For students, from freshmen to graduate, each new semester brings new challenges — and plenty of questions.
Located on the second floor of the Lemonis Center for Student Success, the Ask Me Desk serves as a one-stop shop for any answer a student might seek. Since its launch in 2024, the desk has received over 5,200 inquiries, with 3,700 inquires last year alone.
“Many of our questions have to do with the resources that we have centralized at the Lemonis Center,” says Marilyn Jones, director of the Lemonis Center for Student Success. “We’re bringing the amazing resources that students need, many of those being key academic resources, into the space to make it easier for them to find the support they need.”
The goal of the Ask Me Desk is to provide students with answers by directing them to one place, but they often leave the desk with more than just answers. Staffed by 36 students, the desk offers something more: peer-to-peer interaction.
“It’s a place where students come in and check in with each other,” Jones says. “It’s like a little community of its own where students feel like, hey, I can ask questions here, but I have someone to check in with too.”
Because it is staffed by students, the Ask Me Desk creates a unique connection between the asker and the answerer. Often, the staffers have had the same questions themselves. Jones says she has seen the impact these interactions have on students.
“The most exciting part about this initiative is that the students can share their expertise and knowledge,” Jones explains. “These are students who have gone through similar situations, and they are resilient and were able to overcome those challenges. Now, they can share that expertise with others. I think that’s what makes the desk truly special.”
Ask Me Desk student employees are also trained to empower visitors by listening to their inquires with care, showing them what resources are available and how they can use them on their own.
“One of our goals is not just to tell them what’s available, it’s to show them,” Jones says. “At the end of the day, we want students to feel supported, to know that someone’s going to be there who cares, who will listen and who will try to answer their questions. And if not, that they’re going to connect them to the right person.”
Maria Mueller, a senior studying exercise physiology and a first-year occupational therapy student in Marquette’s 3+3 program, is a member of the inaugural cohort of students working at the Ask Me Desk. She took the position as an opportunity to give back.
“I was looking for a way to share my knowledge with other students, especially those transitioning into Marquette as freshmen,” Mueller says. “I know how overwhelming it can feel to maintain a work life balance and want to be a resource to help promote student success resources at Marquette.”
Simple exchanges like these often go beyond the initial interaction. Mueller reflects on how her support encourages students and even creates ripple effects within the greater Marquette community.
“There was an instance where a student approached the desk looking to be registered in a small group tutoring session,” Mueller says. “I walked through the steps with them and matched them to a group that best fits their schedule. Later in my shift, I observed that student assisting their friends to also sign up for tutoring. It is impactful to see how my guidance empowered several students to succeed in whatever way is most fitting for them.”
The Ask Me Desk’s impact on student success goes beyond numbers. It can be found through the exchange of simple hellos, long conversations and questions alike. Through the desk, students find answers, a welcoming community and are reminded that support is always within reach at Marquette.
The Ask Me Desk is open seven days a week. Click here to view operating hours. You can also contact the Ask Me Desk virtually through the question submission form, email or phone at (414) 288-0062.
