Rice to reopen in fall with virus protocols
Rice University plans to reopen this fall, but officials are planning some substantial changes, including classes held simultaneously inperson and online, flexible start dates for international students, and a shortened fall semester.
“With all that has happened to our community since early March, it will be exciting for us to return to campus. I know that so many of you are eager to be physically part of our community again and undertake your work in the most effective way possible,” Rice President David Leebron wrote in a letter to students Monday.
Rice and other campuses closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and moved classes online.
Leebron said that he “cautiously optimistic” about a mid-August reopening for the private Houston college. It will be done in phases subject to change considering guidance from government and public health officials with social distancing and safety measures, including protocols for contact tracing, COVID-19 testing, and isolation for those who have been exposed to COVID-19.
Rice will increase its research activity and resume library services for faculty and students conducting research starting as early as May 15.
The university plans to bring back staff in early July but will encourage those who can to work remotely. Some students are also expected to return in July to prepare for the college’s student welcome, its matriculation ceremony and orientation week, but strict social distancing protocols will be in place with limitation on how many people can congregate in groups.
Summer events and camps are still canceled and summer classes will still be held online. Rice officials will consult with its athletics department about when student-athletes may return and possibly resume summer practice sessions.
Rice is already preparing its classrooms so courses can be delivered in “dual mode,” meaning on-campus and remotely at the same time. This will allow students who choose not to be in the on-campus — especially those with underlying health conditions — to tunein in real time to their courses at Rice. Additionally, all class sessions will be recorded, allowing students to access class instruction at any time. Exams and papers must also be capable of being completed remotely, Leebron wrote.
“This will enable us to be both more resilient and more accommodating to both faculty and students,” Leebron wrote.
In addition, Rice will shorten the fall semester, canceling a two-day fall recess in October. This will allow courses to end before Thanksgiving and eliminate travel to and from campus for the holidays.
“It lets us be better prepared, if necessary, to reduce our population and operations on the campus earlier,” Leebron wrote.
Some international students who might need more time to secure visas will delay their plans to attend Rice until January, Leebron said. The school will be more flexible, allowing students to start mid-year or defer enrollment. Rice will still provide housing over winter break for international students who aren’t able to return to their homes.
Leebron added that no full-time employees will be furloughed or discharged, but there will be a hiring freeze and no pay increases for the next year aside from promotions.