Using your Falcon Scholars Stipend

Falcon Scholars in good standing are eligible to receive a stipend of up to $2,000 to be used toward a campus-sanctioned international study abroad experience through the Office of International Education, an undergraduate research project through our Office of Undergraduate Research Scholarly and Creative Activity (URSCA) or a combination of the two.

All Falcon Scholars are strongly encouraged to speak with the Office of International Education (287 Rodli Hall) and/or Office of Undergraduate Research Scholarly and Creative Activity (213 Rodli Hall) before submitting the intent form to the Falcon Scholars and Honors Program Office in 231 Rodli Hall.

Eligibility Requirements:

Earned at least 45 credits overall with at least 15 taken after becoming a full-time UWRF student OR have earned at least 30 credits overall and completed two (2) semesters of coursework after becoming a full-time UWRF student.
Enrolled full-time.
Minimum of a 2.75 GPA.
Completion and approval of the Falcon Scholars Stipend Intent form.
- Study Abroad Experience: Program must be approved through the Office of International Education and the Falcon Scholars Office. Guidelines are available here.
  - State money may only be applied to those study abroad experiences sanctioned through UW-River Falls Office of International Education. This stipend can only pay for those funds billed through eSIS; therefore, if your eSIS bill is for less than $2,000, you will receive only what appears on your bill.
  - You will be asked to submit a copy of your Student Billing invoice before the stipend is released.
- Undergraduate Research: When submiting your intent form, you just also submit the URSCA Research Proposal for Falcon Scholars before your stipend can be processed. Once your project is completed, you must submit the URSCA Final Approval document as well as a copy of your project (i.e. poster, paper, report, etc.) before the second half of your stipend can be processed.
- The intent form does not guarantee that the stipend will be disbursed; rather the form is a way for the Falcon Scholars Office to track which experience you intend to pursue and when so that your eligibility can be determined. The intent form needs to be submitted as soon as you decide on a program to allow for processing. Information regarding disbursement of the funds can be found below:
Study Abroad Funds: For programs sanctioned through the Office of International Education, the stipend will be applied to the student's account in the term in which the education abroad experience occurs. The disbursement date of the stipend must be the same date as all other UWRF Financial Aid disbursements. Students who have committed to a program in which the Falcon Scholars money has been disbursed but then either cancel or do not complete the program will be required to return the funds and will not be eligible to receive the funds again.
URSCA Funds: Students using their stipend for an URSCA project may receive funds (1) through Payroll as a stipend in two disbursements: one when the project is approved by the Director of Falcon Scholars and the second when a faculty mentor agrees that the project is complete; (2) through Accounts Receivable for expenses incurred during the project; or (3) both, depending on the nature of the project. Students should consult the Finanacial AidOffice regarding which of these options is appropriate for the project. Note: Monies paid through payroll are subject to appropriate tax withholding.