The GMU Student Support and Advocacy Center (SSAC) is a centralized location for your students to receive any support they may need. There are eight sectors of this center, including Basic Needs Services, Financial Well Being, Patriots for Recovery, Patriot Pantry, Respondent Services, Stay Mason, Substance Use, and Survivor Support.
Basic Needs Services is defined as “situations during which a person lacks or has inconsistent access to things needed for human wellbeing, such as adequate food and shelter.” They have a couple of different options for assistance, including SNAP: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, the Meal Swipe Program: similar to a free and reduced lunch program, and Community Resources: A comprehensive list of resources available for Mason students.
The Patriot Pantry is a resource for degree-seeking students who are experiencing food insecurity. The pantry uses an online ordering system and contactless pick up to obtain goods.
The Financial Well-Being discusses topics such as student loans, financial resources, money smart day, and they even have a financial well-being peer mentorship program. Similarly, their resource Stay Mason provides emergency financial support for students in immediate need.
Patriots for Recovery supports patriots who may need a little extra support while in recovery from things like substance use, eating disorders, or addiction. Similarly, their Substance Use support provides professional staff who students can talk to about their substance use. Student Support and Advocacy Center also has a Survivor Support sector, which provides support to students who have experiences Sexual or Interpersonal Violence.
Respondent services support students who are going through the Title IX process at Mason. Mason defines this individual as “an individual who has been reported to be the perpetrator of conduct that could constitute Prohibited Conduct.” They are a confidential resource on campus.
The SSAC is an incredible resource for students and their families to utilize in any way they see fit. To contact the SSAC please visit their website HERE, or email them at ssac@gmu.edu.
