554 new master’s students officially began their graduate journeys at Rice University this fall, joining programs across architecture, creative writing, engineering, music, natural sciences and social sciences.
To help mark the milestone, the Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies hosted Rice’s first university-wide master’s orientation. The event introduced students to academic expectations, campus resources and professional development opportunities while giving them a chance to meet peers from programs across the university.
“We convened this morning to officially welcome you here to your academic home, Rice University, and you will embark on a grand adventure to master your discipline,” said Seiichi Matsuda, dean of graduate and postdoctoral studies. “Over the next several semesters, you will dive deep into your field. You’ll collaborate with your peers. You’ll work with faculty who are leaders in their fields.”
The orientation included separate sessions for students in the creative disciplines and those studying engineering, natural sciences and social sciences. Faculty leaders offered advice about succeeding in graduate school, building relationships and making the most of Rice and Houston.
Lacy Johnson, director of graduate studies for Rice’s new Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing program, encouraged students to remain curious beyond the boundaries of their disciplines.
“Take your studies seriously, work hard, learn everything you can from the people whose job it is to teach you, become better at the thing you came here to do, become great even,” Johnson said. “But while you’re doing it, stay curious.”
Johnson also encouraged students to explore Houston and develop interests and relationships outside their academic work.
“Your work matters enormously, but it doesn’t have to be the only thing that matters to you,” she said.
Mónica Rivera, director of graduate studies in architecture, emphasized the importance of community, balance and learning through the creative process.
“Pursuing a master’s degree is a precious opportunity, a precious and unique window of time to focus fully on your intellectual growth and to hone your craft,” Rivera said. “But just as importantly, it’s a time to build a community with faculty and peers. These are the people who will inspire you, who will challenge you and also who will care for you.”
Students in engineering, natural sciences and social sciences heard from Mark Jones, director of the Master of Global Affairs program, and Rafael Verduzco ’01, a professor of chemical and biomolecular engineering. Their remarks highlighted Rice’s research environment, Houston’s professional opportunities and the value of making connections across campus.
Verduzco encouraged students to take advantage of Rice’s collaborative culture and become active members of the graduate community.
“Don’t forget about just meeting and talking to the people around you,” Verduzco said. “All your classmates, your teachers, your friends, your colleagues, they’re all part of the Rice family, and you’re always going to be connected to them.”
For incoming students, orientation offered an early glimpse of that community.
Cornelia Huntington, an incoming student in the Industrial-Organizational Psychology program, moved to Houston from Atlanta and said the experience represented a new beginning.
“This is my first time in Houston, in Texas, so it’s all very brand new,” Huntington said. “I’m looking to learn a lot, seeking new opportunities and learning a lot of different perspectives. It’s really cool to be in a cohort of people from all over the world.”
Amalia Simmons, a master’s student in the Social Policy Evaluation program and a member of the Rice volleyball team, described the new chapter in two words: “exploration and growth.”
“Being in this new city, in such a big place, I’m excited to see what has to come for me,” Simmons said.
Orientation concluded with a graduate welcome celebration featuring food, music and Texas line dancing. For Emi Varfaj, an international student from Albania, the festivities offered an introduction to both Rice and Houston.
“It’s a very good introduction to Texas culture and Texas hospitality,” Varfaj said. “We’re all graduate students, but there are so many different people within these programs that we’ve been exposed to.”
Rice President Reginald DesRoches joined the celebration and welcomed the university’s newest graduate students.
“They’re from all over the country, all over the world,” DesRoches said. “They add so much to our university.”
For many of the new master’s students, the day was the first step in an intensive academic experience. It was also an invitation to become part of the broader Rice community.
“To have them all together, to get them to meet each other, is really special,” DesRoches said.