Growing up, I always dreamed of becoming a great leader. Whether it was mentoring younger kids in their studies or helping with programming events at a university, I really loved the idea of using my time, skills, and ability to bring people together to positively impact the community.
During my undergrad at the University of Central Florida, I spent my years being super involved on campus to experience the true value and impact of leadership. Over the years, I’ve realized that leadership isn’t about titles or authority; rather, it’s about showing up, creating space for others to grow, and helping a group move toward something meaningful. That’s the kind of leader I’ve always wanted to become, and it’s the path I’m still committed to today.
These two photos are from my undergraduate years, and both represent moments I’m really proud of. In one, I was selected to present my research to visiting families during Parents’ Weekend. This was an honor given to only a few students whose work stood out. In the other, I was invited to serve as a judge for the senior design showcase while I was still a junior. I was the only undergraduate chosen for that role, which made the experience even more meaningful.
Being involved in your university as a leader can allow you to build real-world skills, form meaningful connections, and create a lasting impact on the people and communities around you. It gives you the chance to shape campus culture, advocate for student needs, and develop confidence in your ability to guide, organize, and inspire others. More importantly, it helps you discover the kind of leader you want to be, specifically, one who listens, collaborates, and lifts others up.
Here are 5 ways you can be involved on campus as a Rice graduate student
1. Become a Teaching Assistant (TA)
Being a TA is one of the most common and rewarding ways to get involved as a graduate student. It gives you the chance to meet new students, support their learning, and strengthen your own understanding of the material. TAs often help with grading, hold office hours, answer questions, and sometimes lead discussions or review sessions.
It’s also a great way to build teaching, communication, and leadership skills, especially if you’re considering a career in academia or mentoring. Many students say that being a TA helps them feel more connected to their department and gives them a sense of purpose beyond their own research.
More info:
- Graduate Student Resources → Teaching & Learning Support (Rice GPS): https://graduate.rice.edu/resources
- Center for Teaching Excellence (CTE): https://cte.rice.edu/
2. Join the Graduate Student Association (GSA)
The GSA is the main graduate student government at Rice, and joining it is an amazing way to get involved on campus. You can participate either as an Executive Board member who is responsible for helping lead the organization, plan major initiatives, and represent graduate student interests, or you can join one of the GSA committees, where you can help plan events, work on advocacy projects, and support community‑building efforts. GSA members also help organize some of Rice’s most iconic campus traditions, including Beer Bike, Valhalloween, Graduate Student Welcome events, and many other cultural and social activities throughout the year. Being part of the GSA is a great way to meet students across departments, build leadership experience, and directly shape graduate student life at Rice.
More info:
- GSA Website: https://gsa.rice.edu/
- Student Activities overview (includes GSA): https://studentcenter.rice.edu/student-activities
3. Become a Graduate Student Ambassador
Graduate Student Ambassadors help represent Rice to prospective students by sharing what life here is really like. Ambassadors do coffee chats, conduct campus tours, answer questions from admitted students, and help create a welcoming first impression of the Rice graduate community.
It’s a great role if you enjoy leading/mentoring, connecting with people, and giving honest guidance to students who are trying to decide whether Rice is the right place for them. You also get to build communication skills and meet faculty, staff, and students across different programs, which can be incredibly helpful for your own journey.
More info:
- Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies (GPS) Ambassadors: https://graduate.rice.edu/student-ambassadors
4. Join Your Departmental GSA or Student Committee
Most Rice departments have their own graduate student groups that focus on building community within the program. Joining your departmental GSA lets you help plan social events, organize workshops, support new students, and advocate for the needs of your department.
These departmental groups often host things like welcome mixers, research talks, Valhalla socials, and professional development sessions. Being part of a departmental committee is an easy way to meet people in your field, stay connected, and help shape the culture of your program. It’s also a great first step into leadership if you’re looking for a smaller, more close‑knit environment.
More info:
- Department‑level organizations listed on OwlNest: https://owlnest.rice.edu/organizations
Here is the Computer Science GSA making bracelets and cards for our shuttle drivers!
5. Become a Mentor for 1st/2nd‑Year Students
Many departments and graduate groups at Rice run mentorship programs for new students, and getting involved is one of the most meaningful ways to give back. As a mentor, you help first‑ and second‑year students adjust to grad school, share advice about classes and research, and offer support during a big transition.
Several Rice departments also host welcome events, peer‑mentoring programs, and community‑building activities that make it easier for new students to find their footing. And for first‑year PhD students, having a mentor in their lab or research group can be especially helpful as they navigate rotations, expectations, and early research decisions.
More info (Please remember that the dates for these mentorship opportunities are throughout the year, so keep a lookout!):
- Thrive @ Rice Mentor: https://graduate.rice.edu/thrive/team
- Graduate Well-being Peers: https://gsa.rice.edu/graduate-wellbeing-peers
- PhD Peer Mentoring: https://engineering.rice.edu/equitycenter
