Below is a list of Centennial Frequently Asked Questions. If you need any additional information, please contact our Centennial Registrar at 713-348-3521 or centennial@rice.edu.
Centennial Celebration and Rice Homecoming & Reunion Packet Pick-Up will take place in the Tudor Fieldhouse Lobby at the following times:
Wednesday, October 10, 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Thursday, October 11, 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Friday, October 12, 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, October 13, 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Parking and Campus
For information on parking during the Centennial, please visit the Rice University Parking site and the Rice Transportation site.
For real time tracking of available rice shuttles, please visit the Rice University Transportation site.
Campus Maps
There is an interactive map you can access on the Centennial website. It is displayed with the Centennial Schedule, which is found under "Be Involved". You also might want to print out the Rice University map found at http://www.rice.edu/maps/maps.html.
Where do I park? Will it cost money?
Free parking will be in West Lot 3 and 4, the two large lots adjacent to Rice Stadium, west of campus but east of the stadium. There will also be a paid parking available throughout campus as usual. You can find more information at http://parking.rice.edu//
Will I get towed if I park in a neighborhood by the university or in Rice Village?
We discourage people from parking in the neighborhood; towing is a real danger. Please park in West Lot 3 and 4, which are free, and take a shuttle in.
Will there be shuttles going to and from the hotels?
Rice will not be providing transportation to and from campus. However, some hotels will have shuttle services you can use should you wish. Please check with your hotel for further information.
Registration and Accommodations
As a member of the general public, what information will I need to provide in order to register?
You will have the option of registering online for the Centennial Lecture Series begining October, 1. We will be asking you for your name and contact information.
How will I know I was registered? Will I get a confirmation email? Will I be mailed my tickets and information? Can I request that they be mailed to me?
We will send you a confirmation email with information the first week of October. Alumni, Faculty and Staff may retrieve tickets in their check-in packet on Wednesday, October 10 through Saturday, October 13 at Tudor Fieldhouse.
Will I need some form of ID in order to pick up my packet?
You will need either a government-issued ID or Rice ID in order to pick up your packet in the Tudor Fieldhouse lobby.
What will be available at the Hospitality Suites?
There will be water, coffee, and maps. Volunteers will be there to help with any questions. There will be a laptop to allow guests to reference the Centennial website if need be.
How can I get an assisted listening device? Will it cost money? How long will I be able to keep it?
They are free; all a person has to do is leave his or her drivers license as a deposit. The listening devices can be picked up at Sewall 305 between 7 am and 10 pm.
We might need a wheelchair/scooter. What can be done about that?
That can be arranged with Disability Support Services. 713-348-5841 or adarice@rice.edu. Website: http://www.dss.rice.edu/
Will there be a place to drop children off during events?
No, day care will not be provided.
Will I be able to buy food on campus?
Yes, on-campus restaurants and RechargeU will be open during normal business hours, except on Friday, October 12 from 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. during the Centennial Picnic. The Rice Community in invited to celebrate with a Centennial Picnic on the Central Quad.
Lectures and Panels
Are children allowed at lectures?
We realize that the Centennial Lecture Series represents a wonderful learning opportunity for all ages. Young people who are old enough to appreciate the presentations are most welcome to attend.
Are cameras allowed at lectures? Can I take pictures?
Flash photography is not permitted, nor is moving from one's chair into the aisle to take pictures.
Can I record video at a lecture?
We cannot permit attendees to record videos of the lectures due to copyright limitations imposed by the lecturers.
What topics will be covered during the Executive Leadership panel?
Three Decades of Executive Leadership at Rice is a panel discussion of current and former board chairs and university presidents, moderated by history professor Allen Matusow. The discussion will center on leadership at Rice.
Is there standing room available?
Fire code regulations do not permit "standing room" accommodation.
Will the bookstore be open?
Yes, the Bookstore will be open throughout the Centennial/Homecoming. The Bookstore also has a shop in Tudor Fieldhouse, which will feature all-centennial items during the Centennial Celebration.
Can specific seats be reserved?
The lectures will all be first come, first serve as far as seating goes.
What do I do if I have to leave an event early? Is that okay?
Leaving early is frowned upon during lectures, panels, and concerts. If you must leave a lecture or panel early, we ask that you do so as quietly as possible so as to not disturb either the lecturer or the other attendees. We suggest sitting near the back to aid in this process. If you must leave a concert early, you must follow standard concert etiquette (which states you can only enter or leave a room when you hear applause.) Parties and events such as the Centennial Picnic are much more relaxed, so you can leave whenever you like.
Why were these speakers chosen?
The CLS speakers were chosen by a faculty panel to represent areas of academic focus at Rice (bioscience and health, energy and the environment, and international strategy - along with the creative arts.)
Events
How long does a campus tour take?
Just under 1 hour.
Which authors will be at the book signing?
Authors expected are: Dr. John Boles; Robert Flatt; Dr. Randal Hall; Dr. Kate Kirkland; Dr. Steven Fenberg; Alan Bath, Lee Pecht & Karen Hess Rogers.
Can I buy their books at the signing? Where else can I buy books?
You can buy your books at the signing or earlier in the Bookstore or online; links are found here: http://centennial.rice.edu/readings.aspx.
Why are the Centennial and Homecoming events listed on separate websites?
While they are occurring at the same time, they are being organized by different departments in the university. It also allows you to see the underlying purpose of each event so you know it's being organized to celebrate Homecoming or the Centennial.
Shouldn't the other concerts be called encore concerts? Why are they called World Premieres?
Each concert is considered a World Premiere because different audiences are being invited to different concerts, thus making each performance their "world premiere."
Which audiences are invited to the Shepherd School World Premiere Concerts?
Thursday, October 11, 7:30 p.m. - Early reservations offered to Rice Alumni and Shepherd School faculty, staff and students.
Friday, October 12, 7:30 p.m. - Early reservations offered to Rice Associates and Centennial representatives.
Sunday, October 13, 7:30 p.m. - Early reservations offered to Rice University Faculty, Staff, Students and members of The Shepherd Society.
Why are events listed on the website if they're invtation-only?
Events are listed this way to let all guests know that things are happening at all times during the Centennial.
What happens if it rains?
The Spectacle: The Spectacle will still happen unless it is raining sideways.
The Academic Procession and Centennial Address: If it rains, the Academic Procession and Centennial Address will take place in Autry Court, Tudor Fieldhouse.
Centennial Picnic: In case of rain, the picnic will be moved to the Grand Hall.
Alumni Barbecue: The alumni barbecue will go on, rain or shine.
When is the exact day that Rice hits the 100 year mark?
Friday, October 12 is the 100th anniversary of Rice's Formal Opening. (The first day of classes was September 23, 1912.)