FAQ & Responses

 

Recreation Center FAQ

MEMBERSHIP/OPERATIONS

Q: Who can use the facility?

A: Memberships are currently available for Rice students, faculty, staff, retirees, Rice trustees, and their spouse/domestic partners.  Memberships for Rice alumni and outside community are currently sold out.

Q: Can community members join the Rec Center?

A: Yes, we have a limited number of community members each semester. If we are sold out, you are welcome to add your name to a waitlist by sending an e-mail to Liza Saldivar, Customer Relations Specialist, at als5@rice.edu.

Q: What are the membership rates?

A: Please visit our Membership Rates page: Membership Rate Page

Q: Do I have to pay the full amount now?

A: No – Faculty/Staff/Retirees can either pay the full amount or sign-up for payroll deduction. Graduate students can pay per 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 is now available; sign-up through your ESTHER account.

Q: How does the guest pass system work?

A: Any Rec Center member can sponsor one guest. Each guest pass is only $5.00 and allows the user access to all amenities available to regular members. The guest must accompany the sponsor at all times.

Q: Why do Graduate students have to pay to use the facilities?

A: Everyone pays to use the facility. Undergraduate fees are included in their tuition, whereas the Graduate students’ fees are not.

Q: Are there membership opportunities for Alumni and their families?

A: At this time we do not offer family memberships for Alumni.

Q: Where can I park?

A: The cheapest lots are West Lot and Greenbriar, located near the stadium. The closest lots are North Annex and the Central Garage. A map of Rice parking lots can be found here.

For a list of current rate options visit parking services.

Q: When are tours of the facility offered?

A: You can also call us and schedule a personal tour of the Rec Center. Complete facility tours are available and can be scheduled by contacting Liza Saldivar, the Customer Relations Specialist, at als5@rice.edu or 713-348-5048. We also have an open house once a year in the fall during which we give tours and have other free events.

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

Q: What is the current status of towel use?

A: All members of the new facility will receive a free towel per visit.

AQUATIC PROGRAMS

Q: What are the new pool hours?

A: Operating hours for both the Competitive and Recreational pools can be found on the Aquatic Programs Web site: recreation.rice.edu/aquatics/schedule.html

FITNESS PROGRAMS

Q: Where do I purchase a Group Fitness pass for use in the new facility?

A: You can purchase a 1, 10, 20, or unlimited pass good for both group fitness and mind/body classes at the Operations Desk.  Passes will then be added directly to your Rice ID card.

Q: Can I get a personal trainer?

A: All Recreation Center members have the option to work with certified personal trainers at costs well below the national average. We even have a new buddy program starting that is more cost effective as you can train with a friend. Currently, we have five personal trainers available. More information on our trainers, personal training costs, buddy packages, and how to register can be found here.

Q: Is there an introduction to equipment course offered?

A: We do offer a weight room orientation class. In it, a weight room team member and/or trainer will take time to guide you through set-up on 8-10 machines targeting major muscle groups, ensure proper techniques, explain muscle groups being worked and provide you with all of the information covered at the end of the session.

We also offer a cardio room orientation class. In it, a weight room team member and/or a personal trainer will spend 45-60 minutes explaining the general layout of the cardio room, guide you through set-up on the cardio equipment and discuss features characteristic to each brand of equipment. You will leave feeling empowered and with a booklet including pictures and explanations of how to use each piece of cardio equipment we have to offer.

For more information visit http://recreation.rice.edu//fitness/personal_training.html.

OUTDOOR PROGRAMS

Q: How can I rent outdoor equipment?

A: Equipment rentals are available by completing the online form, e-mailing rope@rice.edu, or calling the Outdoor Adventure Center at 713-348-HIKE.

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 spring semester you can register for trips on our Web Site: www.rice.edu/rope/trips.html.

Q: Why does the Rec Center not have a rock wall?

A: Due to budget constraints the climbing wall was removed from the initial project. While we currently do not have a climbing wall on campus, many individuals have expressed interest in rock climbing, utilizing both rock climbing gyms and outdoor climbing areas. To communicate with these people you can join the “ricerocks” listserv at ricerocks-l@rice.edu.

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.

SOCIAL MEDIA

Q: Does the Rec Center have a Facebook or Twitter page?

A: Yes, the Rec Center does have a Facebook and Twitter page.

You can “like” us or follow us at these links:

• Facebook
• Twitter