FAQ & Responses

 

New Recreation Center FAQ

• Who can use the new facility?
• What are the membership rates?
• Do I have to pay the full amount now?
• When can I use payroll deduction?
• Do I need a membership to use the current facility?
• Can I use a locker in the current facility?
• How much are the new lockers?
• What is the current status of towel use?
• What’s the status of the current pool?
• Can I purchase a Group Fitness pass for use in the current facility?
• How can I rent outdoor equipment?
• How many people can I rent equipment for?
• How can I register for an outdoor trip?
• Has the Intramural Sports fee changed?

 

MEMBERSHIP/OPERATIONS

Q: Who can use the new facility?
A: Memberships are currently available for Rice students, faculty, staff, retirees, Rice trustees, and their spouse/domestic partners.  Families of current college masters can also sign-up at this time.

Q: What are the membership rates?
A: (Note: All annual memberships for 09-10 have been prorated due to September 25th opening)
Undergraduate students – already paid for their membership via tuition fees
Graduate students - $105 annual
Graduate student & domestic partner - $210 annual
Faculty/Staff/Retiree - $252 annual
Faculty/Staff/Retiree & domestic partner or immediate family member - $504 annual
Faculty/Staff/Retiree & family (3+ people) - $630 annual

Q: Do I have to pay the full amount now?
A: No – Faculty/Staff/Retirees can either pay the full amount now or pay for the fall semester and sign-up for payroll deduction to cover the remaining balance for the year.  Graduate students can pay either for each semester or annually, using cash, check, credit card, or billed by the cashier’s office.

Q: When can I use payroll deduction?
A: Payroll deduction for Faculty/Staff will be available in January.  Faculty/Staff will need to pay for the fall semester and then complete a payroll deduction authorization form to complete their membership application.  Currently graduate students will not have the ability to sign-up for payroll deduction, though they can have their membership fee billed by the cashier’s office.

Q: Do I need a membership to use the current facility?
A: No – you may use the current facility for no charge through September 25th.

Q: Can I use a locker in the current facility?
A: Yes – all you need to do is register and pay for your membership in the Barbara and David Gibbs Recreation and Wellness Center.

Q: How much are the new lockers?
A:

LOCKER FEES	Full Locker Annual	Half Locker Annual	Full Locker Semester	Half Locker Semester
Students	$65	$50	$25	$20
Faculty/Staff	$80	$65	$30	$25

Note: As there are no women’s lockers in the current facility, women will receive $5 off any fall or annual 2009-2010 locker rental.

Q: What is the current status of towel use?
A: All patrons of the current facility will receive a free towel until the old building closes.  Members of the new facility will receive a free towel (either small or large) per visit.  A 2nd towel per visit will cost $0.50.

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AQUATIC PROGRAMS

Q: What’s the status of the current pool?
A: Though the new facility opens September 25th, we will continue to operate the current pool until the new 50-meter competitive pool is operational.  You will need a new Recreation Center membership to use the current pool starting Monday, September 28th.

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FITNESS PROGRAMS

Q: Can I purchase a Group Fitness pass for use in the current facility?
A: Yes – you can purchase a 1, 10, 20, or unlimited pass that now covers both group fitness and mind/body classes.  Graduate students, faculty, and staff holders of fitness passes must purchase a membership to the Barbara and David Gibbs Recreation and Wellness Center in order to continue use of the pass after the new facility opens.  Please purchase your pass amounts accordingly if you do not intend to become a member of the new facility.  No refunds are given for unused classes.

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OUTDOOR PROGRAMS

Q: How can I rent outdoor equipment?
A: Equipment rentals are currently available by appointment only.  Appointments can be made by contacting Nathan McKinnis at 713-348-4069 or via email: nathan11@rice.edu.

Q: How many people can I rent equipment for?
A: Each Recreation Center member may rent equipment for up to two (2) people.

Q: How can I register for an outdoor trip?
A: For the fall semester you can register for trips on our Web Site: www.rice.edu/rope.  Spring semester trips are open for registration at the Outdoor Adventure Center (OAC) during regular operating hours.

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INTRAMURAL SPORTS

Q: Has the Intramural Sports fee changed?
A: No – the IM fee is exactly the same as it was for the 2008-2009 academic year.  Undergraduate students automatically pay the fee through tuition, while Graduate students have the option to pay the $20/year amount.  Faculty & staff may still participate for free as this is part of their benefits package.

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