From: Office of Academic Programs and Student Experience
Date: June 8
Subject: Summer Scoop | Executive MBA | June 8, 2026




Executive MBA

June 8, 2026

Welcome!

 

You made it! So glad you’re here. Greetings from Rice Business and your first Summer Scoop — our weekly email that lets you know what we need to get you ready for your first day of class.

Don’t forget to start checking your Rice email. After this week, we’ll only be contacting you there.

Have a question? Need to reach us over the summer? Contact apse@rice.edu
 

What should I be doing now?

Look over the onboarding checklist (there are a few things for you to do this week). 

What is the Office of Academic Programs and Student Experience?

The Office of Academic Programs and Student Experience (APSE) is here for you. While you’re a student at Rice Business, we’re here to support you, understand your goals and aspirations, and make your MBA experience the best experience possible. Some of the ways we work with students:

  • Leadership programs
  • Student success and academic advising
  • Community engagement
  • Campus involvement
  • Student clubs
  • Registration and student records services
  • Global programs and experiential learning courses
  • Rice Business Student Associations (student government)

We’re with you through your MBA journey. Let us know how we can help.
 

Meet the APSE Team: Student Experience

(Office of Academic Programs and Student Experience)

Nicole Pellegrino
Assistant Dean of Academic Programs and Student Experience
Learn more about Nicole


Erica Njoku
Director of Student Experience
Learn more about Erica



Timoteo Modrow
Assistant Director of Student Experience
Learn more about Timoteo

Kate Rivardo

Assistant Director of Student Experience

Learn more about Kate

Emely Reyes

Administrative Specialist

Academic Success

Remember, Academic Success begins before you come to Executive Forum I! Proper preparation is both crucial and required, so remember that Pre-MBA Quantitative Courses are live in Canvas and must be completed by July 1st.

Step 1: Click here to log in to Canvas using your NetID and password. (Accept the course invite at the top of the page if needed.)

Step 2: Once in the Canvas course site, review and read the welcome page for instructions and timeline information. 

Step 3: You can start by taking the waiver test for each required course within Canvas. 

Step 4: If you do not pass the waiver test, you are required to complete the Pre-MBA Quantitative Skills courses.

Don’t forget Excel!: Even if you pass the waiver tests, please review the Excel Skills Module carefully. Excel competency is key to your MBA success! 

 

Career Development Office 

Jessica Campell

Dear Executive MBA Class of 2028,

Welcome to Rice Business!

On behalf of the Career Development Office (CDO), I am thrilled to welcome you to our community. 

At this stage of your career, growth often looks different than it did before. You may be preparing for broader leadership responsibilities, navigating a significant career transition, exploring entrepreneurial opportunities, or thinking strategically about the next chapter of your career.

One of the greatest assets of the Executive MBA experience is the network you are building. Your classmates, alumni, faculty, and fellow executives can become valuable sources of insight, opportunity, and support long after graduation.

Marie Bergeron will serve as your career advisor and coach. Marie brings extensive experience coaching senior leaders across industries and functions and can help you think strategically about leadership growth, career transitions, networking, and long-term career planning.

CareerLeader Assessment
CareerLeader is available at no cost to all Executive MBA students. Marie is available to help you interpret and apply the results.

Elevate Your LinkedIn Presence
We have partnered with LinkedIn insiders to give you free access to their online masterclass on building your professional presence. Your LinkedIn profile is often the first thing recruiters see. This masterclass will help you optimize it, grow your network, and increase your visibility with employers. Claim your free access today!

Career Management Programming
Throughout the program, you'll have access to a select number of career-focused workshops and discussions designed to support experienced professionals. Topics may include starting businesses, transitioning into leadership roles, managing global teams, executive compensation, and working with recruiters.

We look forward to meeting you during the Executive MBA Forum and sharing more about how the CDO can support your leadership and career goals. Until then, I encourage you to connect with me on LinkedIn. Go Owls!