Issue No. 36—Summer 2022
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A Message From Dean Gorman

Dear Rice Parents and Families,

Commencement is a time for celebration and reflection. Most of all, I feel immense pride in our undergraduates as I watch them march through the Sallyport, bringing their Rice experience full circle. So much happens between those two passages through the Sallyport, and as the dean of undergraduates an important priority is helping provide students with the resources needed to make the most of that journey, wherever it takes them.

As I am sure you know, getting to Rice is a feat in and of itself, requiring hard work and support from many people along the way. While The Rice Investment provides substantial financial aid to students, including low- and middle- income families, we are also taking steps to make sure that all Owls are on an equal playing field once on campus. The Access and Opportunity Portal (AOP), a centralized resource launched in 2020, helps increase financial access to the full range of Rice experiences and opportunities for those who need it.

Funded in part by the Access, Opportunity, and Inclusion Gift Fund, the AOP is a simple, accessible webpage where students can learn about and request support for a number of critical needs including application fees to medical/dental school and other professional development opportunities, support when the unexpected happens (such as a broken laptop), or funds for participating in paid social events on campus. With these avenues for financial assistance, students can feel empowered to fully pursue various opportunities offered at Rice, and, as they walk through the Sallyport one last time, I know they have a strong foundation for a bright future.

Sending my best wishes to you and your family,

Bridget Gorman, Dean of Undergraduates