miller Theater and Mitchell Pavilion. Students: $10 for any available seat halfhour before the show starts.
Houston Toyota Center (http://www.houstontoyotacenter.com, 1510 Polk, 713-758-7200) Big-name musical acts, Ice Capades, Houston Rockets, etc.
J.H.Jones Hall for the Performing Arts (http://www.houstontx.gov/joneshall/ or http://www.houston.com/theater/ 615 Louisiana, 713-227-3974) Plays big musicals like Chicago, Cabaret, etc.
Main Street Theater (http://www.mainstreettheatre.com, 2540 Times, 713524-6706) Founded by former Rice Players. Discounts for students; half price rush tickets available half hour before curtain.
Miller Outdoor Theater (http://www.milleroutdoortheater.org, 100 Concert Drive, Hermann Park, 713-524-3622) Hosts free events all summer such as the Blues Festival, Jazz Festival, a concert series by the Houston Symphony, dance by the Houston Ballet, and Shakespearean plays. Check out the July 4th concert and fireworks show. Tickets for the seating area are available on day of the performance between 11:30 am to 1 pm. Otherwise, seating is available on the hill overlooking the theater; "good place to picnic."
Music Hall (810 Bagby, 713-247-2592) Call for detailed information on varied shows.
Radio Music Theatre (http://www.radiomusictheatre.com, 2623 Colquitt, 713-522-7722) Live comedy. "Great family entertainment for more than a decade".
Rice Players (http://www.ruf.rice.edu/~players) is a campus group that usually presents four plays a year in Hamman Hall.
Rice University colleges organize dramatic performances (sometimes brilliant); watch the Thresher and campus bulletin boards for info.
Rice University Shepherd School of Music (on Campus, x4854) presents several prominent series of chamber music and contemporary performances, primarily in Hamman Hall, as well as numerous recitals and concerts. The Campanile Orchestra accepts members of the university community upon audition.
(http://www.spahouston.org, 615 Louisiana Suite 110, 713-227-4772) Half price rush tickets for students (half hour before show); unbeatable for serious revelers.
Southern Star Amphitheater (Six Flags Astroworld, 713-799-8404) A large out-door concert area in AstroWorld. Call 713-799-1234, x9, for a list of upcoming events. Ticket price includes admission to the park.
Stages Repertory Theater (http://www.stagestheatre.com, 3201 Allen Pkwy, 713-527-0123) Shows modern plays like Freshmen Sex and Maiden's Prayer. Student rush tickets available for $10-$15 on day of performance.
Astroworld/Waterworld (Kirby @ West Loop, 713-799-1234) A "fair-to-OK" amusement park; keep an eye out for discount ticket offers on Coke cans. Visit http://www.sixflags.com/parks/astroworld/.
Bayou Bend Collection (http://www.mfah.org/bayoubend,1Westcott St, 713-639-7750) Home of the late Miss Ima Hogg, a local philanthropist; renowned collection of early Americana, with beautiful gardens, especially in spring. The hours are Tuesday through Saturday 10 am to 5 pm, and Sunday 1 pm to 5 pm. $3 for a self-guided tour of the gardens, $8.50 for a guided or self-guided home tour, with student ID. Reservations are required for guided tours of the building interiors.
Blaffer Gallery (4800 Cullen, 713-743-9530) Inside the Fine Arts Building at UH. Admission is free.
Childrens' Museum of Houston (http://www.cmhouston.org, 1500 Binz, 713-522-1138) Permanent and temporary exhibits for children. Open 7 days a week. Admission: $5. Free family nights offered every Thursday, 5 pm - 8 pm.
Contemporary Arts Museum (http://www.camh.org, 5216 Montrose, 713284-8250) Open 10 am to 5 pm TuesdaySaturday, noon to 5 pm on Sunday. Admission is free.
Diverse Works (1117 East Frwy, 713-223-8346) "Alternative space for visual/performing arts." Free. Visit http://www.diverseworks.org.
Holocaust Museum of Houston (5401 Caroline, 713-942-8000) The permanent exhibit chronicles the Holocaust and the events that led up to it. Smaller than the D.C. exhibit but every bit worthwhile. Open Monday, Wednesday, Friday 9 am to 5 pm, Thursday, 9 am to 9 pm, Saturday and Sunday Noon - 5 pm. Admission is free.
Houston Museum of Natural Science (http://www.hmns.org, Hermann Park, 713-639-4629) Normal hours of operation are Monday-Friday 10 am - 4 pm, Saturday, Sunday 11 am - 6 pm. Contains the Burke Baker Planetarium, Wortham IMAX Theater (open until 8 pm), and the Cockrell Butterfly Center: "The best $5 you can spend. Walk around in a recreated rain forest as tropical butterflies flutter around you."
The Menil Collection (http://www.menil.org,1515 Sul Ross, 713-525-9400) 11 am to 7 pm WednesdaySunday. Free. Remarkably rich and varied collection, ranging from pre-Columbian art to Surrealism.
The Moody Gardens (http://www.moodygardens.com, 1 Hope Blvd, Galveston, 1-800-582-4673) Recreated rainforest, IMAX theater, and much more.
Museum of American Architecture and Decorative Arts (7502 Fondren Rd, Houston Baptist University Library, 2nd floor, 281-649-3311) Open Tuesday to Friday, 10 am to 4 pm, Saturday 2 pm - 5 pm. Admission is $5 for adults, $2.50 for children and students. Visit http://www.hbu.edu.
Museum of Fine Arts (http://www.mfah.org, 1001 Bissonnet, 713-6397300) Open Tuesday, Wednesday, 10 am to 5 pm (closing time is 9 pm on Thursday, 7 pm on Friday and Saturday) and Sunday 12:15 pm to 7 pm. Admission $3.50 with student ID. Free onThursday. Great exhibits. Also sponsors various art film series.
Museum of Health and Medical Science (http://www.mhms.org, 1515 Herman Drive, 713-521-1515) Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for students.
Oil Ranch (http://www.oilranch.com, #1 Oil Ranch Rd, Hockley TX, 281859-1616) A guest ranch with pony and hay rides, picnic areas, and more. Billed as "a terrific place to take kids to, moderate price."
The Orange Show Center for Visionary Art (http://www.orangeshow.org, 2402 Munger, 713-926-6368) Pre-eminent within Houston's unusual concentration of folk art sites, this center provides the opportunity for the expression of personal artistic vision. Home of the popular Art Car Weekend. Free (donations welcome).
Project Row Houses (http://www.projectrowhouses.org, 2500 Holman, 713-526-7662) An award-winning concept born out of a community of AfricanAmerican artists in Houston, this is a space where many artists are shown, commenting on human life--plurality and diversity are emphasized. A must see in Houston. Admission is free.
Rice University Art Gallery (http://www.ricegallery.org, 352 Sewall Hall, x6069) Has rotating art exhibitions that range from edgy to interesting. Free admission.
Rice University Media Center (http://www.ruf.rice.edu/~media, Rice Entrance 8) Monthly exhibits the work of regionally or nationally known photographers plus much more.
Rothko Chapel (3900 Sul Ross, 713-524-9839) Part of the Menil Museum, an ecumenical chapel for peaceful contemplation, featuring the art of Mark Rothko. Open 10 am to 6 pm everyday.
Space Center Houston (http://www.spacecenter.org, 1601 NASA Rd 1, 281-244-2100) Take the NASA One exit off I-45 South. $17.95 adults/$13.95 children under 12, $3 parking.
San Jacinto Battleground and Battleship Texas State Historic Parks (http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/park/battlesh, 3523 Hw 134, La Porte, TX 281479-2431) Commemorates the famous battle that brought Texas its independence. Free admission to the San Jacinto Park and the Museum of History. Film representation of the battle of San Jacinto is shown for $4.50.
A short list of local places to restore the psyche outdoors:
Hermann Park (6001 Fannin, across S Main from Rice) Includes the Houston Zoo, Natural Science Museum, Miller Theater, and Japanese Garden.
Houston Zoo (1513 N McGregor at Hermann Park, 713-599-6500) Entrance fee of $7 for adults, $3 for children, but free on city holidays. Open 9 am to 6 pm.
Memorial Park (6501 Memorial Drive) Has challenging bike trails and walking paths. Houses the Houston Arboretum Center.
Sailing (http://lets-go-sailing.net) For something a little different, try sailing. Let's Go Sailing offers boats for charter as well as sailing instruction and private cruises in Clear Lake and Galveston Bay.
Sam Houston Park (1000 Bagby) Grass and historic houses under the skyscrapers. Go under the interstate to Buffalo Bayou Park for running/biking trails.
The Sierra Club generally has some activity every other weekend or so (hiking, canoeing, camping, etc.), and Bookstop and Brazos Books have good selections of travel books with Houston area information to help supplement your journey. In the following section, times in parentheses indicate approximate driving time from Houston to various destinations. Going west out I-10 or 290, or either way out I-45, you will run into heavy traffic if you leave after 2 or 3 pm on Friday.
Austin Home of the University of Texas and "live music capital of the world." It's less humid than Houston and actually has hills. See the bats fly out from under the Congress Street Bridge at twilight; check out the clubs along 6th Street; swim in Barton Springs. I-10 is faster but not as pretty as 290; either way, look for roadside barbecue. (34 hrs)
Big Bend National Park is magnificent. How much do you like to drive? (1214 hrs)
Big Thicket The Lone Star Trail through portions of Sam Houston Nat'l Forest traverses what is left of the indigenous east Texas ecology. One trailhead is at Double Lake. (12 hrs up 59)
Bluebonnets Thanks in part to Lady Bird Johnson, spectacular drives in March or April can be found along roads in central Texas. Reasonably accessible to Houston: Sealy, New Ulm, and Bellville. (1.5 hrs)
Dallas/Fort Worth For the big city lights, drive to Dallas. (4-5 hrs)
Galveston A beach, not a good or pretty beach, but there is salt water. The Bolivar Peninsula is generally quieter and cleaner. In Galveston, see the clipper ship Elissa and the Opera House if you're a history buff (1 hr, longer late on weekend afternoons).
Kemah Nice little bay town with cute chops, a boardwalk, and some good seafood restaurants. (4045 minutes)
Kerrville/Hill Country Folk, bluegrass festivals in spring/summer are all-day events. Information is normally available through KPFT morning disc jockeys. Between Austin and Kerrville is the Hill Country. Lukenbach exists and is truly worth commemoration in song. Enchanted Rock has some respectable climbing, the closest available. Pedernales Falls is a marvelous place to rusticate. (5 hrs)
New Braunfels/San Marcos: Floating the Guadalupe River is very popular. (2.5 hrs)
San Antonio is the most distinctive major city in Texas, with a genuinely European feel and beautiful missions. The River Walk is touristy but lovely. Fiesta (Springtime) is a major event. Each year, on Holy Thursday and Good Friday, they enact Christ's crucifixion on the town square. And, of course, don't forget the Alamo. (3 hrs)
Shiner Trips to the brewery in Shiner, Texas, are occasionally organized at Valhalla. The sampling room is open weekdays for those in transit to and from San Antonio. If you're in the area, hop over to Gonzalez to see the historic courthouse. (2 hrs west on old 90)
South Padre Island, a favorite for Spring Break, is a much prettier beach than Galveston, but it's much farther away. (7 hrs)
If you want to pay the athletic fee, you will have a free ticket to all home games at Rice. For ticket information, call 713-522-OWLS. Rice's baseball team - in its new home, Reckling Park - is always a particularly exciting team and were the 2003 College World Series Champions. Rice's women`s basketball team has consistently reached the second round of the NCAA nationals.
Houston's sports teams are the Texans football (Reliant Park, 832-6672000), Astros baseball (Minute Maid Park, 501 Crawford, 713-259-8000), Rock-ets basketball (Toyota Center, 866-446-8849), Comets WNBA (Toyota Center, 866-446-8849), and Aeros AHL Ice Hockey (Toyota Center, 866-446-8849).
Probably one of the most entertaining sports of all is Rice's Beer-Bike. Held in March, this relay race is not to be missed. Grad students, both men and women, interested in racing or chugging should contact one of the GSA BeerBike captains or the GSA VP of External Affairs, Tom Bunting (bunting@rice.edu).
The Joint Campus Ministry (http://www.ruf.rice.edu/~stact/JCM.html) is a cooperative venture of nine religious traditions ministering to Rice. These ministries are expressed in worship, in opportunities for spiritual growth, in social activities, in educational programs, and in community service.
Baptist Student Ministry (6530 Fannin, 713-790-0279) Activities include weekly lunches, weekly Bible study groups, and volunteering. Campus Crusade for Christ (2203 Briarmead, 713-784-5722)
Catholic Student Center (1703 Bolsover, 713-526-3809) Programs include the Texas Medical Center schools and the Catholic Association at Rice (http://ruf.rice.edu/~cathcen/). Confessions, marriages, and baptisms by appointment; programs, supper, counseling. The chapel is at 1714 Rice Blvd.
Chabad House (1955 University Blvd, 713-522-2004) For Jewish Orthodox services and programs. Visit http://www.chabad.org as it provides a forum that helps to connect teachers and centers of Jewish life worldwide.
Hillel (1700 Bissonett, 713-526-4918) Activities include dinners, community service, and holiday events. Includes students from UH and Baylor as well as young Jewish professionals. Visit http://www.houstonhillel.org.
Latter Day Saints (5008 Calhoun St, 713-747-2414) Mormon Church of Jesus Christ. Contact Marion Pameroy at houston@ldsces.org.
Lutheran Campus Ministry (Christ the King Lutheran Church, 2352 Rice Blvd, 713-523-2864) Meditation services every Saturday at 6 pm. Monthly Cohen House luncheons; Feed the Homeless Ministry and Lutheran Movement Activities.
Palmer Memorial Episcopal Church & Cantebury Association (5501 S Main St, 713-529-0527) Services on Sunday night during the academic year; church at 5 followed by dinner and fellowship. Visit http://www.ruf.rice.edu/~autry.
Wesley Foundation (St. Paul's United Methodist Church, 5501 S Main, 713528-0527) Worship: Sunday 8:45 am, 9:45, and 11:05 am. Healing service: first Tuesday of every month at 6 pm. Visit http://www.ruf.rice.edu/~wesley. Other places of worship and religious centers include the Jade Buddha Temple (http://www.jadebuddha.org), the Sri Meenakshi Temple (http://www.meenakshi.org), Muhammadi Masjid (http://www.ghgcorp.com/masjid), and a Bahai center (http://www.us.bahai.org).
Area churches that grads have singled out for commentary include First Presbyterian Church (5300 S Main, 713-620-6500, one of Houston's oldest churches. "Call about their many services"---and Second Baptist Church (6400 Woodway, 713-465-3408), which has a "great singles department--largest in the country."
Newspapers: Houston has only one daily paper, the Houston Chronicle (713220-7171), which features local news and plenty of ads. They often post sales reps in the Ley Student Center during the first month of the school year offering special deals to students. Houston also has home delivery for the Wall Street Journal (1-800-975-2204), the New York Times (1-800-NYTIMES), and USA Today (1-800-872-0001). You can also purchase them at the Campus Store. Free weeklies distributed in the Rice area are 1) the Houston Press (Thursday), a mainstream alternative paper, with some in-depth political reporting, 2) the Greensheet (Tuesday), the shopper's newspaper, good for hunting used cars, apartments, and garage sales, 3) the Thresher, a campus paper, and 4) the Rice News, another Rice newspaper reporting on the news that effects Rice. All five can be found at the Ley Student Center. There are also various neighborhood papers around.
Rice Radio Station: KTRU 91.7 FM is a student-run radio station. The basic format is eclectic and features music unavailable elsewhere on the Houston radio dial. Additional programming features specific genres such as classical and modern jazz, folk, blues, world, and experimental music.
Campus Switchboard: 713-348-0000
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 am 5:30 pm
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