Dean of Undergraduates John Hutchinson sent this message to the parents and families of students Friday morning.

Dear Rice Parents and Families:

We know that many of you are nervously watching the weather forecasts and are anxious about your student’s safety. I write to assure you of several things. First, Rice’s Crisis Management Team is carefully monitoring all developments and putting all preparations in place to maintain the safety of the campus and our students. The safety of our students is the top priority for all decisions being made. Second, we have plenty of food and water to support our students throughout this storm and the aftermath. Third, we are inviting all off-campus students to stay on campus with us, and they are welcome to dine in the colleges regardless of whether they have a meal plan. All meals will be served as scheduled.

You can monitor Rice’s responses to the storm via emergency.rice.edu.

One very important point to note: Based on the current situation, the City of Houston is not calling for evacuation of our campus. However, some southern counties are evacuating, which will likely result in jammed roadways. Since our campus is not in the suggested or required evacuation area, we discourage students from evacuating to their home cities. We have experience with storms, and that experience tells us that only students who live near campus should consider going to their homes.

I have met with the college magisters and with the student leadership of all colleges to put plans in place, and I have notified the student body of our expectations to maintain everyone’s safety. You can help me with this message by encouraging your student to abide by all safety precautions and to follow all instructions.

Best wishes,
Dean Hutch