The information below is to assist you in planning for the investiture ceremony, Saturday, Oct. 22, for President DesRoches. General information regarding the weekend can be found in the Visitor Resources and FAQs section of this site.
- Parking
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All vehicles must park at either of the following locations: (1) enter at Entrance 8 on University Boulevard at Stockton or Entrance 17 on Rice Boulevard at Shepherd and park in the West Lots or (2) enter at Entrance 20 on Rice Boulevard and park in the North Lot.
A very limited number of parking spaces have been reserved in the Founder’s Court Lot near Cohen House for guests requiring special assistance. These passes are given out on a first-come, first-served basis, so please reserve your pass early. To reserve a pass to this parking area, please visit the link below:
https://tinyurl.com/RiceInaugurationParking
An electric cart will be available to transport those guests from the Founder’s Court Lot to the Academic Quadrangle.
Please do not park in unauthorized locations. Cars interfering with Inauguration activities will be removed.
- Special Accommodations
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An interpreter for the hard of hearing will interpret the entire Investiture ceremony. A limited number of assisted listening devices for the Undergraduate Convocation and Commencement ceremonies will be available on a first-come, first-served basis at the A/V equipment hub under the Sewall Hall cloisters.
Special sections in front will be reserved for those in wheelchairs and those who need a closer view of the American Sign Language interpreter. These sections have plywood secured to the lawn. Because of the limited space in these sections, only one additional family member or guest will be allowed to join the guest requiring special seating. Reservations will not be necessary. Please contact an usher if you need directions to these special sections. All other guests should sit in the folding chairs in the regular guest sections. If, for medical reasons, someone in your party must sit in the shade, we recommend that you arrive early Saturday morning in order to secure a seat in the section along Sewall Hall on the south side of the Academic Quadrangle. This side usually stays shady longer than the other sections.
Remote viewing of the live ceremony will be available in Sewall Room 301 for those wishing to view the ceremony from indoors.
- Attire
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The weather in Houston in October can be hot and humid, but all indoor events will be in air-conditioned venues. Men typically wear dress shirts and slacks, and optionally, a coat and tie to the indoor events. However, the ceremony will be held outside, and most men find coats and ties to be uncomfortable. Ladies typically wear nice slacks, skirts or dresses. Light colors and fabrics are recommended for the outdoor ceremonies.
- Tickets
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No tickets will be issued for the investiture ceremony in the Academic Quadrangle. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. In the event of inclement weather, general admission to Tudor Fieldhouse will be on a first-come, first-served basis. Remote viewing sites will be open to any person unable to enter once the venue has reached capacity.
- Weather
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The investiture ceremony on Saturday will be held outside. Umbrellas, sunscreen, and other protection from sun or rain are advisable. Remote viewing of the live ceremony will be available in Sewall Room 301 for those wishing to view the ceremony from indoors.
To opt-in to the university’s Inauguration notification system, please text “PRESIDENT22” to 888-777. - Tours
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Guided walking tours will be available following the investiture ceremony until 2 p.m. Tours will depart from the Welcome Center with staggered start times.