Student Advocate
Katarina Strmić is the Student Advocate, who is a second-year graduate student in pedagogy and English language and literature. You can contact them via email kstrmic@student.uniri.hr.
All students can contact the Student Advocate to find out more about their rights, to learn about the procedures are in situations where they believe their rights have been violated, or if they need additional support to resolve issues with other students, teaching staff, and other employees of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences.
Faculty Doctor
Dr. Marijana Turčić, PhD is the Doctor who covers the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences in Rijeka.
Information about the working times and organisation of the Doctor’s surgery can be found at the following link.
Office for Students with Disabilities
Academic Support Office
The Academic Support Office of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Rijeka provides free informational, educational, and advisory services aimed at promoting students’ academic success and increasing study completion rates. The Office’s programmes are available to all Faculty students and are designed to support them in meeting the academic requirements throughout their studies.
Contact
Head of the Office: Sanda Grudić Kvasić, PhD
Office hours: Monday–Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Telephone: +385 51 265 715
E-mail: akademska.podrska@ffri.uniri.hr
Office: F-468, 4th floor
Student Mentoring
The Academic Support Office coordinates the Faculty’s student mentoring programme, in which senior students mentor students in the lower years of the same degree programme.
Especially during their first year, students often have many questions about academic life – from how to write a professional email to a lecturer, schedule office-hour appointments, or register for examinations, to understanding academic expectations, finding accommodation, and adapting to student life in general. FFRI student mentors are successful senior students who share their personal academic experiences and provide guidance to their younger colleagues. At the beginning of each academic year, first-year students receive their mentor’s contact information by e-mail from the Academic Support Office and have the opportunity to meet their mentors during Orientation Day in October.
The responsibilities and activities of student mentors are defined in the FFRI Quality Assurance and Enhancement System Procedures.
Call for Applications – FFRI Student Mentors (Academic Year 2026/2027)
Academic Accommodations
Students with documented disabilities or health conditions are entitled to individualised academic accommodations, including adjusted methods of coursework assessment, examination arrangements, and adapted study materials. Eligible conditions include, but are not limited to, visual or hearing impairments, motor impairments, multiple physical or sensory disabilities, chronic illnesses, mental health conditions, specific learning difficulties (such as dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, and ADHD), and other health conditions that may affect students’ academic progress. To request academic accommodations, students should contact the Faculty Coordinator for Students with Disabilities at akademska.podrska@ffri.uniri.hr.
Support for Students with Disabilities
The Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Rijeka is committed to ensuring an inclusive learning environment and provides a range of support services, including:
Peer Support
Students who require assistance with mobility, administrative procedures, or everyday activities may apply for peer support through the University Counselling Centre (ssc.uniri.hr). Student assistants provide direct support tailored to the individual needs of each student.
Accessible Transportation and Equipment
Students with disabilities at the University of Rijeka have access to specialised transportation provided by adapted vehicles. Priority is given to students with physical disabilities who are unable to use public transport. Requests for this service should be submitted to the University Counselling Centre.
Accessible Student Accommodation
Students with disabilities are entitled to specific accommodation-related rights during their studies. Depending on the applicable category, students may qualify for additional benefits when applying for university residence halls. The annual Student Accommodation Call is published in July. Information regarding eligibility criteria, required documentation, and application deadlines is available on the Student Centre Rijeka website (scri.uniri.hr.)
Scholarships and Financial Support
Each year, usually in February, the University of Rijeka awards scholarships and financial assistance through the “Solidarnost” Programme of the Aleksandar Abramov Fund. Financial support is granted on the basis of socio-economic status and, where applicable, membership in specific student categories, including students with disabilities.
At the beginning of each academic year, the Ministry of Science, Education and Youth also publishes a public call for financial support to cover part of the transportation costs incurred by students with disabilities.
All relevant calls are published on the Faculty website, and students are additionally informed by e-mail through the Academic Support Office.
Useful Resources
On Underrepresented and Vulnerable Groups of Students
Diversity and Inclusion at University of Rijeka
Activities in 2026
1. Student mentoring
As part of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences’ peer support system, 40 student mentors have been actively engaged during the current academic year, providing guidance and support to younger students as they adapt to university life and navigate the beginning of their academic journey. The student mentoring programme is coordinated by the Office for Academic Support.
2. Erasmus+ Information Session, 17 March 2026
The Office for Academic Support organised an Erasmus+ Information Session at the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, providing students with an opportunity to learn more about both long-term and short-term international mobility programmes. Students from the Faculty’s Department of Pedagogy shared their personal Erasmus+ experiences, covering the entire process from the application stage to studying and living abroad. The session also presented mobility opportunities specifically available to students with disabilities.
3. Lecture: Protocol for Working with Students with Epilepsy, 7 April 2026
The Office for Academic Support organised a lecture delivered by Prim. Nataša Dragaš-Zubalj, MD, University Specialist in Public Health and Specialist in School Medicine, focusing on appropriate approaches to supporting students with epilepsy. During the lecture, teaching staff were introduced to the causes, common triggers and symptoms of epilepsy, together with recommendations for effective treatment. Guidelines for supporting students with epilepsy were presented in accordance with the academic accommodations implemented at the Faculty, with the aim of fostering a safe, inclusive learning environment and ensuring appropriate support for students with documented disabilities and health conditions.
4. Workshop: Financial Well-being for Young People: Budgeting and Financial Planning, 9 April 2026
The Office for Academic Support organised the workshop Financial Well-being for Young People: Budgeting and Financial Planning. Participants gained practical knowledge about personal finance management, budgeting strategies, setting financial goals, and developing effective financial plans. The workshop concluded with an interactive discussion during which students asked questions about personal financial planning, entrepreneurship, and available funding opportunities. The workshop was delivered by Tihana Baršić Derenčin, an experienced banking professional currently working in the field of micro-enterprise financing.
5. Workshop: Mental Health Myths and Misconceptions, 5 May 2026
The Office for Academic Support organised the student workshop Mental Health Myths and Misconceptions, which focused on challenging common misconceptions surrounding mental health and promoting a university environment free from stigma and prejudice. Through education and critical reflection, participants explored ways of better understanding themselves, their own behaviour, and the experiences of others in everyday life. The workshop was facilitated by psychologist Ana Fabijan from the UZOR Association.
6. Lecture: Where Should We Draw the Line? Teachers’ Responsibilities and Boundaries in the Academic Accommodation Process, 26 May 2026
The Office for Academic Support organised the lecture Where Should We Draw the Line? Teachers’ Responsibilities and Boundaries in the Academic Accommodation Process, delivered by Professor Kristina Urbanc from the Department of Social Work, Faculty of Law, University of Zagreb. Dedicated to inclusive higher education, the event brought together representatives from several faculties of the University of Rijeka. Professor Urbanc discussed the role of academic staff in higher education, with particular emphasis on supporting students entitled to academic accommodations and students experiencing mental health difficulties. She also presented findings from recent research examining the quality of higher education from the perspective of students with disabilities. The practical session provided participants with an opportunity to discuss challenges encountered in their everyday teaching practice, highlighting the importance of professional supervision and ongoing support for academic staff.
Activities in 2025
- Implementation of the University Project “UNIRI cares”
The peer support project “UNIRI cares” is intended to strengthen personal development, preserve mental health and ensure the well-being of students of the University of Rijeka.
For the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences the project is coordinated by the Office for Academic Support.
- Student mentoring
This academic year 50 student mentors are providing support to younger colleagues in adapting more easily to their university life. Peer mentoring proves to be a valuable resource for first-year students, particularly concerning academic and social integration. The student mentoring programme is coordinated by the Academic Support Office.
- Workshop “ChatGPT in the Higher Education System”, 13th February 2025
A workshop for teaching and non-teaching staff entitled “ChatGPT in the Higher Education System” was held on February 13th 2025. The workshop addressed the advantages and limitations of using ChatGPT in HEI’s scientific, educational and administration activities. Among other concerns, ethical issues and responsibilities in the use of artificial intelligence were especially discussed among the participants.
- Participation in the event “EU Info Day in Primorje-Gorski Kotar County – News in the World of EU Funds”, organized by the Regional Development Agency of Primorje-Gorski Kotar County, held on February 8th, 2025. The event brought together experts and stakeholders from various sectors, with the aim of presenting new developments regarding the EU-funded projects.
Activities in 2024
- Implementation of the university project “UNIRI cares”
The peer support project “UNIRI cares” is intended to strengthen personal development, preserve mental health and ensure the well-being of students of the University of Rijeka.
- Student mentoring
This academic year 50 student mentors are providing support to younger colleagues in adapting more easily to their university life. Peer mentoring proves to be a valuable resource for first-year students, particularly concerning academic and social integration. The student mentoring programme is coordinated by the Academic Support Office.
- Workshop “STUDENTS’ SOS – workshop for students from vulnerable and underrepresented groups”, December 5th, 2024
The following topics were discussed: effective communication of students’ needs in the teaching process (academic adaptations, peer support, etc.), successful mastering of academic requirements (ECTS points, exam deadlines and progression through studies), realization of rights and opportunities in everyday life (scholarships, accommodation, transportation, etc.).
- Workshop “How to work with schoolchildren? – experiences of novice teachers”, November 14th 2024
The following topics were discussed: learning through music, popular culture as inspiration and motivation for students, the use of video games in the teaching process.
- Thematic meeting and visit to the Croatian National Theatre Ivan pl. Zajc Rijeka, November 7th 2024
FFRI students visited the “Zajc” Gallery, got acquainted with the repertoire and history of the Theatre and, within the framework of the thematic meeting with the Theatre representatives, discussed the role of culture in society, current problems among young people, as well as topics that would be interesting to the student population in a theatrical performance.
- Promotion of the Faculty at the Professional Orientation Day held on October 30th, 2024 at the Gymnasium in Pula.
- Participation in the Career Week organized by the Faculty of Organization and Informatics, which brought together almost 40 professionals from 35 institutions across Croatia to discuss the “Role of Career Centers and Cooperation with Employers in (re)accreditation processes”.
- Participation in the event entitled “EU Info Day in Primorje-Gorski Kotar County – News in the World of EU Funds”, organized by the Regional Development Agency of Primorje-Gorski Kotar County, held on September 12th, 2024. The event brought together experts and stakeholders from various sectors, with the aim of presenting new developments regarding the EU-funded projects.
- Co-organization of the Faculty’s Quality Forums, which are held at least once a semester and connect all stakeholders in the quality assurance system at the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences in Rijeka.
- Workshop “ACADEMIC BURNOUT – Empowerment through Psychodrama and Drama Techniques”, April 11th 2024
The workshop was aimed at students who have already experienced or are experiencing burnout and those who want to be further empowered to prevent burnout. Using psychodrama and drama techniques, students went through a process of exchanging experiences and mapping resources, becoming aware of the impact of burnout on their studies, but also on their overall quality of life.
- Lecture “ Psychological Factors in Academic Success”, March 14th 2024
The lecture was given by the well-known psychologist Petar Nikolić, who in his work emphasizes the personal and professional development of young people. During the lecture, Mr. Nikolić addressed the students’ prominent questions and problems, such as self-determination, anxiety, fear of public speaking and the like.
- Lecture “Student Health Care”, 7. 3. 2024.
The Head of the Department of Student Health Care at the Department of Public Health spoke about all the specifics and scope of student health care at the University of Rijeka, and also held individual consultations with students.
- Participation in “Career Day”, an event held at the “Ivan Švear Ivanić Grad” High School, which took place on February 5th, 2024
- “Coffee with the Offices”
In collaboration with the Faculty’s Careers Office, group counsellings for students are being held regularly, during which, in an informal setting, students’ ideas and suggestions for improving the quality of student life and work are discussed.
Careers office
Find out more about the Careers office on the following link.
University Counselling Centre
The University Counselling Centre (USC) provides different forms of support and assistance to students and employees at the University of Rijeka. All the centre’s services are free of charge. The University Counselling Centre works between 8.30 a.m. and 4.30 p.m. on weekdays, and the Centre is located in the in the Faculty of Civil Engineering building in Rijeka.
The following units work as a part of the University Counselling Centre: