FAQs

1. What is an UnConvention?
   
   For 100 years, Rice faculty, researchers and students have believed that anything is possible — that drive, devotion and innovative thinking can turn ideas into achievements. We call it unconventional wisdom. Help us celebrate an unconventional century at the UnConvention, a campuswide open house April 12–14. As we move closer to our Centennial Celebration this October, we’re inviting all of Houston to venture inside the hedges and explore Rice through tours, demonstrations, concerts, lectures, athletic events, art exhibits and more.
   
    
2. Is this part of Rice's Centennial Celebration?
   
   Yes, the UnConvention is one of the major events leading up to our Centennial Celebration from October 10 to 14 this year. For more information on plans for the Centennial please visit http://centennial.rice.edu
   
    
3. How do I get to Rice?
   
   Rice's central Houston location is accessible by air, car and public transportation. Visit this website for more detailed information, driving directions and maps
   http://futureowls.rice.edu/futureowls/How_to_Get_Here.asp?SnID=1888057184
   
    
4. Where do I park once I get to Rice?
   
   Free parking will be available in West Lots 3 and 4. Please enter using entrance 18 off Rice Boulevard or entrance 8 off University Boulevard and follow the signs. Shuttle buses will then be available to take you to the UnConvention sites around the Rice Campus. For a map of the Rice campus please visit
   http://www.rice.edu/maps/maps.html  
5.  How do I get around campus?
   
   Rice is a very walking friendly campus and event locations are relatively close to each other. But for your convenience, Rice's comfortable, air-conditioned and lift-equipped buses circle Rice's Inner Loop and connect the parking lots, Rice Media Center and Rice Stadium to the rest of campus. The Inner Loop shuttle departs each stop approximately 5-8 minutes.
    
6. What will I be able to see and do?
   
   During the UnConvention there will be more than 50 different events and activities for you to attend. A complete list is located here: (http://unconvention.rice.edu/Unconvention_Inside.aspx?id=50). Activities will involve engineering demonstrations by student teams, lectures on a range of topics including astronomy, nanotechnology, the changing face of Houston's demographics, space exploration, and energy, a men's tennis match, video and film festivals, art and photography exhibitions, music and opera performances, campus tours of art, architecture and sustainability, activities for kids, a Pancakes for Parkinson's benefit breakfast and much more.
   
    
7. Can I bring the whole family?
   
   Yes. There events and activities designed for adults and kids of all ages.
   
    
8. Is it free?
   
   Yes, there is no charge to attend the UnConvention but some individual events may require preregistration or charge a small fee. Please be sure to check the website for the specific event or activity you are interested in attending for the detailed and latest information.
9. What is the rain plan?
   
   
   The good news is that most of the UnConvention events are indoors or are underneath some kind of awning or covering. Events will proceed rain or shine, but please do understand if certain events may be canceled due to inclement weather.
   
   
    
10. Where can I get more information?
    
    Information about the UnConvention can be found at www.rice.edu/unconvention. For information regarding a specific event or activity, please check the schedule summary page on this website or the Web page of the individual activity you are interested in attending.
11. Where can I get something to eat or drink?
    There are many options but the hours vary so please check the list below and the individual websites for the latest information.
    

    Rice Coffeehouse (http://coffeehouse.rice.edu/ )
    Located in the Ley Student Center, the Coffeehouse is student-run and offers a wide selection of coffee, tea, soda, speciality drinks and munchies like bagels, biscotti and muffins. Hours are Monday-Thursday, 7:30 a.m. - 1 a.m.; Friday 7:30 a.m. - 8 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Sunday 2 p.m. - 1 a.m.
     

    Droubi's Mediterranean Grill at Sammy's Cafe (http://dining.rice.edu/RetailContent.aspx?id=224 )
    Located in the Rice memorial Center, Droubi's Mediterranean Grill is a great place to enjoy a scrumptious lunch. Droubi's staff prepares delicious mediterranean entree selections as well as delicious traditional grill fare. Additional items include pizza, baked potatoes and vast selection of veggie and meat options. Stop by and experience delectable dining at Droubi's! Hours are Monday - Friday, 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. (3 p.m. on Friday); Saturday 12 p.m. - 6 p.m.; Sunday Closed. Droubi's accepts cash, debit/credit and Rice student tetra points.
    
    Willy's Pub (http://willyspub.rice.edu/
    Willy’s Pub is a student-run business, located at the center of the Rice University campus on the lower level of the Rice Memorial Center. They’re an old-school establishment that’s been around since 1975 serving cheap beer and food.  Hours are Monday - Friday open at 11 a.m. and close Monday at 1 a.m., Tuesday - Thursday at 2 a.m. and Friday at 9 p.m. Closed Saturday and Sunday. 
    
    O'Yeah Cafe (http://dining.rice.edu/oyeahcafe.aspx)
    Area Chinese restaurant, O’Yeah Café, serves lunch Monday through Friday at The Owl Cove, just outside Sammy’s, in the Rice Memorial Center. Customers can choose from a delicious selection of popular entrees and appetizers that are authentic and Americanized. The menu features one-, two- and three-entrée lunch plates that can be packed to go or enjoyed in Sammy’s dining room. Prices range from $5 to $7. Hours are 11 am to 2 pm. O’Yeah only accepts cash and Rice student tetra points.
    
    ReChargeU (http://dining.rice.edu/RetailContent.aspx?id=539)
    RechargeU is located in the Rice Memorial Center next to the bookstore and is an on-campus convenience store operated by Barnes & Noble. It is filled with fresh food items and drinks packaged for quick grab 'n go. Stocked with sandwiches, salads, hot dogs, nachos and snacks that range from healthy to indulgent, the convenience store has something for everyone. Hours are Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 12 p.m. - 5 p.m. RechargeU accepts cash, debit/credit and Rice student tetra points.
    
    Salento at the Brochstein Pavilion (http://dining.rice.edu/RetailContent.aspx?id=138)
    This central campus location offers a delightful venue for meeting friends or enjoying a quiet moment. Light fare including croissants, sandwiches and salads plus a wide selection of coffee and beverages are available. Hours are Monday - Friday, 7 a.m. - 7 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Salento accepts cash and debit/credit cards.  
    
    The South Cafe (http://dining.rice.edu/RetailContent.aspx?id=546)
    The South Café is located next to the Hanszen College Commons. The menu includes one to two soups of the day, a limited number of entrees, a variety of side dishes, including salads, pasta marinara and fresh baked pizza. The South Café is open to Rice students, faculty, staff and visitors. Hours are Monday - Friday, 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. The Cafe accepts cash, debit/credit and Rice student tetra points.
    
    Valhalla (http://valhalla.rice.edu/)
    Here's the quick rundown. Valhalla started over 40 years ago as a place for graduate students to hang out, relax and socialize after a long day of school/work. We are located in the basement of Keck Hall and staffed by graduate students and alumni volunteers. Four decades later, not much has changed. Serving beer, soft drinks and sandwiches. Hours are Monday - Friday, 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.; 4 p.m. - 2 a.m.; Saturday TBA; Sunday 7 p.m.- 2 a.m.

    HOOTS (High Order of Owl Tailgating Society) (http://www.ruf.rice.edu/~hoots/)
    HOOTS started out as a tailgating society by employees of the Facilities & Engineering and Housing & Dining departments in 1999. HOOTS is the result of recommendations made by the Campus Involvement Focus Team, which was organized to improve the working culture at Rice. F&E employees were looking for ways to reach out to the Rice Community in general and to the Housing & Dining staff in particular. They will be selling turkey legs and drinks in the Central Quad! Hours are Saturday 11:30 a.m.- 1:30 p.m.
    
    Java Pura Roasters at the BRC (http://dining.rice.edu/RetailContent.aspx?id=548)
    Java Pura at the BioScience Research Collaborative is a full service coffee bar with the drinks everyone craves, from mochas to frozen cappuccinos and smoothies. An array of sandwiches and salads are made fresh every day and packaged for a quick grab ‘n go or can be enjoyed in the dining space under the mesmerizing artwork “Radiant Pathway” by renowned contemporary artist Leo Villareal. Or try a cup of soup and pair it with a sandwich or salad for a hearty meal. Fresh baked cookies and muffins with yogurt make for a satisfying snack between meals. Selections change daily. Java Pura is open Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm. Seating is available inside or outdoors on the first floor patio. Accepts cash, credit/debit and tetra points.