All undergraduates are members of the Rice Student Association, which is governed through the Student Senate. The senate includes the president, two vice presidents, the secretary, the treasurer, the eight college presidents, and eight college senators. Alleged violations of university or college rules are handled in accordance with the Code of Student Conduct. In most cases, original jurisdiction belongs to student courts. Students may appeal verdicts to the college masters, the assistant dean for student judicial programs, or the Judicial Affairs Committee, as appropriate.
Final appeal is to the vice president for student affairs.
The student-staffed Honor Council conducts hearings and trials for alleged offenses against the honor system . Rice retains ultimate authority in all matters of discipline and over all actions that affect its educational function or the safety and well-being of members of the university community. The Rice Student Association annually presents two coveted awards, one to a student and one to a faculty or staff member. The Rice Service Award, a memorial to Hugh Scott Cameron, first dean of students at Rice, is awarded to currently enrolled or former members of the association who have rendered distinguished service to the student body. The Mentor Recognition Award recognizes extraordinary service to the student body by a current member of the faculty or staff.