The vision of the OASUS is to ensure that every Rice undergraduate is able to pursue, progress through, and achieve their academic goals. In order to achieve this vision, we work closely with faculty and existing student support offices to bring evidence-based learning support practices to all Rice students and cultivate a culture of help-seeking and collaborative learning across campus.
Learning Support
- Drop-in Study - Drop-in Study offers free peer tutoring for Rice undergraduates for high-demand courses. Stop by O’Connor anytime during our drop-in hours to study with classmates and trained peer educators. You can ask questions about homework, strengthen foundational knowledge, review for a quiz or test, or listen to others discuss course content.
- Peer-Assisted Learning - In these weekly study groups, classmates work together with a peer educator on activities designed to help you study course material as you go. PAL Study Groups challenge you to deepen your understanding so that you’re ready for exams when they come around. Studies show that PAL improves understanding, course grades, and confidence.
- Testing Center - The OASUS Testing Center provides an accessible space for students who need alternative testing arrangements to demonstrate their knowledge and skills. The testing center is available for students who are enrolled in participating courses and have registered accommodations with the DRC. If you’re unsure if you are eligible for accommodations, please contact the Disability Resource Center as soon as possible, ada@rice.edu.
- Individual Learning Consultations - Beginning in Fall 2025, students may meet individually with a Learning Specialist for support in their STEM coursework. These learning consultations are an opportunity to connect course content and skills to larger themes in STEM while focusing on areas of growth and specific strategies unique to each student. Individual Learning Consultations are arranged in coordination with students' instructors or staff support advisors.
Employment Opportunities
The OASUS offers opportunities for student employment in the following roles:
- OASUS Peer Educator - OASUS Peer Educators serve as Drop-In study tutors and PAL Study Group leaders. All tutors and PAL leaders participate in our peer educator training and development program. Open to undergraduate students.
- Drop-in Study Manager - The Drop-in Study Manager is responsible for setting up the drop-in study space, greeting students and answering questions, and ensuring that the environment in Drop-in Study is welcoming and conducive to learning. Managers are invited to participate in our peer educator training and development program.Open to undergraduate students.
- Testing Center Check-in Coordinator - The check-in coordinator greets students and walks them through the check-in / check-out procedures before and after testing. Open to undergraduate and graduate students.
- Testing Center Proctor - The Testing Center proctor ensures a professional environment in the testing room and addresses any student questions or concerns. This position is open to graduate students only.
Applications for the Fall semester open in late-March. Applications for the Spring semester open in late-September. For more information, see Student Employment Opportunities.
Questions?
If you're looking for help in your classes but not sure where to start, or if you have questions about student jobs at OASUS, you can always reach us at oasus@rice.edu. Don't be shy!