Our Department
We strive to serve as a collaborative, compassionate resource that advocates for students through challenge, support, and removal of barriers to the student's overall success.
Our Mission
- Who we are:
- We are a compassionate, empathetic and enthusiastic staff who care about students’ holistic wellness. We believe each student’s individual truth while helping them envision a way forward toward success.
- What we do:
- We create space and time to connect with students; to actively listen and hear their needs; to provide resources unique to each student’s experience; and to plan, in the micro and macro, ways to help each student move forward in their wellness and success.
- In moments that require us to hold students accountable for their actions, we prioritize student learning through challenge and support.
- We collaborate with on and off-campus entities to provide resources and support to find and/or create a home for every Falcon at UWRF.
- Why what we do matters:
- We teach our students how to advocate for themselves, how to take ownership over their actions and how seeking out help is a strength. We help our students be better Falcons and better citizens.
Our Values
- Accessibility
- Accountability
- Care
- Compassion
- Collaboration
- Dignity
- Equity
- Growth
- Integrity
- Warmth
Our Goals
- Care and Mental Health: We will provide students with individualized consultations and relevant resources to support their overall wellness and success.
- Student Conduct and Accountability: We will offer students opportunities to engage in learning after policy violations and/or community harms, in order to change and improve behavior moving forward.
- Identity and Equity: We will provide a spectrum of opportunities to respond to concerns related to identity-based harm and incidents.
- Access and Collaboration: We will offer resources and support to each student that honors their identities, removes barriers and supports holistic student success.
Emergencies
If IMMEDIATE medical, police or other emergency services are needed, please call 911. You may also contact local police using the following phone numbers:
- University Police:
715-425-3133 - City of River Falls Police:
715-425-0909
Report It!
Please submit a Report It! form for bias/hate incidents, student concerns, sexual misconduct and employee concerns.
- Mailing address: 410 S. 3rd St., River Falls, WI 54022
- Location: 235 Rodli Hall
- Phone Number: 715-425-0720
- Fax: 715-425-4829
- Email: deanofstudents@uwrf.edu
- Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:45 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
- General campus inquiries: information@uwrf.edu
- University of Wisconsin-River Falls Map
We create an annual report to show the work we have accomplished throughout each year. Please view our reports at the links below:
The Dean of Students Office is within the Division of Student Affairs and Strategic Enrollment at UW-River Falls. If you have any compliments, suggestions, information or concerns about the office, please let us know by emailing deanofstudents@uwrf.edu.
Dean of Students
The Dean of Students (DOS) is UWRF's primary student advocate and assists the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and Strategic Enrollment in the leadership of the division. The DOS serves as a resource for students, families, faculty and staff when navigating the complexities of the university experience through student support and advocacy, family engagement and collaborations.
The Dean of Students provides leadership to various campus life departments including the Dean of Students Office, Disability Resource Center, Student Health and Counseling and Title IX. The DOS also works closely with other members of the Division of Student Affairs and Strategic Enrollment, including close partnerships with the University Center and Residence Life.
Michael Gilmer (he/him/his)
Dean of Students
- Office: 235 Rodli Hall
- Phone: 715-425-0720
- Email: michael.gilmer@uwrf.edu
Education
- Doctoral degree, Educational Leadership: University of Central Florida
- Master’s degree, Curriculum and Instruction: University of South Florida
- Bachelor’s degree, Psychology: Valdosta State University
- Certificate in Alternative Dispute Resolution from St. Edward's University
Our Staff
April Chaney (she/her/hers)
Title IX Coordinator
- Office: 235 Rodli Hall
- Phone: 715-425-0720
- Email: april.chaney@uwrf.edu
Education
- Juris Doctor, cum laude, University of Mississippi
- B.A., Geography/Environmental Studies, cum laude, University of California, Los Angeles
Jordan Cantele (he/him/his)
Student Conduct Manager
- Office: 235 Rodli Hall
- Phone: 715-425-0720
- Email: jordan.cantele@uwrf.edu
Education
- Emergency Management, M.S., Millersville University of Pennsylvania
- Social Work, CSWE Accredited, B.A., Millersville University of Pennsylvania
Training
- 8-hour Annual Compliance Training via SUNY Student Conduct Institute (June 2023)
- Mental Health First-Aid Training (January 2024)
- Title IX Investigator Training (January 2023)
Kayla Ross (she/they)
Student Care Manager
- Office: 235 Rodli Hall
- Phone: 715-425-0720
- Email: kayla.ross@uwrf.edu
- Schedule an appointment with me
Education
- Higher Education Student Affairs M. Ed., Loyola University Chicago
- Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) and English Literature, Minor in Asian Studies B.S., University of Wisconsin-River Falls
Training
- 8-hour Annual Compliance Training via SUNY Student Conduct Institute (completed August 2024)
- Husch Blackwell Annual Title IX Training for Coordinators Investigators and Title IX Team Members (August 2023)
- Mental Health First-Aid Training (January 2024)
Student Interns
Emma Brooks
- Pronouns: She/Her
- Classification: Senior
- Major: Animal science, emphasis in companion animal (Pre-Vet)
- Future Goals: Small Animal Veterinarian
- Hobbies: Reading, working out, swimming
- Student Involvement: Pre-Vet Club, Alpha Omicron Pi Sorority, Resident Assistant
Monet Zientara
- Pronouns: She/They
- Classification: Junior
- Major: Animal science, emphasis in companion animal (Pre-Vet)
- Future Goals: Wildlife or zoo veterinarian
- Hobbies: Dance, hiking, reading
- Student Involvement: Dance Club
Addison Mallady
- Pronouns: She/Her
- Classification: First Year
- Major: Finance
- Student Involvement: Campus Tour Guide
