The purpose of the Impact Rice Retreat, the annual leadership retreat hosted by the Office of Student Activities, is to give students, particularly freshmen and sophomores, a weekend experience in which they develop their leadership skills and realize their leadership potential in a focused, challenging and supportive environment.  Its aim is that with such training students can better serve the University and greater community.  Along with many intense leadership educational sessions, students also participate in a ropes course experience at the Retreat.

The content of the programs for the retreat is generated by the student staff members.  Staff consists of approximately 10 upperclassmen who are former participants of the retreat.  The upperclassmen create workshops based upon topics that have been utilized in the past or things they have a particular interest in and would like to pass on to the underclassmen.  The upperclassmen tailor their workshops to include their own experiences at Rice as well as tips for succeeding as a leader at Rice.  In 2003 the name of the retreat was changed from the general Leadership Retreat to the Impact Rice retreat because it exemplifies what the staff wants to help the participants achieve - an impact to the Rice community.

The Impact Rice Retreat is sponsored by the Office of Student Activities.  It takes place every January at Camp Allen in Navasota, TX.  Participants leave campus Friday evening and return Sunday in the late afternoon.  Applications are available in October and November.  Keep your eye out for more information or contact sact@rice.edu with any questions.