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




Hybrid 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 ever come to Launch! Proper preparation is both crucial and required, so remember that the 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, you are required to complete the Pre-MBA Quantitative Skills courses. 
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 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 the CDO, we believe career development is a partnership. Our goal is not to simply help you take the next step, but be strategic about what that next step is. Whether you are looking to advance within your organization, transition to a new industry, or expand your leadership impact. We are here to think through that with you.

Rayna Anderson-Crier will serve as your primary career advisor. She is here to help you think through career advancement, leadership development, career transitions, and strategies for making the most of your MBA experience.

One of the most underestimated parts of the Rice MBA is the network you are building right now. Your classmates, alumni, faculty, and employer partners can become valuable sources of insight, opportunity, and support throughout your career. 

We know your time is limited. The steps below are designed to be focused and high-impact, so you can engage with the CDO in a way that works for your schedule. 

Your Next Steps

Complete the Async Career Toolkit for Working Professionals
You should have received an invitation to access the CDO Async Career Toolkit for Working Professionals in Canvas. Please complete the course before Launch. The course is designed to help you maximize the value of Rice Business career resources and understand the many ways the CDO can support your professional growth. Completion is required for students who wish to gain early access to campus-based recruiting activities in your first year. Questions or issues? Please contact cdo@rice.edu.

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!

Explore Our Website
Take some time to familiarize yourself with the resources and services available through the CDO. We recommend starting with the Incoming Students page, exploring information about different Career Communities, including Consulting, Financial Services, Technology, Healthcare, Energy, and more. You'll also find career resources, employment outcomes, industry insights, and information about our team. Please note: some resources on our website are password-protected and you may be prompted to log in using your Rice NetID and password.

We look forward to meeting you during Launch, where you'll learn more about the resources available to you and begin putting these ideas and skills into practice. Until then, I encourage you to connect with me on LinkedIn. Go Owls!