RICE Stakeholder Amnesty Program – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The purpose of the RICE Stakeholder Amnesty Program is to re-engage stakeholders whose stakeholder accounts have fallen into arrears by providing a limited opportunity to return to good standing without repayment of past-due balances. This program reflects RICE’s commitment to inclusive access, entrepreneurial growth, and community continuity.
1. What is the RICE Stakeholder Amnesty Program?
The RICE Stakeholder Amnesty Program is a limited-time opportunity for stakeholders with past-due accounts to return to good standing by opting in through a required form. Once the process is completed, eligible past-due balances are cleared and the Stakeholder account is restored in good standing.
2. Who is eligible to participate?
Any RICE Stakeholder whose membership payments have lapsed or whose account is currently in arrears at the start of the amnesty period is eligible.
3. How long will the program be open?
The Amnesty Program is open from January 26 through February 15. Requests submitted after this date will not be eligible.
4. Is there a cost to participate in the Amnesty Program?
No. There is no payment required to opt in to the Amnesty Program. Participation is completed by submitting the Amnesty Opt-In Form.
5. What happens to my previous unpaid balance?
Once your Amnesty Opt-In Form is approved and account updates are finalized, all eligible past-due Stakeholder membership balances will be forgiven. These balances will not be charged.
6. Will my account be reinstated immediately after I submit the form?
No. Submitting the form confirms your participation in the RICE Stakeholder Amnesty Program, but account updates are not immediate. Once you opt in, please allow 3–5 business days for your account to be reviewed and updated. You will receive an email confirmation once all updates are complete.
7. When is my account considered reinstated and in good standing?
Your Stakeholder account is considered reinstated and in good standing once account updates are finalized. At that time, your Optix balance will reflect as cleared, and you must add an active payment method on fileto confirm reinstatement and maintain good standing for future membership billing.
Because your Optix balance has been cleared, adding a payment method will not trigger an immediate charge. Your payment method is collected solely to support future billing cycles.
8. When will membership billing resume?
After reinstatement, regular membership billing will resume according to your selected plan. Monthly membership dues are drafted on the 5th of each month.
Your first scheduled charge will occur on March 5.
9. What if I already made partial payments or have an active balance?
You may still participate. Completion of the Amnesty Opt-In Form replaces any prior past-due balances, which will be forgiven once your account updates are finalized.
10. Can I miss a payment after my account is reinstated?
No. To remain in good standing:
- Payments must be made on time going forward
- If a payment is missed or the account does not remain in good standing within 30 days, participation in the Amnesty Program will be forfeited and the Stakeholder membership will be terminated
- In that case, the individual may have the opportunity to reapply during a future open application period
- This amnesty opportunity is one-time only
If a payment is missed or the account does not remain in good standing within 30 days, participation in the Amnesty Program will be forfeited and the Stakeholder membership will be terminated. Rejoining would require completion of the full reapplication process. This amnesty opportunity is one-time only.
11. How will I know my account is in good standing?
You will receive a confirmation email from the RICE Stakeholder Team within 3–5 business days once your account updates are complete.
What is an account in good standing?
- You have no past-due balance on your account as a result of completing the Amnesty Program form
- You have added an active payment method on file in Optix for upcoming membership payments
12. What happens if I do not respond to the Amnesty Form?
If no response is received by the end of the amnesty period, it will be interpreted as a decision not to continue Stakeholder membership, and the account will be offboarded accordingly.
13. What happens if I miss the amnesty deadline?
After the amnesty window closes, stakeholders must follow the standard Stakeholder reapplication process, including repayment of any outstanding balances.
14. Who can I contact with questions?
For additional questions or support, please contact:
stakeholdercentral@russellcenter.org
