10.22.14 RISE Presentation

A conversation about: RISE
Rice
Initiative for the
Study of
Economics
RISE
The Rice Initiative for the Study of Economics
(RISE) is a multi-year plan to enhance research and
teaching in economics at Rice University.
The launching of the Initiative recognizes that
research and teaching in economics are critical both
to the academic endeavor of the university and to
making effective policy decisions in the world.
RISE
The mission of RISE is to create an environment for
research and teaching that will enhance the role of
Rice University as one of the leading institutions in
the world for the study of economics.
RISE
The main goals of the Initiative are:
1. To promote and support the efforts of faculty
and students in advancing the science of
economics.
2. To provide a forum for the exchange of ideas
and research results within and outside of the
Rice academic community.
3. To foster a better understanding of the
importance of economic research in the
formulation and assessment of public policy.
RISE
The main components of the Initiative are:
1. The recruitment of new faculty in the
Economics Department and also of new faculty
with joint appointments in other Schools.
2. The revamping of the economics curriculum
both at the undergraduate and the graduate
level.
3. The launch of a new professional Master’s
Program in Energy Economics.
4. A fundraising campaign.
RISE
 Economics is the study of how individuals, firms
and other organizations make choices and
interact, taking into account constraints on their
behavior.
 It is central to what we do as human beings.
Regardless of profession, it plays a critical role in
daily life.
 The study of economics provides training in
economic principles and provides a useful
background for students preparing for a wide
range of careers, including law, public service,
business, and non-profit management.
RISE
Mathematics
Economics
Economic Theory
ECONOMIC
ISSUES
Statistics
Econometrics
RISE
Mathematics
Economics
Economic Theory
Statistics
Econometrics
ECONOMIC
ISSUES
A WRONG MODEL
RISE
Mathematics
Economics
Economic Theory
Statistics
Econometrics
ECONOMIC
ISSUES
ANOTHER WRONG MODEL
RISE
Mathematics
Economics
Economic Theory
Statistics
Econometrics
ECONOMIC
ISSUES
THE RISE MODEL
What does RISE mean for Rice undergrads?
 More world-renowned faculty
 Great researchers and outstanding teachers
 Reduce sizes of existing classes
 Provide more access to electives
 Offer new classes, e.g., Spring 2015:
• Political Economics (ECON 432)
• Economics of Human Capital (ECON 462)
• International Trade (ECON 420)
What else for the undergraduate program?
 Restructuring of our ECON and MTEC majors
 Revamp honors and awards program
 Resurrect the Economics Honor Society
 Streamlined and more transparent procedures
for transfer credit (Flávio Cunha)
 And a great new web site, including information
on research opportunities and internships
Who are the contacts for academic advising?
 George Zodrow, Director of Undergraduate
Studies, BKH 260
 Flávio Cunha, Transfer Credit Advisor and
Major Advisor, BKH 270
 Jim Brown, Major Advisor, BKH 250
 Peter Hartley, Major Advisor, BKH 262
 Coordinated office hours: Tues & Fri afternoons
New Undergraduate Program Coordinator
 For the first time, we have an Undergraduate
Program Coordinator: Jessica Diaz, BKH 257
 Jessica is the initial contact person for all
questions about the undergraduate program
 And responsible for “branding”
 receptions, new newsletter, Facebook page, update
website, ECON caps and t-shirts, etc.

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