Mid-Year Orientation

January 6th-January 8th, 2010

Congratulations on your acceptance to Rice University!  We are looking forward to meeting you and welcoming you into our community.  Please make sure to complete the important forms required for you to matriculate at the University.

Information about New Meningitis Vaccination Law

In order to comply with Texas State law, effective January 1, 2010, Rice will require all new undergraduate and transfer students to be vaccinated against bacterial meningitis, or to sign an affidavit declining vaccination.  For the entire text of Texas House Bill 4189, refer to:  http://www.legis.state.tx.us/tlodocs/81R/billtext/html/HB04189F.htm.

Evidence of vaccination(must have received vaccination at least 10 days prior to arriving on campus) must be submitted on the Rice Health Data Form: http://www.rice.edu/health/hdf.html.

Evidence of student declining vaccination must be submitted in one of the following two formats:

1.        An affidavit or a certificate signed by a physician who is duly registered and licensed to practice medicine in the United States, which states that, in the physician’s opinion, the vaccination required would be injurious to the health and well-being of the student.  A copy of the physician form can be found here:  Affidavit of physician.

2.        An affidavit signed by the student stating that the student declines the vaccination for bacterial meningitis for reasons of conscience, including a religious belief.  A conscientious exemption form from the Texas Department of State Health Services must be used.  An online “Affidavit Request for Exemption for Immunizations for Reasons of Conscience” can be found at http://webds.dshs.state.tx.us/immco/affidavit.shtm. (Allow at least two weeks to obtain affidavit form from TDSHS.)

All documents should be sent to:

Rice University

Student Health Services

6100 Main St. MS-760

Houston, TX 77005

Phone: 713-348-4966

Fax: 713-348-5427

hlsv@rice.edu

For additional information about bacterial meningitis:

http://www.rice.edu/health/meningitis.html.

Frequently Asked Mid-Year Orientation Questions

1) What is the schedule for Mid-Year Orientation 2010?

Mid-Year Orientation begins on Wednesday, January 6th.  Students who have been assigned on-campus housing will be able to check into their residential college beginning at 8:00 a.m.  Orientation ends on Friday, January 8th in the early afternoon.

Even if you are not living on campus, check-in will occur at your residential college in the office of your College Coordinator.  More specific information regarding your residential college assignment and check-in procedures will be sent to you in December from your college.

2) Is there a parents' orientation?

A brief parents' orientation from 9:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m. will be offered as a part of Mid-Year Orientation.  Parents and students will have the opportunity to meet representatives from their assigned residential college, hear greetings from the Dean of Undergraduates as well as go on a tour of campus.  Breakfast and Lunch will be provided for parents and students.

If your parents/family is going to be participating in this orientation, please RSVP to oweek@rice.edu with the number of people who will be attending no later than December 15, 2009.

3) When will I register for classes?

Academic advising and registration will occur during Mid-Year Orientation.  Please remember to bring any updated transcripts or other academic materials with you to Orientation.

4) How do I get to campus and where should I park?

Those traveling by air can fly into Hobby Airport or George Bush Intercontinental Airport.  For more specific directions as well as a map of campus, please click here.

5) What if I didn't get housing on campus?  What are my options?

Information regarding off campus housing options will be included in the mailout that you receive from the university in early December.  Additional information can be found via the Off-Campus Housing Database.

6) What if I have other questions?  Who should I contact?

Questions can be directed to the O-Week e-mail address, oweek@rice.edu.