Rice University President David Leebron Examines Challenges, Opportunities for Colleges Amid COVID-19 | Asia Society Skip to main content

Unsupported Browser Detected.
It seems the web browser you're using doesn't support some of the features of this site. For the best experience, we recommend using a modern browser that supports the features of this website. We recommend Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or Microsoft Edge

  • Visit
    • Plan Your visit
    • Health and Safety
    • Java Lava Cafe
    • About the Building
    • Ticketing Policies
  • At Home
    • At Home
    • Webcasts
    • Spotlight Asiatown
    • Houston's Asian American Journeys
    • Visit from Home
    • Learn from Home
    • COVID-19 Series
    • Family Activities
    • Encore Series
    • Staff Picks
    • Around the World
    • 1,000 Cranes for Hope
  • Events
    • Upcoming Events
    • Virtual Events
    • Family Events
    • Special Events
    • Past Events
    • Event Recaps
  • Exhibitions
    • Current Exhibitions
    • Upcoming Exhibitions
    • Permanent Exhibition
    • Past Exhibitions
  • Education
    • Family Programs
    • Student Programs
    • Teen Programs
    • Educator Programs
    • Japan Outreach Initiative
    • Adult Programs
    • Community Programs
    • Bold New Initiative
  • Support
    • Donate Now
    • Become a Member
    • Education Project
    • Special Events
    • Endowment
    • Planned Giving
    • Corporate Partners
  • About
    • About Us
    • Unity in Diversity
    • Our People
    • Our Board
    • Our Supporters
    • Get Involved
    • Work With Us
    • Financial Statements
    • Frequently Asked Questions
  • News
    • All Posts
    • Event Recaps
    • Press Releases
  • Space Rental
  • Shop
Texas
Search
Texas
  • Visit
    • Plan Your visit
    • Health and Safety
    • Java Lava Cafe
    • About the Building
    • Ticketing Policies
  • At Home
    • At Home
    • Webcasts
    • Spotlight Asiatown
    • Houston's Asian American Journeys
    • Visit from Home
    • Learn from Home
    • COVID-19 Series
    • Family Activities
    • Encore Series
    • Staff Picks
    • Around the World
    • 1,000 Cranes for Hope
  • Events
    • Upcoming Events
    • Virtual Events
    • Family Events
    • Special Events
    • Past Events
    • Event Recaps
  • Exhibitions
    • Current Exhibitions
    • Upcoming Exhibitions
    • Permanent Exhibition
    • Past Exhibitions
  • Education
    • Family Programs
    • Student Programs
    • Teen Programs
    • Educator Programs
    • Japan Outreach Initiative
    • Adult Programs
    • Community Programs
    • Bold New Initiative
  • Support
    • Donate Now
    • Become a Member
    • Education Project
    • Special Events
    • Endowment
    • Planned Giving
    • Corporate Partners
  • About
    • About Us
    • Unity in Diversity
    • Our People
    • Our Board
    • Our Supporters
    • Get Involved
    • Work With Us
    • Financial Statements
    • Frequently Asked Questions
  • News
    • All Posts
    • Event Recaps
    • Press Releases
  • Space Rental
  • Shop

Rice University President David Leebron Examines Challenges, Opportunities for Colleges Amid COVID-19

Asia Society at Home

We're bringing Asia Society directly to you! Learn, have fun, and explore as we continue to present and produce videos, family activities, interactive webcasts, and more.

Learn More

HOUSTON, June 22, 2020 — In the twelfth and final webcast of its COVID-19 series, Asia Society Texas Center hosted a program on the future of universities amid COVID-19. Rice University President David W. Leebron spoke with Houston Public Media education reporter Laura Isensee on the effects of the coronavirus on colleges and universities, the ongoing decision-making process around reopening campuses in the fall, and the long-term implications of the pandemic on higher education.

The framework for the decision-making process

President Leebron described the new normal in the three months since students across the country were sent home to learn remotely, saying only 10 percent of students have remained on the Rice University campus with only 10 percent of staff coming to work in person. He indicated that Rice University has seen increased enrollment in online summer programs and good enrollment for the fall semester, which he said he hopes will take place on a reopened campus with students in residence and most classes in person.

Acknowledging that much remains unknown or uncertain around the pandemic, President Leebron said the decision-making process on whether and how to bring students back is guided by four basic principles: prioritizing the health and safety of the community, including students, faculty, staff, visitors, and the broader Houston and Texas community; following the best scientific guidance around COVID-19, particularly from the Centers for Disease Control; carrying out the mission to the best of their abilities under the circumstances; and doing everything with Rice University values of responsibility, integrity, community, and excellence.

He noted that Rice University has convened not only an internal team to address the complicated process around reopening the campus, but an external committee as well, with advice and guidance from the Texas Medical Center. President Leebron said he hopes a final decision will be made around mid-July.

Moving forward to the fall

Before addressing the specific actions and accommodations Rice University plans to implement amid ongoing COVID-19 concerns, President Leebron explained the thinking behind reopening campus. He discussed the desire students have expressed to be back on campus, noting that the university experience is much more than just classes; it is about community and connection, he said – the support network of friendship and advice built around fellow students as well as faculty and staff. He also noted that certain experiences such as labs, music, or architecture or engineering design projects are difficult to replicate online. Part of the decision-making process, he said, is trying to carry out Rice University’s mission for the students, in providing them the full experience of university.

President Leebron emphasized the university’s goal of being flexible, agile, and adaptable in response to the evolving situation. As an example, he pointed to the decision to move all classes to “dual delivery” where possible, meaning that classes would take place on campus and online simultaneously. This would also allow flexibility for students and faculty who are immune-compromised or have family members who are compromised. He also noted that all plans would include multiple backup options so the university can act quickly to return to remote learning if needed.

President Leebron also discussed the possibility of admitting international students to the university midyear — which has traditionally not been done — due to difficulties in their visa or immigration processes, and shortening the semester to end by Thanksgiving to reduce travel. He noted these are just some of the considerations being made to recognize the different challenges faced by each student, as well as trying to reduce the risks for all.

Specific guidelines for students and university life

In addressing concerns about safety around residential dorms, classrooms, and on-campus student activities, President Leebron said the priority is to first develop clear policies — and then to communicate those rules and guidelines to students so that they understand 1) what the rules are and 2) why the rules are important. He reiterated the importance of community, saying he trusts students will largely abide by the guidelines of wearing masks indoors and maintaining social distance if they believe “we owe this to ourselves and to our community.”

President Leebron said that while the university has placed a 50-person limit on gatherings, the discussion is ongoing — with input and guidance from the scientific community — on whether exceptions can be made for outdoor activities. He admitted that intercollegiate sports may face difficulties, but expressed optimism about continuing student services and activities, though they may look different. President Leebron compared university life in the fall to driving through a thunderstorm or snowstorm — you may need to drive more carefully, he said, and there may be some roads you can’t go on, but you can get from here to there. The community experience at Rice University will still be there, he said.

Long-term impacts

When asked about the longer-term implications of the pandemic on universities, President Leebron acknowledged that many institutions will face increased financial pressure due to the economic crisis. While he said that Rice University is fairly fortunate and has prioritized the delivery of services and keeping staff employed, he noted many universities will need to look carefully at how they’re structured to become more efficient and save costs where reasonable. There is a possibility that some schools may have to discontinue certain programs or research centers.

But President Leebron also addressed the opportunities in the future, expressing his excitement over the potential for greater collaboration and partnerships with universities across the globe using virtual learning spaces. Universities are likely to become more flexible and adaptable long term, providing more work from home options and offering not just classes online, but health, career, and financial services as well. According to President Leebron, the pandemic is driving universities to assess how to better support all of their students with different experiences and backgrounds as he concluded on a hopeful and optimistic message: “We will emerge from this better,” he said. “We will serve our communities better.”


Business and Policy programs are endowed by Huffington Foundation. We give special thanks to Bank of America, Muffet Blake, Anne and Albert Chao, ConocoPhillips, ExxonMobil, Nancy Pollok Guinee, and United Airlines, Presenting Sponsors of Business and Policy programs; Nancy C. Allen, Chinhui Juhn and Eddie Allen, and Leslie and Brad Bucher, Presenting Sponsors of Exhibitions; Dr. Ellen R. Gritz and Milton D. Rosenau, Presenting Sponsors of Performing Arts and Culture; Wells Fargo, Presenting Sponsor of Education & Outreach; and Mitsubishi Corporation (Americas), Presenting Sponsor of the Japan Series. General support of programs and exhibitions is provided by The Brown Foundation, Inc., The Hearst Foundation, Inc., Houston Endowment, Inc., the City of Houston through Houston Arts Alliance, McKinsey & Company, Inc., National Endowment for the Arts, Texas Commission on the Arts, Vinson & Elkins LLP, and Mary Lawrence Porter, as well as Friends of Asia Society.


About Asia Society at Home

We are dedicated to continuing our mission of building cross-cultural understanding and uplifting human connectivity. Using digital tools, we bring you content for all ages and conversations that matter, in order to spark curiosity about Asia and to foster empathy.


About Asia Society Texas Center

With 13 locations throughout the world, Asia Society is the leading educational organization promoting mutual understanding and strengthening partnerships among the peoples, leaders, and institutions of Asia and West. Asia Society Texas Center executes the global mission with a local focus, enriching and engaging the vast diversity of Houston through innovative, relevant programs in arts and culture, business and policy, education, and community outreach.


Asia in Your Inbox

Enter your email address.

* indicates required
 
 

More Asia Society at Home

Houston's Asian American Journeys Gordon Quan

Houston's Asian American Journeys: Gordon Quan

An immigration lawyer and longtime public and civic servant, Gordon Quan shares his deep love for Houston, whose multiculturalism creates opportunities for acceptance across diverse communities, and reflects on the development of Chinatown.
Houston's Asian American Journeys Mandy Kao

Houston's Asian American Journeys: Mandy Kao

A global citizen at heart, real estate investor and philanthropist Mandy Kao reflects on Houston as a "prophetic city" and how she shares her father's legacy of giving back.
Houston's Asian American Journeys John Tran

Houston's Asian American Journeys: John Tran

A native Houstonian, medical student John Tran shares how he has found comfort in the region's large Vietnamese community, as well as inspiration both in the diversity that lies beyond and in his own family.
Cultural Bridges With AARP 2022

Cultural Bridges With AARP 2022

Through this partnership with AARP, adult learners are invited to participate in virtual and in-person events to learn more about Asian cultures and traditions and connect to AARP's priorities of health and cultural understanding.
Houston's Asian American Journeys Robin Wong

Houston's Asian American Journeys: Robin Wong

One of the three restaurateurs behind Blood Bros. BBQ, Robin Wong reflects on the unintentional creation of a nationally acclaimed Asian barbecue fusion restaurant and the responsibility that emerges with being a public figure.
Houston's Asian American Journeys Dr. Sujeeta Menon

Houston's Asian American Journeys: Dr. Sujeeta Menon

A Singaporean native, Dr. Sujeeta Menon shares how she has embraced the Southern hospitality and strength of Houston's global community after arriving to pursue her Ph.D. in Social Work at the University of Houston.

Pagination

  • Current page 1
  • Page 2
  • Page 3
  • Page 4
  • Page 5
  • Page 6
  • Page 7
  • Page 8
  • Page 9
  • Next page Next
  • Last page Last

Connect with Us!

Join us on social media and sign up for our e-newsletter so you're always up-to-date with our latest programming and content!

Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
LinkedIn | YouTube


Asia in Your Inbox

Enter your email address.

* indicates required
 
 

Asia Society At Home

  • Spotlight Asiatown

    Celebrate Houston's vibrant and diverse Asian and Asian American communities through Asia Society Texas' project highlighting concentrated areas of AAPI-owned businesses as well as the city's rich history and offerings.
  • Houston's Asian American Journeys

    Produced in partnership with the University of St. Thomas MAX Studios and Yetter Coleman LLP, Asia Society Texas' video series 'Houston's Asian American Journeys' illuminates the voices of Asian Americans and Houston's rich diversity.
  • Learn from Home

    Join us for virtual field trips, online classes for adults, and at-home adventures and resources for students!
  • Encore Series

    Revisit highlights from the very best of our in-person programs — in bite-size form.
  • COVID-19 Series

    Explore insights and conversations that contextualize information around the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Webcasts

    Join us for broad-ranging webcast conversations with speakers and artists to inform, educate, and uplift.
  • Staff Picks

    Stay entertained indoors with the Asia Society Texas Center team's favorite books, shows, games, podcasts, and more!
  • Visit from Home

    Enjoy a closer look at the art and architecture of Asia Society Texas Center.
  • Around the World

    Dive into a curated variety of videos, articles, webcasts, and more from around the web.
About
  • Mission & History
  • Our People
  • Become a Member
  • Career Opportunities
  • Corporate Involvement
visit us
  • Hong Kong
  • New York
  • Texas
global network
  • Australia
  • France
  • India
  • Japan
  • Korea
  • Northern California
  • Philippines
  • Southern California
  • Switzerland
  • Washington, D.C.
resources
  • Arts
  • Asia Society Magazine
  • ChinaFile
  • Current Affairs
  • Education
  • For Kids
  • Policy
  • Video
shop
  • AsiaStore
initiatives
  • Arts & Museum Summit
  • Asia 21 Next Generation Fellows
  • Asia Arts Game Changer Awards
  • Asia Game Changer Awards
  • Asia Society Museum: The Asia Arts & Museum Network
  • Asia Society Policy Institute
  • Asian Women Empowered
  • Center on U.S.-China Relations
  • Coal + Ice
  • Creative Voices of Muslim Asia
  • Global Cities Education Network
  • Global Talent Initiatives
  • U.S.-Asia Entertainment Summit
  • U.S.-China Dialogue
  • U.S.-China Museum Summit
Connect
Email Signup For the media
Asia Society logo
©2023 Asia Society | Privacy Statement | Accessibility | Terms & Conditions | Sitemap | Contact

Asia Society takes no institutional position on policy issues and has no affiliation with any government.
The views expressed by Asia Society staff, fellows, experts, report authors, program speakers, board members, and other affiliates are solely their own. Learn more.

 

 

  • Visit Us
  • Hong Kong
  • New York
  • Texas
  • Global Network
  • Australia
  • France
  • India
  • Japan
  • Korea
  • Northern California
  • Philippines
  • Southern California
  • Switzerland
  • Washington, DC