<p>From what I've seen, all of Houstonis having water issues-- there are issues with pressure and suggestions to boil water <a href="http://www.click2houston.com/news/17465678/detail.html%5B/url%5D">http://www.click2houston.com/news/17465678/detail.html</a></p>
<p>We will be allowed to leave our colleges at around 6 today, but we're still being told not to leave campus. There's some minor flooding, and a lot of fallen branches and uprooted trees. Chef Terry (our chef) stayed here last night, and he's been working with student volunteers all day to make dinner for tonight. I'm really glad I go to a school that is this well prepared.</p>
<p>Has there been any word as to whether classes will be held on Monday? The Rice website has been down.</p>
<p>Classes are cancelled on Monday.</p>
<p>From the Rice website:
[quote]
Last Updated: 9/13/2008 8:45 p.m.</p>
<p>Rice University will be closed Monday to allow crews to continue removing debris and repairing damage caused by Hurricane Ike. The university plans to reopen with normal hours on Tuesday. Students who are away from campus are asked not to return before noon Monday.</p>
<p>The hurricane left behind fallen tree limbs all across campus, and cleanup efforts and damage assessment began Saturday. To minimize traffic at the university, only Entrance 8 is open.</p>
<p>Students who stayed in Rice shelters during the storm remain safe on campus, where they have access to electrical power, food and drinking water. The city of Houston and Rice University are working to restore normal water pressure.</p>
<p>Continue to check this site for updates
[/quote]
</p>
<p>So, Lovett is basically awesome.</p>
<p>Yesterday, in the early afternoon, we heard from our son that he is doing well, back in his room at Martell, and even has electricity. That was a bit frustrating as we still didn't have electricity after Gustav here in Baton Rouge almost two weeks after it hit. BUT WE GOT OUR ELECTRICITY BACK LATE AFTERNOON. Now after letting my computer sit in an air conditioned house over night, to remove moisture, I can check in Rice's situation.</p>
<p>Congratulations, Don! I bet you were tempted to go and stay with your son during that time ... I know I am!</p>
<p>Actually, My wife, youngest son and mother in law stayed with my daughter, a jr. at LSU (she got elec after only 2 or 3 days). I ran around and used the one generator to save the frozen stuff at mother in law, 3 miles from us, my Mom's , 25 miles from us, and our house. Mom insisted on staying at the farm--She got elec Tues or Wed. Mom in law should get elec today. Now I can start repairing damage. Meanwhile my son is living the good easssssy life at Martell.</p>
<p>Even though we talked to her via cell phones, H did a Houston/surrounding area damage assessment yesterday for employer and checked on DD in PERSON (we're about 3.5 hours away.) Score "2" for this helicopter parent! :)</p>
<p>Rice parents - your kids are safe. Thanks Rice!</p>
<p>Shower ban was just lifted. I feel so clean.</p>
<p>NYSkins - what's up with the water situation? Went back home for Sunday/Monday and I know Martel at least is allowing cold showers...was the ban lifted all over campus? What about Tuesday classes?</p>
<p>The Wiess masters were talking about taking showers at lunch today at South Servery. Our masters at Sid never made an official announcement but people have been taking showers but having toilets are the number one priority.
Classes are still on for Tuesday as long as you professor is not stranded in LA like mine is.</p>
<p>Rice students had it better than 90% of the rest of Houston, so I dont think there's anything that parents have to worry about</p>
<p>So happy to hear how everyone at Rice weathered the storm (no pun intended)! As a prospective Rice parent, I took great comfort reading how well the community cared for one another and the reports posted by the president of the university.</p>
<p>Here's my concern (very insignificant in the grand scheme of things) - I've had my flight booked since June for my son and I to visit the campus on Wednesday, 9/17. We have the whole day planned for DS with the classroom visit (and a seminar too), info session, tour, lunch with a Rice student and an interview. I am still planning to go if the Southwest flight does not cancel. Some of my friends think I'm ridiculous - any thoughts? Sight unseen, Rice is the absolute perfect school choice thusfar for DS. Thanks!!</p>
<p>I think you'll have to keep in mind that Rice is usually much prettier than this...I don't know. Keep in mind that Houston is (well, was when I left) an absolute wreck right now and that classes may be somewhat in disarray (we need to get caught up). The city's under curfew all week, and campus meals are somewhat limited (from what I've heard - again, I left town post-Ike). And keep in mind that the student you have lunch with may not have showered since Friday...</p>
<p>If you do end up going, you won't see the university at its best in terms of appearances. What you will see is students helping to clean the campus and the city, and the sense of community that comes out strong during times like this. It's a plus and a minus ;)</p>
<p>Thanks so much for the quick response! DS just read your message. He enthusiastically and emphatically said that we must go. What caught his attention was your line about the sense of community and he looks forward to seeing that part more than anything.</p>
<p>Sweet, glad to be of help. If any of your plans go awry due to hurricane issues feel free to shoot me a PM, I've only been here a month but I think I could give a pretty solid impromptu tour.</p>
<p>Sunset31:
Consider rescheduling.</p>
<p>As of Sunday night, the residential area (zip 77005) around Rice had no power. The city is under a 9 pm to 6 am curfew through Sat the 20th. Gasoline is difficult to find, I'm told, because 3/4 of the city is without power. (The gas pumps won't work without power.)</p>
<p>Freeways are littered with debris and high water.</p>
<p>Your hotel may/may not have power, water, or food. Water pressure is currently at 50% capacity.</p>
<p>I lived in Houston for 20+ years, and the people and community are amazing, of course. I would not go on a college vist to Houston this week. ...just my two cents.</p>
<p>You might call the admissions office and discuss the situation with an experienced adult.</p>
<p>Good luck and all the best!</p>
<p>Thanks! Southwest actually canceled the early and late flights on Wednesday (we were set to arrive at 8AM and leave at 8PM). Our day trip is now fully rescheduled for the following Wednesday, 9/24. The only minor drawback was that the car rental cost, for a Budget economy car, was bumped up from $56 to $76. </p>
<p>The very best wishes to all of you as you recover from Ike! Living in Florida (although never suffering a severe weather event), we have seen the best in people as they give of themselves and pour assistance on neighboring communities. That spirit is always the silver lining.</p>