Program Details

Rice University

How many tenure-track or tenured faculty -- male/female?

42/5

How many graduate students-- male/female?

101/20

How many post doctoral associates - male/female?

10/3

Is there a family leave policy for graduate students? If so, describe.

Yes, please see: http://rgs.rice.edu/GradStudNotebook/pp/med-mat-leave.cfm

Is there family health insurance for graduate students? If so, is it included in the stipend?

Yes. No. However, the university provides a subsidy of approximately 75% of the insurance premium.

Please describe why someone applying to graduate school who is interested in a female-friendly department should choose your department.

The undergraduate physics program at Rice University is attractive to female students
because:

Female students need to see women active in traditionally male fields such as
physics. The Physics Department at Rice University currently counts four female professors among the faculty. Female students see these women as mentors showing you can have a career in science and balance a personal life.

In Spring, 2009, the female faculty, post doctoral associates and graduate students formed the "Women in Physics" group in order to network with other women in the sciences.

Every year female students have the opportunity to listen to accomplished women in the field who are invited to present colloquia and seminars to the department.

Beginning physics classes are taught by young instructors, students find them friendly, accessible, and can easily relate to them. The department encourages an open-door policy that allows all students to come in anytime to discuss classes, plans, or personal matters. This climate is particularly attractive to female students.

Has the institution had a Climate for Women in Physics Site Visit or Gender Equity Conversation?

No

Updated: September 30, 2009

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