Rice University's new 80,000 square foot School of Social Sciences combines multiple research institutions within one building to serve the largest section of the University’s undergraduate population while also offering professional, masters, and Ph.D. programs. Accommodating Rice’s Economics and Sociology departments as well as four research institutes: the Kinder Institute for Urban Research; the Houston Education Research Consortium (HERC); the Boniuk Institute for Religious Tolerance; and the Texas Policy Lab, the building will also house the Dean’s Suite and innovative classroom, collaboration, and event spaces for students, faculty, and visitors. Currently in construction, the new building will open to students and faculty for the 2020 Spring Semester.