Category: Uncategorized

2023 Immigration Action Week

2023 Immigration Action Week
October 24 – 31, 2023

Immigration Action Week serves as an opportunity to learn more about the issues impacting immigrant-origin students and to address some of these challenges through various programs and educational efforts. Joining many other institutions and organizations nationwide, the First-Gen+ Center advocates for accessible immigration pathways and raises awareness about the current immigration crisis and legislative climate that hinders the success and well-being of our students.

Lastly, the First-Gen+ Centers aims to foster a greater sense of community, encouragement, and belonging by promoting resources, services, and support available for undocumented and refugee students to uplift the students’ lived experiences. Together, we’ll ensure every Mason student can achieve their dreams, regardless of immigration status.

Tuesday, Oct. 24
Refugee Documentary Watch & Learn with Popcorn Bar
4:00PM-5:00PM
SUB I, Suite 2400 (MPR)
Mason360 Link: https://cglink.me/2d7/r2250759

Wednesday, Oct. 25
8^th Annual I Stand with Immigrants Day of Action
Fall Festival and T-Shirt Giveaway
11:00AM-2:00PM
SUB I Quad
Mason360 Link: https://cglink.me/2d7/r2250760

Friday, Oct. 27
UndocuAlly Training
10:00AM-1:00PM
Merten Hall 1201
Mason360 Link: https://cglink.me/2d7/r2137670

Monday, Oct. 30
VASA & Scholarships for Undocumented and Refugee Students
6:00PM-7:15PM
Zoom
Register here: https://gmu.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJYldOirpz0jHt1SLo5MAXaCsffvtWmLSJ_4
High school and prospective students are welcomed and encouraged to attend!

Tuesday, Oct. 31
#DefendDACA Social Media Campaign
On Instagram @masonfgpc
Please join us in promoting awareness about DACA and advocating how the program is beneficial to our economy, society, and workforce.

Join us for 2025 First-Gen Week!

Mason Receives First-Gen Forward Designation

George Mason University Receives First-gen Forward Designation;
National Honor for Commitment to First-generation Student Success

FAIRFAX, VIRGINIA (March 1^st, 2021) – The Center for First-generation Student Success, an initiative of NASPA – Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education and The Suder Foundation, recently announced the 2021-22 First-gen Forward cohort. The First-gen Forward designation recognizes institutions of higher education who have demonstrated a commitment to improving experiences and advancing outcomes of first-generation college students. Selected institutions receive professional development, community-building experiences, and a first look at the Center’s research and resources.

At George Mason University, first-generation students are defined as students whose parent(s)/legal guardian(s) have a highest level of education from a community college; did not complete a bachelor’s degree; or completed a degree outside of the United States. As of Fall 2020, Mason reported that 20% of all first-time freshmen and 26% of all undergraduate degree-seeking students were first-generation college students. 78% of first-gen students enrolled in Fall 2020 were attending full-time. First-generation college students face various barriers when trying to excel both academically and socially. Mason works to eliminate these additional barriers and foster first-generation student success through intentional programming and catered support. This support includes:

Early Identification Program: George Mason University’s college preparatory program for first-generation students in collaboration with local schools.
Student Transition Empowerment Program: Mason’s Center for Culture, Equity, and Empowerment’s (CCEE) initiative created to enhance the recruitment, engagement, and retention of first-generation college students accepted to George Mason University.
First-Generation Peer Mentoring Program: CCEE’s mentoring program to support first-generation student success.
First-Generation Student Task Force: Task force led by Mason Faculty/Staff who were first-generation students themselves.

“The Center is so pleased to welcome George Mason University into the 2021-22 First-gen Forward cohort. Through the application process, it was evident that Mason is not only taking steps to serve first-generation students but is prepared to make a long-term commitment and employ strategies that foster an environment of success for this important population,” said Dr. Sarah E. Whitley, assistant vice president, Center for First-generation Student Success.

Dr. Creston Lynch, assistant vice president for University Life at Mason said, “We, at Mason, are excited to be in this First-gen Forward cohort because it not only further positions our faculty and staff to continue their amazing and comprehensive work in support of first-generation students, but it also aligns directly with the Mason University Life vision that “every student succeeds” during and after their time here.”

As a First-gen Forward Institution, interested faculty and staff will be afforded multiple opportunities to engage with peer institutions who are also creating environments that improve the experiences and outcomes of first-generation students. Selected institutions will send representatives to the First-gen Forward Workshop slated for early-June and will participate in monthly phone calls, virtual professional development, goal setting, blog development, annual reporting, and more. After two successful years in the program, institutions are eligible to apply for the Advisory leadership designation.

“First-gen Forward is an exciting opportunity for George Mason University to join a dedicated community of professionals prepared to share evidence-based practices and resources, troubleshoot challenges, generate knowledge, and continue to advance the success of first-generation students across the country. We are excited to see a groundswell of activity from the First-gen Forward cohort and know Mason will be a significant contributor,” offered Dr. Kevin Kruger, president and CEO of NASPA.

To learn more about the Center for First-generation Student Success, visit firstgen.naspa.org.

NASPA—Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education is the leading association for the advancement, health, and sustainability of the student affairs profession. Its work provides high-quality professional development, advocacy, and research for 15,000 members in all 50 states, 25 countries, and 8 U.S. territories. Visit naspa.org for more information.

The Center for First-generation Student Success is the premier source of evidence-based practices, professional development, and knowledge creation for the higher education community to advance the success of first-generation students. Through four strategic priority areas, the Center drives higher education innovation and advocacy for first-generation student success.

Click HERE to download a copy of the press release.

In Response to SCOTUS Decision on DACA

June 18, 2020

Today, the Supreme Court of the United States issued a decision to uphold the decision to maintain DeferredbAction for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), which provides work permits and protection from deportation for close to 700,000 DACA recipients in the United States. We are very happy about this decision and acknowledge that even in times of difficulty and tremendous change in the United States, it is also important to recognize the wave of positive decisions and actions that can happen when the voices of a community are heard.

DACA has opened up educational pathways for our students and for many others across the country through access to admissions, in-state tuition, and financial resources. DACA recipients at George Mason University contribute to and shape our campus culture and identity. This decision from the Supreme Court will continue to grant access to higher education for some of the best and brightest students in the United States.

We want to take this time to communicate First-Gen+ Center’s strong and continuous support for our DACA recipients and their families. We will work with DACA recipients to continue to connect them with legal service providers on and off-campus, mental and physical health services, and other support services to support their success at Mason. Below are resources for students and also for YOU to learn more about how you can help!

You are also welcomed to reach out to learn more by emailing Dr. Amber Holton-Thomas, Director of First-Gen+ Center ([email protected]).

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Financial Support:

Emergency Fund
First Gen Next Gen Fund Scholarship – For more information email [email protected]

Emotional Support:

Peer Support:

Connect with UndocuMason, the primary collective of students who support and advocate for students who are undocumented, DACAmented, and who have TPS and their families.
- Website: https://www.undocumason.org/
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram @UndocuMason

Legal Support:

Legal Aid Justice Center (Falls Church)
Ayuda (Fairfax)
CASA (Woodbridge)
Just Neighbors (Annandale)

What else can you do as a person who holds citizenship in the United States?

Review policies or procedures in your department that might have additional barriers for undocumented or DACAmented students – if you change something, let us know! Email Dr. Amber Holton-Thomas ([email protected]) who serves as the Chair for the Undocumented Student Task Force at Mason
Educate yourself! Sign up for UndocuAlly Training sessions offered during the academic year.

To the DACA students, faculty, and staff, know that you have the full support of our department. We remain as supportive as ever of DACA recipients and other immigrants learning and working in our community, and remain committed to enabling the continued success of DACA recipients and to securing permanent relief for these aspiring Americans.