Government Relations

For over a century, Rice University has educated students who have become leaders across a wide spectrum of endeavors. True to Rice’s mission of public outreach, thousands of our graduates have gone on to serve their communities and countries in business, education, the military, political office, volunteerism and philanthropy. Rice’s Government Relations is building on that tradition by working at all levels of government to contribute expertise that helps inform and improve policymaking. Government Relations also works to generate support for Rice’s legislative and funding priorities.

Government Relations works with Rice faculty and leaders to develop our local, state and federal governmental priorities. Before each legislative or congressional session begins, we invite the vice provost for research, deans and faculty members to identify opportunities for legislation and funding. We prioritize those opportunities, share them with elected officials who represent Rice and work with them to win support and passage.

We also build relationships with government officials who represent our campus and our region. We do that by inviting them to visit Rice, meet with our faculty and leaders, and learn more about our work in classrooms and laboratories. We also seek opportunities for Rice experts to testify before governmental bodies to help inform the legislative process and contribute to better policymaking. If you have opportunities for engaging with governmental officials or expertise to contribute on a specific issue, please let us know.

Policies

Rice University has established a set of guidelines and procedures to guide our relationship with government officials and agencies. Because lobbying rules and other regulations differ for different levels of government and change often, please consult with Rice’s Government Relations professionals before contacting elected or appointed officials.

The Government Relations team and Rice’s General Counsel’s office provide detailed information on federal lobbying ethics, including reporting and compliance.

Please review Rice’s Conflict of Interest policy regarding activities outside of work.

The Rice Vote Coalition

The goal of the Rice Vote Coalition is to encourage voter registration and turnout among Rice students and employees. This page provides voters and potential voters with information on registering to vote, voting, election candidates and election issues. If you would like to be a part of the coalition, send an email to vote@rice.edu.  

Register to Vote

Click here to register online to vote in the state of Texas. Completed forms must be printed, signed and mailed.

You can also pick up your registration card at these locations: 

  • All college coordinator offices
  • Student Center Information Desk
  • Fondren Library
  • Rice Welcome Center (Sewall Hall)

You may register to vote if:

  • You are at least 17 years and 10 months of age. (To vote, you must be 18 years of age.)
  • Are a U.S. citizen.
  • You have not been declared mentally incapacitated without the right to vote by a final court judgment.
  • You are not a convicted felon (or have satisfied the court’s requirements after a felony conviction or received a pardon).
On-Campus Registration

If you are an undergraduate student, you can vote on campus by using your on-campus address on your registration. Rice has its own polling location in the Rice Student Center. 

Register to Vote in Your Home City or State

For more information on voting registration in all 50 states, visit canivote.org.

Harris County Voting Information
Rice University’s Election Precinct

Houston City Council  — District C
Harris County Election — Precinct 361
Texas State House of Representatives — District 134
Texas State Senate — District 13
United States Congress — District 7 

Information on Candidates and Election Issues

Official Student Political Organizations at Rice

For information on elections for student-held, on-campus elected offices, please contact the Rice Student Association, Graduate Student Association or the appropriate residential college.