Rice University: Where Students Work Hard And Smart

Rice University, a private research university in Houston, Texas, offers its students a range of on-campus employment opportunities. These include work-study programs, research assistant positions, and part-time jobs in various departments such as Rice Coffeehouse and Fondren Library. The university's Center for Career Development (CCD) plays a crucial role in facilitating these opportunities by connecting students with potential employers and providing resources like 12twenty, an online platform for career development and job applications. Rice University is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive community, enhancing student success, and providing comprehensive benefits for its employees.

On-campus work opportunities

On-campus work is defined as employment physically located at Rice University and officially paid by the university. Students can work up to 20 hours per week during the fall and spring semesters and may work full-time during the summer break and winter recess. Before starting on-campus employment, students must complete the proper paperwork with HR and Payroll, and obtain work authorization if required.

There are a variety of on-campus employment opportunities available at Rice University. Students can work at places like Rice Coffeehouse and Fondren Library, or as research assistants in their academic departments. Additionally, PhD students may be required to perform departmental service in the form of RA or TA positions as a condition of their fellowship.

Rice University also offers a range of benefits to its employees, including comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, various wellness programs, life insurance, and leave programs. The university is committed to fostering an inclusive community and providing access to great services and facilities for its employees.

Work-study opportunities

Rice University offers a wide range of work-study opportunities for its students. The university's Center for Career Development (CCD) is a great resource for students looking for on-campus employment, work-study opportunities, and research opportunities. The CCD helps students develop professionally and build their careers.

Students can find on-campus employment and work-study opportunities on 12twenty, which is Rice University's platform for career development. 12twenty allows students to easily apply for positions and stay updated with upcoming events and appointments. To find work-study opportunities, students can log in to 12twenty, go to the Jobs and Internships page, and select "Rice Student Employment" in the top navigation bar. It is important to note that work-study opportunities are only for students who are eligible and have obtained the appropriate work authorization.

On-campus work is limited to part-time (20 hours or less per week) during the fall and spring semesters. However, it can be full-time (more than 20 hours per week) during the summer and winter breaks. Students must complete the necessary paperwork with HR and Payroll and obtain work authorization before starting any on-campus employment. Additionally, international students on F-1 or J-1 visas must obtain work authorization before starting any on-campus work or off-campus practical training opportunities.

Rice University also offers various resources and support for its employees, including comprehensive benefits, an inclusive community, access to great services and facilities, and growing opportunities. The university is committed to fostering an intellectual environment that produces the next generation of leaders and advances tomorrow's thinking.

Off-campus work opportunities

Rice University, a private research university in Houston, Texas, offers its students numerous off-campus work opportunities. Here are some examples:

America Reads Programme: Rice University students can work with community organisations and schools in Houston as tutors. Through the Rice Centre for Civic Leadership, tutors receive training and placements. To be eligible, students must qualify for Federal Work Study.

Practical Training: International or non-citizen students with F-1 or J-1 status can engage in off-campus work or practical training opportunities. However, they must obtain the appropriate work authorisation before starting work.

NASA's Manned Spacecraft Centre: Rice University has a long-standing collaboration with NASA. In 1962, the university acted as an intermediary in the transfer of land between Humble Oil and Refining Company and NASA for the creation of the Manned Spacecraft Centre, now called the Johnson Space Centre.

Rice Innovation District: Rice University has plans for an innovation district in Midtown Houston, known as "The Ion". This hub will foster entrepreneurship and innovation, providing opportunities for students to engage in off-campus projects and collaborations.

Rice Management Company: The Rice Management Company manages Rice University's endowment and debt. Students interested in finance and investment management may find opportunities to work or intern with the company, gaining experience in managing large-scale financial assets.

Collaborative Research Centre: One of Rice University's off-campus buildings is the Collaborative Research Centre, which may provide research and work opportunities for students.

Rice University's location in Houston, Texas, offers numerous off-campus work opportunities for students. The university's career centre can provide further information and guidance on finding off-campus employment.

Work authorisation for international students

Rice University is a private research university in Houston, Texas, with a diverse student population that includes both undergraduate and professional scholars. The university offers a wide range of extracurricular programs and is committed to fostering a vibrant campus life and student experience.

International students make up about 27.2% of Rice University's student body. Most international students in the United States hold an F1 visa, which is the U.S. non-immigrant student visa. F1 students are allowed to work in the United States but only under certain conditions and in accordance with complex guidelines and restrictions issued by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS).

On-Campus Employment:

On-campus employment is the most freely available option for F1 students and does not require prior approval from USCIS. F1 students can work up to 20 hours per week during the school term and full-time during holidays and vacation periods if they intend to register for the next academic semester. On-campus employment includes work performed on the school premises directly for the school or for commercial firms that provide services for students on campus, such as the school bookstore or cafeteria. It also includes work at off-campus locations that are educationally affiliated with the school, such as research labs.

Off-Campus Employment:

There are four categories of off-campus employment for F1 students: Optional Practical Training (OPT), Curricular Practical Training (CPT), International Institutions, and Severe Economic Hardship. Off-campus employment requires authorisation from USCIS and, in some cases, from the school's Designated School Official (DSO) or International Student Office.

• Optional Practical Training (OPT): F1 students in valid immigration status are permitted to work off-campus in OPT status during and after completing their degree. To be eligible, students must have been enrolled for at least 9 months and must have maintained lawful F1 status. OPT employment must be "directly related" to the student's major, and there are time limits, with OPT permitted for up to 12 months full-time in total.
• Curricular Practical Training (CPT): CPT is an off-campus employment option when the practical training is an integral part of the student's degree program or a requirement for a course. To be eligible, students must have been enrolled full-time for one year on valid F1 status (with some exceptions for graduate programs) and must have a job offer in their major or field of study. CPT employment can be part-time or full-time, and there is no limit to how long a student can work. However, working full-time on CPT for 12 months or more makes a student ineligible for OPT.
• International Institutions: Employment with a "recognised international organisation" is another option for F1 students. To qualify, the organisation must be on the official State Department list, which includes entities such as the Red Cross and the World Health Organization. The employment must be within the scope of the organisation's sponsorship and the student's field of study, and the student must have been in valid F1 status for at least one full academic year.
• Severe Economic Hardship: F1 students suffering from "severe economic hardship" as defined by USCIS can work off-campus for up to 20 hours per week during the school term and full-time during breaks. To be eligible, students must meet certain criteria, including being in valid F1 status for at least one academic year, being in good academic standing, and providing evidence of economic hardship due to unforeseen circumstances.

It is important to note that work authorisation for international students on F1 visas is subject to specific regulations and requirements. Students should consult official government sources and seek guidance from their school's international student office or a qualified immigration attorney to ensure compliance with the applicable laws and procedures.

Rice University's career development resources

Rice University offers a wide range of career development resources to its students. The Center for Career Development (CCD), located in Huff House, is dedicated to helping students find their place in the world by providing them with knowledge about career options and resources, connecting them with opportunities through the global Rice network, and empowering them with skills and confidence. CCD offers virtual drop-in sessions with career advisors during lunchtime and also provides guides and presentations on various career-related topics, such as resume writing and interview preparation. Additionally, CCD helps students explore identity-based resources, recognising that different perspectives and backgrounds can influence career development.

Rice University's online platform, 12twenty, serves as a hub for career development, where students can view upcoming events, apply for opportunities, and schedule appointments. The university also encourages on-campus employment, work-study programmes, and research opportunities, allowing students to gain valuable professional experience while studying.

The university's location in Houston, Texas, provides students with access to a diverse range of companies in sectors such as oil and gas, healthcare, and entrepreneurship. Rice University itself offers comprehensive benefits to its employees, including medical and dental coverage, flexible work options, and access to various services and facilities.

Rice University is committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive community for its staff and students. It encourages lifelong learning and provides ongoing professional and career development opportunities, including tuition benefits, leadership and career coaching, and invitations to seminars and lectures. The university's research centres and resources, such as the Rice Alliance for Technology and Entrepreneurship and the Baker Institute for Public Policy, further enhance the career development prospects for its students.

Frequently asked questions