Day-to-day
Commons Culture
Will Ricers value our time in commons together. Embracing meals in commons provides us with the chance to catch up and bond informally as a community. Even beyond mealtimes, one can always find someone studying (or more likely procrastinating) in commons. Commons is an exceptional spot to hang out with friends and make acquaintances. Will Ricers can be spotted in commons conversing, engaging in board games, and enjoying movies — occasionally all at the same time! The Game Room, situated just below commons, houses our ping-pong table, pool table, foosball tables, and most importantly, Smash setup. Whatever you seek, whether it’s good company, assistance with a class, or even a vacuum, chances are you’ll discover it in commons.
Pheaky
While the majority of residential colleges only possess crests, Will Ricers can proudly attest to having both a crest and a mascot: our cherished phoenix, affectionately recognized as Pheaky. Although an outside observer of Will Rice culture might mistakenly assume that the phoenix solely serves as a mythical being, the significance (or rather, the legend, power, and value) of Pheaky extends far beyond a simple symbol.
In Greek mythology, when a phoenix would reach the end of its life, instead of perishing, it would ignite in flames and subsequently be reborn in its own ashes. As college students, Will Ricers are constantly undergoing change. None of us Will Ricers are flawless, but Pheaky serves as a reminder that regardless of our mistakes, we improve with each subsequent reincarnation.
The Pheaky Representative, an individual appointed by our President at the start of each term, assumes the role of wearing Pheaky’s costume. The Pheaky Rep also has the privilege of riding in our Beer Bike float, showcasing the indomitable Will Rice phoenix spirit! Keep an eye out for Pheaky in the back of commons, where Will Ricers frequently “offer” items to Pheaky as homage to the phoenix spirit.
Lunch Announcements
Will Rice lunch is truly one-of-a-kind. Every weekday during lunchtime, the Will Rice secretaries inform the college about all the events happening both at Will Rice and across campus promptly at 12:30 in our Commons! You can also share any events you wish to advertise, so feel free to approach them! On a Will Ricer’s birthday, the secretaries will call the individual to stand on a table and receive a serenade from their peers. Moreover, lunch serves as an ideal opportunity to count down the days until Beer Bike, Will Rice’s favorite time of the year!
Weekly Events
KITQ
KITQ (Keg in the Quad) is an excellent way to unwind after a long week of classes. Every other Friday afternoon, Will Rice congregates in our quad to socialize, engage in a spirited game of volleyball or Spikeball, and enjoy some snacks! It’s an opportunity to vent about any papers or midterms tackled during the week and also start looking forward to the weekend. The Quad committee plays delightful tunes from the Old Dorm kitchen and provides refreshments. As the name suggests, there is often a keg for those who are of legal drinking age. However, if you’re in the mood for some soda or perhaps you’re not yet 21, there’s always a drink for you! KITQ contributes to the close-knit community of Will Rice and is one of the many reasons why our college is so remarkable.
Diet
Rice takes pride in student self-governance, and this objective is achieved through its 11 college governments. While other colleges may refer to their governing bodies as “cabinets,” “forums,” or “town halls,” Will Rice refers to ours as Diet. Why Diet? According to Wikipedia, diet refers to a “formal general assembly of the princes or estates of the Roman Empire.” As the College of Gods and Goddesses, it’s only fitting that our government can trace its roots back to Ancient Rome!
Diet is our bi-weekly government meeting held at our Magister’s residence. This meeting is open to all Will Ricers and provides an opportunity to enjoy delicious treats provided by our class representatives while discussing current topics and issues related to Will Rice and the rest of the campus. It also serves as an excellent chance to catch up with the Magisters and fellow students amidst our busy work week schedules. Any Will Ricer can submit a proposal for a new event or idea they have, ranging from a Grilled Cheese KITQ to a panini machine for Commons. Diet takes place every other Wednesday at 9:00 PM, and everyone is invited to participate!
Table Dancing
One will notice that at every Rice party, there are students dancing on tables. But these are no ordinary college students because — you guessed it — the individuals who consistently initiate table dancing are none other than Will Ricers. From the initial moments of O-Week, Will Rice freshmen and mentors alike demonstrate our awesomeness during dance parties. From casual lunchtimes to college night celebrations, Will Ricers excel in the art of table dancing. It has become our signature across campus, and we wholeheartedly embrace it.
