Our Department

Student Support Services staff are trained professionals in the area of academic advising--especially for students who have a need for academic support, may be first in their family to attend college, have limited financial means or have a health, physical, sensory, or brain-related issue needing accommodation. With backgrounds in education and extensive professional development, our staff is prepared to work with Falcons to support their academic and journey at UWRF!

A female student takes notes at a desk during class


Staff Services

Staff provide one-on-one coaching, assistance with course selection and connections to tutoring, guidance on financial aid and FAFSA, workshops on financial literacy and academic skills and how to apply to and enroll in graduate and professional degree programs. Staff also provide career-focused workshops, exposure to cultural and educational programs and mentoring to SSS scholars.


  
Meet Our Staff

Headshot of Karen Smolarek

Karen Smolarek

Director


Headshot of Jessi Mularky

Jessi Mularky

Academic Adviser


Headshot of Bao Lee

Bao Lee

Academic Adviser


 

Peer Mentors

TRIO SSS Peer Mentors are enthusiastic leaders who guide new scholars to success at UWRF. Peer Mentors connect new SSS scholars to people and resources on campus, develop and maintain relationships with scholars and provide assisted support, focusing on a smooth transition and acclimation to UWRF. The purpose of the SSS Peer Mentor Program is to help new SSS scholars maintain high program participation and GPA, as well as increase retention and graduation rates.


 
Meet Our Peer Mentors

Peer Mentor
Summer Stokes - Animal Science
I'm Summer, a third year animal science major. I show swine in my free time and I have a black lab puppy. I'm excited to watch you grow!
Peer Mentor
Danika Strader - Animal Science
I'm an animal science major on the pre-vet track. In my free time I enjoy traveling and hanging out with my friends and family. I also enjoy spending my time out in nature with my dog. I can't wait to meet everyone!
Sam Stephens - Agricultural Education
In my free time I enjoy being outside, going to car shows and tractor pulls in the summer. On campus, I enjoy hanging out with my friends and going on Culver's runs. I am super excited to meet new people and gain new connections on campus.
student with horse
Chesney Bankenbush - Agriculture Education
My name is Chesney and I enjoy spending time with my three horses and all the animals around my farm. When I'm not hanging around the farm, I like to take walks and enjoy spending time with my friends and family.
student in front of capitol building
Cora Bastyr - Art Education
Hey! My name is Cora. I'm a junior. Some things I like to do is watch YouTube, spend time with my friends/family, go on walks, read, do some crafty things and listen to music. I am excited to see what this new year brings!

Student Support Services

274 Rodli Hall
410 S. 3rd St.
River Falls, WI 54022

SSS@uwrf.edu

715-425-3713

Academic Year Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Summer Hours: Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Friday, 8 a.m.-noon