Orientation and Transition Leaders

	Name: Ryan Connelly Hometown: Rochester, Minnesota Major: Accounting Year in School: Sophomore What is one piece of advice you have for all new students starting school at UWRF? I would advise students to get to know other people on their floor. Spending my first year in the uMatter learning community made that easier. Knowing everyone's name is a nice thing to have in your back pocket if you ever need help.		Name: Casey Doten Hometown: River Falls, Wisconsin Major: Broad Field Social Studies Year in School: Senior What is the best kept secret at UWRF? The free textbook system. I laugh a little bit to myself ever time a friend from another school complains about having to spend $500 on textbooks for a semester while they are hoping they can get even ten percent of that back. It is a great hidden cost saver that everyone benefits from.
	Name: Liz Edd Hometown: Eagan, Minnesota Major: Marketing Communications Year in School: Junior What is one piece of advice you would give students moving far away from home? If your hometown is far away from campus and you need a ride home, you can check to see if someone is going your way on the ride share board. The board is located in the University Center by the Freddy C-store. You can use the board to figure out how to give or get a ride.		Name: Sara Fuller Hometown: Vadnais Heights, Minnesota Major: Elementary Education Year in School: Junior What is the best kept secret at UWRF? Late night dining at Pete's Creek. The atmosphere is different. Everyone is in a fun, relaxed, happy mood, and it can be some of the most entertaining nights to catch up with your friends.
	Name: David Herdan Hometown: St. Joseph, Minnesota Major: Instrumental Music Education Year in School: Senior What is the best kept secret at UWRF? The best kept secret is which band is playing at Finals Fest. Also, the Music program is very strong, even though not many people know about it. Any student, majors and non-majors, can audition for any of the ensembles.		Name: Niki Hovatter Hometown: Wyoming, Minnesota Major: Marketing Communications Year in School: Junior What is one piece of advice you have for all new students starting at UWRF? Going off to college isn't the start of a completely new life. It's just a new chapter in the same book. There is no need to be a completely different person. Be yourself!
	Name: Courtney Mahr Hometown: Stanley, Wisconsin Major: Elementary Education Year in School: Sophomore What is one thing you wish you would have known before starting school at UWRF? One thing I wish I would have known before starting school at River Falls is the importance of familiarizing yourself with campus, especially the buildings. Nothing screams new student like having to ask where buildings are or even what building you are in! I wish I would have known the importance of finding all of my classes beforehand. Print out a new schedule right before school starts. Sometimes the classrooms switch in between Registration and the first day of classes.		Name: Katie Nelson Hometown: Eleva, Wisconsin Major: Animal Science, Pre-Vet Year in School: Sophomore What is one piece of advice you have for all new students starting school at UWRF? Find connections with people right away - get to know them. All the new students are in this together. It's a new situation for everyone. Enjoy every moment you spend together and don't forget to open your textbooks and study!
	Name: Amanda Peterson Hometown: Wyoming, Minnesota Major: Business Year in School: Sophomore Why are you excited to be a part of the OTL team? I am excited to become involved in a leadership role here at UWRF and to meet lots of new and friendly people. The program will be a great way to learn, have some fun, and bond with other OTLs. In addition, I cannot wait to help new students and their families at New Student Registration and give them advice for the upcoming school year.		Name: Jamison Reichert Hometown: St. Michael, Minnesota Major: Marketing Communications Year in School: Junior What is one piece of advice you have for all new students starting school at UWRF? When walking on campus, you can always meet twice as many people when you're not wearing headphones or talking on the phone. Put it all away and smile!
	Name: Ben Ricketts Hometown: Maple Grove, Minnesota Major: Marketing Year in School: Sophomore What is one thing you wish you would have known before starting school at UWRF? Being yourself is the best choice you can make. When I first got to campus, I noticed a lot of the people around me doing things I didn't do or like, and I thought I wasn't going to fit in. I made sure to stay true to myself and got involved in school programs to feel more comfortable.		Name: Caity Simpkins Hometown: Grand Meadow, Minnesota Major: Geology Year in School: Senior What is one piece of advice you would give to students transferring to UWRF? I know you are going to hear this a lot, but GET INVOLVED! I transferred here and, at first, it was hard to make friends, but I joined a bunch of clubs and now have many close friends. Remember, the first step is always the hardest when meeting new people.
	Name: Chelsey Turner Hometown: Baldwin, Wisconsin Major: Biology Education Year in School: Junior What is one thing you wish you would have known before starting school at UWRF? I wish I would have known that you can buy ice cream, meat, and cheese in Agricultural Science Building. That stuff is so delicious!		Name: Julie Vang Hometown: Brooklyn Park, Minnesota Major: Pre-Major Year in School: Sophomore What is one piece of advice you would give to students living on campus? Buy a bathrobe and use it! You don't want to get locked out of your room in a towel!
	Name: Katie Wilson Hometown: Green Isle, Minnesota Major: Marketing Communications Year in School: Sophomore What is the best kept secret at UWRF? The Hot Caramel Apple Cider at Peregrine Perk! It's delicious and has gotten me through weeks of exams and illness.

	Name: Courtney Bergstrom Hometown: Forest Lake, Minnesota Major: Marketing Communications Year in School: Senior What is one piece of advice you would give to students transferring to UWRF? The professors are helpful, honest, down to earth people who are here to see you succeed! From my past experiences at other schools, it seemed as if I were only a number. At UWRF, the staff makes an effort to get to know you as a person and creates a sense of belonging in each classroom on campus. The community is welcoming and you will feel at home right away. You will be glad you chose UWRF as your new home!		Name: Mackenzie Casey Hometown: Hudson, Wisconsin Major: Art Education Year in School: Senior What is one piece of advice you have for all new students starting at UWRF? Watch out for the bikers and long boarders! You share the sidewalks, so stay on the sides of the sidewalks to avoid getting run over.
	Name: Hellen Chen Hometown: Zhejiang Province, China Major: Pre-Major Year in School: Sophomore What is the best kept secret at UWRF? In my opinion, the library is the best kept secret here at UWRF. It is absolutely the best place to study and the Wi-Fi there is excellent! There is also an information board to help students stay informed about what is going on here on campus.		Name: Vivian Chen Hometown: River Falls, Wisconsin Major: Marketing Communications Year in School: Senior Why are you excited to be part of the OTL team? I am most excited to be part of the OTL team because I had a great experience last year, and I can't wait to work with the new and returning OTLs. I am also super excited to meet all of the incoming students!
	Name: Jack Chien Hometown: Stillwater, Minnesota Major: Psychology Year in School: Senior What is the best kept secret at UWRF? We have the best ice cream in the cafeteria!		Name: Ryan Connelly Hometown: Rochester, Minnesota Major: Accounting Year in School: Sophomore What is one piece of advice you would give to students living on campus? I would advise students to get to know other people on their floor. Spending my first year in the uMatter community made that easier. Knowing everyone's name is a nice thing to have in your back pocket if you ever need help.
	Name: Melanie Currey Hometown: Cottage Grove, Minnesota Major: Business Management and Economics Year in School: Senior Why are you excited to be a part of the OTL team? I am excited to make first-year students feel at ease when they arrive in River Falls and provide them with the information they will need to make their time at UWRF memorable.		Name: Nick Dahm Hometown: Hudson, Wisconsin Major: Agricultural Engineering Technology Year in School: Senior What is one thing you wish you would have known before starting school at UWRF? I wish I had known more about the fraternities at UWRF. I would have joined sooner!
	Name: Casey Doten Hometown: River Falls, Wisconsin Major: Broad Field Social Studies Year in School: Senior What is the best kept secret at UWRF? The free textbook system. I laugh a little bit to myself every time a friend from another school complains about having to spend $500 on textbooks for a semester hoping they can get even ten percent of that back. It is a great hidden cost saver that everyone benefits from.		Name: Liz Edd Hometown: Eagan, Minnesota Major: Marketing Communications Year in School: Junior What is one piece of advice you would give students moving far away from home? If your hometown is far away from campus and you need a ride home, you can check to see if someone is going your way on the ride share board. The board is located in the University Center by the Freddy C-store. You can use the board to figure out how to give or get a ride.
	Name: Dan Ehrenberg Hometown: Neosho, Wisconsin Major: Food Science Year in School: Senior What is one piece of advice you have for all new students starting school at UWRF? Econo Foods gives students a 5 percent discount on food just by showing them your student ID. Also, if you need to get cash back, buy a 65 cent pack of gum instead of paying the $2 charge at the ATM.		Name: Tim Emahiser Hometown: Plymouth, Minnesota Major: Geography Year in School: Senior Why are you excited to be part of the OTL team? I'm looking forward to ushering in a group of excited, new students and helping them learn and discover the great opportunities here at UWRF.
	Name: Hayley Faber Hometown: Sherburn, Minnesota Major: Agricultural Education Year in School: Sophomore What is one piece of advice you have for all new students starting school at UWRF? Take advantage of everything that this University has to offer. Take some time and ask your professors questions. They really enjoy showing off how much they know! The Knowles Center is a great way to participate in many different physical activities i.e. rock climbing wall and basketball. Students can also rent sports and camping equipment for free! I would also strongly encourage you to join an intramural sports team, even if you haven't played before. It is an easy way to meet new people and be active at the same time.		Name: Sara Fuller Hometown: Vadnais Heights, Minnesota Major: Elementary Education Year in School: Junior What is the best kept secret at UWRF? Late night dining at Pete's Creek. The atmosphere is different. Everyone is in a fun, relaxed, happy mood, and it can be some of the most entertaining nights to catch up with your friends.
	Name: Sammi Grzybowski Hometown: Edgar, Wisconsin Major: Pre-Vet, Dairy Emphasis Year in School: Sophomore What is one piece of advice you would give to students moving far away from home? Living in a new place may be difficult, but leaving your family may be challenging, as well. I live 2 ½ hours from home and am very close with my family, so the move was definitely hard on me. Sending cards or letters back and forth is always a nice surprise, especially if you enjoy "snail mail." Phone calls, Facebook, and emails are also great options.		Name: Jeff Herwig Hometown: Madison, Wisconsin Major: Theatre Arts Year in School: Senior
	Name: Jessica Holm Hometown: Elk River, Minnesota Major: Business Administration Year in School: Junior Why are you excited to be part of the OTL team? I am most excited about being a role model and being someone a new student can come to for help throughout the entire school year! I also think that being an OTL is a great opportunity to gain more leadership skills and make a positive impact on all incoming students.		Name: Niki Hovatter Hometown: Wyoming, Minnesota Major: Marketing Communications Year in School: Junior What is one piece of advice you have for all new students starting school at UWRF? Going off to college isn't a completely new lifestyle. It's just a new chapter. There is no need to be a completely different person. Be yourself!
	Name: Erin Ingli Hometown: Elmwood, Wisconsin Major: Agricultural Business Year in School: Junior Why are you excited to be part of the OTL team? I'm most excited to have the opportunity to meet more outgoing faces and have the chance to give back to the college, especially to the incoming students. I love interacting with people and helping others out, so this is an awesome opportunity for me.		Name: Alanna Kane Hometown: North St. Paul, Minnesota Major: Marketing Communications Year in School: Sophomore What is one piece of advice you would give to students moving far away from home? Skype is a lifesaver. When you want to talk to family and friends, it's nice to be able to see their faces and surroundings while you're talking to them!
	Name: Stephanie Kempf Hometown: Plymouth, Wisconsin Major: Biology Year in School: Junior What is the best kept secret at UWRF? You can see the stars perfectly from the intramural fields. Also, go to the observatory once before you graduate. The town of River Falls has some neat places such as the Falls, Glen Park, and stores along Main Street.		Name: Chelsea Kennedy Hometown: Maple Grove, Minnesota Major: Business Marketing Year in School: Junior What is one piece of advice you have for all new students starting school at UWRF? My advice for new students starting school at UWRF is to be outgoing. Whether you are commuting or living on campus, find ways to meet new people. Join intramurals and invite people to join you for lunch or the premiere of Dance Moms; everyone will be wanting to make friends. Also keep Oreos on hand because everyone likes Oreos and will want to be your friend!
	Name: Aimee Knutson Hometown: Moorhead, Minnesota Major: Animal Science Year in School: Sophomore Why are you excited to be part of the OTL team? I am excited to be a part of this team because the OTLs I met showed me how amazing the experience could be. I could immediately sense their energy and how much they wanted to be there. They made me feel like I made the right decision by choosing UWRF. I am excited to be a part of new student's brand new experience and help make them comfortable with their new surroundings. I am grateful for the opportunity to welcome the incoming students to their new home here at UWRF.		Name: Allison Kraft Hometown: Mounds View, Minnesota Major: Biology (Biomedical Science) Year in School: Junior What is one piece of advice you have for all new students starting school at UWRF? My piece of advice for students starting school at UWRF is to take chances. Do not be afraid of talking to new people or taking on challenges that may seem beyond their abilities. By taking chances, you can make lifelong friends and perhaps surprise yourself when you discover all that you have the ability to do.
	Name: Courtney Mahr Hometown: Stanley, Wisconsin Major: Elementary Education Year in School: Sophomore What is one thing you wish you would have known before starting school at UWRF? One thing I wish I would have known before starting school at River Falls is the importance of familiarizing yourself with the campus, especially the buildings. Nothing screams new student like having to ask where buildings are or even what building you are in! I wish I would have known the importance of finding all of my classes beforehand. Print out a new schedule right before school starts. Sometimes the classrooms switch in between Registration and the first day of classes.		Name: Esteban Montero de Oliviera Hometown: Parana, Brazil Major: Environmental Science Year in School: Senior What is the best kept secret at UWRF? River Falls is the perfect college town. It has the right amount of students to make many friends and connections without being overwhelmed. The professors are always available and will bend over backwards to help students anytime they are needed. Students are the focus of this University and professors really take their jobs seriously.
	Name: Katie Nelson Hometown: Eleva, Wisconsin Major: Animal Science, Pre-Vet Year in School: Sophomore What is one piece of advice you have for all new students starting at UWRF? Find connections with people right away – get to know them. All the new students are in this together. It's a new situation for everyone. Enjoy every moment you spend together and don't forget to open your textbooks and study!		Name: Dani Peterson Hometown: Frederic, Wisconsin Major: Field Biology Year in School: Junior Why are you excited to be part of the OTL team? I'm excited to change new student's lives and ease them into the amazing world of UWRF.
	Name: Jessica Peterson Hometown: Champlin, Minnesota Major: Elementary Education Year in School: Senior What is the best kept secret at UWRF? The best kept secret is the River Falls Theater in town! At $3 a movie, how can you go wrong!? They have also started playing midnight showings for some of the popular movies!		Name: Tasha Petryczkiewycz Hometown: Wauwatosa, Wisconsin Major: Biotechnology Year in School: Junior Why are you excited to be part of the OTL team? I am most excited to be a part of the OTL team because I can be one of the first people to make an impression on new students. I'm excited to answer any questions they have and help them navigate their way around campus. I hope to make an impression on the new students just like my WOW Leader made on me.
	Name: Amy Randall Hometown: Bloomer, Wisconsin Major: French and Spanish Year in School: Junior What is one piece of advice you have for all new students starting school at UWRF? Don't be afraid to introduce yourself! It will open so many doors to people in your classes, at lunch, or during WOW ! If you don't leave your comfort zone, you may never know if the person across the hall from you is into the same kinds of movies or books as you are, but if you strike up a conversation by introducing yourself, you may find out and make a lifelong friend in the process!		Name: Ben Ricketts Hometown: Maple Grove, Minnesota Major: Marketing Year in School: Sophomore What is one thing you wish you would have known before starting school at UWRF? Being yourself is the best choice you can make. When I first got to campus, I noticed a lot of the people around me doing things I didn't do or like, and I thought I wasn't going to fit in. I made sure to stay true to myself and got involved in the school programs to feel more comfortable.
	Name: Andrea Roth Hometown: Cadott, Wisconsin Major: Secondary Education-Mathematics Year in School: Junior What is the best kept secret at UWRF? The best kept secret at UW-River Falls is just how friendly everyone is. Everyone is so willing to help each other out, even if you have never met before. Students, staff, and faculty say, "hi" while walking though halls in between classes. UWRF has such a friendly atmosphere.		Name: Becky Rudolph Hometown: Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin Major: Journalism Year in School: Senior What is one piece of advice you would give to students moving far away from home? It's scary to be away from home, but before you know it, River Falls will feel like your second home! To calm some nerves, put pictures up and remember to take time to call home, but also get out there and meet some new friends at all of the on campus activities!
	Name: Caity Simpkins Hometown: Grand Meadow, Minnesota Major: Geology Year in School: Senior What is one piece of advice you would give to students transferring to UWRF? I know you are going to hear this a lot, but GET INVOLVED! I transferred here and, at first, it was hard to make friends, but I joined a bunch of clubs and now have many close friends. Remember, the first step is always the hardest when meeting new people.		Name: Jill Smith Hometown: Avon, Minnesota Major: Elementary Education Year in School: Sophomore What is one piece of advice you have for all new students starting at UWRF? Some advice I would give to new students starting school at UWRF is to try at least five new things their first year, and push themselves out of their comfort zones a little bit. They would be surprised how much fun they can have during these experiences. There are so many intramurals, clubs, and groups on campus they can join, and I would encourage them to join some groups they maybe wouldn't have in high school. College is a time to start fresh and find yourself. The more experiences they expose themselves to, the better a year they will have.
	Name: Hannah Space Hometown: Crandon, Wisconsin Major: Biology Year in School: Sophomore What is one piece of advice you would give to students living on campus? If you live in the residence halls, I would strongly advise you to get to know your neighbors ASAP. Personally, mine have become my best friends here at UWRF. Plus, it is easy to go talk to them about a problem since they are so close! Having people to grab supper with each night is another benefit, too!		Name: Charlotte Stanford Hometown: New Auburn, Wisconsin Major: Biology Year in School: Junior What is the best kept secret at UWRF? One of the best kept secrets of campus is how gorgeous it can be at night, especially when walking the trails with friends. Being out near nature and just having a quiet, clear night is beautiful, especially when it is lit up by the University Center lights.
	Name: Meghan Swanson Hometown: Birchwood, Wisconsin Major: English/Literature Year in School: Sophomore What advice would you give to students who will be commuting to campus? Just because you're commuting to campus doesn't mean you aren't a member of the UWRF community. Don't be afraid to come to campus for more than classes. Come for sporting events and concerts or to just hang out with friends! If you're worried about how to make friends here on campus, don't be. Start up a conversation with your classmates, plan study group dates, or see if they are going to an event on campus.		Name: Maya Uchimura Hometown: Japan Major: Accounting Year in School: Senior What is one piece of advice you would give to students moving far away from home? I am from Japan. Are you further from home than that? If you need some advice on how to deal with being homesick, come talk to me!
	Name: Julie Vang Hometown: Brooklyn Park, Minnesota Major: Pre-Major Year in School: Sophomore What is one piece of advice you would give to students living on campus? Buy a bathrobe and use it! You don't want to get locked out of your room in a towel!		Name: Whitney Welker Hometown: Phillips, Wisconsin Major: English Year in School: Senior What is one thing you wish you would have known before starting school at UWRF? There are people you can rely on 100 percent of the way through your journey. College can be intimidating, but everyone is working towards the same goal, and I think that sometimes coming into college, you lose that perspective.
	Name: Amanda White Hometown: Stillwater, Minnesota Major: Journalism Year in School: Junior What is one piece of advice you would give to students transferring to UWRF? Take part in the Week of Welcome activities in order to meet new people. There will be other transfers there, too, who are just as nervous as you are to start their new college adventure.		Name: Katie Wilson Hometown: Green Isle, Minnesota Major: Marketing Communications Year in School: Sophomore What is the best kept secret at UWRF? The Hot Caramel Apple Cider at Peregrine Perk! It's delicious and has gotten me through weeks of exams and illness.
	Name: Sharon Ye Hometown: Chengdu, China Major: Accounting Year in School: Junior Why are you excited to be part of the OTL team? I am most excited about getting to know people from diverse cultures and backgrounds. Each one of us is special and has different qualities worth learning about.		Name: Lisa Thom Hometown: Eau Claire, WI Major: Psychology Year in School: Senior What is one piece of advice you would give to students moving far away from home? My advice would be to bring pictures of your family and other things that remind you of home! Also, I would advise new students to refrain from going home their first month. Staying on campus will help make the transition from home to college a great one! I know it sounds like a long time, but you will have so much fun on the weekends with your new friends.

	Name: Ahmed Aydemir Hometown: Istanbul, Turkey Major: Business Administration Year in School: Sophomore What is one thing you wish you would have know before starting school at UWRF? I wish I would have known that all of the staff, teachers, and students were going to be so nice and help me overcome my fears.		Name: Gustavo Cavalheiro Hometown: Santa Catarina, Brazil Major: Agricultural Business Year in School: Sophomore What is the best kept secret at UWRF? A lot of people do not know about the group study rooms in the library. They are great places to get together for group projects or study. Also, there are two orange couches on second floor in the University Center that are a comfortable place to study during the week.
	Name: Carlee Diggins Hometown: Andover, Minnesota Major: Business Marketing Year in School: Junior What is the best kept secret at UWRF? There are FREE tutors. I never knew this until after first semester. This resource has helped me out so much!		Name: Megumi Kawase Hometown: Edina, Minnesota Major: TESOL Year in School: Junior Why are you excited to be part of the OTL team? I am most excited to interact with international students and be their first friend in America. I like to interact with international students because they are always so excited to be in America and have different points-of-view. I can learn a lot from them, and I hope they will be able to learn from me, as well.
	Name: Bukky Lashore Hometown: Agege Lagos, Nigeria Major: Food Science and Technology Year in School: Senior What is one piece of advice you have for all new students starting school at UWRF? The teachers are very approachable, so don't be afraid to ask questions when you do not understand something. This has helped me in the past and I'm positive that it will help you, too!		Name: Bri Lorch Hometown: Andover, Minnesota Major: Marketing Communications Year in School: Senior What is one piece of advice you would give to students moving far away from home? First of all, realize that it will be different to be away for the first time. Embrace those differences and really get to know yourself and meet some friends along the way.
	Name: Jamison Reichert Hometown: St. Michael, Minnesota Major: Marketing Communications Year in School: Junior What is one piece of advice you have for all new students starting at UWRF? When walking on campus, you can meet twice as many people if you're not wearing headphones or talking on the phone. Put it all away and smile!		Name: Swan Wang Hometown: Jinan, China Major: Business Administration Year in School: Sophomore What is one piece of advice you would give to a student living on campus? Take advantage of the kitchen in your residence hall, but always be careful and watch your food! The smoke sensor is more sensitive than you think!

New Student and Family Programs

New Student Registration

International Student Orientation

Week of Welcome